TKR Late Bloomer<

[zzevi]

Off to my O.S. appt shortly, not looking forward to it. I had felt fine about my recovery, although lately I must admit I don't seem to be progressing as much in some areas, but in other areas I am doing ok.
My daily life task are going fine, walking with a slight limp especially after sitting or sleeping, but seems to go away fairly soon.
Showering unassisted
Able to drive
Able to get in and out of the car fine, larger vehicles like my husbands truck if someone took a
video of it, it could be a money maker as it's a process ( I'm short, it has these step up on the side and trying to figure out how to get in has been hard for me, I've pinched my upper arm, jammed a fingernail.) Getting out is fine, I just kindof slid down.
Have my interest back for reading
Stretching seems to be going better, although I am not sure I am actually moving it as much as I think.
would love to have a mirror where I could see my bend better, always feels like it's bending better than what I'm told.
Sleep most nights ok, have a hr or so I am usually awake but usually getting between 5-7 hrs sleep a night, maybe not all together but in total.
Down to just tylenol
working on wall slides and I feel like my leg is bending well, but would love to see what the bend actually looks like.
Doing steps, Up is pretty good, down still taking them mostly one, one, like I did prior to surgery.
Minus areas haven't been able to make a rotation on the bike
continued stiffness, and that tight band feeling.
Previous week ( not last week, but week prior) made headway on
rom, this past week P/T seemed to think I was stuck.
I know my leg felt swollen.
Just figuring my p/t report will bring up MUA and I've read so much on the internet for and against it and waiting, my feelings are all jumbled up.
Will also have the O.S. look at my incision, it still got a 1-2 inch area of a scab and have
drainage at times.
Plan on listening to the O.S. as I value his experience, but do want to be strong enough to speak my mind and feelings on recovery. ( I'll update later. )

 

[LoveGiants]

Good luck with your appointment.

I know what you mean about climbing into the truck. My husband's Wrangler has a 3.5" lift and has large tires. Once my meniscus went, I had to use a step-stool in addition to the rail. Pretty humorous.

 

[sistersinhim]

I think your OS should be happy. It sounds like to me that you are doing just fine.

 

[zzevi]

My O.S. surprised me again, with the way the p/t sounded he would be unhappy about my ROM results, he wasn't. I told him I was satisfied at my progress currently, he said ( he didn't measure ) but by observation on me pulling my leg back was close to 95, he said when the first knee replacement were done patients didn't get above that. He said 95 is ok, you can do most things with that ROM as long as I am happy, he said if I was at 90 he def would be considering more the MUA, at where I am at I could have it done and would possible gain 5-10 more on the ROM scale he figured. He did say it was something I can't wait forever to act on, if I want it done I need to make the decision within the next 2 wks. But if I don't have it done, he feels I won't gain much more ROM at this point. Looking thru the postings here I don't believe that to be true, going to give myself some time, continue to do the stretching, go to work for the day next week and see how things go, if I am having issues I may consider it more, but thinking probably not. ( will probably try and get a hold of a ROM measuring device just to check from time to time on my own.) I am one of those people you tell you can't do something, makes me even more determined. As for my incision, the O.S. is still fine with the way it looks wants to see me in 5 wks to see how it's healed shut by that point. ( I am open to opinions and views on how things went today, a part of me is happy and a part of me feels like they've given up on me. Asked if I could have done anything different and he said no need to look back, but gave me the impression I could have maybe done something differently.)

 

[sistersinhim]

Your knee is still brand new. You will increase as time goes on. Don't let anyone discourage you. PT always wants more and tell stories of how so and so is doing so much better. It's all baloney! As long as you can do the things you need to do, you are fine!

 

[zzevi]

@sistersinhim thank you for the words of encouragement, that has been all I've ever wanted in this process to know what truthful can be achieved.
I am getting things done, and have little discomfort compared to others who have posted, I am thankful for what I have achieved. I didn't go into this process blind, I read up and knew what I was getting into, the only thing I didn't know much about was this ROM business and how much that would be pushed at each appt. Feel like a wt has been lifted from my shoulder, have a recumbent bike, but ordered one of those portable pedalers to have up in the living room, as I will continue to work on getting the pedals around. I'm not quitting, just don't need it to be front and center of my life.

 

[KarriB]

@zzevi , you aren't even 2 months yet, the ROM and steps will come. Because of my infection my OS said he'd be happy with 90, I'm past 90 because I can squat in a pool, ride the bike, but he never measured. Last winter when I was at pt for plantar fasciitis the pt said the knee looked like 115. But I can do what I want and I'm happy. I don't believe the dr has given up, I believe he's giving you time. It's a gift.

 

[Poohstew]

Hi! I have been following your story, and don't have much to add...but I am also in the Madison area! Hope thinga continue to go well foe you. I am 5 weeks past TKR, and am having some difficulties, and am alao struggling as far as when to go back to work.

Good luck!
Kim

 

[Suz]

Hi @zzevi~

I hope you don't mind that I share a few of my thoughts with you. First, you truly are doing well this early in your recovery and like Karri, I also don't believe your OS has given up on you. He's given you a gift of more time whether he realizes it or not! If at a later date you aren't happy with your ROM there are other orthopedic surgeons who promote MUA's at a later date. I don't believe this will be an issue for you!

It seemed the more I watched & stressed for my ROM the more stubborn it's coming forth became. Only 50*s flexion at 6wks and others here were over 100*s. And I was nesting on the BoneSmart mantras so I just didn't understand. Perhaps it was the watched pot never boils scenario? = )

When I quit hyper-focusing about it and started thinking of how I could help others here in their recoveries things began to change. I knew I had 6 months before I had to think about an MUA even though my OS was ready to go at 6wks. I declined the MUA and am so glad I did! He was shocked at our next visit, (8wks post-op), that I had gained 40*s in flexion! In 2wks!

What I can tell you @zzevi is that at 3 1/2 months out from my surgery I look back on those early recovery days and wish I had listened a little closer to those here advising me. I seldom feel anything in my knee joint now but pain-free mobility. I just yesterday came across the photo that was taken of my knee joint during surgery. There were 2 photos of the old joint and 2 of the new. In the old joint you could see so much exposed bone area without cartilage. Then there is the replacement. It's shiny, new and absolutely beautiful to me today. I now never have to worry about the cartilage wearing away!

I think about what I'm doing everyday now and the time I spent recovering has been such a small price to pay. My flexion today is at least 124. I don't even measure it anymore and there was a time I did so daily.

Listen to those here who have been where you are and embrace your recovery. I wish I had sooner. I sure would have saved myself many hours of helplessness and extreme fear. 'If' there's a problem amiss there will be plenty of time to worry about it. This early in your recovery is not that time! The Bonesmart mantra's are a much better focus~!

 

[zzevi]

@Suz thank you so much, I sometimes feel on a daily basis I need a pep talk. In the beginning you have like others have said people that want to care for you as time goes on, your more and more on your own, again. My husband has been very good and continues to pick up the slack but I feel somewhat like my knee issue has worn thin on discussion. So I thankful for this site and all the people that read the post and chime in with support.
Today the demons seem to be resting, it's good to know that there is O.S. out there that if I would need MUA that could do it at a later date, that is a stress reliever also.
Just need to take things day by day and Monday is coming up fast and plan on putting in a day of alot of sitting and mtgs to get ready for the new school yr.
Yesterday I went and rode the stationary bike a few times and made rotations both directions, I do need to start a journal so I can remind myself of all the positive things that happen.
Plus: very little discomfort
Min swelling recently even after exercising
Not having to move the seat back to get in and out of the car
Slept wonderful last night, almost 9 solid hrs.
Not napping during the day, and just using tylenol or advil every 4-6 hrs.
Able to tend to household task

 

[sistersinhim]

You are doing great! And able to sleep 9 hours straight is a huge blessing! Actually, you do have a journal already right here on this site.

 

[zzevi]

@Poohstew nice to hear from local folks. Wow 5 weeks trying to remember back at what that all was like. I know around that time period things began to click for me, in being more comfortable.
I don't know if my recovery for the most part has been normal or what, I never have been overly uncomfortable, I've had my share of prev major surgeries so I know with any major surgery there is pain and discomfort. I was very antsy in the beginning, I am actually more statisfied more now at the quietness of the day and just resting and taking it easy. It was like in the beginning I needed to prove I could still do everything and I did. (which maybe has set me back recovery wise, as I didn't elevate as much or ice as much as I have been lately)
In the beginning tho my mind seemed mushy couldn't get into reading, or working on anything for a extended amount of time just no interest. Now I am enjoying reading again.
So I am not sure how much of these feelings your experiencing also, maybe none of them. My biggest struggles have been between how I feel, and how P/T feels I am doing and somewhat the O.S. view of things. I can feel good about things and be brought down by a visit to P/T, I did ask for honesty in the beginning I don't want things sugar coated.
As for work at 5 wks, probably couldn't have cut it, not sure at even 8 wks out it's going to work for me, have a friend who recently had surgery and is taking 12, which probably isn't a bad idea.
The good thing about work as it can take your mind off yourself.
Let's stay in contact, if there is anything question wise I can help you with I can,
but just to let you know it's been a roller coaster of a ride and struggle for me, and I often look to the others on here for advice and pep talks.

 

[Suz]

I want to mention that my stamina isn't 100% yet @zzevi and I'm almost 2 months ahead of you. So if/when you feel exhausted after a day out there isn't anything 'wrong' per-say. At eight weeks you are still in recovery even though the area of your knee is feeling better.

Also, when I'm on my feet a good part of the day I do see swelling- mostly in my ankles for some strange reason. I'll take the next day off and recline as much as I can and my ankles soon return to normal.

We had major surgery just a few short months ago and are still recovering. You are being wise to focus on the positives now! Be kind to yourself. You have the rest of your life to get things done the way you did before surgery!

 

[jmp65]

@zzevi So glad to see you are feeling better about your progress! I think you are doing very well so far and I am quite sure things will keep getting better and better! Keep positive thoughts and try not to let the negative thoughts come in and you WILL get there!

 

[KarriB]

So happy to hear you are seeing a few positives! As a newly retired teacher I can give you a few ideas for going back to school; while you're sitting at meetings prop your leg up on a extra chair, take a few ice packs (carried them in a lunch cooler) with you to trade off and on through the day, spend the evening resting, icing, elevating while doing school work or having dinner. I went back to first grade part time at 12 weeks and full time 6 weeks after that. I iced while teaching reading groups and even iced while driving home from school by sticking an ice pack up my pant leg! As @Suz said, stamina was an issue for me at 12 weeks, but less of a problem at 18 weeks and by 7 months I went on the first grade field trip which included climbing up and down school bus steps 8 times! Those are big steps and I had the energy to ride my bike the same evening.

What grade do you teach and when do you have students? Enjoy your first day back. I'm missing that excitement a little bit.

 

[zzevi]

@KarriB , I actually am a Educational Assistant. I work about half my time in our school library and the other half doing a office duty, recess duty and checking off the kids that take hot lunch. It should be about half and half, half sitting and the other half up and about on my feet. ( been doing it for 26 yrs, was in other areas until about 4-5 yrs back)

 

[zzevi]

Well got my one day that was required to work in and came home to a pretty swollen knee and thigh, but went right to icing and elevating all Monday evening. Worked about 3 hrs. Tues, came home and iced and elevated and went to P/T, today Wed, put in about 3 hrs again and rested and iced all afternoon. Been doing ok so far at work, I am not quick on my feet, and if I sat a while when I get up I hobble the first few steps and are pretty stiff, is this pretty normal? ( 9 wks out tomorrow ) Also had a discussion today that if we had a tornado drill and would have to get to kneel down I wouldn't be able to, which as I thought about it did concern me. Adults usually never do get into that position, I wouldn't have been able to do it prior to my surgery very well, right now I am thinking something like that would be impossible. Feel over all my stretching is helping to increase my ROM and I am trying not to rush things, but I feel so needy right now yet getting around, working on my slight limping ( is this normal did have some prior to tkr) To keep my leg straight not bowed out, and to walk normally. Is this all normal activities that come back in time?? Guess daily I wonder if I am at where I should be in recovery.

 

[Suz]

Hi @zzevi, I sure wouldn't kneel down this soon in my recovery unless a real tornado was coming towards me, lol! Your new knee is trying to settle in and the symptoms you are feeling are quite normal considering the activity it's exposed to now. When I was at 9wks and experienced pain & swelling it was always because I had been on my knee too long during the day. Like you I quickly sought out my recliner to rest & elevate. Even feeling needy is quite normal- you are trying to get back into your normal routine prior to surgery and it's not quite time yet. You should count yourself blessed that you are getting away with as much activity as you are at 9wks! I don't mean to sound repetitive but rest, elevating & icing are still very important in keeping the swelling down. That's when the ROM will really return. I'm close to 16wks in my recovery and I still take care to rest & elevate throughout my work day! You're doing well. We're just so thankful we haven't had to deal with infection and other problems that could have occurred. Hang in there and don't graduate yourself from the Bonesmart mantras until the swelling really settles. 12 months they say until we're completely recovered!

JUST KIDDING- LOL!!! I believe in laughter being good medicine for the soul & recovering knees, = )

 

[zzevi]

@Suz thanks so much for your reply seems I need reassurance often...........daily lol, that things are progressing ok. Very thankful for this site and like so many others I really missed it those's days it was down.

 

[Floridagal]

I still am stiff and want to limp when I first stand up. I was told to use the cane to prevent limping. At twelve weeks I only use it when I know I will be walking a lot like roaming around KMart.