Hi KarriB

to Bonesmart, glad you found us.
You have been through a lot with your TKR and infection, glad to hear you were able to rid yourself of the infection with antibiotics.
but still need a cane some days and for long distances particularly. I don't know if it's a "crutch" for me or if I truly need it.
If you feel you need the cane for long distances, then you probably do need the cane. If your gait is not normal after a long distance, you need a cane, if you are fatigued after a long distance, you need a cane, if you have swelling or pain with distances, you need a cane.
Everyone heals at a different rate, your TKR combined with an infection, may mean you are going to heal slower than most. You may need more time until you are ready to give up the cane for distances.
You could ask a PT to take a look at your walking, maybe the way you are walking could be contributing to your needing a cane.
It is a little late in your recovery, but here is the post op reading, the articles are short and will not take long to read.
First are the BoneSmart mantras ....
-
rest,
elevate,
ice and
take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down!
Next is a
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) thread.
And here are some very crucial articles
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Activity progression for TKRs
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Home physio (PT) and activity progress: suggestions
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?
And then some wise words from members who have shared their experiences ...
Where are you in recovery?? (TKR)
Five “P’s” of knee recovery
TKR: work “smarter” and not “harder”
Recovering a knee - from one who knows!
It's never too late to get more ROM!
It's worth the wait for ROM