Sitting Upright in a Chair...

[elcammeno]

It has been 3 & 1/2 months since I had TKR & just this past wk I can sit comfortably in a


straight chair to eat a meal for 15-20 min. Some chairs are easier to sit in than others.



I have a recumbent bike. I can't go full circle on it with my knee, only 1/4 of the way. I

can go a half circle backwards. I am wondering if I need to be on a bike where the seat is

higher?? The recumbent bike seat can't be raised. Is it important to be able to ride a bike?

I do okay walking up steps but is difficult going down steps first with the good knee & then

the TKR knee over that. Just wondering if that is normal at this stage or not. Otherwise

everything feels normal now. I realize everyone is different but I get concerned about the

bike riding & going down steps.

Sharon

 

[JenniferG]

Sharon, a higher bike seat might help. Then you can drop as you go. Stairs are my hold out as well. Some I can go up & down one over the other, but most i can't. I'm sure some of it has to do with the height rise of the stair and how rails are set up, but the other half is in my head. A psychological battle. I figure it'll come and better yet, the pain I used to have is gone. Life is good.

 

[Weezy]

I have a recumbent bike. I can't go full circle on it with my knee, only 1/4 of the way. I can go a half circle backwards. I am wondering if I need to be on a bike where the seat is
higher?? The recumbent bike seat can't be raised. Is it important to be able to ride a bike?

Sharon

Hi Sharon! Is your recumbent bike an exercise bike? I ask that because we have both a recumbent exercise bike and 2 recumbent "regular" bikes.

If its an exercise bike, check to see if the seat slides BACK further. I have a Schwinn brand and there is a lever under the seat that makes it possible to move the seat forward and backward. I started out with it so far back I could barely reach the pedals, and once I go around comfortably for a while, I move it forward to get more bend. Now I have it further forward than what I would do to ride my "real" bike.

Its been a lifesaver for me for my ROM, not to mention now I'm setting the tension higher so it helps with strengthening too.

Weezy

 

[Doug]

Sharon, I'm at 5 months and as much as I hate them, I would have to say that the bike is critical for recovery. I go to a gym with both recumbent and upright. I found it easier to sit upright and push down. (It also simulates climbing stairs). My favorite piece of equipment is the Cybex Arc Trainer. It has really helped restrengthen my legs. Whatever it takes, work on getting that full range of motion first. I started out doing 3 minutes the first week post op and can now easily go for 60. BUT, it takes work, and you have to push through the discomfort.
When you aren't doing the bike, go to a mall and just walk around on the knee. It helps rebuild your stamina.
Best of luck and let us know how you're doing.

 

[JenniferG]

Mall, did doug just say mall. Well I just came fromthere. Bad girl impulse buys. And I parked way far away and went to dougs favorite store Costco and parked way far away and was a good girle there and only bought 3 things, bag of pig ears, 3 lb can coffee $8.49 & carton of half & half. Gas was 4.19/gal. for members. And then i walked all the way back to the carriage hut and returned my cart. Know why? Because I CAN! Love walking, TKR rules. Sharon, it's coming.

 

[1jt@atime]

Doug, have you had a race with the blue haired ladies yet? I bet you could beat them now.

 

[Doug]

It's funny. I just thought about those two the other day. I know I could beat them now but just in case, I need to wear my tennis shoes (or whatever they are called nowadays) rather than my sandals when I go to the mall.
I still carry the emotional scars from those two showing me up!!

 

[elcammeno]

Jennifer- you & I have trouble going down the stairs. Going upstairs is fine. I am wondering at what month you are at post TKR surgery? I am at 3 months & 2 wks. Pain is mostly gone now which is wonderful, except when I try at night to sleep on my left side where I had the TKR. After lying that way for awhile the leg will start to ache. I dread nights for that reason, like to sleep on my side with leg curled up. My recumbent bike which is an exercise bike has a lever to move the seat forward or back. I find that I can't move it too far back as then I can't reach the pedals & when I can reach the pedals, then I have trouble going full circle forwards. right now I can only go 1/4 of the way forward. Am going to have to try a regular bike I guess.
Sharon

 

[Nursepair]

Sharon, I am at 5 and a half months and cannot go all the way round on the recumbent bike as my ROM is still only 93. I use an upright bike, I can go around on that, and I can have it on all 3 settings.

Skeet solved my problem of not sleeping too well by suggesting a body pillow. I love it, my hubby is jealous of it as I cuddle it instaed of him!!! My whole leg stays on it all night without falling off. Give it a try. I also used Sleep MD for sleeping for a few weeks. It is a natural pill so no addiction. Good luck, Sue

 

[JAMES MEADE]

I Try A Little Heat When I Need To Be Comfortable. I Found That I Have Lost Leg Muscle Mass Causing Me Most Of My Discomfort. I Seem To Always Working On Some Of My Pt At No Set Time.

 

[JAMES MEADE]

I Try A Little Heat When I Need To Be Comfortable. I Found Tha I Have Lost Leg Muscle Mass Causing Me Most Of My Discomfort.i Seem To Always Working On Some Of My Pt At No Set Time.

 

[Nursepair]

Hi James, welcome to the site. How long ago was your surgery?

Fisher, try a natural sleep aid. I used Sleep MD, it was a great help and not addictive. I also sleep with a body pillow, leg stays on all night.

By the way, where do you live in the UK? I lived in Ashford Kent (and other places before that)before we emigrated here to Ontario 17 years ago.

 

[hess]

I am glad to hear all of the advice about sitting upright. I am 15 days out, and I have real problems sitting at a table. Glad to hear that this is more common then I thought.

When do you think I will be able to walk the malls? Is it still too soon, or would I be okay? That sounds like it might be a nice little outting, but I'm afraid of aching!!!

Thanks,
Hess

 

[susan1228]

Dr. gave me something that is helping

Just wanted to check in and say I went to the OS tuesday and he put me on a steroid dose pack and told me to go back on the celebrex once a day. I go back in a month again. The medicine has already helped so much. I dont have much pain now. When I do too much a little pain and some stiffness. I am about four months out now from btkr. Also the doctor suggested a new therapist for me someone he know personally and feels I may do better with. It is so nice to read all of your stories and know I am not alone. Sitting in a chair at dinner is now much better. Sometimes if it is the nightime meal I get stiff when I get up. Thanks to all of you for all the help.Susan

 

[Linda2]

hello karen I am on tramadol and paracetamol ,but only take a couple a day now when I go to bed. I now have started to get really bad pain in my spine, it is worse first thing in the morning. going to see my gp on thursday see what she says I expect she will send me for an xrayMy knee felt great today took my granddaughter in the park. she is always full of beans .so happy that I can do playtime with her again look after yourself pauline

Tramadol will keep me awake FOREVER!!! That is one of the side effects for some people. I would ask for a different pain medication.

 

[fisher]

hi nursepair I live in manchester i was just going to the shop when it started to rain hard with thunder storm so I will wait until it stops before I venture out hi linda2 I am trying to come off tramadol.been on it before my op for my arthritis and the docter said keep taking it for your post op pain.I think I might ask to try something differant although I hope I can be tablet free soon regards pauline

 

[fisher]

hi nursepair forgot to say I took your advise and bought a body pillow it really helps thanks will also try the herbel sleeping pill thanks again regards pauline