TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread

[SusieShoes]

Ultimately, the surgeon's skill at doing the implant is the most important... but, Lordy, yes, it helps if they're accessible. Yours actually is. He answers all your emails. That's very modern but apparently works best for him, and really well for patients who think of follow-up questions. (I'm like that.)

My OS was wary of my enthusiasm for BoneSmart. I too interviewed surgeons, and both Mr. Shoes and I like my OS because he listened to us and answered every question. He was in tune with the BS way, in fact, but had never heard of the site. That I was following advice from an online site gave him pause about the advice I was getting, but he soon realized it was neither negative nor dreadful. Later, I let him know I was posting about my recovery and he found that fascinating. I gave him the site name and link, but don't know if he ever checked it out. Can't hurt, though, right?

 

[Jamie]

Could I ask one of the advisors @KarriB or @sistersinhim or @Celle to change my thread title to "kmak's TKR recovery thread" - thanks much!

I've made the change for you!

 

[kmak81230]

Thanks so much @Jamie!

 

[kmak81230]

New thread title, new avatar (channeling my inner Gumby), same old, er new, knee. Feeling a bit stagnant the past couple of days and I think it's time to get back on some type of activity schedule. I haven't had any formal PT since 7/24 which hasn't been a bad thing, in fact I've kind of enjoyed my "kneecation" but I think I could/should be doing a bit more. I have my first appt with my new PT on Tuesday and am looking forward to it. I saw her on Friday when I went to walk on the treadmill and she is ready to help me with my extension. Planning on going for a hike tomorrow, not too strenuous, but it will give me a chance to try hiking poles instead of the cane and to see some different scenery. I am also going to go to spin class on Tuesday - have no fear, I will set the resistance to zero and will only stay for about 20-30 minutes but I miss my spin buddies and need a little more routine in my life. Been sleeping pretty well in almost all positions so that will help me tackle that 6 am class. I read recently that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg can bench press 70 lbs!!! That has motivated me to get back to the gym for more regular strength training for my noodle arms. I'm tempted to create another exercise spreadsheet but last time it got me in trouble so I may have to find another outlet for my compulsion to be organized.

 

[Pheebs52]

Enjoy the hike Kmak! Just...you know, not too much! I think you'll find the trekking poles a great change from the cane.

Spin class at 6 A.M.? Oh, I'd never get there. Color me sleepy at that time of day! Good for you though if you can do it!

If Ruther Bader Ginsburg can bench press 70 pounds that should motivate all of us to work on upper body strength, eh? I've been doing some wall push-ups in the last month and I *think* I can see a tiny bit of difference. I do have some free weights around here...somewhere..., lol.

No spreadsheets. Period. Just say no. I'm a retired accountant and even I don't use spreadsheets for exercise, lol.

 

[liam2015]

wow kmak81230 ~ you must be feeling energetic and ready to get up and go ~ that's fantastic. it will be interesting to hear what you do in p.t. with your new physiotherapist and a spinning class ~ try to reel yourself in if it feels like too much. enjoy your hike tomorrow. remember moderation for the first little while. i love your attitude and ambition.

 

[kmak81230]

Could it even be true? She looks like she only weighs 70 lbs - if it is true she truly is notorious!. Perhaps just a spreadsheet for upper body things - it will keep me on track I think. I expect you are tired of spreadsheets - I enjoy color-coding and I am always revising . . . I will add wall push-ups and I'm thinking about trying planks - probably one-legged planks.

I'm definitely a morning person but my sleep patterns were all discombobulated for several months so I'd like to get back to early rising and going to bed a little earlier.

 

[kmak81230]

thanks @liam2015 - been feeling like a bit of a slug lately so that's probably why I am coming up with all of these activity ideas. It's also been raining quite a bit here so have felt a bit housebound. I'll try to keep myself reined in from overdoing it.

 

[kmak81230]

We are currently in monsoon season, meaning that we get a lot of afternoon thunderstorms and rain. We desperately need the moisture but it makes for soggy gardens and wet trails. Last night it rained well into the night again and I was worried the hiking trail would be muddy and slippery so no go for that. Instead we walked to the gym, I pedaled and lifted weights, then walked home. It's about a 2 mile round trip and now am on the couch with Dr. Lounge and my ice packs. The walk was nice, though I am still a bit slower than I like. I think I use better form with the cane so had that in tow as well.

 

[Fire wolf]

I am impressed by your level of activity! Slower walk allows you to enjoy more scenery!

 

[OJ2]

I like your idea of a "kneecation".

 

[kmak81230]

I was tired when I got home @Fire wolf so had to hit the couch I have also been working up to longer distances. And yes, plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. As I've said before we are definitely on the scenic route in this long, slow recovery. @OJ2 - I definitely needed a kneecation. Good luck on your upcoming surgery! We'll look forward to welcoming you on the other side.

 

[Thesoutherncook]

And hitting the couch is a good thing! Remember who is boss!

 

[Fire wolf]

Just finished reading through your whole thread, and I am so jealous of your scar! It looks great!!

 

[kmak81230]

My OS does not use staples and I wonder if that allows the scar to look better sooner ?

 

[SusieShoes]

I think glue instead of staples does lead to a "neater" scar initially, though in the long run the difference might not be noticeable. I too admire your level of activity. Compared to you, I'm a slug. A spin class is far above anything I aspire to do. I hope it treats you well and am really interested in hearing how it goes. The best exercise is that which makes you happy. You know the difference now between doing exercise and overdoing it.

 

[kmak81230]

bahahahaha @SusieShoes - as I was heading home today - about 4 blocks to go I was thinking to myself "I wish I could walk as much as Susie!" Well, I am going to the spin class but I am not going to actually follow the instructor - no pushing, no pedaling fast, no upping the resistance, no standing up - and only staying 20 minutes instead of the usual 45. I just want to get back into an early morning routine, spin to some good music, and see some of my spinning buddies who have been asking about me. Hopefully I will enjoy being back.

 

[kmak81230]

PS - thanks for the complimentary post @SusieShoes - some days I do much better than others.

 

[IowaNana]

@kmak81230 - Wow! Spin class at 6:30! I am impressed with both the activity and the timing! I've been thinking about getting back into water aerobics or just doing some walking in the water to build up my muscles.

Your incision looks amazing! Mine is still red and isn't very even or straight. Parts of it are thin and other parts are wide.


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[Fire wolf]

I've had staples on previous surgeries, and always healed just fine. Of course, I never had to be restapled after any prior surgeries either! I am jealous bc yours is already skin tone, and mine still looks an angry red!