TKR Struggling a little

[EalingGran]

They said I had a limited period to get to a 90 degree bend and if i could not

As others have said- this is simply untrue.
I had no formal PT apart from a couple of sessions in hospital to teach me to use crutches and negotiate stairs.
I used a very gentle pilates based approach with no painful exercises and no forced bending. Gradually I increased my walking back to my usual 10,000 steps per day over 2- 3 months but combined that with lots of resting/ elevation and icing. The main thing is that I listened to my body and did what felt right for me. That is the BoneSmart philosophy. I now have almost as good ROM on my operated side as my pretty perfect unoperated leg.

 

[Flashcat]

That’s good to hear because I was despairing! I read one account here that sound in worse pain and swelling than me yet pushing PT and have great range early on. that’s what I’ve been told I must do but I simply cannot tolerate the pain of that aggressive PT. Lots of factors play in I’m sure like age! Etc
Thanks for your input it’s helps!

 

[Legseleven]

Big hugs, so much wonderful support on here. You’re not alone in this. Thinking about you.

 

[Flashcat]

I sure need it! I have friends my age (old) calling and saying so are you better!? Somehow it upsets me that no one seems to know what this actually entails. That and the folks with zero pain and never needed medication. My feelings are on my sleeve right now.

 

[Jockette]

It is so hard to be made to feel we are not measuring up (no pun intended! ) by others, even by some who have had a knee replacement. Been there, done that. We each have a different pain tolerance, we had different surgeons, some whose technique might have been a bit rougher than another surgeon, causing more trauma to the area. Some of us had more surgical work done than some others. So, we really shouldn’t compare ourselves to anyone else, though that is very hard not to do. Aggressive PT can also negatively impact our recovery. There are so many factors for differences in recoveries.

 

[Flashcat]

Yes I agree and thanks for validating my feelings! I hit a low spot kinda early in this process. I think I really didn’t have adequate information going in. Although I researched all I could think of. The pre surgery appointments didn’t cover much and they were quick! It was to be about 3 really really bad weeks and then pretty smooth sailing I’ve gotten more information here in a few hours. Plus it’s so good to hear other people’s stories and experiences!
Thank you

 

[Layla]

Hi Flashcat,
Those well meaning, but totally off-the-mark comments from friends and loved ones can certainly be frustrating. It's major surgery you're recovering from, not the common cold.
I guess people don't get it, if they haven't been through it and that's what makes the camaraderie here so special.
We All Get It!

Zero pain is a myth and sadly some surgeons oversimplify the outcome. TKR is "controlled" trauma. Bone is sawed, tissue stretched and manipulated and a foreign object is implanted. This HURTS and takes months to recover from. There will be those that need less medication because some have a higher pain threshold tolerating discomfort without needing as much medication. Those who were stronger and more active longer pre-op may recover faster and manage pain better. There is also body chemistry and we metabolize meds differently based on genetics. Some obtain satisfactory relief with lower doses than others. A smoother, less invasive procedure may also lead to less pain. So please understand that everyone's recovery is different and what works for one, will not work for all. You're 100% normal.
@Flashcat

 

[Flashcat]

Well normal may be a stretch thank you for being here!!

 

[EalingGran]

have friends my age (old) calling and saying so are you better!? Somehow it upsets me that no one seems to know what this actually entails. Th

That really used to annoy me too.
I had several close friends who kept expressing surprise that I wasn't "fully better" at about 6-8 weeks. It got so tiring explaining that it takes the best part of a year to get back your strength and energy.

 

[BarabooProud]

@Flashcat I understand what you're going through! I got my second TKR on May 1. It seems like this replacement is less painful than the first one, however, I was just reading that I was on my stationary bike at week 3 with the first and with this one my ROM is no where near ready to be biking! Or last time I needed oxy for about 5 weeks and this time I am only taking it at night as of 3 weeks. So, each knee is so different and each person recovers so differently! I get discouraged, too, when others make comments. It was really frustrating when I took off 10 weeks of work last time and there were others that were so confused why I needed to take that much time off because they only took of 3 weeks or 6 weeks, etc. One especially doesn't understand what a brutal recovery this can be unless they've been through it.

 

[Layla]

People that haven't experienced just don't get it. To them its "just a knee", or "just a hip" and they don't think about how it affects every part of your daily life. We don't even realize ourselves until we're post op for the first time and constantly wondering how you're going to accomplish this, or that....often just simple things like even using the bathroom. It affects how we walk, sleep, sit, stand, shower, get dressed. It's not only about pain easing, it's about regaining full function. People can also assume that because you look fine you're good. They don't see the stiffness, swelling, pain or fatigue you are feeling.

There's always the graphic animated video you can drop in their in-box of power tools being used to drill into bone and debris flying, hahaha. Then maybe they'll understand and keep their assumptions to themselves.
Not advising that, just a little sarcasm.
Happy Saturday ladies!
@Flashcat
@BarabooProud

 

[Flashcat]

I kinda like the tool video idea Layla! But that’s probably inappropriate

 

[benne68]

@Flashcat I made my husband watch a few videos of the surgery. After he watched them became so overly attentive and caring that I had to tell him to back off!

 

[Flashcat]

I wish I’d thought of that he remains squarely in the “it’s not that big a deal” category. Hope it doesn’t happen to him! Every time he does something that requires him to get on his knees I cringe!

 

[Jockette]

Well, we know a knee replacement is a big deal! I’m sorry he’s not more supportive. After watching me with my recovery, my husband said he’d never have his done, not that he needed to, anyway.

 

[Flashcat]

Thanks!!I should say he supports me in the ways that he can. He’s helped me all along the way. driving, waiting, going to appointments with me. I just know him well enough to know he thinks it’s easier for other people than it is for me!! He believes everyone that we’ve met with has been simply wonderful and well, they haven’t!

 

[Layla]

Sometimes I think it's difficult for those that love us to see us in a vulnerable position and needing help.
Then they pull back and act as though nothing is wrong. Caregiver fatigue is real, especially if hubs is helping with household chores he doesn't normally deal with. However, this was major surgery, not a quick fix. You're still in the hardest part and even though you may look normal on the outside, you're dealing with pain, stiffness, swelling and exhaustion, but still doing the best you can. May it only get better...and better!
@Flashcat

 

[Flashcat]

I cannot tell you how much I needed to find you people!!I wish I’d know about this forum pre surgery!!I may have made different choices and I’d have been much better prepared!!I did research but I had such a limited range of information. Basically everything will be great, he’s a great doc and you’ll be so glad you did it!! You’re right about hubs! He’s never cooked more than grilling the meat part of a meal and 2 dishes he has always made! Easy but good ones! He’s never had to care for the interior of the house. He seemed a bit more enlightened today. Kept asking me cooking questions

 

[Jamie]

This is one of the reasons BoneSmart exists! Education!! Google is great sometimes, but you can’t questions about things you know nothing about. It’s that old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” I’m glad to know we’ve been a help for you and have no worries….we’ll be here as long as you need us.

 

[Layla]

He’s never cooked more than grilling the meat

Same! My husband is the same, the meat griller, I can relate.
At least yours can cook a couple meals. Mine doesn't even know where anything in the kitchen so I find it easier to do it myself.

We're happy you found us! There is a comfort in dealing with those that have "been there, done that". We get it.
Happy Sunday, Flashcat!