Almost one year since TKA- Only a couple more weeks until my one year anniversary of surgery. I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would update my progress. My journey w/the tka has been like everyone else, individual. **If I could change anything about the process, it would be Not wait so long to have the surgery. I waited almost a year after my Ortho told me about the damage.
At approx. 8 months I began to develop a weakness or that's the only way I can describe it. I had been walking up and down stairs w/o problems and suddenly I had no power to step up w/the surgery leg. It was very strange. I was also walking funny, not really a limp and a good bit of pain returned but on the outside of my leg. After xrays, ultrasound and the assurance there was no infection present I progressed w/massage on the outside of the leg and some specific exercises for my leg. (My surgery leg is also my 'broken ankle' leg. My ankle movement or the lack thereof was altering my natural gait) So, I did my exercises religiously, my husband massaged my leg as instructed 2X each day and I waited. I was terrified I would never walk or be normal again, I cried for about a week off and on thinking none of the new directives would work. Eventually, after about 8 wks I began to notice a change. I now have almost 100% feeling back in the leg and most of my strength has returned. Every time I start to get down about my tka leg, my husband reminds me "you continue to improve- all the time" .. it's a process. My flexion has never gone over 113 but my extension is almost perfect and I had not had that in 34 years. (since my original injury) I am told that most people that lose extension for an extended period of time, hardly ever get it back. I am very grateful and can thank my wicked therapists at PT. I can get up and down off the floor, I can ride my horses, play w/my grandchildren. I would like more flexion but thankful for all the progress I've made. I would have the surgery again, even w/the recent set back, all over again. The pain free sleep is awesome and the new shoes. * I can't wear all those high heels I used to wear, so I've been buying shoes!! Tip: Ladies, good supportive shoes that don't look like your 110 years old are hard to find. I have found wedge sandals w/straps around my ankle are working great. (low heels of course)
Just returned from vacation at the beach on yesterday.. I walked on the beach with my husband for the first time in almost three years. : )
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I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well, and that you are enjoying dancing with a baby in your are while dodging a dog at your feet! That takes balance in and of itself! Plus your are able to ride your horses, that takes a lot of strenght getting up and quite a good bend to the knee, I might add! Ya you!
