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Beautifu scar! You are doing great.
Chris
Chris
TKR New Left Knee . . . Check!!
- Thread starter editor98
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tyncam
member
We have a lab that is 10 years old today and meandering appears to be the perfect pace for her. Congratulations on another milestone.
OP
OP
editor98
senior
Dale,
That is exactly what I told my son yesterday--if Abby were about 10 years old, her pace would probably be good for me! I used to walk her twice a day, 2 miles each time, before my surgery. Someday.......
Niki
That is exactly what I told my son yesterday--if Abby were about 10 years old, her pace would probably be good for me! I used to walk her twice a day, 2 miles each time, before my surgery. Someday.......
Niki
OP
OP
editor98
senior
I am feeling very frustrated and discouraged. I finished my third week of PT today. The strength is definitely coming back, but my ROM--very discouraging. When he measured me today, it was less than when he measured me 10 days ago. Today I measured at 95 for flexion and 4 for extension. Ten days ago, I was at 98 (just about 100 when he really pushed me) and 2 for extension.
I know I overdid it yesterday a bit and paid the price in stiffness and swelling. So last night I elevated and iced through most of the night and did the same before I went to PT today. And still I seem to be going backward. It was all I could do not to cry when he told me what my measurement was today. I'll take slow, as long as it's progress, but I am not much better off now than I was three weeks ago. I will be 11 weeks out on Tuesday with 95 degrees for flexion! This is barely functional for me. I can't really bend my knee enough to walk without slightly swinging my foot out to the side.
It was just a very disappointing day today. My PT brought up the Dynasplint again and said he will put that recommendation in his notes to my OS. I see my OS on Thursday. I am beginning to get somewhat concerned that I am not going to recover my full range of motion. I have not reached a point yet where I am happy that I did this surgery. I may have been in pain before, but at least I could move, walk, workout every day. I'm just starting to feel like I've lost so much more than I'm ever going to gain back.
Sorry for the downer post, but it's been that kind of day. Cried some tears into my bath water tonight for sure.....
Niki
I know I overdid it yesterday a bit and paid the price in stiffness and swelling. So last night I elevated and iced through most of the night and did the same before I went to PT today. And still I seem to be going backward. It was all I could do not to cry when he told me what my measurement was today. I'll take slow, as long as it's progress, but I am not much better off now than I was three weeks ago. I will be 11 weeks out on Tuesday with 95 degrees for flexion! This is barely functional for me. I can't really bend my knee enough to walk without slightly swinging my foot out to the side.
It was just a very disappointing day today. My PT brought up the Dynasplint again and said he will put that recommendation in his notes to my OS. I see my OS on Thursday. I am beginning to get somewhat concerned that I am not going to recover my full range of motion. I have not reached a point yet where I am happy that I did this surgery. I may have been in pain before, but at least I could move, walk, workout every day. I'm just starting to feel like I've lost so much more than I'm ever going to gain back.
Sorry for the downer post, but it's been that kind of day. Cried some tears into my bath water tonight for sure.....
Niki
Mountain Kat
senior
~Hugs~ Niki! I'm sorry you had a rough day. :console: I know how you feel about wanting progress, but perhaps today's measurements were an anomaly because you overdid it yesterday.
By the way, I think you are allowed a few tears! You have kept such an amazing attitude throughout the difficult path you've been on. I'm sure most of us, especially me, would have broken down many times before now!
By the way, I think you are allowed a few tears! You have kept such an amazing attitude throughout the difficult path you've been on. I'm sure most of us, especially me, would have broken down many times before now!
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Niki,
Your measurements are with in 5 degrees of each other, there is a 5 degree margin of error measuring ROM. So you have not lost a thing. Get some rest and tomorrow will be a new day. Don't forget the total eclipse of the Moon just before sunrise, PST, Saturday morning.
Chris
Your measurements are with in 5 degrees of each other, there is a 5 degree margin of error measuring ROM. So you have not lost a thing. Get some rest and tomorrow will be a new day. Don't forget the total eclipse of the Moon just before sunrise, PST, Saturday morning.
Chris
karmigirl
post-grad
Niki,
Please don't get discouraged, I think you hit on the problem by over doing yesterday. I did notice the ROM and extension going up and down for awhile in the beginning. Even though you are at 11 weeks you progress is only really marked at about 3 weeks because of the fracture. If it were me I would back off a bit with the exerecising and walking and give things a day or two of rest to let everything settle down. I am sure everything will come in time and I would let the PT know again that you want to keep trying without the brace. Wait to see what your OS has to say on your next visit and go from there. Stories on here seem to be that the Dynasplint hasn't really done much good for most. You might have to look at an MUA because of the no weight bearing for so long, but let the OS decide that. JMHO
Please don't get discouraged, I think you hit on the problem by over doing yesterday. I did notice the ROM and extension going up and down for awhile in the beginning. Even though you are at 11 weeks you progress is only really marked at about 3 weeks because of the fracture. If it were me I would back off a bit with the exerecising and walking and give things a day or two of rest to let everything settle down. I am sure everything will come in time and I would let the PT know again that you want to keep trying without the brace. Wait to see what your OS has to say on your next visit and go from there. Stories on here seem to be that the Dynasplint hasn't really done much good for most. You might have to look at an MUA because of the no weight bearing for so long, but let the OS decide that. JMHO
srn
member
Nikki, think about it, you have had an enforced slow start, not your fault, you are only just up and about and in one of your previous posts you mentioned that you are only just experiencing swelling. We all know that swelling reduces ROM, so your reduction is, in all probability, due to swelling. Probably, if you had no swelling, your measurements would have improved.
On an evening my knee is enormous compared to how it is in a morning and my ROM is very affected by this (I do my exercises morning and evening so I can really tell the difference in my bend and extension)
Don't get discouraged, it will come.
On an evening my knee is enormous compared to how it is in a morning and my ROM is very affected by this (I do my exercises morning and evening so I can really tell the difference in my bend and extension)
Don't get discouraged, it will come.
Diney
member
Hi Niki
Don't be discouraged. Your knee journey is really different from most of us with the enforced rest for eight weeks. That has to have a huge bearing on your progress now. You have shown you are a very determined fighter and I bet you keep pushing yourself. Maybe you need to give your knee a holiday from exercises for a day or two and then start again. Obviously you will discuss it with your OS and hopefully he will be able to reassure you.
You will get there in the end! I know it must be hard to bear but if it helps we are all willing you on!
Don't be discouraged. Your knee journey is really different from most of us with the enforced rest for eight weeks. That has to have a huge bearing on your progress now. You have shown you are a very determined fighter and I bet you keep pushing yourself. Maybe you need to give your knee a holiday from exercises for a day or two and then start again. Obviously you will discuss it with your OS and hopefully he will be able to reassure you.
You will get there in the end! I know it must be hard to bear but if it helps we are all willing you on!
rubysue
senior
Niki, I'm sorry about your lack of progress. The same thing happened to me at the three-week point. I was absolutely convinced that my flexion had improved between home therapy sessions but it stayed stuck at 90 for about a week and I was really frustrated. It finally started improving again. Hopefully, it was a temporary setback. Pumpkin is right - the goniometer measurements are quite inaccurate. I would have your PT do at least three measurements and average them.
Niki....I hope by today you are feeling a bit better. Hon.....you really must be more patient with your recovery. Try not to count weeks and ROM numbers. You had a bit of a slow start and that can delay things for you. You're going to get there. In the scheme of your life ahead, a few weeks or months are really nothing!
As for overdoing it....we all do that and then suffer the consequences. One MUST push the envelope now and then to find the boundaries that are constantly changing during recovery. It doesn't mean you are backsliding. It just means you must take a few days and rest, ice, elevate before you start again.
Given all you have been through, I think you are doing just fine!
As for overdoing it....we all do that and then suffer the consequences. One MUST push the envelope now and then to find the boundaries that are constantly changing during recovery. It doesn't mean you are backsliding. It just means you must take a few days and rest, ice, elevate before you start again.
Given all you have been through, I think you are doing just fine!
OP
OP
editor98
senior
Thanks, Ladies--all of you! I'm sorry to be such a crybaby! I am skipping the exercises for a day or two--except for the bike and the flexion stretch--the one where you put a strap around your heel and pull your foot in toward you. That's the main stretch that I do for flexion. I did go to the gym this morning, and lo and behold, when I got on the bike I was able to immediately pedal forward all the way around. Usually it takes me a minute or two of rocking before I can do the full revolution. But this time round she went! And it didn't feel so bad, so I got off and lowered the seat down one notch. Much to my surprise I was still able to go all the way around--though it was definitely stretching me. I did 15 minutes, but I am still cheating some at times--more in my foot position on the pedal than in sliding my hips to the side. But the bike did make me feel better this morning. Some slight progress.
After that I spent 15 minutes stretching in the jacuzzi. I definitely think I was able to bend more today--but probably still not great. Yesterday my PT measured me at the end of the session after I had been exercising for over an hour. Maybe next time I'll ask him to do it sooner--maybe right after I loosen up on the bike, which is what I do when I first get there. I'm sure I was at least somewhat more swollen than normal after working for over an hour when he measured me. Or maybe I'm just trying to rationalize it!
And I am walking better--for the most part. So I'm noticing some very slight improvements--it's just the dang ROM that tends to get me down! I think in the back of my mind I'm fearful that this may be as good as it gets. I also wonder if I might have more scar tissue or adhesions because of the fracture--or if need be, if I could even have an MUA because of the fracture. I certainly don't want to wind up with a broken leg again! But that is jumping the gun I think. It will be interesting to see what my OS thinks on Thursday cause I haven't seen him in 4 weeks. I was not yet walking the last time I saw him. Can't wait for the day when I forget to think about my knee! Can't imagine it at this point!
Niki
After that I spent 15 minutes stretching in the jacuzzi. I definitely think I was able to bend more today--but probably still not great. Yesterday my PT measured me at the end of the session after I had been exercising for over an hour. Maybe next time I'll ask him to do it sooner--maybe right after I loosen up on the bike, which is what I do when I first get there. I'm sure I was at least somewhat more swollen than normal after working for over an hour when he measured me. Or maybe I'm just trying to rationalize it!
And I am walking better--for the most part. So I'm noticing some very slight improvements--it's just the dang ROM that tends to get me down! I think in the back of my mind I'm fearful that this may be as good as it gets. I also wonder if I might have more scar tissue or adhesions because of the fracture--or if need be, if I could even have an MUA because of the fracture. I certainly don't want to wind up with a broken leg again! But that is jumping the gun I think. It will be interesting to see what my OS thinks on Thursday cause I haven't seen him in 4 weeks. I was not yet walking the last time I saw him. Can't wait for the day when I forget to think about my knee! Can't imagine it at this point!
Niki
karmigirl
post-grad
Niki,
It will all come in good time. I think you are doing great for what you have been thru. I found that the easier I took the exercising (bike, stretches etc) the better ROM got. I don't mean stop everything but take it slow and easy. I am now at 6 mos. can't say there is no Pain, there is a slight bit, but I feel my R
OM improves almost daily. Still have a bit of swelling, and if I am on my feet a lot in one day even the tight band comes back to bite me in the butt, and it only lasts a little while, I just rest and elevate to help it.
If you read my pos t"5mos post op" you will see that I had a mishap a few days ago, and yes it set me back some, just go back to what helped. I did find myself limping again for a day or two. Now 4 days later the new pain is almost gone and bac at things again. I think these things are going to happen for some time to most of us. This is one strange recovery you are doing great and then you slide back a bit, but I think that is what is to expected.
Keep your chin up you sound like you are doing great, don't let the numbers get you down, I know that is the only way we have to tell how we are doing but
in the long run it's what you can do not a silly number. A lesson I had to learn.
It will all come in good time. I think you are doing great for what you have been thru. I found that the easier I took the exercising (bike, stretches etc) the better ROM got. I don't mean stop everything but take it slow and easy. I am now at 6 mos. can't say there is no Pain, there is a slight bit, but I feel my R
OM improves almost daily. Still have a bit of swelling, and if I am on my feet a lot in one day even the tight band comes back to bite me in the butt, and it only lasts a little while, I just rest and elevate to help it.
If you read my pos t"5mos post op" you will see that I had a mishap a few days ago, and yes it set me back some, just go back to what helped. I did find myself limping again for a day or two. Now 4 days later the new pain is almost gone and bac at things again. I think these things are going to happen for some time to most of us. This is one strange recovery you are doing great and then you slide back a bit, but I think that is what is to expected.
Keep your chin up you sound like you are doing great, don't let the numbers get you down, I know that is the only way we have to tell how we are doing but
in the long run it's what you can do not a silly number. A lesson I had to learn.
referee54
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I am feeling very frustrated and discouraged. I finished my third week of PT today. The strength is definitely coming back, but my ROM--very discouraging. When he measured me today, it was less than when he measured me 10 days ago. Today I measured at 95 for flexion and 4 for extension. Ten days ago, I was at 98 (just about 100 when he really pushed me) and 2 for extension.
This is the roller coaster ride called a TKR rehab---meaner and longer---and more frustrating---than any other ride in any amusement park in the world. You have strapped yourself in and now just ride it out. You will have good and great days (and weeks) and sometimes you will regress. Don't worry about it.
I know I overdid it yesterday a bit and paid the price in stiffness and swelling. So last night I elevated and iced through most of the night and did the same before I went to PT today. And still I seem to be going backward.
When you overdo things at your stage of the game, so to speak, your knee sends you not-so-subtle messages. Just listen to your knee and rest/ice/elevate. These rehab/recoveries can take quite some time; I also went for many months---more than five---on the roller coaster ride, too. Don't worry about the numbers; just keep on keepin' on and ice/elevate as often as you can.
We are all in a hurry to return to our normal life; these TKR's have their own mind, and we are on their schedule, not ours.
This is the roller coaster ride called a TKR rehab---meaner and longer---and more frustrating---than any other ride in any amusement park in the world. You have strapped yourself in and now just ride it out. You will have good and great days (and weeks) and sometimes you will regress. Don't worry about it.
I know I overdid it yesterday a bit and paid the price in stiffness and swelling. So last night I elevated and iced through most of the night and did the same before I went to PT today. And still I seem to be going backward.
When you overdo things at your stage of the game, so to speak, your knee sends you not-so-subtle messages. Just listen to your knee and rest/ice/elevate. These rehab/recoveries can take quite some time; I also went for many months---more than five---on the roller coaster ride, too. Don't worry about the numbers; just keep on keepin' on and ice/elevate as often as you can.
We are all in a hurry to return to our normal life; these TKR's have their own mind, and we are on their schedule, not ours.
carousel66
graduate
Niki
I know you will get there, it is true like others said you have had a unique recovery. It sounds like you had a GREAT day on the bike today.
This marathon recovery is full of ups and downs.
Hang in there, I KNOW you are going to get there. Overdoing it is normal. but we DO pay a price it takes me several days at this point in time to get "over" a big day. But it is normal and in the long run I think good for us. pushes our body, pushes our limits but short term we do pay a small price.
But I'm SO happy for your bike riding today! MOST excellent!!!!!
I know you will get there, it is true like others said you have had a unique recovery. It sounds like you had a GREAT day on the bike today.
This marathon recovery is full of ups and downs.
Hang in there, I KNOW you are going to get there. Overdoing it is normal. but we DO pay a price it takes me several days at this point in time to get "over" a big day. But it is normal and in the long run I think good for us. pushes our body, pushes our limits but short term we do pay a small price.
But I'm SO happy for your bike riding today! MOST excellent!!!!!
Mimi
graduate
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Niki, If you consider all that you have gone through over the past 11 weeks, your recovery is AMAZING!! You do not have the most usual recovery and don't compare yourself to others here that have an easy recovery.
Being one of those that had an unusual recovery, I know it can get you down and it is not easy. However, I also know that this is in constant change. What worked for me when my ROM was "stuck" was not to be measured. I was only measured when I had to see my OS. That was a great moral boost for me. What I did not know did not bring me down. My ROM took its biggest leap AFTER my 5 months of PT was over. I have not been measured since Oct. but I can see my leg can touch the floor in the back and is straight. My walk is great and this all makes me happy!! If I were to be measured today and it was less that 0, so what. I am fine and so is my knee. Who wrote the rules for when and how ROM numbers should be met? Everyone has a different recovery and it is only natural that ROM numbers will be DIFFERENT throughout recovery!!
Try not to bother yourself with the ROM number game, it will come cause you are working on it all the time. Try not to overwork it cause that is a negative to you recovery. Take it easy and this will move forward for you.
My numbers were worse than yours and I used the torture device, dynasplint for a month to no avail. Very little progress with it and lots of pain and suffering. Hanging off the bed with a weight did the trick for me. I did it 15 min. at a time and 4 times a day. For flexion I did the step lunges and still do them. Hang in there you have come so far and in another 11 weeks you will look back at this and smile.:biggrin:
Being one of those that had an unusual recovery, I know it can get you down and it is not easy. However, I also know that this is in constant change. What worked for me when my ROM was "stuck" was not to be measured. I was only measured when I had to see my OS. That was a great moral boost for me. What I did not know did not bring me down. My ROM took its biggest leap AFTER my 5 months of PT was over. I have not been measured since Oct. but I can see my leg can touch the floor in the back and is straight. My walk is great and this all makes me happy!! If I were to be measured today and it was less that 0, so what. I am fine and so is my knee. Who wrote the rules for when and how ROM numbers should be met? Everyone has a different recovery and it is only natural that ROM numbers will be DIFFERENT throughout recovery!!
Try not to bother yourself with the ROM number game, it will come cause you are working on it all the time. Try not to overwork it cause that is a negative to you recovery. Take it easy and this will move forward for you.
My numbers were worse than yours and I used the torture device, dynasplint for a month to no avail. Very little progress with it and lots of pain and suffering. Hanging off the bed with a weight did the trick for me. I did it 15 min. at a time and 4 times a day. For flexion I did the step lunges and still do them. Hang in there you have come so far and in another 11 weeks you will look back at this and smile.:biggrin:
carousel66
graduate
Niki
how are you doing???
I wanted to look for an update on you before I head out of town on Friday.
we have passed our 11 week mark.
I SHOULD be online over my break just a busy few days ahead as I get ready to head out of town as well as traveling through the weekend.
how are you doing???
I wanted to look for an update on you before I head out of town on Friday.
we have passed our 11 week mark.
I SHOULD be online over my break just a busy few days ahead as I get ready to head out of town as well as traveling through the weekend.
OP
OP
editor98
senior
Catherine,
Thanks for asking. Yes, 11 weeks yesterday--and Monday for you! Things are about the same for me--I am having some significant swelling issues in the past couple of days with being up and around more. I see my OS tomorrow afternoon--the first time that I've seen him since I've been walking. My PT is still concerned about my flexion. He gave me a list of things to ask my doc about tomorrow--the main ones being what does my OS think about possibly trying the Dynasplint, and also at what point does he think something more drastic needs to be done (MUA)? With how all of this has gone for me so far, I can't even think about the possibility of having to do that! Trying to stay positive!
Niki
Thanks for asking. Yes, 11 weeks yesterday--and Monday for you! Things are about the same for me--I am having some significant swelling issues in the past couple of days with being up and around more. I see my OS tomorrow afternoon--the first time that I've seen him since I've been walking. My PT is still concerned about my flexion. He gave me a list of things to ask my doc about tomorrow--the main ones being what does my OS think about possibly trying the Dynasplint
, and also at what point does he think something more drastic needs to be done (MUA)? With how all of this has gone for me so far, I can't even think about the possibility of having to do that! Trying to stay positive!Niki
OP
OP
editor98
senior
Mimi,
I just want you to know what an inspiration your recovery story is for me! I keep thinking of all that you've gone through. It gives me hope that I might be able to get through this too. Thanks so much for your encouragement! Niki
I just want you to know what an inspiration your recovery story is for me! I keep thinking of all that you've gone through. It gives me hope that I might be able to get through this too. Thanks so much for your encouragement! Niki
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