TKR RTKR Oct 19, 2023

[sistersinhim]

I had the rollator, too. I found it easier than the walker.

 

[RockyBones]

I had the rollator, too. I found it easier than the walker.

Yes. Much much easier. I’ve been on one for several years and according to my PT, that history might prolong my recovery as the muscles, knee etc were not being totally used and are therefore weaker

So I’m trying to mentally prepare for the long journey ahead. I just like to see progress, some progress on a continual basis

But I don’t think it happens that way. I see more like one step forward and three steps backwards. But trying to improve on what I need to do each time so that the general movement is towards healing

 

[sistersinhim]

I see more like one step forward and three steps backwards.

That is true for everyone. That's why we call it a rollercoaster ride. Instead of judging your daily accomplishments, look back a month ago and see how much you have improved. This healing is definitely a slow one and not for those that are impatient. I hated the time it took, but now I am so glad I went through it!

 

[RockyBones]

Thanks for that. And while you’re here

I get so lost navigating this forum. Never sure if I’m replying to the right comment so I just use the quote this message festure

And then when I come into the forum have trouble finding my own thread

How did you make reference to address just that one sentence?

 

[Jockette]

How did you make reference to address just that one sentence?

When you want to reply, rather than quoting the whole message, just go down to the reply box and type your reply. No need to quote, especially if you are replying to the post directly above your reply. You can also mention the member you want to address by using the @ sign in front of their username (no space) and type your reply. Not quoting whole messages saves a lot of space on the page, and also saves duplicate reading.

If you want to quote just a line in a post, highlight that line.

At the bottom of the post you will see:

Like/ +Quote/ Quote this message.

Click the +Quote

When you get to the reply box, you will see where it says “insert quotes” Click that and it will put your highlighted area into your reply.

Happy Posting!

 

[RockyBones]

Oh okay. Thanks much

 

[MSuki]

I just leave the tab open in my browser. Hit refresh as needed….

 

[mendogal]

And then when I come into the forum have trouble finding my own thread

The next time you're here on your own thread, bookmark the page!

 

[Loulou67]

This is certainly a rollercoaster recovery!!! I walked to the local pub yesterday with my OH. No stick or crutch just his arm to hold onto there and back.
I’m still limping along, trying really hard to do the heel toe walking .
Today my thigh is tight again, which frustrates me more than my knee because when I go upstairs it’s my thigh that impedes my progress not my knee….. but hey, 10 weeks out and definitely improving week on week. I think if I were to decide to get my other knee done I’d try for spring/ summer because I’m desperate to be out walking but the weather isn’t on my side at the min.
One positive for me today is my walking steadiness on my iPhone health app has moved from very low to the high end of low, so while I think I’m not doing very well the stats show a different story!!
Enjoy your cruise…. That jacuzzi sounds divine right now!!!

 

[RockyBones]

Rollercoaster for sure!! And I never liked riding them

Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll try using the iPhone walking thingy. Hadn’t thought about that

 

[Dmcfad2]

I just read your thread and see that we had surgery the same day. I am having much the same experience as you, but I don’t have much external swelling. It is mostly internal with me. My ROM is 100° and it isn’t getting any better for three weeks now. Are you in Southern California?

 

[selketine]

My TKR is a couple of weeks away so...this idea may be worth what you paid for it...haha! I currently have two very bad knock knees and both need replacing. I have both a walker (surgeon requires this before surgery) and a rollator. I bought the rollator about 6 months ago and I can walk much better with that for any distance walking vs. the walker or a cane. I've used it to get through airports. I think they make ones with bigger, more rugged wheels for outdoor areas but I haven't looked into it. I did take it out once in the summer. to use on an outdoor sidewalk to walk in a neighborhood with little shops. It also has some hand brakes (for going down hill) if you need them, and a seat and was about $60 online. If there's some reason you should not use a rollator vs. a walker after TKR then of course - don't do it! I hope all goes well with your trip.

Actually I use a rollator. I call them all walkers. Haha. PT was recommending not moving back to the walker in an effort to get me more independently mobile.

And I was walking pretty good on my own until the surprise swelling started wherein I find ambulating with the walker a bit easier

I do try, though, to continue walking on my own so I don’t lose the strength and stamina that I was building to walk on my own

That's great you have it! My HMO requires an actual walker/walker so they bought me one - I already had the rollator. I think taking it will help although I understand you're trying to move away from it. One of my sons is traveling in Europe and (long story short), I think to cancel the trip for a medical reason you'd need a doctor's letter to say that's the case unless you have the "cancel for any reason" insurance. (My son and his friends all got covid AND the flu and considered coming home from a 3 week trip but ended up riding it out for several days in a hotel together). Travel insurance is finicky as well on pre-existing conditions. I hope you're able to make your trip and perhaps just relax on the ship which sounds pretty good to me right now - haha!

 

[RockyBones]

Hi there! I do have both the walker and the rollator. Been using the walker (oops rollator) for years. Lol

We will be taking the trip and staying on board. O did get canx insurance but it must not have been the ‘any reason’ kind because to cancel I have to get doctors statement, some other stuff from the cruise snd it goes before a review board. Too late to start that process not knowing if I’ll get a full refund.

So onboard we go! I’m trusting everything will work out

As a matter of fact, I was looking this morning to plan an Alaskan tour for our 50th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Ya think my knee will be working by then? Haha.

And hoping I won’t need to have the left knee or the hip done before then. Right now I’m at the “I’ll never go thru this again” phase!

Best wishes for a pleasant day for you

 

[raylo]

IMO doing the exercises twice a day might be too much and that might be why you have so much persistent swelling. Once I started twice a week outpatient PT I really didn't do much on the off days.... maybe just a little walking. It seemed to me like rest was more important... and I still made good progress towards gaining ROM.

 

[RockyBones]

@Dmcfad2 sorry I missed your post. We are about the same progression. My unassisted ROM is also 100 and pretty much staying there.

I’m in Florida, similar climate too

@raylo since this is a marathon not a sprint this is worth a try. But a little scary for me. Especially since my PTs ask if I’m doing my home exercises. I’ll have to think a little more but still curious as to whether it’ll work for me.

Decisions decisions.

Then again, my cruise next week is a great time to test this out.

 

[RockyBones]

The PT I had today managed to get me to 110 flexion. She’s the only one of my therapists who can do that. Also took me down two flights of stairs walking only as comfortable for me and outside to walk on grass to get used to uneven surfaces all without the cane

Thinking about releasing me the end of the month. Visiting doctor tomorrow and certainly advising him.. no MUA for me!

Still the knee tightness but it seems to be relieving ever so slightly. I’m afraid to hope because I go forward a little then back a lot

I hear that 3 months seems to be the turning point for many. Since I’m almost there, hoping this is the case for me

Choa for now!

 

[mendogal]

What a great update!!!

That knee tightness is totally normal at this point.

 

[RockyBones]

What a great update!!!

That knee tightness is totally normal at this point.

Oh, but sooooo annoying.

 

[Layla]

I’m afraid to hope because I go forward a little then back a lot

Try not to be afraid, but move forward in confidence. You're doing well!
You have many more months of healing to happen and progress to make.
Check this little scribble out -

Happy New Year, RockyBones!

 

[RockyBones]

So how did my cruise go?

Really good. We didn’t do a lot, mostly rest. But I did do more walking which is a given on a ship

I kept my compression stocking on during the day to help alleviate my swelling. And sure enuf, no swelling during the trip. I did do some of my knee exercises but not consistently. No icing!

The interesting thing is that when I got home, kinda just gave up worrying with the knee and did absolutely nothing for a few days. The swelling came back even though I wore the stockings

That taught me that I do need to keep the motion lotion going to prevent the swelling

My mental state is changing too. I no longer stress out over ROM. I’m getting in and out of the car much easier than before. I’m trying not to focus on the ‘tight knee’ and think more about walking normally. Hope this change in mindset will translate to better body healing

But I will continue my ROM exercises along with ADLs and some cycling on my little mini cycle

After all I’m scheduled to walk on Mendemhall glacier in 19 months on our Alaskan 50th anniversary cruise

Thought you might like to see how I handled the pier ship to shore walk in Cozumel. I dared not talk that walk without my little helper.

Oh yea! PT was going to release me next week but I decided for release today. I know what I need to do and one more week of going would probably not made much difference

I just need to do what I need to do! Lol