Revision TKR Knee replacement, now revision

[kneeper]

Sometimes you just need a good cry. I'm glad you're trying the cane. I would think it would be easier than the crutch. It seems like you're actually doing pretty well if you're well over 100. it sounds like between working and getting pushed at PT you did need a day off and more ice and elevate time. we should have an elevate smilie...

 

[Jamie]

They are anxious for me to hit the 125 mark b/c they say that now is when the scar tissue builds the most and I have to get it now. I took today off and will do more exercises again later, but right now I feel fairly good. Just do not want scar tissue to build, scary.

Silver....the therapists are wrong when they tell you that you must have your ROM by a certain date. We have many members (including me!) who gained ROM up to a year or more after surgery. The important thing is to keep taking things slow and easy and not push to the point of pain or swelling. More is not better when it comes to your exercises right now. Actually, your ROM is just fine for a little less than 2 months out.

I'm glad you are comfortable using a cane. Don't let anyone push you into giving it a toss until you are strong enough and ready to do so. The main thing is that you NOT limp when you walk. If you are limping, then you need additional support for a while longer.

I think you're doing really well!!! Pat yourself on the back for the accomplishments you've reached so far and go easy on yourself in the coming weeks. Patience is the watchword. And it's ususally the most difficult part of recovery.

 

[Silver]

Hmmm, they think that you have to have manipulation if you do not get the ROM by week 10. I actually think I can do it, BUT if I cannot, I will heed your words. Pain pills are a wonderful thing. How long did your doc keep giving them? I want off but not till I am comfortable being off them. I love the cane. I have only used it today and it is so much better than the crutch. Wish I had done that earlier. Crutches will stay in the car, just in case.
I am very lucky actually. I have never had much swelling and when they push me, I do not swell more. That is why I think I can do it. And I have been zero at extension for weeks now. So I can do this!
Patience has been the most difficult. I am typically a go, go, go person (can you tell?
And this has been a sore lesson for me!
Appreciate all of you very much!
Silver

 

[Jamie]

Silver....I took my prescription pain meds for almost 3 months. And then I used over the counter pain meds for several months after that. In regard to the manipulaiton, you have the right to tell your surgeon (if he recommends it) that you would like to wait a while and to continue to work on your ROM yourself. This is why it's important to know that it's not true if he tells you you'll be "stuck" at that ROM if you don't do it. You won't. And the manipulation is still an option. We've had members who did finally need an MUA (manipulation under anesthetic), but got them successfully at a year or more out. So at 2 or 3 months, you most certainly have time to work on it.

 

[Silver]

What kind of OTC pain meds is everyone using? I noticed lots of people using Tylenol, but it does not really agree with me. What else are people using? I am still trucking along, sometimes on my cane, sometimes not. I also am bending 117 degrees as of today, so soon to be at 120. I would like to have the 130 before September is over and be done!
I am still trying to decide when to go back to work full time. What did most of you do?
Silver

 

[Jamie]

Tylenol is really for pain relief. The other things you may hear mentioned (Advil, Aleve, Motrin) are NSAIDs and are primarily anti-inflammants. What do you mean when you say the Tylenol doesn't agree with you? And how much have you taken per dose in the past to get that reaction?

 

[Josephine]

Good question, Jamie.

Silver, what those PTs are telling you is very wrong. There are NO musts, shoulds or oughts about ROM. It comes when it comes.

Besides which, since you are already 117 at 9 weeks, there is absolutely NO need for an MUA now. You are way past the 'gong' point of 100 degrees therefore it's quite out of the question. You also have no need to strive for anything now as most people would be more than satisfied with 117 at 12 weeks, never mind 9! I know I was!

I think you can now file away your PT report card, quit the visits to the gym and do some simple exercises at home on your own. You have no need for formal PT any more. None at all. You're THERE! Congratulations! The rest you want will come over the next few weeks and months. As usual, just be patient.

 

[Silver]

Yeah, I am there!! But my doc will probably not let me quit PT till I get 120. He is VERY insistent.
I see him in two more weeks and he might discharge me then, we will see.
I actually like the PT exercises. I do them on my own when I am home.

Tylenol just makes me nauseated if I take more than one a day. I have never been able to take it for headaches. I can certainly try again when the time comes, but we will see.

Thanks all! Silver

 

[Silver]

Hi all,
Drove a 3 hours this weekend to my mom's on Friday, then back on Monday. That felt like a big milestone.
I am at 121 degrees at PT. I am starting to really enjoy PT as it is helping me more and more to go. I can feel the leg finally loosening some. I have been at outpatient PT for 4 weeks and have another 4 weeks to go. Still working part time but building up to 3/4 time. Now that I am past the two month mark, thinking the three month mark is even better!!
Starting to walk without the cane in my house. I love the progress!
Silver

 

[bottomshollow]

What a nice upbeat, positive report, Silver. And, yes, with additional time, it does definitely get better. So happy for you.

 

[Silver]

Thank you! I am sure I will have another frustrated meltdown sometime. I have only had 4 or 5 in 9 weeks, but
it does get frustrating at times! I am trying to keep the positive attitude, it is much better.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Silver

 

[Debbie_joints]

Good for you Silver, love to see it when the knee is working well. You know you are doing well when you are just carrying your cane instead of using it. I am just shy of 3 weeks out and I am walking without my cane a lot of the time in my house and therapist had me walking without it today too and assessing my gait. Soon the cane will be back in the closet.

 

[Jamie]

You've come a long way already, Silver....good for you!!! Just try to remember that a slow, steady pace in recovery is best. You'll have great days and some setbacks now and then. But, as you said, each month will bring new things you are able to do with your new knee. We'll be here to celebrate each milestone with you!

 

[kneeper]

Now that I am past the two month mark, thinking the three month mark is even better!!
Starting to walk without the cane in my house. I love the progress!
Silver

 

[Silver]

Thanks, all! Still moving along. Bent 125 on Thursday and go to see my doc on Monday. I just wish that band below my knee would go away, but it does not want to yet. When does that go away? I am sure it is different with everyone!
Silver

 

[Jamie]

That "tight band" feeling can last several months, so you need to be patient. Most people report that they really start to feel normal again at the 6-month mark. I know that seems like a long time from now, but it will come. Patience, patience, patience!!! This was a VERY major surgery and your body needs time to get itself healed and strengthening again.

 

[skyelark]

Great ROM Silver !! Congrats!
I'm still struggling to get, and maintain, 120, but I've given up worrying about it . It seems to be my hamstring that's causing the pain, so, it'll come when it comes. (well, that's what I'm saying today ! tomorrow I might be crying about it again...lol)
I'm REALLY pleased that you're doing so well

 

[Silver]

Hey Skyelark and others.
120 is good at this point, and you are still a week behind me! Sounds like you are doing really well AND going back to work!
I like the part time. I work about 6 hours per day and that suits me fine, try it!
It still leaves me time for my PT. Crying, yes, it comes and goes, doesn't it? I will say it is finally less, but I sure wish I could put my suitcase in the car. So annoying to have to hire someone to come over!!

Anyway glad you are doing well. Cheers to all! Silver

 

[Koucheravy]

Good for you! It's done and the only thing I offer as advise is accept your rehab as an opportunity to shine . It's hard but realy worth it if you do your best right out of the gate. After all my limitations progress in rehab made me feel like a star an athlete

FOR ME I GOT A NEW START WITH MY NEW PART.

I had nerve block as well and after many surgeries over 20+ yrs it was great to be numb for the 1st couple days . I also credit it for my rehab sucess in hospital compared to my struggling peers.Also I if anyone has bad reactions to general anesthesia like me ( I would vomit so long that same day surgery would turn into an addmission.(wanted to say barffed but ? spelling) In the begining bet you wouldn't belive that after 4weeks or so you get so much better.

 

[Silver]

Good afternoon,
Time for an update. I went two places last weekend that I had to use a transport wheelchair and it was a very bumpy experience. I have been very sore since then and my physical therapist told me it was probably too early for me to have done that. She also alluded to the fact that doctors tell us not to ride lawn mowers for a certain time period. But my doc did not tell me anything to stay away from? Should I not be bumping around at this point?
Thanks in advance! Silver