I am crying a little now at all the lovely visits I have had while I have been absent. I actually got on here to thank all my regular visitors and say that I hadn't been around much and probably wouldn't be in the future. I am not a very good advocate for knee replacement at the moment. I don't know why I am being so self-absorbed as to think it is unfair that I again have a knee that won't do anything. There are others on here with much worse problems in their lives than I have, and with harder recoveries.
It will be 12 months since my first TKR - the left - on 17 October (which is the day I have my gallbladder out) - so I thought I might have a bit of a recap on where that knee is at. Extension is good - flat and has been from about the first week. Flexion is about 80-85, so still very limited in what it can do. If I had my time over I would NOT have it done. I think I would prefer to handle the pain (which I had been dealing with for years anyway) and still be able to do the things I could do before the op - the main activity being riding the bikes at the gym. It was my favourite exercise and I still miss being able to do it.
I am 6 weeks post TKR - the right - now. Extension is still quite a way off flat and flexion is stuck at about 60. Reason for MUA did I hear someone ask? I don't really think so because there is definitely pain in a spot behind my knee in the middle which stops any bend bar the tiniest bit. There is also pain around the MCL region on this knee which hurts when trying to straighten or bend. I see the surgeon on Wednesday for my check-up, so will see what he says about things.
I simply cannot spend any more days with my legs up on pillows, so I just do what needs to be done, regardless of pain. I do everything for myself now - including the heavy housework - vacuuming, mopping etc., except for shopping because I still can't drive, but I get someone to take me to the shops as opposed to getting them to pick stuff up for me. I am not driving yet because although I can get in a car on the passenger side (with much manoeuvring), I cannot arrange my right knee enough to even get it in the door on the driver's side and I have a car with quite a wide door opening. I must admit I am getting cabin fever now with having to rely on someone having time to take me anywhere.
On a sadder note, my big beautiful boofy Kimbo did not have a tooth or gum infection - he had sudden onset kidney failure and after a week of treatment in the critical care veterinary hospital with no improvement, I made the heartbreaking decision to let him go quietly and with dignity. Not only am I missing him terribly, my other dog, Mikki, his sister, is definitely grieving. It is heartbreaking to watch. They were from the same litter, so have been together all their lives.
Also, a very treasured and special friend whom I have known for over 40 years, passed away that same week, so I attended her funeral mid-week.
And with all that has been happening, I have made the very difficult decision to resign from my job. Is it the most informed decision I have ever made? No. Is it the most financially responsible decision? No. Is it the right decision for me at this point in my life? Yes, I believe it is. In another 3-5 years, I may have to do something else, but will deal with that if and when it happens.
I really would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who take the time to come onto my thread to see how I am. I appreciate your time, your interest, and all the advice, encouragement, support and friendship that has been offered on this forum.
I know I am going to leave someone out, but special thanks and hugs to
@leejaa @Jozilla @tiredwife @Ellejay @happymum @pakline @jeano @kneeper @marmora Some of you come on repeatedly even with no response from me. I do so appreciate it.
I am not sure why I feel I should be entitled to an easy recovery.
I have to say though JoAnne
@Jozilla I am so happy you are recovering so well. If I could, I would
for you. Your flexion at 3 weeks is incredible and you must be so happy.
Lyn
@Ellejay .. you now have a date for the next one. I am glad you are happy about it and eagerly awaiting it. Pay no attention to my complaints. I am positive everything will go well for you. Very glad your trip to France went so well.
I apologise for my complaining, whiny post. I am just so disappointed that I cannot come on here and say how great everything is going and my flexion is over 90 and there is hardly any pain. I am so disappointed that I cannot say that to anyone who asks, although my reply to others is usually "Pretty good - slow, but pretty good". Part of the trouble is that knee replacements are becoming so common these days that everyone knows someone who has had one or both and never have I had someone say to me that their partner/relative/friend has had such slow progress as I have.
I have had enough.
United States
