New Forum Member

[LindaZ]

I'm Jamie, a previous member, and my next door neighbor (LindaZ) had a LTKR on September 8th. Today she was experiencing a bad day and we got her set up on the forum so she could get the wonderful support from you that helped me so much. Please write a note of encouragement if you can....encourage her that things will get better as time goes by and tell her it's okay to take pain meds! Thanks!!!! .....Jamie

 

[RickB]

Jamie/LindaZ,

Linda, I just had BTKR, right one on Aug 25 and the left (after two (2) surgeries) on Sep 4, I left the hospital Sep 8. Yesterday I got the wheels on the bike to go around for the first time. So Linda you hang in there, I know as all the others on this fantastic support forum, there will be some bad days. BUT THE BEST IS YET TO BE! We all are pulling for you and you are in our prayers.

God Bless,
Rick

 

[gloucesterman]

WELCOME LindaZ,
You'll have to get ready for the good, the bad, & the darn right ugly!!
There will be the days when all seems to be going fine and then the opposite will jump up and bite you in the butt.. I had my LTKR on Sept 5th, this following a partial on January 25th that subsuquently failed. I have been disabled since January and now have to start all over again!! It takes a lot of character to keep pushing when all you want to do is lay down and quit, but you cannot and you know it. You have had the TKR now it's time to do the work to recover, because it is a full time job and giving up is really not an option. Keep telling yourself that it makes no sense to have the TKR and then give up and you can do it! When your down your not alone cause every member here has been on the same road and are probably feeling exactly the same as you on those down days. I'm feeling that way myself today and it may have translated into my response. There are better days coming for you, me and hopefully all the others too!!!
Hang in there!
gloucesterman

 

[Gretchendz]

Welcome,

This is a great supportive group--ask anything, keep up with your pain meds and stool softeners.

It is a tough recovery but in a few weeks/months you will be very happy you did this!

 

[Doug]

Well LindaZ, I look forward to hearing from you...
Don't even think about getting discouraged yet...You have lots of healing to do from the surgery.
Holler back.

 

[Kimgrif]

Welcome, LindaZ!

I had RTKR on 08/22, so not too long before you. Tomorrow is 5 weeks for me. I've had some really DOWN days, days where I've said that there's no WAY I would ever, EVER do this again, feeling VERY sorry for myself, etc.

Just keep coming here and reading and posting when you need to. I promise you, there's nothing new here that these people haven't been through, and they have this amazing power to pull you through even the worst days!

I finally had a breakthrough yesterday, like RickB, and got those pedals to go all the way around. Today, I made it for 2.5 minutes fully pedaling! I feel like the little boy in Forrest Gump, who, as he runs faster and faster, the braces fall off his legs and he's finally running unencumbered. It's amazing!

Hang in there, girl. Take your pain medications, they are your friends. Do NOT be afraid of them or fear addiction. You'll be off of them before you know it, but for now, TAKE THEM. You cannot exercise if you are in pain. Make sure you are taking your stool softeners though or you'll seriously add to your misery and there's no reason to add THAT misery!

It's OKAY to post that you are having a rough time. Everyone here will help you cope and everyone here FULLY understands what you are going through!

 

[LindaZ]

Thanks to everyone who responded so quickly. I know I am not alone. Family problems do not add to a speedy recovery. I know I must work hard to get myself going sometime but the meds do help. I feel like I have a leg that is foreign to the rest of my body. I hope that feeling subsides when I gain strength and control of my new leg. I must confess that the way I felt when the surgery and all was over that my leg was taken off and wondered if I would ever be a whole person again. I can't believe I let myself go through this. I hope it's worth it, because if I knew then what I know now.......It's just like all of the grief therapy I've been going through these past several years. There's no way around it except through it. I hope to emerge a stronger person as time goes by. God be with each and everyone one of you, and you will be in my prayers daily. Linda Z.
Linda Z

 

[missyc]

Hi LindaZ. I'm 5 weeks post op and feel the same -- I can't imagine why I let myself go through this. I'd give anything to be back where I was pre-op, even tho it was painful and debilitating (which, I keep reminding myself, is why I went through with it). But this forum is helping me have faith that one day I will say I'm glad I did it. My surgeon's office manager told me that day comes 4 months post-op, and not one day before. Not that she's an expert necessarily, and the forum shows that people are all over the map, but it's something to hold on to...

 

[hess]

Linda,

You deserve a congrats for overcoming the first obstacle, the surgery. Now, the fun begins!!! I had my LTKR on June 9, and in August, I actually rode my bike outside! I cried like a baby, and it was at that time that I realized that this was all so worth it! I would not turn back now if you paid me, and I'm confident that you will feel the same way soon enough. The first 2-3 weeks are tough, no doubt, but the small accomplishments are SO amazing, you will so thoroughly enjoy them!

When you are having good times, or times are tough, please come visit this place. It is the most wonderful thing to feel the support from so many who have been in the same boat!

Keep your head up, remember the pain meds, they only help (honestly), and whatever you do, DON'T forget the stool softeners!!!

Good luck,
Hess

 

[AlaskanTKR]

LindaZ
Welcome aboard! I am happy you were able to find the support this group can provide. The people here a re awesome - and when you are feeling down they can pick you up - especially with some of the non-knee related posts - (I think I saw one about boiling peanuts????) But when it comes to the down days - make sure you get online and aks or vent - the people here truly understand what you are going through - and trust me - they really care!

Hang in there - and don't forget to tell us when things are going good as well - I love to send the ALASKAN HAPPY DANCE to everyone that finally gets that bike pedal to go all the way around!

Marianne

 

[Josephine]

Hey Linda - we're good at some things here that you might fimd useful

Information

Support

Encouragement when you feel low

Blowing a trumpet for you when you win one!

 

[Linda2]

Welcome from Linda2 to LindaZ!

My surgery was July 28--and I still have good days and bad days. I must say, though, that the leg does feel like it belongs to me--it's just that sometimes I wish it was a more cooperative appendage. I still have swelling and pain, but it is getting better. I can walk for long periods, drive my car--do just about everything except stand up from a low position without using my arms. I am hoping to get back to Pilates soon to regain my strength.

Keep plugging away. Take your meds, your stool softeners, and do all the exercises you can manage. When you're done with "managing", get that leg up and ice!

 

[LindaZ]

Mornings are the hardest. My leg seems to be stiffer then and it takes a while for it to get going or loosensed up. Is this normal what I'm feeling? I have come to really dislike mornings for that reason. I'm so worried that I won't return to a normal life. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

 

[misscheer]

HI Lindaz I am now 3 months post op and feel wonderful I forget that I have had a tkr at times. I am so happy I had it done The stiffness is normal I have stiffness in the morning but found that leg lifts and bending before I get out of bed helps. I too worried that I would not have my normal life back truthfully after 2 months post op I felt normal again. Doing housework was the biggest thrill when I could finally do it without help. Now it is not such a thrill just a never ending cycle haha. You will soon rejoice in the little things and be happy that you had the surgery. It takes time I thought I would be fine after surgery did not realize what a long recovery it was. Be patient and keep working hard at PT do your exercises on the days when you do not have PT. Keep smiling better days are coming your way I promise.

 

[Doug]

Linda, two things will help you return to normal....1. Working the leg out and rebuilding ROM and strength. 2. Time
I'm at 8 months, and plan to go play some light Lacrosse with my son today. I'll probably feel like death warmed over tonight but I'm going to give it a shot.

 

[patfinch]

Hi Linda,
Congratulations on your surgery I had my LTKR on 5th August, and agree that the recovery period is a long journey of ups and downs.
Last week I felt great, went to Alton Towers on Friday with my family, and as there were no wheelchairs available, I had to walk round for 7 hours on my crutches........nooooo fun..........then Saturday, everyone was out at work, and we desperately needed shopping, so despite being in agony, I decided to drive to the shops for the first time post op...again ..noooooo fun....
I now feel like I have put myself backwards a few weeks, but it could not be avoided...
Never mind,, plenty rest ice elevation and of course painkillers, and hopefully in the next few weeks I should be back on the up and jumping back on my exercise bike ( I have left it alone for a few days )
Keep posting on here..its a fabulous forum and everyone is here to help....I think almost every subject has been covered, and if not..there is always someone to share their experiences and offer advice and support.....
Good luck, with your journey.....think of the end result hun......that will keep you sane.

Love and hugs Pat xx

 

[Doug]

O.K., It's about 5pm...Did I mention how absolutely stupid it was for me to attempt to keep up with my son at lacrosse?
Think I'll take a pain pill, crawl off and die.
Wish I could fit in the freezer and ice my whole body. My teeth even hurt.

 

[Josephine]

Oh Doug, Doug, Doug!

 

[Jamie]

O.K., It's about 5pm...Did I mention how absolutely stupid it was for me to attempt to keep up with my son at lacrosse?
Think I'll take a pain pill, crawl off and die.
Wish I could fit in the freezer and ice my whole body. My teeth even hurt.

Teeth hurt??? Sounds like you bit off more than you could chew! So if this is "light lacrosse" what constitutes a vigorous game???? Sounds like you had quite a workout!! Take care of yourself, yahear? We need you around this forum. And tell your son to wipe that smirk off his face.....the one that says I really got to old Dad.

 

[Gretchendz]

Thanks to everyone who responded so quickly. I know I am not alone. Family problems do not add to a speedy recovery. I know I must work hard to get myself going sometime but the meds do help. I feel like I have a leg that is foreign to the rest of my body. I hope that feeling subsides when I gain strength and control of my new leg. I must confess that the way I felt when the surgery and all was over that my leg was taken off and wondered if I would ever be a whole person again. I can't believe I let myself go through this. I hope it's worth it, because if I knew then what I know now.......It's just like all of the grief therapy I've been going through these past several years. There's no way around it except through it. I hope to emerge a stronger person as time goes by. God be with each and everyone one of you, and you will be in my prayers daily. Linda Z.
Linda Z

Linda, There will come a time, sooner than you think, when your new knee will not seem odd. The stiffness and pain diminishes. I'm 5 months out and my new knee feels so much better that I am eagerly awaiting getting the other one done next month! I had no idea how much pain I was in for years for the surgery; I wasn't even aware of it.

Also remember, the meds can contribute to depression. You need them, but realize you will likely feel better emotionally when you are able to reduce or eliminate them.

If you are like most of us, in a few months what you going though now will be a vague memory. Time is the great healer!