Revised PKR to TKR On the other side - AGAIN!

[sistersinhim]

Ah shucks, I'm so sorry you're on the down side of that rollercoaster. You'll be up on the top side again before you know it!

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @Layla you know me well, and @benne68 i didn’t think of that one. Thanks @sistersinhim Although I think it’s because I started more exercises for the back.
I made bolognaise for the freezer, pedalled a bit instead of the 3rd walk, made a start on tidying up the loft room, which is a tiny single step in the right direction and knitting. No I don’t have Hallmark. Just what we call catch up on a fire stick, eg bbc iPlayer, and prime. Netflix and Disney etc all too expensive.
I think I might start a jigsaw tomorrow, it’s that time of year. I’m usually out on a Sunday but not this week.

 

[Legseleven]

Week 19 almost over, with week 20 fast approaching and I hesitate to write this for fear of jinxing myself yet since Wednesday the knee has felt different in a good way. I’m hoping I’ve turned a big corner and the coming week will confirm this.
It’s hard to explain exactly, there’s less pain and discomfort all round and when in bed, and although still stiff on moving about it just feels easier. If I hold the two bannisters tight I can even do alternate legs coming down, although I’m careful about full weight bearing, and don’t attempt it first thing in the morning when the stiffness is worst.
I’ve pushed on with my frequent walks, increasing distances and I keep moving about every day, and had several days over 8k steps this week for the first time.
I use my new soft handled walking stick when out and about because of the uneven surfaces, and use nothing inside.
I’m still on one Celecoxib 100mg with breakfast, which I restarted a couple of weeks ago and am carrying on with this in the hope to settle the back spasms.
My instinct is that it’s the culmination of time, of listening to my body, regular tapered exercise and the small dose of NSAID, and the fact that I’m helped by being back in the bath several times a week as this really aids the extension exercises. I hope in another week to stop the Celecoxib but that depends more on the back.
I still have to push up off a chair with two hands to rise, and know this may be ongoing. I can live with that and I have a long way to go yet so there’s always hope.
Yay, onwards after a challenging 18m there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Layla]

Keep going, one step at a time. Pleased to read things are starting to feel better.
I hope you have a great Sunday!
@Legseleven

 

[EalingGran]

Great report.
Glad to hear that thus recovery is so much better.

 

[sistersinhim]

You have been amazing all through your recovery! What an inspiration to others!

 

[benne68]

I still have to push up off a chair with two hands to rise, and know this may be ongoing.

I needed to use my hands for help standing up from seated position for a long time -- but I did finally reach the point where I didn't need to. I think you will too, with more time. This has been such a long journey for you, that it an be easy to forget that you are only one-third of the way through recovery from your revision surgery. You are doing really well. Keep exercising that Patience Muscle of yours.

 

[Jockette]

I still have to push up off a chair with two hands to rise, and know this may be ongoing. I can live with that and I have a long way to go yet so there’s always hope.

I agree with benne68 that you have lots of time to improve in this area. Keep in mind, also, it can depend on the actual chair you’re sitting in. I still need to use 2 hands to push up, in certain chairs (not all) but I’m not a normal outcome, anyway. I never worried about this issue, though. And my PTs never had me do sit to stand exercises, thankfully!

 

[EalingGran]

Keep in mind, also, it can depend on the actual chair you’re sitting in

Agree with this. I can sit to stand from higher chairs quite easily- but would need to push up still from a very low one.

 

[sistersinhim]

I agree with the other two members. Standing up from a low chair is much more difficult than standing up from a higher chair. I have found that 'rocking' my body bath and forth helps with getting up. I still do this today, 10 years after my TKR. But, my situation is also different than others, I have no kneecaps.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks all it’s ALL chairs, and I’m a great fan of the disabled toilets when out and about. Still have raised sets at home. Plus rocking makes no difference. I’ve had moving and handling training for years so I find it a tad ironic I’m stuck using my arms.
Been like this since before the ops last year. Ah well, time will tell, onwards.
Meanwhile leg stayed same all week so that’s progress

 

[Legseleven]

It’s Friiiiiyay and the weekend and the knee is still playing ball.
It even survived up and down a tall stepladder yesterday a LOT, and it’s only the right glute whinging today. And I did half my cardio for the week yesterday according to my Fitbit!

It genuinely feels more like my own knee after 21 long months pre and post surgeries. Hoping it’ll continue so I’ll keep on listening to it and moving and resting it when required. It’s now 21 weeks and I see the surgeon next week for the check up.
I’m hoping as the knee returns to normal actions the back will settle and I can get on with life. It almost feels like a switch has flicked in the knee, which I suppose it has as the internal swelling has decreased and the quads are slowly reactivating.

To all those reading this either before or after their op I want to stress that you have to keep the faith, all through the painful and low mood days, and keep going, following the Bonesmart way and you will get there.

I’m excited to see the end of the tunnel and the light is shining in, it’s perfect as we go into winter darkness and bad weather. In fact I almost feel like dancing.

Onwards and onwards again.

 

[Layla]

In fact I almost feel like dancing.

A dance partner to celebrate your progress with.
Happy Days, LE...may it only get better!

 

[EalingGran]

I’m excited to see the end of the tunnel and the light is shining in, it’s perfect as we go into winter darkness and bad weather. In fact I almost feel like dancing

So pleased for you! Glad all is coming out well.

 

[sistersinhim]

You have been such a trooper all through this long journey of yours and an asset to this community!

 

[Legseleven]

Saw the OS today and was discharged, and told to go back anytime if needed. Says another 6 months recovery, which we all know very well. Extension good, said I might get another 10’ flexion, but I still have full function, and that a full knee replacement never has quite as much flexion. Talked with him about the back spasms and proposed injections and he’s persuaded me to try them. So I have set that in motion and now wait for an appointment.
Spent a lot of time in the car on Saturday, plus cut grass and swept leaves yesterday has led to a slight backwards step, but it’s ok, and was expected. Life is for living.
Been out for my two walks today, and just carry onwards….

Thank you @sistersinhim, @Layla and @EalingGran

 

[benne68]

Great update!

 

[EalingGran]

All sounds very positive. Glad rhe appointment went well.

 

[eaglemom]

Excellent attitude and report.

 

[Layla]

Sounds like your recovery is coming along nicely. I hope the injections bring you speedy relief.
@Legseleven