TKR RTKR December 12

[LittleBit]

@mendogal Thanks for the advice on the step-up exercises. PT did notice that I was swinging the leg out to achieve height on the first couple of tries and encouraged me to stand up tall and look ahead. The more I worked on standing straight, the better I got, but I still need lots of practice. I will use the mirror to check my form, paying attention to keeping the hips level when I work on steps at home.

As to my friend, the ice pack, I named it Popsicle because those frozen flavored ice bars were always a comfort treat for my kids when they had a sore throat or upset stomach. I joked with my PT one day when they asked if I wanted the usual ice on my knee at the end of the session that, yes, of course, I wanted my popsicle because I had been a good girl.

 

[LittleBit]

@MSuki I'm not sure about the height of the cone, but I'd guess it at either 6 or 8 in. They have them in different heights at the facility. I bet you could do the same thing with cans from the cupboard--working from soup cans up to family-sized veggies or even coffee cans. Plastic cups of different sizes would probably work, too. I think

 

[LittleBit]

. . . my previous reply posted before it was finished. I think the average height of stair steps might be 6-8" but I'm not sure. I wonder if there is any advantage to trying to work toward heights beyond 8 in. There are some step boxes at the facility that look like they might be 12" but I can't really see the need for me to be trying to step that high during my usual activities. I'm not going to be rock climbing or anything like that. Besides, I'm a short person, at just 5' 0".

 

[MSuki]

I’m thinking I might find a household object that would work. Might need to do it in the bathroom at first to use the mirror. I need extra help for steps I think. This knee has not been able to do much for a long time.

 

[Layla]

I believe you're right LittleBit as most of what I've read used a measurement of around 7.5 for average stair rise in the United States, although it can vary a little from article to article. I also read this -


As individuals age, various physiological changes occur that can impact mobility. One of the most notable changes is the limitation in joint range of motion, particularly in the hips and ankles. A decreased hip flexion range of motion means that lifting the leg becomes more challenging. Similarly, reduced strength in the hip flexors, the muscles responsible for lifting the leg, can further complicate stair climbing.

There are some step boxes at the facility that look like they might be 12" but I can't really see the need for me to be trying to step that high during my usual activities.

This is a good question for your PT because what you say makes perfect sense. If you do ask, please let us know your PT's response, I'd be interested to hear some feedback on this topic.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!

 

[mendogal]

There are some step boxes at the facility that look like they might be 12" but I can't really see the need for me to be trying to step that high during my usual activities. I'm not going to be rock climbing or anything like that. Besides, I'm a short person, at just 5' 0".

We're not short! Our feet touch the ground!

 

[MSuki]

When I was younger, I’d go outside in winter in my flip flops, but my feet wouldn’t get cold. My Dad said it was because it wasn’t that far from my feet to my heart.

 

[sistersinhim]

My Dad said it was because it wasn’t that far from my feet to my heart.

This is beautiful! After my TKR, my feet froze, both of them! I assumed it was because of the constant icing. Since then I have bought a heated throw. It feels wonderful!

 

[MSuki]

Amen to the cold feet. I have moved from hospital socks to fuzzy socks. I need to look into that heated throw. I remember years ago someone gave me these sort of sock/houseshoes with pellets in them to microwave, similar to the microwave things that go around your neck. Problem was you couldn’t walk on them as you can imagine.

 

[sistersinhim]

Problem was you couldn’t walk on them as you can imagine.

OUCH! I highly recommend the heated throw. I even use mine quite frequently.

 

[LittleBit]

Day 30 and my 75th birthday - Since I transitioned from the end of Week 4 into the beginning of Week 5 on Wednesday of this week, I feel I'm entering a new phase of recovery. I know this happens to different people at different times and in different ways, but for me I notice I am having more energy and walking more smoothly. I get in and out of the car more easily. I am able to finish more household tasks--although still quite simple and not requiring long periods of standing. I am less aware of my new knee 24/7. I do still have to ice for irritating discomfort at some time every day and have stiffness when first standing up or getting out of the car. But I feel a new sort of hope for what my new knee will be able to do down the road. I wish you all that hopefulness in small or large ways.

 

[sistersinhim]

Happy Birthday!

 

[sistersinhim]

For one month out you are progressing nicely!

 

[MSuki]

Wishing you a wonderful birthday!

 

[Layla]

Happy Birthday!

Happy One Month Anniversary too
Cheers to another trip around the sun!

 

[rlwintin]

Yay! What a glowing report! And happy birthday!

 

[mendogal]

Happy birthday and WOW great early milestones!

 

[LittleBit]

I'm anticipating my 6-week follow-up with the OS on Monday. This is the first time I will have seen him since the surgery. I hope to hear that I will be allowed to swim. My husband is purchasing gym memberships for us where they have an indoor pool--for my birthday present! He has been waiting to make the official purchase until I am cleared to swim. I'm shopping online for a swimsuit with long sleeves as my shoulders and arms get so cold, even in a "heated" pool. If they heated the pool enough to suit me, it would feel more like a hot tub and not too suitable for aerobic exercise

At PT this morning, my therapist told me he thinks the surgeon will be pleased with my progress. Just for kicks, he challenged me to try for 125 flexion. After a couple of warm-up heel slides and rest/relax, I got there on my own with him cheering me along. It didn't hurt, but it took all the strength I could muster. I'm afraid I'm a sucker for a challenge.

I've been working through the brain fog, trying to give myself grace. I'm so glad I arranged to do all my teaching from home this semester. I would not have been able to travel to campus, negotiate the steps from the parking lot, and then walk the halls to class, teach for an hour, and then walk back to my office. My OS had told me I would be fine starting back this week as though it were nothing. It's not nothing. I have to work a while and rest, work a while and rest. Knowing what I know now, I think 12 weeks of recovery before returning even to a desk job would have been more realistic--for someone my age.

 

[Layla]

I'm shopping online for a swimsuit with long sleeves

Wow, I wasn't aware of that option.

I hope you have a good follow-up on Monday. Receiving a nod from the surgeon that all looks as it should is so reassuring. Hopefully you get the green light ->
We've read that concentration can be an issue for some teachers upon returning to work, usually in instances when they returned early.
You're doing great, keep it up!

 

[mendogal]

Sometimes I wonder if surgeons believe there's magic postop fairy dust that automatically dresses us, feeds us, and teleports us to our jobs, where we are provided with free recliners, ice packs, and encouragement....