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TKR Sandi's knees, take 2

My staple removal was painful, but I'm a wuss, so yours may be just fine. I was at the end of two weeks when I began to make m own breakfast, like you my family/friends were very helpful, however I felt good to do for myself again. Let us know how your appointment goes!
 
I'm a wuss too, staple removal was tough. Skin was growing over some staples, so they were difficult to remove. I tried to distract myself by counting them. Yes family has been incredible here too, got everything ready for a cuppa tonight but just couldn't manoeuvre it to the table.
You're doing brilliantly Sandi


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34 of mine hurt, 1 didn't. Mine, too, had skin growing over them. But, I was nice and healed and, boy, did it feel good to get them out. No more pulling when bending the knee! The pain is nothing compared to what you have already been through and you'll be so glad to have them out!
 
Got the staples out - not as bad as I feared. It was just a little "poke" with each one, thank goodness non of them were stuck. Really glad that is done. Doc says everything looks great. Their goal for flexion is at least 90 at this point, so was very happy with my 105.
 
Oh yes, I agree. 105 is wonderful for this short of time! You are doing something right!
 
My gosh girl 105 is amazing!!!! Go you!!!


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I swear, I don't know what is wrong with me today. It is gray and cloudy outside and I think it has soaked into my head... I seem to have lost my optimism overnight. While I am happy with my flexion, I am bothered by my extension. It is frustrating to not be able to straighten my leg all the way. I guess I didn't realize it would be more challenging than the bend. I am also sick of my recliner, watching tv, on and on. I just want to be done with this already! I know how unreasonable I am being and how well I am doing, but my brain doesn't seem to care today.

I'm not looking for advice, I already know and when the clouds clear out, I know I will be fine again. Thanks for letting me whine.....done now.
 
sandi4213 said:
While I am happy with my flexion, I am bothered by my extension. It is frustrating to not be able to straighten my leg all the way. I guess I didn't realize it would be more challenging than the bend.
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Poor you! It sounds as if the blues have hit! They will get better, though.
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it

It's still very early days and your extension will come, given a bit more time. It's not at all unusual for extension to take longer to achieve than flexion. There's no need to worry or rush, because ROM (both flexion and extension) can continue to improve for a year or more after a TKR.
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR

You're doing incredibly well and everything will work out OK, if you can just give it time.
 
Super early to worry about extention! It is often the last thing to come. You can do the exercises, but sometimes it's walking and taking longer strides that effects extention the most.

It is rainy and gloomy here too. If there's a funny movie or something you can get lost in go for it. We've all experienced the blue in this recovery, but eventually there's light at the end of the tunnel. :yes:
 
Oh Sandi that was me the other day, felt so frustrated with everything and emotional!! I knew I was being pessimistic too but I just didn't care. We are allowed our down days, honestly I think if it was all rainbows and sunshine every day I would be questioning that more.

I'm not being measured anymore, PT doesn't do that she goes by eye, which I think in one way is good as I'm not focused on a number. I can tell if I've made progress.

As well as looking after our baby knees we need to look after our wellbeing. Is there something else you could do besides TV?
Are you creative? Start a project? Reading? Jigsaw? Online shopping (sorry that's my vice lol)?


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Forget online shopping while in a brain fog! I learned the hard way that you'll end up buying things that are totally out of character!
 
Or double check your shopping bag before checking out. I thought I had things and had double of other things. But it did get the endorphins going! :wink:
 
Thanks, guys. I feel much better today. I can't seem to concentrate much on things - I am normally a voracious reader, but I haven't been able to really get into a book. I did finish up a wreath the other day that I had started before surgery, but my creative gene seems to be tired :)

I went to PT this morning. I was prepared to tell him no "sag" (the one that hurt me on Monday) and he never asked me to do it. I had a different set of things today and rather liked them, except the knee that is now my "bad knee" (it got demoted when the left became the new knee) didn't like all of them. My new knee did great, though. My flexion was 110 today, woohoo! I asked the PT to analyze my gait as I am trying to extend it more to help the extension. He said it was great. Then he grabbed my cane and said just take a few steps so I can see, and to my surprise I walked really well (it was maybe 6 or 8 steps). He said to try a few steps in the house now and then.

Bottom line, as far as he is concerned my extension is the only thing to really work on at this point. I told him that I am planning to go slow and steady with that. I set up an ottoman by a chair in the livingroom yesterday that I can use and it pulls enough to get uncomfortable after a few minutes, but not enough to be painful. That and extending my gait when walking are enough right now, I think.

One more woohoo! Today is my first shower without a bag over my leg. I got the green light to get the incision wet! I can't wait, I am taking a shower after lunch.:snork:
 
If your extension is the only thing to be concerned about, then you don't need PT for that. You know what to do. And you will be better at it, then the PT will!
 
Good morning All! I decided I was ready to sleep in my bed last night. My granddaughter helped me "move" (meds, pillows, phone, etc. about 10 pm. I fell asleep within about 10 min. and slept till my 12:00 alarm for meds. I have a 1:00 alarm as well and was asleep when that went off, too. Went right back to sleep and other than the hassle of turning, slept good until almost 5. I feel better. This morning I had to "move" back by myself because everyone is asleep, 2 trips, then a trip for ice so I could ice and elevate, but I did it.

We are supposed to get snow (what!) here in north Idaho today. Mother Nature has been crazy this year! Have a good day everyone. :)
 
Your independence is coming back. Doesn't that feel great! Each one of these successes is a time of celebration!
 
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