Karringtyn
graduate
Flowerpot people? Oh the things us Americans miss.Just wanted to check in on you! xoxox
TKR Oh Baby feel the (k)need in me - the sequel ..
- Thread starter dogwheels
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Flowerpot people? Oh the things us Americans miss.Just wanted to check in on you! xoxox
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Hi @cafecortado - did you enjoy your massage Bernie? I guess you were being stroked and pummelled about the same time as I was. I have a particularly pesky tight muscle, inside top of my knee that feels like a hard knotty thing. She gave that a really good going over ....
Well today's news from the physio couch - Dogwheels was in questioning mode. I'll put the questions and answers here in case it helps anyone else:
Me: Can I practise balancing on one leg now?
PT: Why? Your balance is great and you probably do it anyway, putting on clothes, washing leg etc. No point.
Me: Should I be aiming to walk long distances (I was thinking of Ellejay and Judlepip doing long walks).
PT: Did you go walking for miles regularly before?
Me: No, only now and again
PT: Well in that case its a bit like asking if you will be able to play the piano after TKR - ha ha! Build up your stamina and be aware of what your knee wants and can do, and be prepared for it to ache if you overdo.
Me: Ok - and by the way I could play the piano both before and after TKR!
Me: I have a Powerplate exerciser - what's the score on that with replacements?
PT: Hmmmmm ...... difficult. The problem is it does take a long while for the implant to completely settle and integrate, you are still in the recovery phase. I'll ask your OS if you like. Another exercise machine might be more helpful especially as you can exercise more easily and effectively now your knee works.
Me: Would joining a gym help? My favourite equipment was the rowing machine.
PT: Only if you use your membership. If you don't you would be better off buying a treadmill/cross trainer and putting it in the garage instead of wasting a subscription. Rowing machines aren't great for TKR - you can try it here with me and see what you think. Treadmill, bike and cross trainer should be no problem though and we can try those out here too.
Me: Most of my discomfort is muscle pain, behind knee, calf, shin and back of thigh.
PT: To be expected now you are doing far more.
Me: Does the TKR encourage sciatica-type pain?
PT: Pain from the TKR rarely is above the joint, mainly below. Pain above is usually from associated back and hip movements, not the knee itself.
Me: How do I get up / down onto the floor?
PT: Good one that, shall we practise now?
Me: NO!
PT: OK, next time then. It is a very important thing to know how to do, and more importantly to know you can do it. Either mainly use your good leg and try to keep the weight off your operated leg as much as possible, or get up/down like a baby ie using hands and feet on all fours with butt in air. You will need to have something firm to support you getting down and getting up for a long time yet. Have a practise on your bed, you can always flop down if you cant manage it - that will give your husband a laugh, and we'll try next time.
Me: Thanks, I am sorry I asked now.
She's pleased with my progress. Went to measure the bend in my knee, but decided instead to see how it compared to my good leg - it was identical! It has improved and she deems further measuring pointless.
I now have free rein to go upstairs and downstairs normally as I wish (but not while carrying things). Pleased I am trotting about on my own. All good!
XX
Well today's news from the physio couch - Dogwheels was in questioning mode. I'll put the questions and answers here in case it helps anyone else:
Me: Can I practise balancing on one leg now?
PT: Why? Your balance is great and you probably do it anyway, putting on clothes, washing leg etc. No point.
Me: Should I be aiming to walk long distances (I was thinking of Ellejay and Judlepip doing long walks).
PT: Did you go walking for miles regularly before?
Me: No, only now and again
PT: Well in that case its a bit like asking if you will be able to play the piano after TKR - ha ha! Build up your stamina and be aware of what your knee wants and can do, and be prepared for it to ache if you overdo.
Me: Ok - and by the way I could play the piano both before and after TKR!
Me: I have a Powerplate exerciser - what's the score on that with replacements?
PT: Hmmmmm ...... difficult. The problem is it does take a long while for the implant to completely settle and integrate, you are still in the recovery phase. I'll ask your OS if you like. Another exercise machine might be more helpful especially as you can exercise more easily and effectively now your knee works.
Me: Would joining a gym help? My favourite equipment was the rowing machine.
PT: Only if you use your membership. If you don't you would be better off buying a treadmill/cross trainer and putting it in the garage instead of wasting a subscription. Rowing machines aren't great for TKR - you can try it here with me and see what you think. Treadmill, bike and cross trainer should be no problem though and we can try those out here too.
Me: Most of my discomfort is muscle pain, behind knee, calf, shin and back of thigh.
PT: To be expected now you are doing far more.
Me: Does the TKR encourage sciatica-type pain?
PT: Pain from the TKR rarely is above the joint, mainly below. Pain above is usually from associated back and hip movements, not the knee itself.
Me: How do I get up / down onto the floor?
PT: Good one that, shall we practise now?
Me: NO!
PT: OK, next time then. It is a very important thing to know how to do, and more importantly to know you can do it. Either mainly use your good leg and try to keep the weight off your operated leg as much as possible, or get up/down like a baby ie using hands and feet on all fours with butt in air. You will need to have something firm to support you getting down and getting up for a long time yet. Have a practise on your bed, you can always flop down if you cant manage it - that will give your husband a laugh, and we'll try next time.
Me: Thanks, I am sorry I asked now.
She's pleased with my progress. Went to measure the bend in my knee, but decided instead to see how it compared to my good leg - it was identical! It has improved and she deems further measuring pointless.
I now have free rein to go upstairs and downstairs normally as I wish (but not while carrying things). Pleased I am trotting about on my own. All good!
XX
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Hi @Karringtyn - lovely to hear from you. So glad things are going well - I have been catching up on your thread but not joining in.
I know you love it, but what an achievement doing your waitressing shifts. Huge respect! And as for shedding those lbs - well done you!
I am 'slowly and gently' getting back to normal now. Still doing a crafty knee bend when I wake in the night, just to check that it still bends, but I am beginning to trust it more now and confidence is creeping back.
Signed off from my OS and winding down physio now. Progress bang on track, I can do everything I should be doing, but with a proviso from OS and PT not to go mad and overdo for a while yet.
Take care
XX
I know you love it, but what an achievement doing your waitressing shifts. Huge respect! And as for shedding those lbs - well done you!
I am 'slowly and gently' getting back to normal now. Still doing a crafty knee bend when I wake in the night, just to check that it still bends, but I am beginning to trust it more now and confidence is creeping back.
Signed off from my OS and winding down physio now. Progress bang on track, I can do everything I should be doing, but with a proviso from OS and PT not to go mad and overdo for a while yet.
Take care
XX
Nana moon 27
alpha
Hi @dogwheels thanks for posting your q&a on yr thread. It's been ever so useful to read. It answered some of my questions. I like the reply to the gym membership! Makes sense to but a piece of equipment. It lovely to hear everything has gone ok and you've been signed off. Congratulations and well done Chris! 
I'm ever so genuinely pleased for you. You so deserve this.
Lots of love from Nana moon 27 x
Ps I'm so proud of you.
I'm ever so genuinely pleased for you. You so deserve this.
Lots of love from Nana moon 27 x
Ps I'm so proud of you.
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Hi @Nana moon 27 - thanks for your praise and encouragement. Not really deserved but lovely nonetheless. You are simply one of the kindest and least selfish people I have ever come across, and I am grateful to consider you a friend.
I am going to have a couple more physio (she wants to see me getting up and down from the floor
) also without wishing to bleat, I mentioned a while back that I had Achilles tendonitis on my good ankle. She's going to give that a bit of massage and show me some exercises to help and strengthen. Then it will just be me, the knee and the great blue yonder .........!
BTW - the 'Nana Moon 1960 Vogue' chair is coming on really well. Not long and I will be at the stinky varnishing stage - will post pics in the next few days. Just going to get back to some sticking .......
XX
I am going to have a couple more physio (she wants to see me getting up and down from the floor
) also without wishing to bleat, I mentioned a while back that I had Achilles tendonitis on my good ankle. She's going to give that a bit of massage and show me some exercises to help and strengthen. Then it will just be me, the knee and the great blue yonder .........!BTW - the 'Nana Moon 1960 Vogue' chair is coming on really well. Not long and I will be at the stinky varnishing stage - will post pics in the next few days. Just going to get back to some sticking .......
XX
Nana moon 27
alpha
Ah @dogwheels you made me cry, bless you. I'm ok just overtired and a bit withdrawal too.
I'm so excited about that 1960'Vogue chair. I cannot wait to see the pics x x x x
I can get up and down off the floor but it's not a pretty sight with my butt up in the air when getting up lol xxx
Love Nana moon 27 xxx
I'm so excited about that 1960'Vogue chair. I cannot wait to see the pics x x x x
I can get up and down off the floor but it's not a pretty sight with my butt up in the air when getting up lol xxx
Love Nana moon 27 xxx
Karringtyn
graduate
Have you seen my latest update? Yes things are lovely on the right side of me...but not the left lol.
GOOD JOB YOU!
GOOD JOB YOU!
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Hi @Karringtyn - yes I did see that your other knee was playing up. What a shame. The 'good' knee has to be so strong to do the work of both - and in your case and mine, for such a long time. I think it is duty bound to protest loudly and make its feelings known.
It seems such a shame that so many people on here rejoice in their new knee, only to find that the other one has taken a bashing and is starting to play up too.
I just know that my 'good' knee needs another seeing to, and probably another bit of work on the meniscus - but I want to give it time and let the other one take a bit of the strain for a while and see how things go. Even at its worst my 'good knee' is better than my other (now metal one) was at its best. I would also say that I am letting my OS come nowhere near my knees for a good while yet
He may be a nice man, but I have had enough of him for a while. Dropping some lbs will undoubtedly help and that is my current mission.
Try not to work the knee too hard if you can - although you are doing so well it must be tempting to do everything!
Perhaps your Left knee feels neglected and wants a bit of the famous ice and elevate??
Take care (by the way the pups are gorgeous, and what great names!)
XX
It seems such a shame that so many people on here rejoice in their new knee, only to find that the other one has taken a bashing and is starting to play up too.
I just know that my 'good' knee needs another seeing to, and probably another bit of work on the meniscus - but I want to give it time and let the other one take a bit of the strain for a while and see how things go. Even at its worst my 'good knee' is better than my other (now metal one) was at its best. I would also say that I am letting my OS come nowhere near my knees for a good while yet
He may be a nice man, but I have had enough of him for a while. Dropping some lbs will undoubtedly help and that is my current mission.Try not to work the knee too hard if you can - although you are doing so well it must be tempting to do everything!
Perhaps your Left knee feels neglected and wants a bit of the famous ice and elevate??
Take care (by the way the pups are gorgeous, and what great names!)
XX
cafecortado
member
Hi @dogwheels thanks for asking. The massage was a mixture of bliss and OUCH! I knew I had very tight hamstrings and calf muscles but she was finding huge knots of muscle everywhere, includes my quads, back, neck and shoulders. I'm limping a bit now, but she went carefully and I'm sure it will do me good! Interestingly, I thought of you as she said I still had bruising behind my knee and thought I'd maybe had a post op bleed. Thanks for the Q&A, there's a lot of questions we can all relate to there. I liked the answer about walking ;) I had physio yesterday and was told I've got to practice balancing on one leg until I can do 60 seconds, I'm managing about 15 at the moment! I also asked about getting up from the floor, or out of the bath.....I wonder if I'll ever be able to get in the bath again, but didn't get a very helpful answer, maybe it's because I don't have a "good" or un operated knee. Isn't it strange how they all differ with the advice. Xx
Bernie UK
RTKR 22nd January 2014
LTKR 2nd April 2014
Bernie UK
RTKR 22nd January 2014
LTKR 2nd April 2014
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Hi @cafecortado - hope that your massage did some good. Sounds as though you had a good session. Getting in and out of the bath is of no concern to me ......... I HATE BATHS!
Been chatting to one of my friends whose husband was dangerously ill, and is now recovering. He is a lot older than her and has been immobile for a long time. His PT says that the calf muscles are the first to go and deteriorate quickly and badly. Perhaps that's applicable in our situations? They have just bought a treadmill for him but he is only allowed to use it 30 seconds at a time. I have bagged a slot to use it when I next visit them.
Off to eat some of the remains of last night's sumo chicken.
Talk later, Bernie
ChrisXX
Been chatting to one of my friends whose husband was dangerously ill, and is now recovering. He is a lot older than her and has been immobile for a long time. His PT says that the calf muscles are the first to go and deteriorate quickly and badly. Perhaps that's applicable in our situations? They have just bought a treadmill for him but he is only allowed to use it 30 seconds at a time. I have bagged a slot to use it when I next visit them.
Off to eat some of the remains of last night's sumo chicken.
Talk later, Bernie
ChrisXX
OP
OP
dogwheels
post-grad
Good news!
After a sternly worded email, the shop manager has magically 'found' my decoupage box. Hurrah!
Husband (aka The Doctor) will pick up tomorrow or Friday.
I'm so pleased.
She asked if I have more stuff to sell. Errr no, I don't think so. It's high time we parted company, particularly considering her mark up.
Pastures new and all that!
XX
After a sternly worded email, the shop manager has magically 'found' my decoupage box. Hurrah!
Husband (aka The Doctor) will pick up tomorrow or Friday.
I'm so pleased.
She asked if I have more stuff to sell. Errr no, I don't think so. It's high time we parted company, particularly considering her mark up.
Pastures new and all that!
XX
cafecortado
member
Ha! Fantastic, it's a miracle ;) Pleased for you Chris. X
Bernie UK
RTKR 22nd January 2014
LTKR 2nd April 2014
Bernie UK
RTKR 22nd January 2014
LTKR 2nd April 2014
DogLoverx3
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I bet she 'found' your lovely box in her living room and is sad to give it back
Ellejay
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Oh I'm delighted to hear that your box has turned up, I wonder where it's been all this time? You will probably never know, but at least it's yours now, if 'The Doctor' can collect it as pre arranged.
I loved your conversation with your PT, all of it so useful to the rest of us. I am picturing you practicing getting up from all fours and smiling. Funnily enough I asked my PT much the same question, "how would I get up if I fell" she said to try very hard not to fall, and then said I would need to crawl to the nearest object and pull myself up on it.
@cafecortado - it's no use asking dogwheels about baths, she doesn't ever have them, I, on the other hand, love my bath and have been having them since my scar allowed me to, and at the time it caused great hilarity on here. To begin with I lowered myself in using the small plastic stool the children used to have so they could reach the basin in the bathroom (why have I kept it for 25 years - who knows? But I'm glad I did) I then put the stool back on the floor until I wanted to get out again, when I just pulled the stool back in with me, levered myself up onto the stool and then I could stand up. It was the mention of stools in the bath that set certain people on here off, I won't mention any names....
Xxx
I loved your conversation with your PT, all of it so useful to the rest of us. I am picturing you practicing getting up from all fours and smiling. Funnily enough I asked my PT much the same question, "how would I get up if I fell" she said to try very hard not to fall, and then said I would need to crawl to the nearest object and pull myself up on it.
@cafecortado - it's no use asking dogwheels about baths, she doesn't ever have them
, I, on the other hand, love my bath and have been having them since my scar allowed me to, and at the time it caused great hilarity on here. To begin with I lowered myself in using the small plastic stool the children used to have so they could reach the basin in the bathroom (why have I kept it for 25 years - who knows? But I'm glad I did) I then put the stool back on the floor until I wanted to get out again, when I just pulled the stool back in with me, levered myself up onto the stool and then I could stand up. It was the mention of stools in the bath that set certain people on here off, I won't mention any names.... Xxx
DogLoverx3
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Mars Bars! Mars Bars! ......... (i'm so immature)
Ellejay
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Well, I wasn't going to say who it was but.........
...I made a bet to myself you wouldn't be able to resist.
Isn't it just so great we can have such a laugh on here? xx
...I made a bet to myself you wouldn't be able to resist.Isn't it just so great we can have such a laugh on here? xx
DogLoverx3
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Haha, glad I didn't let you down. I love that I've been able to 'meet' all of you @Ellejay . I don't think anyone who hasn't been through this will ever understand how very important this site has been to many of us! xoxoxoxo And yes, the fact that we have 'hit it off' and can have a good laugh and take our minds off our knees for a bit while recovering has been invaluable!
cafecortado
member
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