Seven week check up!!

[skigirl]

I have been so depressed over this surgery---this ordeal is really tiresome. I did finally figure out that Tramadol was making my depression worse--as soon as I stopped taking it, my mood lightened.

My OS (surgeon for Jo) is such an butt. He actually came into the room and said, "now you are no longer feeling pain, and , of course, are not taking any narcotics." I asked him if he thought that I was a puppet and that he had to speak for me!! I am accostumed to people asking me if I have any pain----but that presumes that they are interested in the answer!! He pontificated for five minutes and then gathered up his papers and ran. He did pause to say, "if you have any questiongs, call the phone nurse"--and I am sure she would be more helpful that he would be.

I can see that I am alone on this rehab question--luckily I have a great pt--but these boards are so necessary because so many docs just want to do the surgery and then no deal with the rehab.

I have decided to deal with the extra 15 pounds I have been dragging around with me for years---I think I have been in denial--telling myself that I am muscular---but, being in front of a mirror in pt has burst my bubble. I can see it clearly--and after nearly two months of mostly sitting around, even my thighs jiggle. when I saw them moving, I screamed---and moved to the leg lift machine and asked for more weight. Ben laughed, but he agreed to step up the pt. so that my legs get stronger again.

Now, I have pt for two hours on MWF ; on tuesday Thrusday and Saturday, I take a water aeerobics class. I swim every evening and do lots of stretch in the pool. I use a belt and do lots of running--but, now I can use my fins and so I swim more too. It is relaxing and has helped my rom.

On wed, I am going to my first yoga class since the surgery, we will see how it goes--my knee is still kind of stiff. The flex is 135, but I still can't sit on my butt--my knee won't bend. I am determined to get to 145 so that my knee is more flexible--but, I think it will take some time.

I still have swelling in my knee. The doc gave me Lodine, A NASID, to take for two or three weeks until the swelling goes down. I will believe that when I see it, but I will try the med. I have been walking the dog for 2 miles each day and the os told me to up it to 2.5 and then three miles per day. When I can do four easily, then I can hike again on trails instead of mostly flat ground.

I have decided not to analyze whether this was a good idea or not---I did it to myself and I have to accept the consequences of my own behavior. I have hopes that his ordeal is going to end someday---hopefully before Dec when I want to ski. I cannot even imagine how those of you with two knees done at once even begin to manage!!!You guys are tough!!! The balance issues alone are daunting.

I have been making Ben really, really stretch my knee---I just want this to be over!!! I have found that my old Lamaze breathing helps a lot---what is it that Queen Vicoria told Alexandia when she was going to marry the Czar, "Just lie still and think of England." I think of that sometimes in pt and it makes me giggle.

Laughing and giggling have been in short supply in my life lately. Feeling sorry for yourself is a full time job it seems and it has made my life very grim.

I am hoping that I have turned a corner---when I saw my thighs jiggle, I just thougth, okay, that is it---I am going to work so hard to bring myself back into shape. I am going to be the person that I want to be. I will fight for it and I will go for it. then, suddenly, I felt much more like my old self.

Of course my knee hurts at times---especially at night when it is sometimes impossible to sleep. I toss and turn all night. And sometimes, I am so tired!!!! I just want to lie down. (now I am starting to like icing--it is a lie down excuse) I try to avoid doing things 'through the pain' since it does not work with this knee. When the pain starts up, I look for a way to stop. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel, though---and have some hope that I will survive this surgery intact.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Oh Kelly,
Now everytime I have to pull my leggs to my shoulder in PT "
"Just lie still and think of England." will be running through my
head any I will be laughing!!!
You do sound happier I am so glad that you are doing well.
And with the goal of getting to 145 is a great goal and I know you
will make it!!!

 

[Surfsister]

Well, when do you ever have time to quilt?

My god, Kelly, you are on a mission. I want to be on such a mission, but even though I'm as athletic as you are, I can't. The pain is too great. My ROM is 110. The doctor said I'll gain more, but it will be slow going because of my past knee surgeries. I'm trying not to overdo it. So even though I workout every day, I'm not doing nearly as much as you are.

Can I just ask one thing? Why do I feel like you're beating yourself up? Two hours of PT. Two hours of walking the dog. Swimming every night. Water aerobics. Wow. You're seriously intense.

Don't worry. There is a tunnel with a light at the end of it. I have trouble seeing both at times. Still, I know they're there. (As proof that I'm not the happiest little TKR person in the bunch, check the belly aching on my blog: https://surfandthefury.blogspot.com).

I want to tell you to give yourself a break. But I can see you won't. What I will say is to be very methodical in your training. I think you're doing that. Just remember to listen to your body. There have got to be days when it says "Enough!"

 

[brs0660]

Kelly...great report. I agree with not enough laughter in our lives...got a new cell phone and set it to children laughing and gigglling!

 

[Motherofmany]

Kelly,

I can totally relate to how you are feeling. There are times I hate this knee. It won't behave at all and even bend like it should. I want to push past the pain, then I end up with excessive swelling. I am so tired of being focused on this stupid knee I could scream!

During my MUA the OS got my knee to 110. It felt great that day, then during the night I started having severe muscle spams all over. Reaction to the muscle relaxant they used during the GA. Went to the gym the next day and worked out in the pool until loosened up some. Was on the bike adjusting the seat for leg length when my right foot slipped and tucked up under my rear. :shk: Hasn't bent like that in years. Thought it might be a good thing, but the swelling won't go down. No matter how much I ice and elevate.

Just can't figure this out and the left TKR is looming in front of me, waiting for this one to behave properly. Normal activity is no longer normal. Everything has to be adjusted to account for this knee. I am fed up with it! Not depressed, just frustrated that my $70,000 knee is not functioning properly. The x-rays look good, but the knee won't bend and is still very painful and swollen.

Finally got to 4 on ext. Best ever, but the flexion is still 80 or probably less today. I don't know how you do it. You are in way better shape than I am since you can walk so much already. I would be happy to walk around the house without pain and swelling.

You are doing wonderful, even though you may not believe it. And, No, I am not trying to one up you, just encourage you on this journey. You like Gringo seem to be way ahead of most of us that are much farther along. So don't give up. You will get back on the slopes and probably in much better shape than ever. :thmb:

 

[Jamie]

Kelly, I know you feel you must push yourself like this, but you are really doing a LOT of activity for under 2 months from surgery. It's no wonder you feel tired! Your body really IS tired!

TWO hours of PT 3 days a week, the other days with aqua therapy plus 2-3 miles of walking each day with the dog and running in the pool every evening. And you're adding a yoga class.

I won't tell you not to do all this stuff, but just don't be surprised when you are pooped, tired, swollen, can't sleep, or hurting. That's what will come with so much pushing. You just might make progress faster if you would slow down a little.

I am glad to hear you are taking time to ice and elevate, though. That will help your swelling - plus the NSAID. I do wish you well with your recovery process and hope you keep posting on your progress.

 

[loggon]

You know to get the rom and get back into shape you don't have to overdo like that. Probably reason you have all the swelling and pain.

Just a guess.

But good luck in your venture and I hope you don't have a back slide
from all the exercising and PT

 

[Josephine]

Just to state yet again, you can't make healing occur, it happens in its own time and at its own pace. Anything you do to force it just results in it taking longer. Still, perhaps I shouldn't waste my breath ....

 

[skigirl]

No, Jo,

I do listen to you---you have a lot of experience and a great breadth of knowledge. Sorry about your knee too.

All of you, listen---I am not working this summer, so I have time. I don't have little children at home. I don't take care of my husband, even. I am certainly a terrible housekeeper and even worse cook.

I am used to this level of activity---it feels right to me. I do a lot of balancing work in pt---that is something that I am really concerned about. I do lots of workouts on my core and upper arms. I use the arm machine for 20 minutes--trying to get rid of the hangy downy thing on my arms.

The pool workouts don't put any stress on my knee---that is why I do so many of them. And, hey, it was my surgeon's idea that I would walk further than two miles with the dog (who is absolutely delighted and loves that guy) He knew about my activities and still insisted that I was not putting enough emphasis on walking.

Here in MOntana, we are all crazy like this---I just drove home from the store and passed 15 pickups with a bike, and a kayak on top. Mine are in the garage--only drag the bike out some times. Although, I don't see any reason why I can't kayak.

I used to hike up Big Mountain in the am (2800 elevation, two miles) before work. Then, I was a hikeing guide and hiked about 10 miles per day. And, we had to walk up a big hill to get to our office for lunch, end of day.

On my days off, I would bike for 30 to 50 miles or hike in the Park--most hikes are between 15 and 20 miles. I have a bike group that meets on Thursday---(we are all around 60 to 75) that always bikes between 15 to 20 miles and then has lunch. My hiking group meets on Tuesday--and hikes in the Park. So, compared to all of that, I AM taking it easy. Walking on a trail throught he woods that has almost no elevation for two miles is not like hiking at all.

And, I know that I am lucky. I have not had any complications with this knee---so many have had them--and it almost seems like the luck of the draw---I got lucky and did not have any. also, I have only had two surgeries prior on this knee--meniscus and acl---luckier there too. My legs were very strong prior to surgery---prior to looking like jello!!!

And, I had MIS surgery, which gives you a quicker recovery in the early stages--apparently by three months, the playing field is evened out.

I know that I am lucky---I understand that so many of you are struggling---and I think that I have been most remiss in not giving more positive posts to you all who have given so many to me. Thank you for the help that you have sent my way---I have listened, I do appreciate it. I am reading Lance Armstrong's book---It is all about he bike. His single minded focus on getting well is what I am all about. I need to have my body working again.

If it is too much, one day, I can easily cut back---I can take the dog to the dog park and let him play with other dogs. But, my time is spent right now on getting me well and back to sports---diet, exercise, pool, they are my life right now. Surfsister---you have so many other things happening in your life---I am amazed that you can recover at all!!

And Mother of Many---NINE CHILDREN, I would be a crazy woman. Look at your own achievements too---sometimes just living is an achievement---healing is an extra.

 

[Texas]

Hey Ski We all wish you the best. I know you will be successful in anything you try or want to do.............Yes we care , just be careful.....But I dont worry to much because I know you will make it..............and thats a good thing............

 

[JudyS]

Ski girl I'm with you on the exercise. The more I do the happier I am. I can';t keep up with your schedule, then I feel i am neglecting my kiddos. Even though they don't want me for anything but money!!
But just do listen to your body if it gets tired.
judy

 

[skigirl]

Judy,

Thank you---it is good to feel my body moving again. I love it that I am sweating in pt now!!

My kiddies are all grown and they know about their mother and exercise---in fact, all three of them are pretty active too!!! How are you doing?

 

[Surfsister]

I'll admit to being (1) jealous and (2) worried that you're doing too much. But I understand the kind of person you are and I believe you are listening to your body. 135? Wow. I'm going to keep working toward whatever ROM I can get. Keep being my role model, Kelly!

 

[Texas]

You will get there Surf....

 

[stives]

Hi Skigirl

I had my second TKR about three weeks before your op. I just can't believe all that you are doing! It's not that I couldn't do any of it - it's just that I (a) wouldn't have the time, (b) don't have access to any physiotherapy, (c) wouldn't do all that exercise even if I had the time and opportunity, and finally (d) I am quite happy with the progress I am making just in doing everyday activities and getting on with life!

It's a good job we are all different!

In the past few weeks I've been away visiting other parts of the UK, and have enjoyed visiting various stately homes, ancient castles, beautiful scenery and done lots of quite long walks. I no longer limp and every day I discover a bit more that I can do that was impossible, difficult or painful before I had my two new knees. I've got as much ROM as I had before the operations, although I haven't measured it with a goniometer!

I must admit that I have never been a sporty person and have no desire to become one, and I understand that you have a passion for continuing a very very active life, and I admire you for it.......I just couldn't do it myself.

You do sound a bit more positive about your progress now. Everyone I know here who has had new knees is absolutely delighted with them, but they all admit that it just does take time to heal and get back to 'normal' again. We just have to have patience, and for some of us that is the most difficult obstacle to overcome.

I wish you all the best in your striving to get as active as you want to be!

 

[Josephine]

No, Jo,

I do listen to you---you have a lot of experience and a great breadth of knowledge.

I apologise for that crack. I just worry about you so much and I hate to think of you trying to push that knee to heal when it's not really within your power to do that. But keeping yourself going with the exercise and activity you are accustomed to, that's different.

Nine kids! :shk:

You must be one a tough chick - I think I should stop worrying about you! Were there any twins?

 

[Jamie]

Kelly, I appreciate that you took the time to write your post that describes what a normal life is to you. You're right....it IS different from what most of us experience. I can see now that your body is quite used to a different level of activity. Like Jo, I just get concerned when it appears that someone is pushing very hard in recovery. Because I want you to heal as fast as you possibly can!

So, please forgive my misunderstanding of what is normal and what is reduced activity for you. When I reread your first post on this thread in light of your explanation of your normal activity levels, I relate to your comments differently - more positively.

I absolutely agree with you about the balance issues in recovery. It and core strength are the main things I focus on - even over a year out. Because for me - I have to keep after it or everything I gained disappears rather quickly. I guess that's just going to be a fact of life for me from now on.

All the things you are doing seem to be helping you and I have to believe that very soon you'll reach a point where the good things about your new knee outnumber the not-so-good ones. And you'll believe this WAS a good thing to have done. You have obviously done some soul searching and are wisely choosing to focus on the positive rather than let yourself dwell on negative thought. Good for you!!!

I think you WILL come to believe surgery was a good thing once the swelling stops. The NSAIDS are a great addition to your recovery process. They should help you get to where you want to be. And, if you find they do the job, don't hesitate to keep taking them until you no longer need help with swelling. You might need them longer than the "couple of weeks" your lovely doctor thought.

I think you are doing the right thing by realizing that it isn't good to try and work through pain during recovery. You are listening to your body!

I hope you continue to post your progress in the coming weeks and months. I look forward to reading about those positive steps you make to get back to your extremely (for us lesser sports enthusiasts) active life. I have no doubt that you will be able to do whatever you want to with your new knee. And that's what it's really all about.

 

[skigirl]

Jo,

it is Mother of Many who still has NINE kids at home!!! Really, I was not that great of a mother---nine kids would have done me in.

It is funny, I was talking after church with two doctors--(a radiologist and an internist) they asked me what I was doing for recovery---I listed my activities and they went, that's good, that's good and then BOTH of them told me that I was not walkiing enough--I should add more walking to my day!!! I laughed and told them that this level of activity seems daunting to some folks.

But, here in Montana---there are a lot of us--Paul, the radiologist celebrated his 65 birthday today and tomorrow they are going on a 12 mile hike. On Tuesday, they will hike with the club to Iceberg Lake, which is 10 miles.--- Montana is ninth in the nation for the number of people who are fit vs obese. First was Colorado.

 

[JudyS]

Kelly
That is funny that everyone wants you to walk more!! If hiking counts , I"m there. I went to the top of my local mountain for the first time since being allowed on the trail again by my knee surgeon yesterday. I did not even notice it was 100 degrees out when I started, I was so excited to be going. It took me exactly 5 and 1/2 hours to the minute. Basically the same as befor the knee and back surgery. Actaully it would be quicker but it was hot and I did stop at a few water stops to let my Buddy cool off.
On the 4th of July I dragged my husband up to a 10,,000.ft. peak. I had not been up in altitude in a long time , no ill effects. My quad muscles are still so weak, but got the ok from the opthalmologist to exercise again so strength training will begin.

Sorry I just took over your thread. You asked how I was and off I went. Keep posting what you are up to and how things are going you are an inspiration to me. I only made it to the pool one time . So I did not get a chance to try running yet.
Keep up the good work. Is there a lot of cross country skiing where you are?
judy

 

[skigirl]

Wow, that is impressive---I could not hike for 5 hours--I am still not suppposed to go up inclines---but, I have been invited to a really easy hike on "Tuesday and I think I will try it.

I am so glad to hear that you can hit the trails again--that is my goal for August or Sept---I love to hike in Glacier National park--it is a hiker's dream there, so many hiking trails. There are two old lodges that you can only get to by hiking. Well, you can ride horses to one too. I love them--it is always fun to reach them--both are about 11 mile hikes to get into them.

You have had a lot of surgery---I am impressed that you are still moving and still motivated. Yes, I know that my life is spent outdoors and that is not for everybody. There are times when I think that I should take a class at the community college just to make sure that my brain still works---but then I think of sitting inside studying when I could be at the gym or the mountains.


We have a ski hill here--I am an instructor there and there is some really fun xcountry skiing. You could stay at Essex, a little hotel that was a dorm for railway workers and ski around the south border of the park. They have about 20 miles of groomed trails. there is another place outside of town in the forest with 30 miles of groomed trails. Both `18 hole golf courses are set up with skate tracks and classic tracks. I love to skate!!! You can just fly around!!! I often skate for an hour on my way home from skiing--just for a more aerobic workout. Sometimes I xcountry ski in the morning before I go to work. I love moving through the forest--so fast--and yet so quiet. Do you xcountry ski much?

I was looking at my thighs in the water tonight--and the skin on them is loose---it moves independently of my legs. I will be so glad when they look more like thighs again and don't move around. did you see the thighs on those bike riders in the tour de France---Lance I am so jealous!!! Keep up the good work.