Stir Crazy

[skigirl]

Wednesday is my 2 week post op mark and I have to say that I am going crazy with the inactivity!!! I go to the gym and ride the bike for 10 minutes and then my husband is telling me to get off, don't do too much.

Then to the rowing machine for 15 minutes--repeat the scenario above. I guess my pt called my husband and told to not let me do "too much". But, what is too much?

My numbers are okay for 2 week--105/0--but there is still pain and swelling in the knee. It seems like if I walk around the block then I have to lie down for 20 minutes. I am so bored!!!

I read the Brugioni book---and it seems that he has people working out for hours at a time at 2 weeks---if you did all of those exercises. Yesterday I worked my way through them and it took 90 minutes--I skipped all the recliner exercises though.

I finally got in my car and drove around today--and, of course, that is the problem. If i want to go somewhere, I have to ask my husband to drive me there--and if does not want to go, then I have to wait. There is such a loss of freedom---I can see why people hate to give up their car keys. Anyway, it was great to go downtown and have a latte and not have to be with someone.

I see my doc on Wednesday, so hopefully my Pt will let me do a little more exercise. I should at least do more upper body I suppose. I guess I really miss all of my yoga classes.

Last evening my knee began to click with every step. I felt like Captain Hook!! I can see that one evening of that was quite enough. If I had to go through life clicking with every step---I would have to reevaluate my life. I could not believe how irratating it was. Someone told me that Stryker knees have clicking problems much more than other knees--does anyone know if that is true? I was so relieved this morning when it did not click.

wow--in rereading this post I can see that the post surgery blues are with me. I just want my life back---I don't want people to drive me anywhere. I even hate pt with Ben hovering over me all the time. I do four sets a day of quad sets and lifts---why is he watching me do it at pt? I would rather do something more active at pt. I did order one of those Brazilian footballs from Brugioni's book. I feel like a child waiting for Christmas!!

 

[lakelover]

I know what you mean. I started driving at four weeks but I could not do much after I got anywhere. I have a laptop computer which is a god send. I joined Facebook, play computer games, read books, and I have watched every show, movie etc on TV. Now I like to sit on our deck. Sounds like a perfect life but I agree. BORING and I have been at it for 9 weeks-but I can do more and more things. You are doing lots more than I was at 2 weeks. Then my big outing was to PT and I had to ask my neighbors to drive. This has sto be a common problem. Oh yes, you can follow all the threads on this site!

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Skigirl! Shhhhhhhh!!!! A lot of members would be absolutely thrilled to be making the progress you have already!

 

[backbay38]

Skigirl you sound like me at 2 weeks! My PT said the problem he had with me was to hold me back --- when normally he has to motivate people to do the exercises!

Here's the thing. There;s a lot of healing that has to go on for the first 6 weeks at least. so my surgeon -- who does nothing but knees and hips and gave me a wonderful, pain-free new knee immediately -- did not want a lot of weight pulling on the knee for those first 6 weeks. My PT put ankles weights around my thigh above the knee which built some strength in the leg but didn't pull on the knee.(I did exercises for the good leg too) He also worked on balance with squats and single leg "marching" on a trampoline. I drove myself at 2 weeks after the staples came out; I had RTKR so my clutch leg wasn't impacted (I have a Mini Cooper S - 6 forward shifts) And I did a little more walking every day. I also did the bike and after the 2 weeks -- the elliptical trainer on relatively light resistance. And walked on the treadmill because I could move my legs faster. You get tired after you walk etc. because you are still recovering from a very BIG operation. Just allow yourself to relax when you feel tired. You won't heal more quickly by overdoing it and if your knee swells it gets in the way of working on the ROM. And by your moniker -- I gather you ski and will need the ability to bend that knee (full squats) completely. I did my complete set of exercises -- leg lifts, squats, stretching and bending the knee plus balance and single leg standing and other stuff the PT gave me just twice a day -- each set 60 to 90 minutes. That's really enough; again too much can set you back. As you progress you get more and more exercises and they take more and more time! The walking is important so you want to do as much as you can without tiring yourself. At 2 weeks I went back to my full upper body work, at 10 days I was able to get down on the floor (and back up) so I went back to all my abdominal work too. Believe me -- if you spend some time on the computer, reading, watching TV or movies... that's a very full day! You progress so quickly you will not be bored long and after 6 weeks the exercises from PT get much more aggressive. I totally transitioned back to the gym for everything at about 2 months.
So don't be depressed; You will be back doing the things you love very quickly. By 3 months I could basically do anything I wanted to within reason --being careful because my two legs don't have equal quad strength yet. Today I went on a very long and (for me) challenging hike up a small local mountain and it turned out to be a bit more than my stamina was ready for (my feel hurt!!) but my knee was fine! Anything worthwhile is worth the work to get there -- and since you sound like you're having a good recovery --- you will get there faster than some other people do. As you have noted, everyone's recovery time is different.... so what's a few weeks of boredom when you have a life ahead of you with very few restrictions????!!!

 

[Texas]

Wow sounds like you are doing great at 2 weeks. I can't get over that. You will be so out and about in no time ...really !!!!! My husband did the same thing, guess they just worry. But I do understand what you are saying. Well keep up the good work. Post and let us know how everything is.......Terrific job...Kim

 

[Surfsister]

Oh my god! How many rivers have I cried because of this forced inactivity? I know exactly what you're feeling. I'm at five weeks out. I still lack the ROM for turning pedals completely so I can't do much pedaling on a bike at this point. At two weeks out, I started lifting weights for my upper body. I think I was four weeks out when I ventured back into the pool. I don't kick though. I use a pull buoy.

I am not feeling at all like myself these days. Prior to surgery, I was working out several hours a day. Now, the majority of my time is spent sitting quietly. I hate it! However, I do understand that I can't push this recovery. My doctor admonished me to be patient and I'm heeding his words . . . even though this patience will be the death of me!

We can't force our knees to heal faster. You're already turning pedals. I can't do that. You're doing just fine. Don't push it though. Give your knee some time to heal. Believe me, I know your pain. My most recent entry in my blog is about how much this inactivity is sucking the life right out of me. However, I know I'll get all of that life back in spades once my knee is ready to get back on a surfboard. I have no choice but to wait. You don't have a choice either. Slow and steady, girl.

 

[ouch]

Skigirl - wow, you are doing great. You'll be up and about in no time. Do you mind me asking your age? As my husband at 74 cannot do anything like your posting. He's 3 weeks and just starting to be a little (and I mean little) independant.

 

[FrogFeathers]

The feeling of being trapped drove me batty as well. I'm always early for any appointment. A lifetime of Army life (my dad, then my husband) set that into my brain. If my appointment is at 1 PM, I'm there at 1245... or I'm late. The spouse, his idea of "early" is two minutes to spare. It was taking me longer than two minutes to get out of the vehicle! I hated having to count on him to get me to appointments on time.

 

[skigirl]

It is crazy, but just knowing other people feel the same way has helped!! My kids just gave me a lap top--the Geek Squad is coming out to the house to install the Router so I can sit on the deck and still use my computer.

I turned 65 on May 8--that fateful day when I recieved a medicare card!! Growing old is not all it is cracked up to be. I am a ski instructor and yes, I do need to have a full range of motion for skiing which is my life's passion. It kills me to watch people still hiking up the mountain and skiing down while I sit here thinking that I could try to walk for 20 whole minutes this time!!

I had minimally invasive surgery with computer navigation since I had bowed legs--the left leg was the worst. I had a varus thrust which means that your knee shifts toward New Jersey at every step.

Today I spent an awful lot of time sitting in bed reading and eating potato chips---I am going to have to watch that I decided--my fancy Norweigean ski pants cost a lot of money so no growing is allowed!!

I am an artist and today set up a table with paints, so maybe I can come down for at least 30 minutes at a time and go for it. I am sick of reading--Richard Jury is a idiot. I am trying to be patient!!!

Finally today though I could go up the stairs first one leg and then the other. The one footed style was driving me nuts!! Obviously I am not a good patient! Thanks for the words---it helps to know that the rest of you are chomping at the bit too.

 

[Texas]

Hi Skigirl. The router is great you can go anywhere. As far as skining a few people on here have returned. Are you planning on going back. I hate to see you give up your passion. Haha with the pants good one. I think you will be fine and back to your life in no time. If you have a pic with you all suited up, post it, we would love to see them. Well hang in there , hope you feel better soon, now you have me wanting chips. lol . Post anytime.....Kim

 

[ship4]

Hi Skigirl, Welcome! I had BTKR last June. I go for my one year check in about three weeks. I was a ski instructor for 7 years and after hitting a tree and breaking my tibial plateau, I took a year off healing, and went back to teaching skiing. Poor decision on my part. I ended up damaging my right knee, and eventually wearing that one out too. I did return to skiing in February of this year. This past winter I skied Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH (home mountain), Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, ME, and Sugarloaf Mountain, ME. My husband is a Level 3 PSIA instructor. I now just ski for enjoyment!
Returning to the hill was: exciting, exhilerating, scary, and nerve wracking. I was concerned if you muscle memory would return. I was happy to say it did! My stamina still needs work, and the OS told me to be done for the day before 2:00 PM due to changing conditions and other skiers hitting me. That is the biggest danger we face with TKR.
Both my husband and I have taken up golf this spring and am enjoying learning a new sport.
I still need to increase my stamina and have been working on it by walking. I also spent much of this Memorial Day weekend working in the flower gardens and totally edging and weeding the vegetable garden area both sitting on my bottom and kneeling. We also played 9 holes of golf in the afternoon yesterday. So, I did give my knees a workout! My knees bothered me sleeping last night and I had to take a couple of arthritis strength Tylenol.
The other thing to keep in mind is your entire body is recovering from major surgery. Please keep in mind your body, not just the knee, requires 2 weeks for every hour you were in surgery under anesthesia (since it is not normal to be totally asleep like that). I was under for 4.5 hours and my body required a full 9 weeks just to recover from the anesthesia.
It sounds like you are on the road to a full recovery!
Best,

 

[Texas]

Wow, That is some story. Seems like you REALLY LOVE skiing. At the same time thanks for posting that. In the long run, I guess we can get back to normal living. Impressive you have been skiing, and playing golf and that fun I hope to get back into . When did you get to that point where you were like, this is ok , it was a good decision with my knee. I realize everyone is diiferent. Just an idea. I think I am going to be happy, just really takes awhile you know . Thanks for the encouraging post...

 

[ship4]

Texas,
The part I did not say in that post is I am self employed as a Family Child Care Provider. I am licensed to care for up to 6 preschool age children and 3 school age children. Last summer, 12 days post op, I had 9 children here in my home. I also had a parent client, who worked with me for 7 weeks last summer. My day runs from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM. I planned my surgery, so I would have the help. I was 58 at the time, and I did rest and pace myself. Currently, due to the economy I only have 3 children full time and one part time child enrolled in child care.
Pacing yourself is vitally important. Impatience, frustration, being tired, needing to rely on others, getting depressed, all comes with the recovery post TKR. My OS was wonderful because he realized I was motivated and could not afford to do this twice in one year. He did BTKR for me (his recommendation) because I was motivated, self-employed, and healthy. He said I was an ideal candidate for BTKR. So, I went for it!
Best decision I have made in a long time. I can now stand, walk, ski, garden, play golf, and once my stamina is rebuilt I plan to hike in the local White Mountains. My husband and I used to hike often, but once my knees went bad, we have not....
I am looking forward to hiking when I am ready..... I know I am not ready now. I have also been battling my thyroid gland regarding my weight. I weighed 160 when I hit the tree back in 1996, and now I am at 193. Carrying this extra weight around is hard work!
I had home PT for about 10 visits (I did split my incisions on both knees, post staple removal, and had to limit my physical activity for one week). During recovery about the 3 month mark, I felt so much better and I felt my knees lock for the first time while standing in the shower. I had not felt that feeling in years! I did not need to ice daily and no longer needed to elevate my knees as frequently. By my 4 month post op appointment I had full ROM and the OS told me to enjoy getting my life back and I could return to skiing in Feb. So, Feb 1st I made my debut back on skis on the beginner hill! Started small and worked my way forward... There will be no bumps or moguls in my future. Skiing again has been exhilarating!
Know that you need to be patient with your recovery, try hard but do not overdue, and remember to pace yourself!
Best,

 

[Texas]

Thanks Crystal, that whole story really made me feel very good about things today !. It does get depressing, but I have gone thru alot and have pushed thru and will contiue to do so. Just looking for the end thats all. I do understand it will take awhile and I need more patients, (working on that) and I will. Its just nice every now and then to hear people so far out doing so well. I wish the best for you. Thanks for sticking around and helping those of us just going thru it, means more than you know. Thanks for all you words. !

 

[Jamie]

Skigirl, I think you really hit on the problem in your post where you described what you're feeling as "surgery blues." That happens so often at about your stage of recovery. Put that on top of the fact that your normal life rhythms have been turned totally upside down and you have a reason to feel like things are not fun! The laptop is a great idea....sounds like you have wonderful kids!! Take heart....it won't be too much longer before you are able to do more. You are actually doing VERY well for so soon after surgery. I'm proud of you!! Hang in there, hon.....the days to come are what you've been praying for!

 

[Gringo]

you might try picking something new that you can do and attacking it, for a change.

I picked up an electric violin three weeks ago, and am presently working my way through Led Zepplin's Stairway to Heaven and Living Loving Maid. I plan to tackle some Charlie Daniels over the next couple weeks.

 

[loggon]

Kim
I am looking for the end to are at least where I can do more. This weather is really taking a toll on my knees. Even my left knee is having problems and it is a good knee. I don't need surgery on it.

How are you coming on your flex? Mine is still about the same because of the weather. The PT put me back on the cane to protect both of my knees. I have never been depressed but if this keeps up I just might. Not really, my family doctor always teases me about having to be so incontroll of my mind (reason I hate pain meds) that I will never be depressed. I woke up in surgery several times, just for a few seconds.
Knees are hurting so got to go ice. When was your Birthday?
Pat

 

[Josephine]

Got news for you all - everyone gets the blues after major surgery, whatever form it is. Kinda goes with the territory. All that build up and anxiety before hand, packing stuff and planning for your absence, will the family be okay? Will I be able to cope when I get home? All that kind of stuff. Then you spend a few days in hospital being fussed over and excited it's all over.

Then you come home and find you're pretty much on your own. After the first couple of weeks of euphoria that it's all over and having people asking you what it was like, da de da de da ...

Then suddenly you hit this plateau - it's all been said, your early progress flattens out and you're sitting hour upon hour watching brain-dead TV or staring at the walls.

Oh yes - post-surgery blues is very common!

 

[beesknees]

It's only been a week out for me but I sympathize with your 'stir crazy" feeling. Luckily I was able to walk right away but I am trying to take it slow --and pace myself. I vary my schedule --cpm machine, walking circuit around the drive, reading, t.v. --phillies and french open, shower, etc. Tomorrow i add pt to the schedule. so --yes confinement is not great but long range it will be worth it. --for you it will be back on the slopes.

 

[backbay38]

Skigirl and Crystal -- I envy you the skiing!! My whole knee odessey started with a torn ACL after catching a mogul with my tip. I was just a moderate skier and shouldn't have been doing bumps on the first run after lunch but I was too proud to go with my husband and one friend -- and went with the other friend who was an expert skier. As they say -- pride goeth before a fall..... as it were.
I skied again after the repair surgery and would love to try once more now -- but I figure if you're really good at a sport it's OK to go back to it. But if you're NOT good - like me - maybe best to give it up. But I so loved the feeling of "dancing" down a wide, easy slope. totally in rhythm. Ah well... both of you can do the skiing for me and Skigirl --I can just tell you at 4 months -- just listen to your body and before you know it you'll be doing stuff again. Sincea we each heal differently -- you just have to go at your own pace and not compare to anyone else. Yesterday my husband and I went hiking on a small mountain nearby. Trying out a new trail. Turned out to be a nealry 4 hour hike --not terribly difficult climbing -- just a lot of it. The knee survived fairly well but my feet nearly didn't!!! Believe me I took it relatively easy today!!!