Thanks @
kneeper. I do feel 'behind' the rest in that I'm still using my walker when out and about but you're right, I'm not going to win any awards for not doing so. ;-)
I am a caterer by profession and had to be at a breakfast yesterday for a group of people that I've worked with for years. By and large, they were all very supportive/concerned/sweet about my being there and making sure that I was okay and not doing too much. Of course, there was the one dummy that felt the need to say to me 'you had your knee replaced 3 weeks ago and you're STILL using a walker? I have friends that are just fine 3 weeks out'. No clue what his motivation in saying something like that to me was other than to make me feel like poop, but whatever.
I know I've done too much since my TKR. I never realized that just standing, cooking or moving around could be too much, but it apparently is. I've resolved to not work AT ALL next week (I actually turned down 2 jobs already which is painful in it's own right), so I can dedicate the week to truly trying to gain some ground on my recovery.
I find myself a bit 'stuck'. My ROM is not improving (@90/-5). My knee is still very swollen, tight, stiff and sore. I am still taking my pain meds by the clock and have not cut back on anything yet. I am wondering, however, what everyone thinks my week should 'look' like, since I can't get a handle on what is 'too much'. I live alone, so I am up getting ice pacs, snacks, drinks, etc.... but aside from that and trips to the bathroom and a few laps around the house mixed in with some light stretches and such between PT sessions, what should I be doing all day? I ice and elevate as much as possible as it is (anytime I'm sitting and a minimum of 6 or so times a day), but can't imagine doing that pretty much round the clock. However, if that's what is best, then that is what I will do. I'm having some lower back pain issues as well (i assume from all the laying/sitting around), so that makes it a bit challenging to get comfortable with the knee. Just not sure how much I should be on my feet at 4 weeks out. Especially since I've been up and around doing things I should not have been doing since week 2, I could use some help on 'stepping things back'. I've stocked up on frozen meals and soup so I won't need to cook for myself. I realize I'm going about this backwards as 4 weeks is usually when people should start stepping up their activities, but I guess better late than never?
I appreciate everyone's support and advice. Although my 'roller coaster ride' has not been too much fun as of now, I know things will and are getting better little bits at a time. OH! And I FINALLY have my doggies home, so that's a good thing!
United States
(nights seem to be when I prefer to have my self pittying crying fits though) :/
I honestly believed that would be me and yet I have found this journey one of the most difficult I have EVER had to take in my whole life. I am on a rollercoaster of emotions, I am worried life will never be the same again and that this knee, which doesn't feel like mine, will continue to cause me problems despite my efforts. Then there are times when I think- hey I can do something today that I couldn't do yesterday!!!
I think it's way too early for me to try and step down my pain meds. I am back to taking my 2 oxy, by the clock, every 4 hours and when those run out in a few short days, I will be calling for either a new script or one for Tramadol ( as it's been suggested that that would be a good 1st step 'down'). OTC will be sitting on MY counter for quite a while yet it appears....
Hope today is better for you.
