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TKR LTKR Done

Had my 6 week check yesterday. My surgeon was very happy. In his opinion I have full extension and excellent bend. He didn’t measure anything though. He said at 6 weeks it’s doing great. Said I can ditch the cane whenever I feel ready. :egypdance::flwrysmile:
It’s not completely pain free yet but most days there is less pain than pre surgery..
My first TKR eventually got the hyperextension back, so maybe this one will too.
 
Kind of frustrated with physios expectations for my recovery. She said you’re really protective of that knee, I said it’s only been 6 weeks give me a break. I feel like going to physio is an exercise in shoulding all over myself and then I feel bad as I haven’t done enough. I haven’t done my exercises enough. I should be able to get out of a chair without using the arms. I should be walking the stairs like a “normal “ person! I’m sure I’ll get where I’m supposed to be eventually.
 
Total rubbish - you are only 6 weeks out. Obviously that physio has never had TKR. Please don't feel pressure to meet any milestones. There is no timeline for this recovery.

If this physio is just making you feel bad, please ask for another person with more compassion or quit and do your exercises at home.
 
So true about PTs who are young and don’t have any first time experience with joint replacements.

So many factors come in to play like age, fitness, health, the type of prosthesis and surgical procedure complexity.

Find a PT that doesn’t paint everybody with the same rush. It’s super important that you feel comfortable, and they respect you for what you are able to accomplish as opposed to what they think you should be able to accomplish.

Keep taking those little steps forward, and in time you will turn around and look at how far you’ve come. I get just as excited for other people achieving those little goals as I do for myself.

Keep on steppin!:hiking:
 
You have a bad PT person. You need to find someone who knows how to rehab a joint replacement. These require a different approach than other things. Having bad PT is much worse than having no PT. You don't even have to go to PT if you don't want to. Many of us never did and ended up just as well as others that did go. Doing gentle movements in your daily activities is only what your knee needs to recover its movements.
 
@sistersinhim I don’t disagree with you about my PT person, here in Alberta Canada we are given 8 PT sessions covered buy Alberta health care and no choice of location or person. I’m doing what I can going though required PT but I have 3 sessions left and then I’m on my own. Kind of looking forward to being in my own.
 
amber777 said:
She said you’re really protective of that knee,
Click to expand...
Umm, yeah! It was just sliced open and part of your natural knee replaced with a prosthetic. In case she hasn’t figured out yet, that causes PAIN and apprehension…for good reason. I think I would have laughed and asked her if she was serious.
 
Since you have to have this PT person, set the ground rules from now on. You will do nothing that hurts! It's your knee and you have total control of what happens to it. Not to mention, you have to live with the results of too-aggressive therapy.
 
Layla said:
amber777 said:
She said you’re really protective of that knee,
Click to expand...
Umm, yeah! It was just sliced open and part of your natural knee replaced with a prosthetic. In case she hasn’t figured out yet, that causes PAIN and apprehension…for good reason. I think I would have laughed and asked her if she was serious.
Click to expand...
My husband accidentally grabbed it once without thinking and I hit him after, he felt bad. Also dropped my purse on it one day and both were painful, so yes I’m protecting it.
 
I had a cat jump on mine when I was in the recliner elevating. I screamed and that was the last time he did that! Yes, we are very protective of our surgical areas!
 
Happy Two Month Anniversary, amber!
I hope recovery is moving along smoothly for you.
Have a wonderful week!
@amber777
 
amber777 said:
Weirdly sometimes my other one aches too.
Click to expand...
I think this is because it's doing so much of the 'work' now that your left one is out of commission. Once your new one takes over more, your old one should get back to normal. We find this is a normal thing.
 
So I’m back at work. My work isn’t demanding on the knee. It’s aching more now though and feels quite tight.
Had my final physio and she seamed disappointed in my ROM. I was at 100 according to her, however she says my 9 year old replacement is also only 100 which I know for certain it is not. I feel discouraged and like I’ve failed in my recovery.
 
amber777 said:
I feel discouraged and like I’ve failed in my recovery.
Click to expand...
I agree with @Mutti3, your knee is only less than 25% healed, in this year long recovery. You have not failed! Being back to work is a major undertaking for a young knee struggling to heal.

Hang out here with us, Bonesmart has a wealth of advice, information and support.
We will offer helpful suggestions, :idea:

Cheer your accomplishments :happydance:

And send hugs when you are feeling down. :console2:

Best wishes!
 
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amber777 said:
But it’s hard hearing they’re disappointed in your recovery.
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Their disappointment is on them, not you. They don’t understand the recovery from a joint replacement. Those of us here at Bonesmart, especially those of us who have been here for years, truly understand. We have read so many posts, and we’ve all had a joint replacement. They are expecting way too much from your knee at this early stage. You’re going to be fine, it’s just going to take time. :console2:
 
My takeaway from my own two TKRs and reading so many posts here is that the best thing to do is totally ignore the flexion and extension numbers and instead focus 100% on functional use in daily life with attention to each small milestone... best indicator of progress and best thing for one's mental health!!!! Hang in there.
 
mendogal said:
My takeaway from my own two TKRs and reading so many posts here is that the best thing to do is totally ignore the flexion and extension numbers and instead focus 100% on functional use in daily life with attention to each small milestone... best indicator of progress and best thing for one's mental health!!!! Hang in there.
Click to expand...
I completely agree with her! Don't sweat things, they will come!
 
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