TKR New Left Knee . . . Check!!

[editor98]

But, Roy, you are only about 6 weeks out; I am 4 months out! And even with all the icing and elevating I do, I still am having a flexion issue. I have to say, though, that my extension is excellent!
Niki

 

[Mountain Kat]

Niki, to me your day sounds wonderfully organized and disciplined.... I wish I could get motivated to be that way.

Your flexion will get there (one way or another), you are continually improving! That is the important part!

 

[Mimi]

From my own recovery, I found that the knee healed best and the swelling decreased, when I did less exercise and rested it more. All of my daily activity of life, plus riding the stationary bike, and twice a week pool exercise, was all I did. Nothing so organized and there was always room for more rest if I was overly tired.

Hope you lose the swelling soon so that you can see the ROM you want.. I think Jamie said that the ROM hides with all the swelling, but it is in there. That is what I found to be true for me. I had horrible swelling that persisted for 4 to 5 months before I saw real change.

You are doing a great job and doing what you feel is best. You will continue to gain ROM, it just takes time.

 

[karmigirl]

Niki,

Are seem to be doing a great job at recovery, especially with your extenuating circumstances. I can't say whether you are doing enough, to much or not enough. But I think you have to go back to the Patience prt of our mantra. Keep in mind you are ONLY 4 months po and this can take up to a year. I don't mean to sound harsh if I sound that way.

I,too, at 7 mos have had a set back in my recovery, and am having a fluid retention problem, want to talk swelling all over my body, and yes I have lost flexion. All happened when I was progressing very well and getting on with life. So drug up the patience again and told myself it will be back when this new problem is over. Just a little more time added on.

I may have missed it but has you OS or PT said whethr they think it is Swelling or Scar tissue??? Sounds to me like if it is swelling then only time will ifx it and if it is Scar tissue then an MUA when be the route to go.

 

[Josephine]

Well, I like the American saying "if it works, stay with it"!

Niki, I love that you spend time with the Lord each day. I fell out of that habit years ago and was just saying to a dear Christian friend that I am finding myself hungry for the Lord. I'd just love to go to one of those great big conferences where you really get totally off your rocker with praise and worship! Did you see my flag videos in the social room? I so miss doing my flags.

But back to business, I looked back but couldn't find what you ROM actually is right now?

 

[editor98]

Kat, That's me--organized and disciplined! Truly, I think I am somewhat obsessive/compulsive, but I tell people that I'm CDO instead of OCD because OCD is not in the right order! :th_heehee:

Mimi, I hope it is just swelling too and that in time I'll be good to go. I guess what's hard is not knowing if it's swelling or adhesions--if time will take care of it or if I really need an MUA. How long do I wait?

Rose, I'm so sorry to hear about your setback. What is causing your swelling?? This is all over, or just your knee? My PT thinks my issue is scar tissue, definitely. He thinks I need the MUA. My OS--I'm not sure. I think he's hoping that it is swelling, which is why he's said let's give it another 4 weeks the last two times I've seen him. Me--I just don't know. I definitely still have a swelling issue going on, but I'm fearful that it may be more than that.

Ah Josephine, If you're hungry for the Lord, I hope you will get back in the Word. He will fill you up! I don't know how anyone can get through this life--or even call it living--without that relationship with the Lord. (I have to confess that I have not ever been to the social room. I will have to check it out!) But back to business--my ROM is pretty close to 0 for extension, but I have been stuck at 105 for flexion for probably 3 or 4 weeks. As I said, I know I still have swelling, but is it more than that? Could the fracture result in having more adhesions? I haven't been measured at PT this week yet, but I don't think much has changed. Maybe he'll measure me tomorrow. I see my OS again 3 weeks from today to reassess. He told me when I was at about 95 degrees that once I was able to get to105 things would progress much more quickly, but so far, that ain't happenin'. I feel kind of stuck!
Niki

 

[Dhare63]

Hi Niki,

You keep a very organized day! I think that's necessary when you work from home, and it's great that you take time for the things that are important in your life.

Because we are all so different, and our bodies are unique, who really knows if you are doing too much. All I can do is relate my own experience. As soon as I had 10 days off work, and stopped going to PT, things got better. In my case, at work, I sat with my knee bent at 90 plus degrees or more behind my desk for an hour or more at a time, all day. This was really hard on me and in no way helped my extension. Also, at PT, they were still pushing me hard at times, trying to get the knee flat. While I was on vacation, I sat in my recliner, watched movies, sat with my feet up and surfed the Internet, really just chilled out. My body and my mind were totally relaxed. All I know is that I started feeling much better and stronger, my knee felt better, and straighter. It has been positive ever since. Was it "timing or time in", not really sure, but it doesn't matter.

I believe your time will come. I also believe you will get better flexion as time goes by. Your determination and stamina will get you there. My OS has always said he isn't worried about flexion once it's past 100-105, as he believes that it will come with time, I agree.

Not sure any of those comments will help. I know how frustrating it is. You're not alone. Keep your faith.

Take care,

Dawn

 

[editor98]

Thanks, Dawn. It definitely does help to hear others' experiences. Let me ask you though, do you think the MUA helped you? Was it worth it? Did that get you moving in the right direction? Or do you think you would still be where you are today if you hadn't done it and just let time and healing run its course?

I'm a little fearful of the MUA route even if I really need it cause I'm sure it has to lead to even more swelling, so it seems like a setback to have to heal from before it gets better--if that makes sense. Did you have a lot of swelling after the MUA? Pain?
Niki

 

[karmigirl]

Rose, I'm so sorry to hear about your setback. What is causing your swelling?? This is all over, or just your knee? My PT thinks my issue is scar tissue, definitely. He thinks I need the MUA. My OS--I'm not sure. I think he's hoping that it is swelling, which is why he's said let's give it another 4 weeks the last two times I've seen him. Me--I just don't know. I definitely still have a swelling issue going on, but I'm fearful that it may be more than that.

Niki,

I really wish I could tell you what is causing the fluid retention (yes it is all over) mostly legs, ankles and feet. The GP has checked everything Heart good, lungs good, kidneys good, liver good. Sent me to a vascular Dr he told me he wished half his patients had as wonderful veins and arteries as I do.
So we really don't know what the cause is but now we are treating the symptoms (fluid) with lasix if I don't get the fluid out soon I could run into it affecting my heart. Really wish we could find the cause but they just don't know what to check next. I have been on 2 days of lasix now and thing are looking better. This all started around Christmas.

I have been praying to the Lord to make it just go away, it is sooo uncomfortable. You really feel like you are drowning in yourself. When you have your nest prayer would you say one for me that this gets better soon.

 

[Dhare63]

Hi Niki,

I think the MUA helped a lot and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The first 48 hours were the worst, but honestly, I had very little swelling and no additional pain outside of what was already present. For me, as you know, extension was the issue. When I got up on day 2 and stood at the bathroom sink, my foot was flat on the floor and my weight was equally distributed between each leg. That was the first time in years that I had that capability; I almost didn't trust it at first, it was that foreign to me. If scar tissue is the issue, the MUA will break it up, something that you or PT will never be able to do. Both my OS and his PA said I needed it, absolutely no question. I would not be where I am today without it.

Also, they sent me home with the CPM machine, and set the movement to 120 degrees flexion and -10 extension. I used it at least 4 times a day for 30-60 minutes each time. If I knew I was going to be still for a while, I just got in it. It did help a lot. Now keep in mind, the CPM machine will not actually get you to those limits as your knee isn't strapped too tightly in the machine and the surface you are on won't quite allow it, but just the constant motion was enough to prevent any stiffening. Yes, I was sore, and yes I did ice it quite a bit, but truly, not any lasting setback at all from MUA. One other suggestion if you have to have the MUA; if possible, stay in the hospital overnight. For the MUA, they gave me a spinal and I had no feeling from the waist down. Although that wears off relatively quickly, the first few hours for me were very uneasy and scary on my feet. Because I had to go home for lack of a bed, I had to navigate to get into my house, 4 steps, with crutches and not all the feeling completely back in my legs. It took me ten minutes to get up the courage to go up those stairs! Honestly, a small price to pay for the immediate results of MUA.

Keep putting up the questions and keep the faith! Keeping you in my daily prayers!

Dawn

 

[Diney]

Hi Niki
If there is one thing that will see you through this tough challenge I agree it is your relationship with the Lord. We have to do our bit and be prepared for a hard few months but to know that we are not alone and that He is in all the lows as well as the highs does make it more bearable.

My husband died suddenly nearly 10 years ago leaving me a young widow. I can honestly say that was when I became closest to the Lord and it was faith in Him that pulled me through.

This is a completely different experience but I know that whatever I face he is there before me. Isn't it wonderful that we both have Him cheering us on and there to comfort us when we have setbacks.

 

[Jamie]

Niki....I'm just catching up with your thread and really thing you are doing well for 4 months out. If you are still experiencing swelling, you might consider taking some anti-inflammants for a while to see if that helps. Your activity sounds about right to me and it doesn't really seem like you're overdoing things.

 

[Dhare63]

Niki, haven't seen a post from you in a while, hope you are well. If you have time, post so we know how you're doing!

Dawn

 

[editor98]

First of all, thank you to all who have continued to give me your great advice and comments. Dawn, I especially appreciate your insight into the MUA. Still not sure what my future holds in that regard--so it really helps to hear how it all went for you.

Today I am 4 months out! Hard to believe it's been 4 months, but I still have such a long way to go. On Wednesday my flexion measured 110, about 5 degrees better than 2 weeks ago. My OS said I needed at least 10 more degrees by the time I go back to see him on Feb. 9th to avoid the MUA. So I am halfway there. My PT would like to see me get to 120, but I really think I need at least 130 to function like normal.

I am still have swelling issues. I've taken to wrapping my knee snugly in an Ace bandage for a couple of hours at a time and especially if I'm going to be on my feet for more than about 30 minutes. I think it's helping some. It does feel a lot better to have the compression on there. I read in Bonnie's thread (RunA42K) about the Zensah compression sleeve and I've ordered one of those. Can't wait till it gets here cause I think it will be easier and more comfortable than the Ace bandage. (I've resisted using the Ace bandage or anything like it because it just felt like it would be a step backward--having to use something like that--but once I tried it, I was sold. It just feels so much better that I don't care if it's a step backward!)

I am still having QUITE A BIT of discomfort (pain) during the night--even on nights when I take a hydrocodone before bed. The only thing that really helps with the nighttime pain is the ice machine. I can't believe I'm still hooked up to this baby so much at 4 months out! Do you think there is such a thing as ice addiction?!? I'm finding it much harder to give up than the narcotics!

Speaking of narcotics--I am not regularly taking any kind of pain meds, prescription or OTC. I'd say I take something less than a handful of times in a week--and when I do it's either before PT or at night (see above).

 

[editor98]

OOPS! Somehow my post posted before I was done!

The only other thing I was going to tell y'all about was my activity level, which is just about the same. PT twice a week and riding the bike on the other days. Have not upped the resistance at all and am riding about 27 minutes now. My husband, who travels half the month, is back home now, so is walking the dog, so I'm not even doing that for a couple of weeks. Sure wish this swelling would just take a hike so I can get back to doing the things that I love to do!

I have mixed emotions about the MUA--on the one hand I'd just like to do it and really get my flexion going and on the other I have days where I think I'm not going to need it. My PT says yes, but I have a feeling that my OS is going to be conservative when I see him on the 9th. We'll see!
Niki

 

[carousel66]

Hi Nikki
I started taking anti inflammatory meds this week and it has helped my swelling and stiffness. I would think this could only help you as you are working on your flex.
Today at Disneyland I have taken Vicodin all day and one if my last oxycontin
the 5 k I am walking is in less than an hour. I have iced and elevated the last 3 hours after 7 hrs playing at the park.
hang in there and I know you will continue to make progress. You are at what for most of us is 1/3 into a recover that really does take a solid year.
hang in there

 

[Dhare63]

Hi Niki and glad to hear from you! Sounds like you are still doing okay and waiting for the meeting with OS for next steps. I think the waiting before the decision was made to do the MUA was hard. THe anticipation and wanting to just know what the future would bring was challenging. Whatever the decision, you will keep moving forward.

I don't know if I mentioned that I have been taking Celebrex to help with inflammation, but it did help a lot. I haven't taken any in a few days and will fill the script today, as I notice it now.

Love your comments about being addicted to ice! If thats the worst thing you crave, congrats!!

Take care and be well,

Dawn

 

[Josephine]

OOPS! Somehow my post posted before I was done!

You do know you can edit your post and add to it? That's what the button is for!

Have you tried Moist heat for some late term discomfort and intense aching

 

[editor98]

Ha! Yes, I do know how to edit my posts--just didn't think of it when my post was suddenly posted without me posting it!

Several of y'all have mentioned anti-inflammatories. I do take them. I've been on Mobic since last summer. At my last OS visit 2 weeks ago, he put me on it twice a day instead of once--so I take a 7.5 mg dose in the a.m. and another in the p.m. I have also done a six-day steroid pack (in December) trying to get the inflammation and swelling under control. My PT doesn't think I have excessive swelling. He said it feels more like scar tissue to him.

Jo, I have done moist heat a few times. It feels wonderful while it's on there, but disappears as soon as it cools down. I found a moist heat pack at the store that I've tried. It definitely lasts longer than the hot, wet towel method, but doesn't get quite as hot, unfortunately. Ice still seems to be my best friend!
Niki

 

[RunA42K]

HI Niki,

I too am taking Mobic but 15mg once a day, and have since last April. If I don't take it I really notice a difference. My knee has never NOT been swollen and today I am exactly 10 months post op. I do know that heat feels so good and takes the ache away. I usually microwave a gel pack that has a sleeve with velcro that I can wrap around my leg. It feels even better with a damp cloth on my skin first. What is the moist heat pack that you purchased? Since we are both in Texas, maybe that is something that I could find as well.

Thanks in advance!