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TKR Sudden cramp like pain walking down stairs

Can you get any extra help- even for a short time? Like meals on wheels/ meal delivery/cleaning help? Is there anyone who can sit with your husband or take him out- so you can get some real rest?
Also are you claiming everything you are entitled to? Like the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.
 
Also are you getting the single person discount for Council Tax?
If a person has dementia then they don't count for Council Tax- but you have to make a claim.
 
ouchie! said:
With increased pain you think is there something wrong, or is it just a reaction to doing too much?
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It is most likely that the pain is a reaction from overdoing.

I’m glad you have your evening help back. Accept any help you can get, especially any friends who offer, or ask if there’s anything they can do. :console2:
 
You sound like a loving selfless caregiver. Many blessings to you for the time and effort you put in as you're struggling with your own recovery after major surgery. I am sure the physical activity you engaged in is the reason for the pain you're enduring. With the evening help back on board and hopefully the luxury of some rest with your feet up today, you'll notice an improvement quickly. Hopefully tomorrow will feel brighter. We're here for support when you need it, that's a promise! Hugs :console2:
@ouchie!
 
I do have cleaners who come in once a week. He was suppose to get meals on wheels for but that didn’t happen for some reason, so I’ll call Social Services tomorrow to find out why.

@EalingGran my husband gets Attendance Allowance and I get PIP and he does get a reduction in his council tax.

I will add he’s quite good most of time and copes well but stressful changes, like the blackout, throws him out of sync. His daughter from a previous marriage visits often, his son less so, but there you go. Today has been great, I’ve rested a lot and he’s pottered in his beloved garage so all good. Thank you everyone.
 
ouchie! said:
I will add he’s quite good most of time and copes well but stressful changes, like the blackout, throws him out of sync.
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This is very understandable. We compare a recovery from a joint replacement like rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, and I know that dementia can also be a bit like that when unexpected things happen.
 
Hi all, Saw consultant today for my first post op check up. He said wound healing well and my bending of the knee is very good (no measuring, just a visual check). Straightening not so good, not straight yet, but it was never straight before the op! He suggested I put my leg on a footstool and press down on the quad. I’m not sure about that! I asked if using a crutch still is okay at 7 weeks and he said my other knee is really bad too with osteo so he said you may well need an aid until the left knee is replaced, which was reassuring. I had other questions but once I was in the room I forgot the lot! Got my group Physio tomorrow in the gym so we’ll see how that goes.
 
ouchie! said:
He said wound healing well and my bending of the knee is very good (no measuring, just a visual check).
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Great to read this! I'm sure you feel better about things now.

ouchie! said:
Straightening not so good, not straight yet, but it was never straight before the op! He suggested I put my leg on a footstool and press down on the quad.
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Many of us have found that extension (straightening) takes a lot longer than flexion (bending). With my first TKR, it was 5-6 months before I could get to full extension. Like you, I couldn't straighten that knee prior to surgery, which is why it took so long.

I agree with you about the pressing down on the quad! Don't do anything that causes pain. But sitting with your leg extended and elevated -- in a relaxed position -- may help. Be sure to keep icing to reduce the inflammation inside the knee.

You'll get there, it just takes time. :flwrysmile:
 
I also do not find pressing down on the quad helps with extension, nor does overstretching the hamstrings or calves!
It's more a matter of reduced swelling and of muscle relaxation.
 
Attended the group physio club at the hospital. It was an experience. You did an exercise and then rested for a minute before moving onto the next. None of mine were on any machines apart from a tiny cycling thing which I couldn’t do anyway. Attendees are all at different stages and it was quite busy and quite chaotic so I found it a bit of a muddle. The instructor was more an SAS trainer than a rehab one! Then whilst she was checking my extension when I was on the couch she pushed down on my knee and kneaded it like dough. I nearly punched her. She was bossy and not at all encouraging. And yes she said No Pain No Gain arrrr! I shan’t be going back.
 
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Oh my!!!!
It seems many of us encounter one of these gung ho "therapists" at least once and you're well rid of her!
 
ouchie! said:
whilst she was checking my extension when I was on the couch she pushed down on my knee and kneaded it like dough. I nearly punched her. She was bossy and not at all encouraging. And yes she said No Pain No Gain arrrr! I shan’t be going back.
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Wise decision. Someone like that will only set your recovery back.

Remember that you -- and only you -- are in control of your recovery.
 
Sorry to read about the group PT that you experienced. It sounds like you were frequently on your own during the session aside from the overly aggressive pressure applied to your knee. You'll likely do better on your own through the activities of daily living and any exercises you've found beneficial and painless. Thanks for the update!
@ouchie!
 
Just two little updates. Went to the bathroom in the night and when I got to the bathroom I realised I forgot my crutch, but it was okay, I was fine without it. I still use it for longer walks around the house but progress! Also took 2 ibuprofen with my usual cocodamol 30/500mg as my consultant suggested two days ago and the pain relief was so much better. I can hobble around with very little pain, so I had been struggling for 7 weeks without adequate pain relief! Pain sure stops you doing stuff.
 
That is some progress! A good feeling when you realize the crutches days are numbered. :wink:
Thankfully you figured out what it takes to remain comfortably mobile as you continue to heal. Sorry you struggled for weeks prior. Thanks for the update, ouchie! I hope you have a lovely weekend.
@ouchie!
 
I’m struggling with the walking. My doctor said as my left un operated knee is bone on bone I will not be able to walk much without pain. I haven’t been out much except to physio and check ups and I’ve tried walking up the road but I’m all over the place and feel so unsteady. I’m using one crutch. How does anyone cope with walking with a recently operated on TKR (8 weeks) and the other knee that needs doing, maybe next year?
 
@ouchie! It is a challenge. But I found that as I recovered from my first TKR and my operated leg got stronger, it was able to carry much more of the load and my unoperated knee got a bit of relief. Try to move as much as you can. It will take several months, but as Righty improves, Lefty may feel better.
 
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