TKR Sharp, stabby pain behind knee?

[Skywhisperer]

Yoga's going fine! I've been sticking to slower, lower difficulty poses just because I'm a bit worried about falling out of harder ones. But that's not really rational, because I'm actually feeling more stable.

Spring is solidly on the way now, so it's been lots of biking to the beach, and DIY projects at home (which inevitably require a dozen trips up and down off the floor!)

 

[Layla]

(which inevitably require a dozen trips up and down off the floor!)

Is it dignified and dainty yet? Getting up from the floor that is?
I swear I looked like one of those bent over granny garden ornaments every time I got off the floor for awhile, lol.
Sounds like you're doing really well! Love the sound of biking to the beach. I hope you have a lovely Spring 2026!

 

[Skywhisperer]

Of course! I am the epitome of grace and dignity!

....well, okay, I am just about as dignified as I was before the surgery. Which is to say, not very.
In the beginning, PT said "oh, you won't be able to get on the floor!", but not being on the floor was never going to be an option for me - I need to be on the floor to light the woodstove and play with the cats, among other things.

So in the beginning, I got up the yoga way - I laid on my stomach, pushed up into a plank, then up into something vaguely resembling down-dog, and walked my hands towards my feet until I could stand up.

But now I can kneel, so I just push up onto my knees, then put my operated foot on the ground and I can stand up from there.

 

[benne68]

So in the beginning, I got up the yoga way - I laid on my stomach, pushed up into a plank, then up into something vaguely resembling down-dog, and walked my hands towards my feet until I could stand up.

Yes! I chuckled as I read this, because when my PT said he would "teach me" how to get up after my first TKR -- this is exactly what he demonstrated. Even our physical therapist rely on the ancient practice of yoga to get things done!

 

[Skywhisperer]

Last night was a night of wins. I slept ALL NIGHT, without getting up for ice even once!!!!

And when I was drying off after my shower, the stitch that's been hanging around since my surgery came off! Good timing, because I got a ticket for a sea-swim for charity this Sunday, and I know the doctor said it's fine to swim with the stitch still there, but it was still making me nervous.

 

[sistersinhim]

Yippee! You can not buy a good night's sleep, it's a blessing. And now that stitch has finally left its home! You are doing so well!

 

[Layla]

Wonderful news on the sleep, Skywhisperer! I am glad the pesky stitch fell off so you're more comfortable for the sea-swim on Sunday. I hope you enjoy and it's a great success! Let us know how it goes, will be fun to hear all about it.
Happy Wednesday!
@Skywhisperer

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
Wishing you a lovely weekend and hope you'll update us on your progress soon.
Take good care!
@Skywhisperer

 

[Layla]

Stopping by to say and wish you a Happy Four Month Anniversary!
How are you doing with recovery? Are you happy with your progress?
Let us know when you have the time, we'd love to hear from you, Skywhisperer.
Happy June!
@Skywhisperer

 

[Skywhisperer]

Just waiting on a date for my other knee!

I'm generally happy and back to everything I was doing before. Still having the occasional bad day, but generally I'm not thinking about it all the time anymore.

The current hurdle - convincing my brain to relax a bit. It's automatic to think "It'll hurt if I do that", and most of the time that's not really true anymore. I was walking home last weekend, and there was somebody with a stand on the beach. And my first thought was that I wanted to see what they were selling, but, gee, it was a long way out of my way. But I walked over (and it turned out to be 3D-printed junk), and I was fine. Just need to get my brain recalibrated!

 

[benne68]

The current hurdle - convincing my brain to relax a bit. It's automatic to think "It'll hurt if I do that", and most of the time that's not really true anymore.

This is a challenge for all of us who suffered with a bad joint for a long time. That "bad knee" thought gets so deeply imbedded in our brains that even after months of recovery it can pop up.

You'll get there. It just takes time for the mind-body connection to rewire itself!

 

[Layla]

I was walking home last weekend, and there was somebody with a stand on the beach. And my first thought was that I wanted to see what they were selling, but, gee, it was a long way out of my way. But I walked over (and it turned out to be 3D-printed junk), and I was fine.

This made me chuckle. Not worth the trip to take a look, but hey, making your way to the stand and back is an accomplishment, especially if you were walking on sand.

Your gait changes while walking on sand. It's more of a workout because it's an unpredictable and uneven walking surface. It can place increased stress, strain and loading on your joints. It requires increased energy expenditure, forcing you to work harder, compared to walking on an even, firm surface. The foot will sink slightly into the sand. This will provide the least amount of stability, which forces you to use muscles throughout your legs more.

So IF you were walking on the sand...and you felt fine afterward, YOU DID GOOD! Yay for progress!
Nice to hear from you, Skywhisperer. Stay in touch!