TKR Sandydee's New Knee Highs and Lows

[Gigi32]

Sandydee,
I experienced some of the same things you have at about the 2 month mark. I think part of it is just lack of use of full body muscles when you've probably been used to being more active in general than you have the past couple of months. Once you begin to become more active and are able to start doing more exercise, most of that should resolve. You may want to get on a routine of acetaminophen around the clock for a while. I'm also a nurse and have never been a big fan of Tylenol especially since I needed so many nsaids for arthritis for years, but I've found taking a couple of arthritis strength Tylenol in the am or pm has seemed to help with the body aches. Just be sure to watch the daily limits since it has a lot more milligrams than plain Tylenol. It's funny how hard it is to retrain those muscles not to "limp". I had the same issue, and had to really concentrate with every step to retrain myself to walk normally. Some of that will correct itself as your swelling subsides and soft tissue damage heals. I'm 6 months post-op and can honestly say I feel better now than I have in 20 years. I've never been one to do ANY exercise of any kind - now I am practically addicted. I bike and lift weights and can't believe I can do things I never thought I'd be able to before I had my surgery. Next week I meet with my OS about setting a date for the other knee. Hang in there. You'll get there! Steady wins the race!

 

[Angel1978]

Wow I'm so jelious on flex. It's taken me forever to get there. But yay for you!!! That's is something to be proud of.

I don't know If this will help. But while setting up. I did this. The non surgical leg I would put under the surgical leg. That way it was relieving pressure off it. And I could set up. And I used it to get me in/out of bed. And used it to bend toward chair etc till surgical leg was strong.

Or I would use a small pillow on floor to rest leg and would stretch it out.

Hope this helps. Good luck. And happy healing.

 

[Sandydee]

Thanks Gigi and Angel both gave me some excellent tips. I will definitely try the Tylenol idea. I'd really like to stay off the Norco from here on out, or at least until the next TKR. Will be doing my right knee this year once I've recovered from this left one and after my daughters wedding is done in October.

 

[KarriB]

After walking with a limp for so long, you may need a PT to do a gait a analysis. I, too, had been in such pain for so long that I needed to be aware of my gait and think about how I was walking. My PT put me on a treadmill to really practice walking heel-toe. To be honest, I still have to really think about my gait while walking, but don't walk with a limp right now.

 

[Angel1978]

Oh no. Treadmill lol I'm scared. I can't even walk steps good. Best luck.

 

[Angel1978]

SandyDee it's hard recovering. Think the hardest part is the wanting to do it know. And can't.

Oh other knee. That's me. But I am pretending I have selective hearing on that. O don't hear that lol.

Seems docs want to do it soon. Cuz of wear tear and all the pressure you use to compensate.

A wedding. Have fun. Yay celebrate by that time u will be almost pain free or pain free. And if there is a party dance you will be doing circles around them;-)

Good luck. Xxxx

 

[KarriB]

Oh no! The treadmill was great and I set it as fast or slow as I was comfortable with. I was 2 months out when the PT did this, so I was well on my way. The bars on either side helped my balance and the PT was behind me to observe my gait. i don't have a treadmill at home, but I domeier my recumbent bike 4 miles everyday.

 

[Sandydee]

Just finished PT and so excited I had to post. Flex 121 and extension is FINALLY 0. Happy Dance. Now if I could just get rid of this sciatica pain in my butt and down the leg. Saw a chiropractor three days ago and it really helped for a few days. But last night the statica returned with a vengeance. Back on Norco and back to the chiropractor today. I really think using my sling swing in the back yard is really helping. I'm really concentrating on swinging my legs out, and then in. It's giving me full extension and then I really pump for increasing flexion, and I'm relaxing and enjoying the California sunshine the whole time. Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and support.

 

[Angel1978]

Wow I am impressed. Yayayayayay
I am so jelious;-)
Oh no siaotica yep ouch. Know that feeling. But here is what I do on flare up. Go and set on tub or bath seat and let the heat hit my back. Then go and get me a warm robe on and tea. Sometimes it work. Sometimes not. But if it don't work. I try to distract my self to not think of it.


Xxxx. And again happy your 0


FaithMitchmommy
PKR December.1,2014
TKREV MARCH.2,2015

 

[Jamie]

Great report!!! I'm glad to hear that you are making gradual improvements. You'll get there!!!