TKR Left TKR Recovery---Now I Have a Matching Set

[Layla]

Lots of good things! Thanks for sharing, Rockgirl!

You're not alone in experiencing the energy drain that you mentioned, it plagues many.
Since our body's energy supply isn't limitless, when we're in healing mode after major surgery
our energy will be used for healing first, not leaving a great reserve for all of the other activity of daily life. As you likely recall from past surgeries it is completely normal to feel tired for quite some time. How long....most likely relates to your body's rate of healing. Making your best effort to get adequate sleep and rest is beneficial, although not always easy and often disrupted at this point. Sneak in some naps if you're able.

Happy Weekend!
@Rockgirl4

 

[mendogal]

You're doing so well!!!!

My advice? Let the housecleaning go a bit, or try to rope a different friend or family member in to help once a week. I was a home hospice nurse on and off for many years and heard a fair amount of regrets, and never ever did anyone say "I wish I'd spent more time keeping a cleaner house."

 

[EalingGran]

Sounds like you are doing really well- especially as you heal slowly. It is funny how different we all are. I could walk a couple of miles by your stage but no way could I stand to cook or clean. And I could only drive very short distances. Just shows we have to understand and work with our own bodies.

 

[Rockgirl4]

3 Month Update (almost!!)
It's been hit and miss with me being here lately. I needed a break from all things "knees." It's been nice to read up tonight on how everyone is doing. I haven't been in the best place mentally this Nov/Dec., and I needed some perspective on things....I can do more each week, and I'm telling people what I will/won't or can/can't do and sticking to it.

This is all because I've REALLY struggled with what's "normal" this time around. I thought I was an old pro at having no expectations after 12 knee surgeries, but apparently I dropped the ball on this one. When people say no recovery is the same, it's 100% true. I've had so much more skin sensitivity and nerve zingers with this TKR, and I have great days of no pain and little swelling, then something sends me back to the ODIC club, and I'm terribly swollen and hurting for 3 days. I can't seem to find a happy medium AT ALL.

Mostly, I catch myself overdoing things because this last round of knee issues caused my weight to balloon again, and all I want to do is exercise it away.....but I can't hardly exercise without paying a steep price. It's just been so disheartening--3 steps forward, 2 steps back (not once but 2-3X in the last 3 weeks). I had a lot more bend 8 days ago until I overdid it again and could barely walk for 2 days.

Here's the thing ((and I'll post again after my 3-month appointment with the surgeon tomorrow))---I've been absolutely dreading this appointment, and I keep anticipating he'll be upset with my progress. I have nothing to base this on except fear!! I'm not as strong as usual by this point, and nothing has miraculously gotten rid of my swelling. I'm just not mentally up to defending my body again, but I will if I have to. I'm definitely not changing anything, as ANY increase in activity causes more problems---not less. I guarantee I'll be in a much better place mentally after tomorrow, as I've just been beating myself up, feeling like a failure.

I truly don't think surgeons or PTs realize the distress and long-term emotional trauma they can cause to "non-traditional" patients (meaning those of us who don't heal on a pre-set timeline). My therapist told me today it's okay to say that all of my prior knee surgery and physical therapy experiences (many of which were nightmares!!) have given me PTSD reactions that are affecting my life significantly right now. I shouldn't be spending an entire week dreading a Drs appointment (plus crying and losing sleep) when I know there is nothing physically wrong--all my knee needs is time. I just still feel like I'm paying emotionally for what that surgeon and those PTs did to me years ago. I SHOULD just be focusing on what I CAN do, and healing!!!

So for anyone reading----be kind to yourself and lose the comparisons. Keep reading and seeing that everyone's recovery is different. It's often a marathon---not a sprint----and that REALLY is ok.

And Guess WHAT?? Sometimes your surgeon and your physical therapist are actually WRONG!! I'm living proof!!

Thanks for reading my late-night diary/philosophy notes!!!

 

[EalingGran]

Good luck with your appointment. I do understand how you feel. I am gearing myself up for an appointment next week to review my repeat prescription. My regular GP has left the practice and I am worried that the new GP may quibble about some of my regular medication. It may be nothing but I am already getting anxious. I am sure they don't realise how stressful it can be. Stay strong!

 

[Jockette]

I truly don't think surgeons or PTs realize the distress and long-term emotional trauma they can cause to "non-traditional" patients (meaning those of us who don't heal on a pre-set timeline). My therapist told me today it's okay to say that all of my prior knee surgery and physical therapy experiences (many of which were nightmares!!) have given me PTSD reactions that are affecting my life significantly right now. I shouldn't be spending an entire week dreading a Drs appointment (plus crying and losing sleep) when I know there is nothing physically wrong--all my knee needs is time. I just still feel like I'm paying emotionally for what that surgeon and those PTs did to me years ago.

I’m still struggling with this, to some extent 7+ years later. I fell 2 years ago, face down, but more on the side of my PKR. My leg swelled and bruised and took 2 months to recover, but the thought of a possible revision was all the things you describe here. It sent me to my third second opinion, which again gave me so answers. Thankfully it was “just” soft tissue damage and did heal back to my knee’s current normal (which, by the way, is way worse than before my PKR.)

All these feelings because of someone else’s opinion about how we should recover.

 

[Layla]

Good you have the sense to take a break from all things "knees" when it becomes all consuming, Rockgirl.
The ability to do more each week IS progress. Understanding and respecting your current limitations is wise.
Recovery isn't linear, has it's ups and downs, this is normal, as you know...but also cold comfort on an "off" day. We all understand "off days" as we're healing.

You've taken the weight off before, you can do it again..and you will when you're ready.

Rather than let yourself be overtaken by fear in meeting your OS, reflect on the progress you have made, no matter how small. How you're walking, your ROM, less dependent on sn assistive device. If you're not already, journal your recovery. I guess you've done that here, so hopefully in looking back, you do see the progress you're making. As you know, the healing process takes time and you're only three months in. You're on the right path, you're trying to do your best and setbacks are normal.

If you have an understanding OS his goal should be to help you succeed, not criticize you. Hopefully you'll receive reassurance that you're on track today and it will boost your confidence moving forward.

I truly don't think surgeons or PTs realize the distress and long-term emotional trauma they can cause to "non-traditional" patients (meaning those of us who don't heal on a pre-set timeline). My therapist told me today it's okay to say that all of my prior knee surgery and physical therapy experiences (many of which were nightmares!!) have given me PTSD reactions that are affecting my life significantly right now. I shouldn't be spending an entire week dreading a Drs appointment (plus crying and losing sleep) when I know there is nothing physically wrong--all my knee needs is time. I just still feel like I'm paying emotionally for what that surgeon and those PTs did to me years ago

It is understandable that you feel overwhelmed and frustrated as you're healing. I am so sorry! It can be tough on the strongest of us. Sometimes recovery is about more than the physical part. It can also be about taking care of the emotional side. Many feel this way as they're healing. Talking with someone who specializes in these challenges may really help. You are dealing with so much and it's normal to need a little extra support. A professional can help make this feel less overwhelming. It is important that you're at peace and feel in control of your recovery. Talking with someone may help alleviate some of the pressure you're feeling and help you let go of past experiences weighing you down.

Wishing only the best for you! I hope you're able to feel relaxed as you meet with your OS today. Hopefully you receive a nod from him that all appears as it should and that you're progress is normal.
Hugs

 

[mendogal]

I can't add much to what's been said so well above, so just sending a heartfelt ((hug))

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary, Rockgirl!
I hope you have lovely Christmas!
@Rockgirl4