Obsession with numbers

[Gretchendz]

So, many of obsess about our numbers, especially flexing. I know I do.

My outpatient PT does NOT measure me every visit--only every third or fourth one. This made me crazy at first but he says it is for a reason...

We all do go up and down, good days and bad...or simply plateau.

This way I don't go home in tears because I dropped a few points. When he does actually measure, there is usually a nice gain (like the last from 107 to 116) and I feel really encouraged.

Also, another PT told me the measuring is far from perfect--that depending on who is measuring and swelling and such--there can be a 5 or even 10 point difference.

So--just interested in what the rest of you think?

 

[mms]

I like the numbers!! I was 111 this morning 6wks post RTKR. But I would agree that depending on who is measuring makes a difference-but hay I'll keep my 111 for today!

 

[1jt@atime]

Gretchendz,

I agree totally. My PT only measures about once a week. There is also a big difference on HOW the measurement is taken. I can be sitting up and pushing my leg back and the measurement will be 10 degrees less then if I am layng down and pushing the leg back. I'm sure the measurement would be different again if positioned differently.

The numbers are not important. What is important is how you feel and whether or not you can do what you need to do comfortably. Karen

 

[Doug]

You'll get to a point where the numbers will mean nothing. Your knee will get to a point where you are happy with it and you can do everything you want to do..Then the numbers are a non issue...

 

[JenniferG]

Gretchen, Sounds like our PTs went to the same school. Mine measured in the beginning and some wher at the end. only other times he measured was when I came in and hounded him to and i only did that after spending a day here comparing and feeling like I was falling short. Don't compare. I think an experienced PT can give a good guesstimate just by looking after many years of actual knee measuring anyway. And went I went to my final til 1yr post-op with the OS, he didn't measure either. He just had me sitting on the exam atble with my legs hanging off. He pushed the foot under, saw how far it went with no problems and said "Psss, there's nothing more PT can do for you!".
mms, 111 is great progress and we all want to know how we fare, but as long as I'm still imroving i'm with Karen and Doug, am i doing what I wanted as a result of this surgery.

 

[hess]

Strange we are discussing this. I just walked in the door from PT. I asked her to please measure today, because I just knew that I was better than before, but at the same time, I am really stiff today. Needless to say, I measured 4 degrees less than my previous measurement. I am upset, but I know that it is because I am stiff, and hopefully, I will be better next time. I hate to feel like a failure because I am not where I should be, but I think I am getting around more, and this might make up for the loss of degrees.

I like to know that I am progressing, so I like the measurement, but at the same time, I know it really bums me out, even if I am doing well in other areas.

Hess

 

[JenniferG]

Some of it has to do also with basic engineering, not solely by swelling. Our thighs come in all different "thicknesses" shall i say. Even if I had my own perfectly functioning knees, i will never get the flex measurement of ol' pixy stix legs there. (FYI - Pixy Stix is an imaginary charcater that represents the image of what we all think/wish we should be).

 

[Gretchendz]

I agree with Karen and Doug--it's the ability to do what you want that counts.

I'm still a little way from that--but getting there.

It's just hard to break the competitive spirit

 

[DaleMc]

I just left PT and could only get to 95 ROM today. They asked me to setup an appt with the OS and let him know that my knee seems to hit a wall at that range and consider the manipulation. Will meet with him next Tuesday.

Dale

 

[lgobrien]

My PT doesn't measure each time either, but she was very impressed with my workout today (7 1/2 weeks PO and very close to being done with PT). I measured 126 - I was thrilled, she was thrilled (I was 113 last time she checked).

I asked her if the doctor's prescription included any specifications in PT for numbers, she said, no, just til I felt I had regained most of what I wanted to do, but they like at least 120 in someone my age. She said the little 25 year old receptionist at PT (a pixy stix) measures 145 because she has no body fat. WOW!

I see my OS a week from today for my 8 wk check up and I'm thinking he'll say I don't need the PT anymore, but I think I will sign up for an aqua aerobics class where I take PT after summer is over. That would keep me in a committment to exercise.

We don't need the numbers, but it's nice to know once in awhile so we can have a "second opinion" on our progress.

 

[Teach4]

Well all, I agree with you. I obsess about the numbers! My at home PT for the first 4 weeks measured me all the time. So I obsessed about where I was. My PT now only measures once or twice a week. I'm at 9 weeks and and doctor wants me to be at 100 by next week. I was at 97 yesterday, so I'm obsessing again. The PT says I'm making progess and not to worry. I try not to compare myself to other because I know we are all different and heal in different ways, but some days its hard. I see other TKR at the PT and they're riding the bike like crazy. Then there's me who is riding the bike, but still lifting my hip. I will try to take your advice and not obsess. It sounds better than driving myself crazy!

 

[Teach4]

Dale,

Let me know how it goes. I seem to be the same way, hitting a wall. If I'm not at 100 by Wed. 7/23, they're talking about manipulating me. Keep me posted on what happens.

Teach4

 

[Doug]

Another bit of advice. When you are trying and struggling to bend those legs make sure you are breathing and telling yourself to relax. There is a tendency when straining to tighten up. That is essentially fighting against yourself....Relax your thigh, focus at a spot on the wall or ceiling and take long slow deep breaths.....Good luck with it.

 

[DaleMc]

I guess I do need the numbers. My knee just hits a brick wall and won't go any further. The PT said she thought it was scar tissue and it is hard to break down. It does need to move more then it is so I guess it will be up to the OS on next Tuesday.

Dale

 

[DaleMc]

teach4, I am at 95 and am only 3 1/2 weeks post op but they are concerned about the tightness and lack of forward movement now. They don't want to waste my sessions day and then have to start over if it needs manipulation. I only get 25 pt days and I have used 10 so far.

 

[dar]

I have only progressed a few degrees in the last month and hearing the number each time has been very hard. I have cried so many times going out of the office the receptionist just feels so sorry for me. So, hearing the numbers every time has not done me any good. However, I know that if I was progressing at a quicker rate I'd love the numbers - probably why I cry so much when I hear 112 over and over and over. The days I have heard 115 were days I practically ran out of the office so I could call and tell someone. It is hard to say what is best, but I do know that I've learned to relax a lot more and just do my best in each exersice session.

 

[NJW]

I'm at 5 1/2 weeks post BTKR. I was at 128 and 131 ROM today, without my PT's assistance. He only measures about every third visit. I see my surgeon Tuesday for my 6 week check and my PT will send in a report as to my progress. He says the surgeon will probably discontinue my therapy because I'm doing so well, even tho my insurance will pay for more sessions. My PT does not seem hung up on the numbers except when he is required to report to others about my progress. I've enjoyed going to therapy; I'll really miss it.

 

[Nursepair]

I have just had a manipulation and have still only gained 4 degrees so far, 93-97. The OS said I still have a chance to improve, he bent me to well over 110 during the MUA. However everyday I wake up and still feel the stiffness and groan that I have to work so hard at my exercises all the time, and ice and elevate. It is so time consuming, I can't seem to get much else done at the moment.

Oh well, nothing to do but plod along, again!! can you tell I am feeling sorry for myself again. Sorry, it's late again, I shouldn't be like this, I am very grateful the joint pain has gone, I could just use a break from the constant pain from the excercising after 6 months!!

 

[beachcomber]

Sue,
Did you see your OS today? I know you are working so hard... just gotta keep it up. Are you doing heat before your exercises and relaxation breathing during? Maybe you are tensing up and that is holding you back..... I feel for you.... It is just taking longer, but not too late to keep improving. Hang in there.
Sending YOU hugs!

 

[Nursepair]

Hi Beach, thanks for the hugs No I don't usually heat at home before the excercising, I will try it though. I do have trouble relaxing my knee, Kevin helps me at night and says he can feel me tensing up, and when I concentrate to relax he says I get better range. I am doing a lot more on the bike now though, I can fimally go backwards now too.

Thanks for the encouragement as usual girlfriend. ((((HUGS)))) back, good luck with your fundraiser. Sue