Seven weeks out... Tomorrow

[tahoe1009]

So... I have read several threads that have updated progress at six weeks. Well I'm a little slow!! At everything it seems!!! I am still in a lot of pain.
Which my OS is not treating very well. PT is good I am improving there although slowly. I'm not sure why I still hurt and you guys don't ... It's begining to worry me!! I am working full time which is good for my family. I have missed being on here more frequently! I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well it looks like.

 

[Jamie]

It's quite likely that you are hurting because of the increased activity level of working full time, hon. If your OS is not treating your pain, have a chat with your primary doctor. Many times they are more inclined to assist with pain management throughout ALL of recovery.

 

[loggon]

I am 10 weeks post op and yesterday I hurt a lot and last night.
I spent the day icing, elevated and lazing around. (which I hate lazing as I want to be up doing)

Hope your doctor gives you something for the pain.

Just know you will have it on and off depending how much you
stress the knee. But it will get better.

 

[Josephine]

All good answers!

 

[Texas]

Hi Tahoe was wondering where you were....Glad to hear from you...Well with the problems you had in the past. Im sure you are hurting, going back to work must be hard....I would see about more pain management as well. When you get home are you trying to ice and relax...that might help. Still all and all 7 weeks is not that far out at all..............Talk with your Dr. I hope you start feeling better soon............We missed you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tahoe1009]

Thanks guys I missed you guys too!!

 

[PRGal]

Tahoe--you're doing fine! Remember that many 6-week progress posters didn't have to deal with the additional complications that you did, so please don't compare yourself to anyone! (Which really is true for everyone--we truly are all different, and it's really important to remember that!)

 

[Andy-LTHR]

Hiya Tahoe

Please don't feel that you are progressing slowly Mate...the fact that you are back at work at 7 weeks is amazing :thmb:
As the others posters have suggested, Rest Ice & Elevation is the order of the day, and some help with your pain control would really help.

I feel as though I am progressing really well and whilst I am pain free, I could not envisage returning to work at this stage in my recovery - so please stay positive, you are doing great. :thmb::thmb::D:D

Regards
Andy

 

[tahoe1009]

Thanks for putting things in perspective!! Not getting much help in the pain control department. Icing right now as I type this responce while laying in bed (iPods are the greatest invention!!) Work is hard, but essential right now -- the month I was off almost destroyed us financially. I hurt a lot still!! As much as 3-4 weeks ago. Worries me... Have an appt. Next week with the OS. Coumadin is still all over the place but my GP is managing that now. I am not pleased with my outcomes yet, but I read great things here that give me hope! I am glad I found this place and you all were here! Thanks again.

 

[tahoe1009]

Oh yeah and good night!! Going to at least attempt sleep!!

 

[Texas]

One thing Tahoe, really. I am at 3 days shy of 10 weeks and it does make a diff being 10 weeks to 7 weeks. I still get pains here and there but its getting easier. maybe get some medicine for the night time, didnt know if you said you have some. I do understand about the work thing, really. They are still working on your blood at this point as well. , U went thru ALOT in the begining I rememeber. Hang in there It really gets better ...for you I hope it is real quick.......Tell your Dr your concerns though, but I really think your doing ok.......

 

[Steph]

Tahoe, it seems that everyone's progress can be very different. Just take each day as it comes and when it hurts bad take the pain killers. The very fact that you are back at work is amazing, bit is going to be putting lots of stresses on you.

Take care and just think that sometime soon you will feel very different.

 

[tahoe1009]

Once again you guys rock!! Thank you. As far as work goes I had to get back to it!! It's not just a little too much it's a lot too much most days. There was no putting it off though!! My family and I like to eat and have a roof over our heads. I'm not being dramatic about this even a little bit. Not whining... Just how it is. Still, I must say that my leg still worries me!! The muscles don't hurt much anymore! When my PT is stretching me to the outside limits they hurt while he is doing it. No residual pain in the muscles after PT either. Lots of deep bone pain all the time though. I really hope that all you are right and it's normal, I really do. I will find out more next week at my next ortho. follow-up.

I just want what all of us want to return to normal pain-free living. I see people here getting there. Some days it makes me hopefull other it makes me jealous. I'm a young man who just wants his life back. Some days that seems like I am asking a lot, too much.

 

[Texas]

You are not asking to much. Did the blood clots ever get worked out. I know you had to go back to work. stinks when your having some trouble. If its bothering you, call try to get in earlier if you want to. Make sure you tell him everything. Im sure it will be fine, but please let us know what he says. You know when I look in the mirror I see calf muscles on one side and nothing on the other. So I am still working on that.........

 

[tahoe1009]

Still on Coumadin... Will be for 3 or 4 months yet... That's all I really know about the clot.
Haven't had any hematomas since before Memorial day... That's been nice!!

 

[Texas]

That is terrific news,, High Five....lol

 

[Jamie]

Tahoe, You are still early in the recovery process. And on top of that, you're pushing yourself by being at work full time. So it is understandable that you are going to have pain....probably longer than if you had been able to stay home and rest more or phase back into your job. I understand that sometimes you HAVE to return to the job more quickly, but under those conditions you are just going to have to be a little more patient if recovery is slower. You'll get there, though!!

 

[JudyS]

TAhoe,
For one thing remember that with your major surgery, it takes about 6 weeks just to recover from the anesthesia!!! You are just getting to that point now. Then we have to add the actualy surgery and blood clots. Wow and you are working.
My hip is one year old and last year at your point I was walking a few miles per day and swimming, and napping and the rest of the day sitting in Constance (my recovery recliner) I did not lift a finger doing anything else. I am kind of addicted to exercise so that part was fun for me. I was still on percocet well into my 4th month post. (still on it now for back surgery)
So you are doing great for all you have been through.:thmb:
I know it seems like a long time, but it is not. When I looked back it seemed like 5 months flew by, at the time I was complaining. When I reread some of my old posts, I was still in pain at 7 weeks for sure. You are normal.
Make sure you get some good reassurance that everything is ok from your doc next week.
Get some meds too. If he won't , go to your primary care, if he won't ask to be referred to a pain management doc. But it is very important that you get proper pain control. And please find a sec to post and let us know how you are doing!!!
judy

 

[tahoe1009]

Judy, I can't tell you how good your post made me and my significant other feel. Sometimes we feel like we are all alone and the only ones that have gone through this. It's nice to hear that we are not. As for pain management... We shall see tomorrow what they say about that. If they tell me no I will continue like you suggested. Thank you again.
This weekend we went out of town for a wedding reception (4 hours by car). Stopped a lot to stretch... When we got there we helped set-up. Yeah I know I probably shouldn't have. By the end I was really sore (more like in tears hurting)!! Went to our hotel... Got little sleep... Got up and took a shower and was turning around in the shower and slipped... Hurt like all get out and I felt a pop in my hip. So, we went to the urgent care. Nothing broken or dislocated, thank God!! I feel like such a klutz!!
So, OS appt. Tomorrow 2 month check up. Going to have a long talk with him about progress and pain control. I will let you guys know where we end up.

 

[Judles]

Tahoe! It just sounds like you hit a wall! Things will improve for you! You have so much stress..work, family, recovery....Everything will improve! It just takes patience and more time. Just think positive! We've been there! Find your strength and support right here! Good luck and post when you can!