OK - So time I updated my Thread for the sake of continuity.
Day 17 dawned and was the dreaded return trip for the check up with the hospital physio. Actually, by then my head was full of our mantra and I felt chilled about the visit even when I entered the waiting room and joined the gathering of about 15 other worried/terrified TKR's!
I sat there feeling quite smug since I was in the minority as a second TKR recipient and knew what was coming at least. It was obvious that by the look on some faces, having been told to attend the gym clinic, they thought they might be asked to leap over wooden horses, climb bars, cycle and perform acrobatics
Seriously, I managed to put a couple of people out of their misery but they looked as if they hadn't slept all night!
The time came when the list of "victims" was read out and I led the way through followed by a line of hobbling war wounded patients. By then I was full of sympathy as it was obvious that most of my fellow ward occupants weren't nearly as competent as me in walking. I do believe it was for that reason that I was ushered straight to one of the examination tables and the others were asked to be seated at the far end of the gym room. I could hear their hearts and knees thumping from where I was!
I was immediately complimented for my walking ability then had my ROM checked in all imaginary directions - all was great, "Just keep up with exercises" was the instruction then I was asked to "walk" a few paces. Was I proud to ignore my sticks and just walk as best I could?
The others looked on with amazed expressions (little did they know that my smile hid the gritting of my teeth through the sore muscle and slightly mechanical feel of my knew knee kit). Applause from my audience and both of the physios who had last helped me on the ward. Then I was finished and told I could go. Needing to wait for my husband to return with the car, I took a chair with the others and listened to the encouraging talk they were given as a group. It was then that I realised none of them were doing as well as they anticipated due to different set backs or excuses even about "Can't do the exercises!" A couple had problems with healing and needed antibiotics, one was just terrified about everything, etc.
My heart dropped from elation to deep sympathy for all of them and reminded me of how I felt nearly 3 years ago, before I found Bonesmarties
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I wished I'd had cards for Bonesmarties in my bag, but did just have time to tell one sufferer about it. Two of the men there seemed well advanced compared to my plight when we were in hospital; walking upright and without hesitation which I had put down to their having surgery a day prior to me and being stronger! Here they were with problems that could have been resolved (perhaps) if they'd had more knowledge of the expectations. The hospital team gave marvellous support, before, during and after discharge from surgery. The support lines are there even with follow up phone calls, but patients are sometimes reluctant to use that facility, perhaps not even admitting how they feel at home. If only Bonesmarties could be advertised in orthopaedic wards
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So onwards and upwards for me thank goodness and this Forum. Somehow we need to get the word out there, especially here in the UK. Long live Bonesmarties
I rarely use sticks around the house or garden here now. I do use them when I go out to steady my walk and also to use as a shield if people invade my personal space
. Otherwise I'm doing ok, continuing to RICE often, take the tablets and soak up every ounce of the care from my husband while it lasts
Every day is a tiny advance along the recovery journey. I am fortunate not to have experienced set backs and remained emotionally stable along the way. Many thanks to those who have Followed me and I hope I can be of assistance to anybody else out there
Will continue my Thread in a few days from now