Good luck in your visit. Let us know what he says.
TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread
- Thread starter kmak81230
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becticu
graduate
OP
OP
kmak81230
post-grad
Down but not out!
Just got back from my appt. I paced in the waiting room - resembled the polar bears at the zoo. Swung my legs on table as @Pheebs52 recommended (not quite as vigorous as a crazed monkey). Blood pressure was higher than normal - go figure! No x-ray or walking performance required - doc said "show me what you can do." I wanted to walk downstairs backwards (or even forwards) but no stairs available. He clearly saw that I can't straighten all the way and when he measured my flexion it was 105 - not my best but acceptable in my mind (at least a B+). He zeroed in on the extension. I talked about the strained "pop" muscle and he said be more aggressive. I said that when I was more aggressive that while it didn't necessarily hurt too much at the time I would feel that strain for several days which sets me back on good walking form and other activities. He said the pain was the scar tissue breaking up and that it needed to hurt. I did not continue to argue (except in my mind). I have been a multi-sport athlete my whole life and I know what a strain feels like). I talked about cutting back on PT to focus on gait as I can do all the exercises at home. He wants me to have the PT do whatever it takes to "get that extension to zero." I took that to mean "hurt me." Luckily I have a good relationship with my new PT -- I will get her to help me recover safely from the "pop" strain and I will also start getting massage on the calves and hamstrings. I will not let her hurt me. Feeling a little demoralized, but fortunately I have the wisdom and support of my "smarties" to help keep me strong. I have a three month reprieve so will make the best of it - in a good, safe way. 
Giving myself a flower so I don't start crying in my upcoming work meeting.
Just got back from my appt. I paced in the waiting room - resembled the polar bears at the zoo. Swung my legs on table as @Pheebs52 recommended (not quite as vigorous as a crazed monkey). Blood pressure was higher than normal - go figure! No x-ray or walking performance required - doc said "show me what you can do." I wanted to walk downstairs backwards (or even forwards) but no stairs available. He clearly saw that I can't straighten all the way and when he measured my flexion it was 105 - not my best but acceptable in my mind (at least a B+). He zeroed in on the extension. I talked about the strained "pop" muscle and he said be more aggressive. I said that when I was more aggressive that while it didn't necessarily hurt too much at the time I would feel that strain for several days which sets me back on good walking form and other activities. He said the pain was the scar tissue breaking up and that it needed to hurt. I did not continue to argue (except in my mind). I have been a multi-sport athlete my whole life and I know what a strain feels like). I talked about cutting back on PT to focus on gait as I can do all the exercises at home. He wants me to have the PT do whatever it takes to "get that extension to zero." I took that to mean "hurt me." Luckily I have a good relationship with my new PT -- I will get her to help me recover safely from the "pop" strain and I will also start getting massage on the calves and hamstrings. I will not let her hurt me. Feeling a little demoralized, but fortunately I have the wisdom and support of my "smarties" to help keep me strong. I have a three month reprieve so will make the best of it - in a good, safe way. Giving myself a flower so I don't start crying in my upcoming work meeting.
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Pheebs52
big-cheese
Oh @kmak81230, sending you , 
and 
! How fortunate that you have a good relationship with your therapist and you trust she will not hurt you! As for the OS, well...
, what's wrong with these types of surgeons? 
I so wish you had a more understanding, empathetic, up to date surgeon instead of a no pain/no gain type; aaargggh!
So, when you return to see him in 3 months, if things aren't to his liking, then what, or did you not ask? I s'pose you just wanted to hightail it out of there....I know I would have.
But, buck up! You have all of us pulling for you and many of us on the same scenic path. We know this is a lengthy recovery and we believe we all have good recoveries eventually. I know extension is a toughie, but it's certainly not insurmountable. I'm sure many here can attest to that.
Hang in there and give yourself some sort of special treat tonight; you've earned it!
, and ! How fortunate that you have a good relationship with your therapist and you trust she will not hurt you! As for the OS, well..., what's wrong with these types of surgeons? I so wish you had a more understanding, empathetic, up to date surgeon instead of a no pain/no gain type; aaargggh!So, when you return to see him in 3 months, if things aren't to his liking, then what, or did you not ask? I s'pose you just wanted to hightail it out of there....I know I would have.
But, buck up! You have all of us pulling for you and many of us on the same scenic path. We know this is a lengthy recovery and we believe we all have good recoveries eventually. I know extension is a toughie, but it's certainly not insurmountable. I'm sure many here can attest to that.
Hang in there and give yourself some sort of special treat tonight; you've earned it!
becticu
graduate
Don't cry @kmak81230, I can easily do that for you and got tears as I read. Tears for the OS ignorance. Whatever they have to do?? That's when we should ask has he ever had one done? But not arguing was the high road, good for you.
If I had your flexion I would probably say no the the MUA next week but the best I can get is 90 and time is running out for me for going back to work.
I hope you got through the meeting okay. Here are flowers and hugs!
If I had your flexion I would probably say no the the MUA next week but the best I can get is 90 and time is running out for me for going back to work.
I hope you got through the meeting okay. Here are flowers and hugs!
Thesoutherncook
post-grad
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Oh seriously! What is wrong with the attitude of the OS? Ugh! You are doing great! You are FARRRRRR from the end of this journey...with plenty of time for healing AND movement improvement! My first knee continued to gain ROM and flexion for 18 months!
Good for you for taking the high road! And thank goodness you have a good relationship with your PT! Now, brush yourself off and do what YOU know you need to do. Heck with him! It is YOUR knee. He's just the mechanic.
Big ol' Southern Mama HUG! (( ))
liam2015
post-grad
ahhhh @kmak81230 do what you know is best for you that doesn't hurt you. it's really strange that these surgeons (not all of course) don't mention much about the swelling and how to get the swelling down, either by a certain exercise or movement, icing and elevating, resting and activities of daily living (A.D.L.'s), possibly in combination with medication and even nutritional tips. it's a vicious cycle of pain, swelling and decreased flexion. you have a physiotherapist you can trust not to hurt you (without your permission) and can maybe give you some tips or different therapies to help your extension. it just seems absurd that we are expected by some surgeons and some physiotherapists to push ourselves to the extent of severe pain and that seems to be the norm. we have to show them there is another way.
OP
OP
kmak81230
post-grad
Thanks for the hugs, flowers, and good wishes - I love my BS friends! I allowed myself an hour or two of a pity party and I'm much better now. Like all of you, I am one tough broad and I will get through this my way (well actually the BS way, as my way over the first several weeks was not working):smile2: . To answer @Pheebs52 question, I don't think he'll ground me or take away my allowance if I don't reach 0 in three months but he talked about how the scar tissue would become so entrenched that I would never walk right again, bad back, bad hips, my skin will fall off, the world will end . . . you get the drift. Sounding very parental he said "you don't want that do you?" "Why yes, I'll have two!" (Just kidding - I now have a swiss cheese tongue like some of you). So I have "bucked up," "brushed myself off" and am now pouring myself a large, very large, glass of wine, repeating to myself our best and most used motto "This too shall pass!" 
Have a good evening everyone.
Have a good evening everyone.
Thesoutherncook
post-grad
- Joined
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- United States
You GO girl! 
Pheebs52
big-cheese
I'm having a glass of wine with you! I think *Peggy* Helen, and Becky should join us. Let's party like it's 1970! I'll put "We Are Family," by Sly and the Family Stone on the (ahem) record player!
I'll put "We Are Family," by Sly and the Family Stone on the (ahem) record player!
liam2015
post-grad
funny enough my real first name is margaret, which i've heard the abbreviated or pet name is "peggy". my parents always called me by my middle name "colleen". with all the security nowadays with airlines and hospitals, medical clinics, etc. and there is only room on certain documents for first and last name, in print i'm known as margaret. it sometimes takes me a minute to realize when i'm being called at an appointment lol as i'm not used to "margaret". to answer your question, sure call me "peggy" lol or even "pirate". glad i made you laugh.
Pheebs52
big-cheese
Hahaha, I like "Pirate," even better!
@kmak81230, I'm just curious....did the horrid OS tell you your hair would fall out as well? Might you go deaf or blind? No to any of these? Ok, then you're good; phew!
@kmak81230, I'm just curious....did the horrid OS tell you your hair would fall out as well? Might you go deaf or blind? No to any of these? Ok, then you're good; phew!
liam2015
post-grad
haha @Pheebs52 aka Supremo...i did have something i haven't had in years but hubby bought a case for the barbecue on sunday ~ a can of coke ~ so refreshing, just had a craving. i sure do need something to lubricate the new knee ~ sure, i'll join you but would prefer a mojito. oh and Bruno Mars...hehe.
oh and Bruno Mars...hehe.
liam2015
post-grad
what??? how can you not be familiar with Bruno Mars? i am astonished that you, the Supremo Pheebs52 haven't heard of him. yes, he makes you want to dance, to smile, to feel amazing, to cheer...i love him. i think he is from puerto rico and one of the most multi-talented musicians in a long time. 
(i am curtseying to you.)
(i am curtseying to you.)
Pheebs52
big-cheese
Well then, I'll have to check him out on YouYube, won't I?
Know, which knee did you bend in that curtsey? I think there's a protocol for this sort of thing, but somehow, I slept through that class.
Know, which knee did you bend in that curtsey?
I think there's a protocol for this sort of thing, but somehow, I slept through that class.- Status
