TKR LTKR on Nov4

[emh0412]

Can I just ask what is a Lounge Doctor? I’m in the UK and maybe it’s called something else here! Thank you.

Lounge Doctor Leg Rest

The Lounge Doctor Leg Rest is the only patented leg rest on the market designed to effectively improve your venous health by reducing swelling and improving blood flow. The Lounge Doctor's patented shape is constructed of high-resiliency open cell foam and includes a top-of-the-line innovative...

www.loungedoctor.com

It’s not like a normal wedge pillow. That made my knee hurt a lot

 

[emh0412]

It is a pillow that is better than a regular wedge. If you google it, you can see it. I forgot I can’t share links here. Or search for it in the forum, there’s been a lot of discussion about it

 

[Jockette]

Can I just ask what is a Lounge Doctor? I’m in the UK and maybe it’s called something else here! Thank you.

bonesmart

Elevate Your Health With the only patented leg rest designed by a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon. Shop Leg Rests Made in the USA! The Lounge Doctor is proudly designed & made in the United States About Us Over 100,000 Sold! Check out what our customers have to say about us Our Reviews...

www.loungedoctor.com

 

[emh0412]

First day with Barb. She got me to 90 degrees with a little stretching before. She didn’t over do it which I was happy about.

Today was my last day of celebrex. Little afraid.

 

[benne68]

She got me to 90 degrees with a little stretching before. She didn’t over do it which I was happy about.

I glad to read she didn't overdo it, but would you clarify what you mean by "she got me to 90 degrees"?

I hope it was just the stretching, and that it is YOU bending the knee on your own, under your own power. No pushing allowed!

 

[emh0412]

Nope. It was more letting my feet dangle on the side of the table and allowing gravity to work. A few back and forth (really leg up and down) by me and then she measured. The home therapist measured me laying down only so this was different

 

[mendogal]

Sitting up is a more realistic method I think: Lying down our hip is more flexed, which can make flexion more difficult/painful for several months.

Overall, it seems best to focus on meaningful functional milestones than on numbers - and it was gratifying that my surgeon and his PAs never asked about numbers. They watched me walk in and sit, watched my knee move, and asked what I could do.

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
How are you doing? Let us know when you have the time.
Hope to hear from you soon!
@emh0412

 

[emh0412]

I’m doing ok. Good days, bad days. Still at PT, taking it easy. I’m at 100 right now which I’m happy about.
Good day this week was at PT, I warmed up on the rolator and she said I could try the recumbent bike backward if I wanted. I got all the way around without much struggle. The next day she said try backwards 10 times and then try forward if you want. So I did and I did it! I told my husband later and started to cry just because I was so happy. It has been years before I did that.
Yesterday was a day off from pt and since I had no where to go, my husband went to work for the first time since surgery. It went well and my dogs weren’t too annoying. Love them dearly but I was afraid of the up and down, in and out all day. I tried our own bike at home and that didn’t happen. The one at the PTs is a little more generous with how it is set up. So a pretty good day.

Last night however was a bad night. I was very aware of and annoyed with the ice machine. The hose is so inflexible. Tossed and turned until 3:30am and chucked it across the room. I was so tired I was in tears. Told the PT about it today and she said to not wear it overnight and sleep is important. So maybe I’ll try that tonight and just ice asap in the morning.

Zingers are being mean though. May have to contact the doctor about some nerve meds if they get any worse.

 

[mendogal]

Yes, I had the same experience: the bikes at PT are built so your feet are close to the pedals but the turning radius doesn't require as much flexion or extension.
It took me months to be able to use the bike at my gym!

If you can fully ice and elevate for an hour before bed, you may be at the point of not needing to ice overnight.

 

[Layla]

Thanks for the update, emh,
Overall it sounds like you're doing really well!

The next day she said try backwards 10 times and then try forward if you want. So I did and I did it! I told my husband later and started to cry just because I was so happy. It has been years before I did that.

Yay for happy tears! You were so grateful...that you were moved to tears. It's wonderful to regain mobility again after struggling for any length of time. I'm happy for you! Have a great weekend!

 

[emh0412]

Ugh. Can’t sleep. Again. I think the implant slowly releases caffeine haha.

Yesterday I tried the bike at home. Couldn’t do it so I just went back and forth a little. I was trying to figure out how I was sitting at home compared to at pt and I realized if I put a pillow under me, it might help.
I was actually able to go backwards! I did it 10 times like at PT and then tried forward. Success!!! I went forward 100 times! I just didn’t feel like stopping. Then I set my watch timer for 4 minutes.
Today I used the pillow again, I went for 5 minutes very very slowly. It felt good to stretch out a lot.

I’m only taking oxy at night for sleep now. This is day / of that. I thought I may start sleeping better. Going to try again.

 

[Jockette]

Ugh. Can’t sleep. Again. I think the implant slowly releases caffeine haha.

Here are some of the reasons why you can’t sleep:

Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

Time and again members complain about not being able to sleep and after a while, that it gets to making them feel frustrated, despairing, depressed and even ill. I thought perhaps a short treatise on the reasons for disturbance of sleep patterns was long overdue. It won't help you to sleep but...

bonesmart.org

 

[Layla]

I think the implant slowly releases caffeine haha.

This is funny!

I am sorry you're finding it difficult to get the restorative rest we all want post op.

Pillows may help you get comfortable in bed, making it easier to fall asleep. You can experiment with different arrangements to find what works for you. I liked having extras around so I could rest a leg, or arm easily enough, whatever felt comfortable. Make up the bed with your most comfortable bedding / blankets along with a few extra bed pillows of different degrees of firmness. Try to block out the light if it's daytime. Minimize noise unless you feel listening to calming relaxation music, a fan, or white noise may help lull you to sleep. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or too cold. Try to disconnect from the devices at least an hour before the targeted nap or bed time, so it's easier to wind down. Limit caffeine throughout the day and consider natural sleep aids such as Valerian, Chamomile or, Magnesium, my personal favorite, which can assist in muscle relaxation and nerves and promote healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

Apply ice for a time before bed to reduce swelling and numb the discomfort. Try some relaxation techniques if you feel they may work for you such as deep breathing, prayer or meditation or even some gentle stretching may help relax your body and mind.

An article on Magnesium from our Library -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

Most large grocers carry a variety of teas such as Celestial Seasonings - Sleepytime Herb Tea,
Yogi Teas, Bedtime, Bigelow Cozy Chamomile, all of which may help you relax...at least worth a try.

Time will also help with sleep, and that takes patience. Wishing you many nights of peaceful sleep soon!

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary, emh!
I hope the year is off to a good start for you and your sleep is improving.
With the holidays behind us and a flip of the calendar it's a new year!
Hope 2025 is a good one for you.
@emh0412