TKR LTKR Done

[amber777]

@Mutti3 thanks for that. My hubby wants me to wait till he’s around to give up the chair. I do shower unsupervised now but with the chair. On the weekend when he’s home I’ll try it without and see how I feel.

 

[mendogal]

@amber777 - exactly my situation! I have been fully independent with the shower bench for two weeks now and during my last shower I really didn't want to sit on it! So my next shower will be without it but with MDH in the adjacent bedroom (we do have excellent grab bars and just a two inch lip into the shower area).

 

[amber777]

@mendogal We don’t currently have any grab bars, but it might be an idea as we aren’t getting any younger. I also have to step over the side of the tub.

 

[sistersinhim]

I also had to step over the tub so I left my shower chair in there until I could safely step over the top of the tub. I think it was at least 6 weeks.

There is absolutely no rush to get rid of your after-surgery aids. They are there for your safety and comfort. Too discard them too soon could be putting you in danger and certainly not worth it!

 

[amber777]

@sistersinhim i decided not to rush giving up the aids. You’re right no rush .

 

[Layla]

We don’t currently have any grab bars, but it might be an idea as we aren’t getting any younger. I also have to step over the side of the tub.

A word of caution, If you decide on grab bars, please do not trust adhesive grab bars, but only the type secured into the shower wall.

Check this out as another option -
Bathtub Grab Bar Safety Rail - Here

A great week to you, Amber!
@amber777

 

[benne68]

decided not to rush giving up the aids.

I think that's a wise decision. Better to have them and not need them than to risk a fall.

I know patience is a hard, but try to give it time.

 

[amber777]

So today I walked about 15 minutes one way and visited for about an hour and walked back 15 minutes to my car. Went to physio and now I’m hurting quite a lot. Thought I was getting better, but feel so much worse now.

 

[mendogal]

So today I walked about 15 minutes one way and visited for about an hour and walked back 15 minutes to my car. Went to physio and now I’m hurting quite a lot. Thought I was getting better, but feel so much worse now.

You ARE doing better... so as we do, each and every one of us, you overdid it!!!
Now you can see what your actual current limit is, rest up, and then consider not (yet) taking long walks the same day as your physio.
Perspective: my TKR was June 14 and I consider my ROM and activity tolerance to be very good. My morning walk is about .4 mile with the walking stick, then a solid half hour ice and elevation before prepping and eating breakfast. On a day I have physio, I skip the morning walk. The exercise the rest of the day is purely normal puttering about the house, with at four or five more icing and elevations before bedtime. Having said that... It was only three days ago I doubled up on activity and suffered for it. I guess what I'm trying to say is, we ARE getting better. Please don't get discouraged!!!!

 

[Jaycey]

@amber777 You are not even one month out from surgery. Please be realistic! This process takes one year or longer. Slow and steady is the best approach.

 

[amber777]

@Jaycey In my head I know you’re right and I should be patient, my body starts to feel pretty good and then, I convince myself I can do more than I should. Today is about rest.

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
I hope you’re feeling better today. Please do understand that the healing process after this controlled trauma takes time, you will have good days and not so good days, but don’t overdo it on the good days and you’ll have a more steady recovery.
A great weekend to you, Amber!
@amber777

 

[amber777]

@Layla Thank you, enjoy your weekend too. It’s my 34th Anniversary today.

 

[sistersinhim]

Happy Anniversary!

 

[Layla]

A belated Happy 34th Anniversary to you, Amber!
Wishing you many more!
@amber777

 

[amber777]

I’m not sure when I’ll know that I no longer need to use my cane. I’ve had a limp for so many years that I can’t tell if it’s still there or gone.

 

[Layla]

Hi Amber,
When you find yourself walking away from it is normally a sign you no longer need it. If you’re using it because you’re still limping, really concentrate on heel-toe walking and see if it improves,

Heel-toe walking involves striking the ground with your heel first, then rolling through your heel to your toe, and pushing out of the step with your toe.
It takes a concentrated effort, but I believe you'll notice a difference. Give it a try.

Here is a visual -

 

[amber777]

@Layla i walk away from it all the time. I will try focusing on heel toe walking.

 

[Jaycey]

@amber777 Since you have been using your cane for longer than just your recovery, this is going to take some time and patience. But if you are leaving the cane - that's great news. Just take it a few steps at a time. And if you are at all tired or limping, use the cane. It will take awhile to build up your strength and confidence.

 

[sistersinhim]

I used my cane at least 20 years before my TKR and found it difficult to not grab it because it had become such a part of my hand! I think it was about 6 months before I quit using it when I was out in public. There was no problem going without it around home, but out in a crowd I had to have it for security.

I still find myself becoming afraid that I'll be knocked down when in a crowd or around children. I will grab hold of my friend's arm until out of the perceived danger. Hopefully, you will be able to overcome this and be secure without it.