TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread

[sistersinhim]

It's an up and down, roller-coasted ride, for sure!

Are you feeling better today?

 

[SusieShoes]

Getting all those moving parts working as a team again is a bit like herding cats. One week this muscle, the next week that tendon. If it's not one thing, it's another. It all comes together eventually, though. At least, that's what I hear!

 

[kmak81230]

A bit stiffer than usual this morning but I think as long as I don't overdo the strides I will be fine. No particular pain during the night - slept my usual on and off for about five hours - that's a good sign. Happy Thursday everyone!

 

[Pheebs52]

I know, right? Pffft.

 

[Pheebs52]

I hate when a post is out of sequence; aarggh!

 

[Pheebs52]

Well Kmak81230, I would expect my *twin* to agree; hah! As I sit here, the back of my knee is being iced. I made the mistake of sitting in a back deck rocking chair a little too enthusiastically yesterday. Just for a few minutes, but...you know how it goes. Now it's firmly on my list.

 

[kmak81230]

Darn! Probably didn't help the attempts at sleeping either. Just when we think we've turned some kind of magical corner - a reminder that it's really a slog . . . hope your day goes a bit better today.

 

[kneeper]

The tissues around the new knee are very sensitive to moving funny or just for no apparent reason. Icing and taking a bit easy sound like just the thing.

 

[Pheebs52]

It's a slog alright, some days more than others....

Hah, "For no apparent reason," is spot on!

 

[VW54]

Coincidently had that very same pain and physiotherapist at the corner place said it was probably the popliteus muscle often affected when stretched too much.
He suggested no more stretches for a few days and some ice. Should be better. Sure enough today it is somewhat better.

 

[kmak81230]

Thanks VW54 - that's the same muscle my PT mentioned - good to have some validation -- I felt better yesterday, then last night felt it again at the end of my walk around the block when I accidentally took a big step-- I will continue to take it easy on the stretches and ice.

 

[SusieShoes]

Sounds like you've got a good bead on how to handle your pain. Less is more when it comes to exercising a baby knee. I love my walks around the block, too, and hope yours continue to be pleasant and pain-free!

 

[kmak81230]

The past few days of week 9 have been pretty good. I am less achy and swollen in the afternoon at work, I have gotten more comfortable in bed, sleeping for 5-6 hours in a row the past few nights, and have begun going downstairs step over step using a railing which probably means I am making some small gains in flexion. I really look forward to spinning on the stationary bike each day. I'm up to 3 songs on the I-pod and sometimes I even wear my helmet and biking shorts and pretend I'm on a long ride. Still a little issue with the popliteus muscle so have to take it easy and work on my hamstring flexibility. Looking forward to doing some work in my vegetable garden this weekend. Hope all you Smarties have a great weekend as well - wherever you are in your recovery journey.

 

[liam2015]

that's wonderful @kmak81230, walking downstairs alternate feet and spinning on your bike. those are huge gains. you have a good weekend too.

 

[Jennszoo]

Week 9 was a big turning point for me. Too bad I had surgery #2 in week 10. Lol.

 

[kmak81230]

You are on your way back there Jenn!! Hope today is a good one for you.

 

[KarriB]

I saw on Pheebs thread that you'd like to ski again. Did you know our own @skigirl is a ski instructor? She's been skiing on TKRs for a while now.

 

[kmak81230]

Good to know @KarriB - I will seek her out for some tips if/when I'm ready. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[rubyyarn]

@kmak81230 , I appreciated your long post. It does help to have some kind of summary of the way things go, at least for one person. I can relate to the skunk...we live in the woods and have lots of critters around. There was a tense moment the other night when the raccoon encountered the skunk on the porch. Fortunately the raccoon backed off before anything aromatic happened!

This whole concept of patience is gaining new meaning for me. I can be patient for a few days, then I want to hit something. This day by day of waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and nothing can be done to speed it up... I do not wish this on anyone, but it is comforting to see that others have endured this and made it through.

 

[kmak81230]

I hear you @rubyyarn . . .I have a few good days and then I become my own worst enemy, overdoing it a bit, which then requires me to cut back on activity. You'll get there . . . unfortunately, it's still mighty early in your journey.