TKR Looking for reassurance - or company for my misery...

[pudgyknees]

I love these milestones! Congratulations on the stairs; I agree w/everyone else, it's a little weird that one day you can't do something, and the next day you can. Our poor husbands and family--they can only smile in a bewildered way and ask if we need ice. It's so nice to have fellow Bonesmarties to celebrate our triumphs with--we've all been through the fire!

 

[ElanorG]

Sue that is so great about the stairs! Congratulations!

 

[soSuesew]

Ok, elation at stair climbing abilities may have been premature - struggling to keep up Sunday's lively performance. But I am learning that recovery is a long-term process, and that some swelling following effort is as inevitable as night follows day...

Sue in bright and chilly Aix en Issart

 

[ElanorG]

Sue, you got that right. Some days will be better than others. Stairs are still hard for me, up is worse than down and typically hurts more in the afternoon than morning so I typically still go up then one at a time.

 

[pudgyknees]

Sue, these new knees turn us all into philosophers, don't they?

 

[soSuesew]

Sue, you got that right. Some days will be better than others. Stairs are still hard for me, up is worse than down and typically hurts more in the afternoon than morning so I typically still go up then one at a time.

It's so individual, isn't it Lisa, as I find coming down much harder!

Sue

 

[soSuesew]

So...went to the UK for two days (on my own) and did two days teaching. Drove a lot, stood a lot, got up and down from a chair a lot...and really paying the price this morning. I see a lot of rest, elevation and ice this weekend...

But satisfying to have done it!

Sue in damp and very grey Aix en Issart.

 

[soSuesew]

Can I collect some opinions, please? I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon in less than a month (the three month check-up). When I saw him for the one month check-up, he acknowledged that my ROM progress (barely 90 flexion, assisted) was slow but didn't seem overly concerned - he talked about useful exercises and extended my prescription for physio.

I have no idea what my ROM is now, more than a month later, as I am trying to heal and not be anxious about the numbers. And I have discouraged the physio from taking measurements or aggressively manipulating my knee. But, although I feel I am healing and making a steady, although slow, recovery, I'd bet that my ROM is still low - perhaps 95 or a little more as a guesstimate based on the previous number plus a little improvement. I don't believe that it will be markedly better when I go for the appointment.

So, in my mind, the possibility of MUA looms. Of course, I'm overthinking it, as usual. I have no reason to suppose that the OS will want to do it (it seems there's less pressure in Europe to do this although it's quite hard for me to fully gauge the French approach as the literature is hard for me to follow). But...despite BoneSmart's understandable resistance to too-early MUA, is there a point at which it is the sensible things to do?

And, at three months post-surgery and a ROM of perhaps 95, is this the point?

I'd really like to have thought this out before I see the OS. I feel I am improving and am happy to persevere with exercises and incremental small improvements - and I am happy to tell him, no, I don't want a MUA - if I am sure that's what's best for me. But is it...?

All comments gratefully received, especially from Josephine, Josephine;, if she has the time.

Sue in Aix in Issart, where the sun is shining, the leaves are still a glorious colour (even if they are on my lawn, rather than the trees) and an afternoon's sewing beckons...

Tried to tag Josephine but not sure if it worked...

 

[soSuesew]

So, I've been very absent and silent. I needed to not be a 'bad knee' person for a while. The knee failure, the period of diagnosis and unsuccessful treatment, then the surgery and recovery has consumed so much of this year, I just got utterly fed-up with it all. Not depressed, just needed to wean myself away from being a knee-obsessive!

Had my three month check-up this week. Went well - I had a bit more bend than I thought (I had an agreement with the physio that we wouldn't forcibly bend and measure any more...) although I am still a bit behind the curve. However, the surgeon isn't the least bothered - said my starting postion wasn't great (feeble leg muscles from crutches for five month and a very severely damaged knee) and that the bend would come in time - for up to a year after the surgery. He says I don't need more physio, just continue to exercise and live my normal life.

I got very anxious beforehand that he would suggest a MUA. I asked him about it (after he said all the positive stuff!) and he threw up his hands, said he didn't believe in them except in exceptional circumstances and couldn't remember the last time he did one. So that was a lot of worry about nothing! And a big contrast to some forum members' experiences (but, please understand, I’m not saying either is wrong or right...just that knee surgery is a broad church!).

Other knee is still grumbling. I had xrays done of both knees before I saw the surgeon and I asked him about the 'good' knee but he said, unless something changes significantly, he's not even talking to me about the left knee until a year after the right knee surgery, when he's sure I have properly recovered. I see him again in six months.

I think I love this man...

Sue in rainy Aix en Issart

 

[robynhood]

Hi Sue, Nice to hear your appt with your OS went ok. Seems like his opinion is similar to the UK. MUA's arent that common here as they are in the States. I also need my right knee done and my OS did say I could book it when I went for my six week check in November. So that would mean I would have it done in February. There is no way I could go thru another TKR that soon. My left one was October 13th and Im still swelling and icing and having good days and bad days. I never thought this operation was so big having never had an op before and Im hoping my other knee will last at least a year. even then Im not relishing the idea of another TKR. I know what you mean about being knee obsessive sometimes it seems I think about nothing else. You seem to have had quite a 'knee year' and I hope next year will be better. Your OS sounds to be a very lovely and symphathtic man. Makes a nice change. Take Care and keep us updated with your progress. Same as mine. Slow and steady. :xmasdance:

 

[Brownie51]

HI Sue What a lovely doctor you have! He's going to let your body continue to heal and get back to normal life. Are you sure he didn't have a script from Josephine he was reading?
I am so glad for you! I think we have something in common....worrying!
All is well and congratulations are having a new lease on life!
And Patricia...are you saying being KNEE OBSESSIVE isn't normal? Hahaha That's the AKA for BoneSmart.org! We are all in it together! Hugs to you both!

 

[soSuesew]

So, been feeling a little worse - more stiff and uncomfortable when standing up, bit harder going up and down stairs, tighter around the knee and some pain on the outside of the knee. Nothing really major but a feeling that things are going backwards slightly. I've done some forum reading and I'm wondering if it's an I T band problem.

Started some stretching exercises, ibruprufen and 'knuckling' painful areas (much to my surprise, the most painful area seems to be on the outside of my thigh, about 2/3 rds of the way up). My question is - is this a job for ice or heat? My body seems to be saying heat (but maybe that's because it's snowing outside!) but I don't want to make any possible inflammation worse.

Sue, in snowy and cold Aix en Issart

 

[ElanorG]

Sue, Nice to hear from you! Sorry you feel you are going backwards. 2/3 of way up outside thigh is definitely IT band. That area is something I work on all the time. IT bands are very difficult to stretch. Thing I use the most is something called "The Stick" and roll it over the painful areas, really, really helps. You can get it on Amazon for around $30. don't know if that is an option for you. Worst case you can use a rolling pin, although they have no give. I still do alot of stretching, particularly in the pool, but my IT band issues are better than before surgery but still working on them. I suspect some of these thing never go away.

 

[sheryl7]

Sue i am sorry to hear you feel like u are going backwards.
I have not had tkrs yet, yet familiar with the it band pain. the the kneading motion does seem to help a bit, and that's a very good question, heat or cold, i tend to try and alternate. someone will be along with their opinion. Good luck to you, and hope things start going forwards again for you, hang in there..take care...sheryl

 

[PhoenixS]

Hi Sue!
I thought I'd be smart and say something in French, but after 5 years of French, the only thing I can really do is say swears, which aren't permitted here in any language.
Anyway, I just finished reading your posts and your recovery sounds familiar. This is a very long process, and for some of us (me-in particular) takes way longer with multiple detours and lots of worrying and tears.
At some point (for me, MANY points) in recovery, most of us feel like we are not only going forewards, but going backwards. That is normal too.
I am sorry you are still having discomfort. The weather just aggravates the annoyance. You could be dealing with an IT band issue. I had that after my TKR (I've had a revision-long story). I used heat and gentle massage (when I massage vigorously, it feels worse).
In any event, you are moving along at an appropriate pace, for us slower types. You have plenty of company there!
Your Surgeon sounds wonderful BTW. You are lucky!
Best,
Sandy

 

[soSuesew]

2/3 of way up outside thigh is definitely IT band. That area is something I work on all the time. IT bands are very difficult to stretch. Thing I use the most is something called "The Stick" and roll it over the painful areas, really, really helps. You can get it on Amazon for around $30. don't know if that is an option for you. Worst case you can use a rolling pin, although they have no give. I still do alot of stretching, particularly in the pool, but my IT band issues are better than before surgery but still working on them. I suspect some of these thing never go away.

Lisa, I have done some stretching and self-massage and am definitely feeling better. But then, I've also rested a lot more and used some gentle heat so that could be doing it too. Not sure it's the I T band but I could do without it...this recovery seems slow enough without additional problems! But then, we get to this point because of a combination of factors and I guess it's a matter of picking them off...

Very cold temps and more snow forecast for today for our tiny village at the bottom of the valley. Of course, it's nothing like the winter conditions that other areas of the world regularly get, but it's enough to keep me indoors with my book, sewing and a big pot of pumpkin soup.

Sue

 

[soSuesew]

and that's a very good question, heat or cold, i tend to try and alternate. someone will be along with their opinion. Good luck to you, and hope things start going forwards again for you, hang in there..take care...sheryl

Sheryl, heat seems to be doing me good so I'm going with that! Plus, when it's minus 8 degrees C and snowing, heat is a much more attractive proposition!

Sue

 

[soSuesew]

Hi Sue!
I thought I'd be smart and say something in French, but after 5 years of French, the only thing I can really do is say swears, which aren't permitted here in any language.
Anyway, I just finished reading your posts and your recovery sounds familiar. This is a very long process, and for some of us (me-in particular) takes way longer with multiple detours and lots of worrying and tears.
At some point (for me, MANY points) in recovery, most of us feel like we are not only going forewards, but going backwards. That is normal too.
I am sorry you are still having discomfort. The weather just aggravates the annoyance. You could be dealing with an IT band issue. I had that after my TKR (I've had a revision-long story). I used heat and gentle massage (when I massage vigorously, it feels worse).
In any event, you are moving along at an appropriate pace, for us slower types. You have plenty of company there!
Your Surgeon sounds wonderful BTW. You are lucky!
Best,
Sandy

Sandy, I swear pretty well in the local patois, as that's where I hear the naughty words!

I think this most recent little setback, plus your message, is a reminder that this will be a long road for me. For some people, this knowledge goads them into more diligent exercise etc. For me, I just become miserable and think, what's the point? So I have to prod myself out of the mindset and, as my dear husband points out when his patience is being tested, that where I am now is streets better than where I was before the surgery...and it will get even better - in time.

I have a couple of acquaintances who made speedy recoveries and, while we shouldn't compare ourselves to others blah blah blah, it's hard not to (and, in my darker moments, to resist the temptation to kick them...). So it's very helpful to hear from others who have dealt with a long recovery process and to know that, when my surgeon and physio say time after time that it will come, it will - they're not just trying to shut me up!

Sue

 

[soSuesew]

So, now six months after the RTKR and I could be, surprise surprise in a serious funk again. I'm three months off a check-up with the orthopedic surgeon, unless I ask for something sooner.

I *AM* loads better than I was pre-surgery, of course. I am loads better than post-surgery...except, except, except. Still not a whole lot of bend on my knee, perhaps 95 - 100 degrees flexion, although every (French) nurse, physio and doctor says "it will come..." I feel as if my knee won't bend more because, mechanically, it just won't, rather than pain stopping me. I still know the knee is 'there' and I am often stiff and have some discomfort (although not pain) over my kneecap. The muscles around and at the top of my calf are often uncomfortable and tight. I'm walking much better than a couple of months ago but slowly and would struggle to walk for longer than 45/60 minutes. I often find myself going up/down the stairs one at a time, although if I think about it and make the effort, and clutch the banisters, I can do it normally.

I am not a naturally energetic person - I can struggle to make myself exercise and go for walks. I spent five months on crutches pre-surgery and didn't use my knee for that time. I wasn't fit going into the process and, although I've lost some weight, I'm not much fitter now.

Do I accept that I am having a very slow recovery and not worry until see the surgeon in June? Do I need a severe talking-to to get up off my b*m and get exercising/walking more? Do I need to start accepting that, although not perfect, this is it? I don't think I had unrealistic expectations going in - I didn't think i was going to be an athlete after the surgery. But I did think I would be as good as I was before the knee failed. And I'm not yet...

Cheer me up! Or tell me off!

Sue in Aix en Issart, where spring is almost springing...

 

[maryo52]

Would it work if I said "cheer up" in a telling-off tone??!!

First off, be glad you're not in the US being told that you gain very little ROM after 3 months. That's a pretty downer statement.

Of course you're discouraged. It isn't as if you were hoping to do cartwheels, marathons and mountain peaks. You'd like your leg to feel a little more willing to bend.

There really is no hurry to see a doctor here. However, I do have to wonder what's holding your knee back from bending more. Is there some scar tissue tethering things? Is the knee in too tight? I would get his opinion. I continue to have minor issues with effusion and just an overall larger, stiffer knee than the other, and the pressure over the kneecap is certainly part of that picture.

I've been through down/lazy times and up/active times. I think it's just part of the process. If anything, some light bicycling would be good for your knee. Or something involving water?