TKR Momweb's second knee joins the first

[momweb]

Hi all,
Just wondering what you all measured at 5 - 6 weeks. I see the surgeon next week which will be my 6 week mark. I still have difficult nights but walking without any assistive devices, can go up and down stairs like a normal person and am working on getting stronger. BUT, my flexion is still only 105 measured with the PT's assistance today. I was hoping for 120 by week 6. Where are you?

 

[DLR]

@momweb wow you are doing awesome! I am 3 days behind you, flexion around 105 unassisted. I use a cane outside the house, nothing inside. Stairs are ok going up more difficult going down but definitely use the handrails. Be proud of yourself your flexion is great and will continue to increase

 

[Josephine]

Just wondering what you all measured at 5 - 6 weeks.

It doesn't matter what other people achieve. Don't compare!

my flexion is still only 105 measured with the PT's assistance today. I was hoping for 120 by week 6.

What do you mean 'only'? That's not at all bad for 5½ weeks out!

But you should never allow a PT to 'assist' when measuring your ROM. The only number that counts is that which you can achieve on your own! Plus you should never set targets. Not ever.


I'd really like to offer you some structured advice but in order to do that, I also need to ask you some questions. Are you willing for me to do that?

 

[Jockette]

walking without any assistive devices, can go up and down stairs like a normal person

These are awesome milestones for 6 weeks out! I’m 18 months and still can’t go up and down stairs like a normal person.

Function beats a number any time. My number is in the 120s but it doesn’t help the pain I have when I go up and down stairs.

You’re doing great!

 

[Kathy0427]

Hi, @momweb, was just wondering how you are doing? I’m going through that dreaded up-and-down period right now and struggling with how much or how little of PT/ activity/ to do. Thanks for replying about your Bakers Cyst; I do think some of my pain and burning and tightness are from it!
Hoping no news from you means good news
Kathy

 

[momweb]

Hi @Kathy0427 I haven't posted for awhile because it's been so busy. I belong to an educational technology group and our major statewide conference is this weekend. So, between the meetings, going to PT and life itself, there just wasn't much time left over. Thank you for checking in. I'm doing ok. I'm still experiencing pain on the medial side of my knee. I've also discovered that my hamstrings are weaker than I thought. Some of the exercises I do cause some discomfort so I have to be careful. Sleep still eludes me which is the worse. At 9 weeks, though, I think I'm doing great. Once these minor annoyances go away I'll be good to go. I still go to PT 2 times a week. Her massage and stretching really help.

How about you? Those rollercoaster days are certainly the pits. I still have them but try to put them out of my thoughts (not always easy). Please stay in touch.
Sue

 

[sistersinhim]

The majority of OSs expect 90 degrees at 6 weeks. You'll already above that! Enjoy your good bend!

 

[momweb]

Hi everyone,
It's been awhile since I posted. I'm now at 10 weeks and was feeling kind of down. I did a lot of walking this past weekend while at a statewide conference. My knee is killing me and swollen. I still can't bend as much as I want and I've yet to get a good night's sleep.

So, I decided to reread the journal I kept with my first knee 3 years ago. I'm so glad I did. It brought everything back into focus. I am still pretty early on at 10 weeks. I'm also doing really well compared to my first knee. When you're in the throes of this year long roller coaster, you forget that every little pain is a part of the process. You forget that working hard, not over working, will get to your goal eventually. I finished reading my successes and my losses and came away with a renewed sense that I am ok and my knee will be ok. It just takes time!!