TKR Ten weeks later . . .<<'

[L.I.T]

BIG BIG hugs, my friend. Sounds like your body is a lot like mine - it likes to fight back. I, too, have a knot... Only mine is in my calf and reminds me of it's presence throughout the day. Sometimes I think it's my leg's way of giving me the finger for putting it through all this.

As one of my friends would say "this cheet wears us down". I have a newfound respect for people living with chronic pain. No wonder they come into doctor's offices grumpy or emotional. And for those of us that are extra sensitive people, it's so hard to do this alone....especially for so. many. months.

What you posted on my thread the other day literally brought tears to my eyes - you understood me... You said (I'm paraphrasing, of course b/c my memory is like a seive) 'the need to be understood is very deep. Without it, this process can be very lonely.' Those who have not had this experience truly just don't get it. My mother likened it to childbirth, but I don't even think that quite covers it... I mean, you are not in labor for 6-8 months. And at childbirth you get the great joy of holding a wee bundle of joy. Somehow, I think people might find me a bit "off" if I were caught cradling my knee after a year! (I just had a mental picture of my knee in a bonnet and curled up in my arms :rolleyes Even I, who have been a part of the ortho world for years *completely* underestimated what it would be like.

I don't know if all is right with your implant.... But I do know that out of about 50 people that I randomly canvassed before my surgery (I'm sure they appreciated the intrusion ), only one said she wasn't 100% happy. So hang on to that. Apparently, from what I've been told, we don't get to evaluate until a year... And my guess is that *maybe* we aren't so special as to be that one person in 50.

Much love from your sensitive soul sister from across the pond!

 

[Cratchit]

Sounds positive @Cratchit. What the physio said could explain a lot about the specific pain you've been experiencing. Somehow understanding the mechanics of it all helps!

It does indeed @Spex10 though this morning, after a night of tossing and turning because of pain and being hot then cold then hot again, l'm not feeling quite as positive so far this morning. And l have a dental appointment in which l need to address the issue of the penicillin-resistant dental abscess l have had since last May which, despite dental work, has never gone away. I don't even have to give my name when l ring up now; they know me so well!

 

[Spex10]

Sounds like your whole immune system is at a low ebb. Your dental problem alone would be enough for some people.
There's bound to be a bit of a muscular reaction to the physio. I did as my one suggested and massaged the whole ITB area and was amazed at the difference it made. I hadn't bothered to do it before but just thought I'd give it a try. What an idiot eh? I'll definitely do that again.

 

[Cratchit]

Aw, @L.I.T Liz, my sensitive soul-sister, thank you for the hugs, very much needed this morning! l think my leg is giving me a whole fistful of fingers at the moment. I had pains all over my knee last night, back and front. This morning it has settled into its more usual position just below the knee to the right. Wish it would just do one!

Your friend is quite right, this 'cheet' does wear us down and l can well understand those in chronic pain becoming grumpy and emotional - that's me this morning! I think it's hard for everyone at some stage(s) but perhaps more so for ESPs (extra sensitive people!). But then that's what enables us to empathise with others. I think it can be a lonely process whatever your circumstance. Pain is a lonely process.

So, distraction therapy will be the order of the day today, l think, lest l sink beneath the mire. The dentist is one such distraction the other looks as though it's going to be the dog. He peered over the edge of his bed this morning with one popeye on the right and the other normal. He growled at me when l touched the swelling so l'm wondering if he has some dental issue going on too. He's not eaten his breakfast this morning so it looks like we may both end up at the dentist today.

Thanks for your encouragement though! I'm forever being told that l am 'speshul' but hopeful not so special as to be that one in 50 person! I don't think l am!

Love and hugs right back at you from this side of the big pond!

 

[KarriB]

@Cratchit , my friend @Timetolive had swelling for quite a while, possibly 6 months or longer. She found that compression hose made specifically for her leg helped with the swelling. Maybe if Janis is around she'll pop in and tell you about it.

 

[Cratchit]

Thanks @Karri I think the swelling is secondary now to the pain below the knee which prevents me from weight bearing when I first stand up and for the next few steps thereafter. I don`t think varicose veins help either! It`ll be interesting to see what the doc thinks on Monday. It`s so restrictive. Might go and seek @Timetolive out

 

[Spex10]

That sounds interesting @KarriB . My knee is swollen but it was swollen before the TKR so I don't know what's normal for it any more. My right leg was always more developed than my left as I used to fence and all the footwork and lunging was very one sided. Compression stockings might help.

 

[KarriB]

They help some people, but not others. Janis had swelling well into her recovery. She was just a sweller, but went to be fitted for compression hose and it made a difference for her. My dad started wearing compression hose with his second TKR three years ago (4 months before mine) and he wears them everyday even now. I hated them!

 

[L.I.T]

SSSATP, and Mr I.M. Plant's left sided partner in crime.... Did you 'distract' well yesterday? I have to admit that going to the vet dentist and human dentist don't sound like very enjoyable distractions
Necessary, perhaps, but certainly not enjoyable. Hope something more pleasant came along!

 

[Cratchit]

@L.I.T they definitely weren`t very enjoyable distractions though at least the dog had a day`s respite and went today instead! The day meandered miserably on until late evening when the hubsters got back from a late meeting at work and came upstairs to where I was glaring at the knee. He stated all the things he thought I must be feeling whereupon I wailed (very quietly; I am very quiet generally!) and felt a lot better! These poor husbands do have to put up with a good deal on account of our sensitivities but then they also reap the benefits

Today I had a lovely surprise - a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my door to `bring a little sunshine`, a gift from my sister. So I cried again!

 

[Spex10]

Well that's a nice reason to cry! Good old sis.
Does glaring at your knee help? Should it be included in the Bonesmart mantras? I must say that I've never glared at mine but I have sworn at it quite a lot. That doesn't help the knee much but it makes me feel better!
Hope the dog is OK -don't glare at him though poor thing.

 

[Cratchit]

Good old sis indeed! She totally took me by surprise today

Ha, it definitely does help to glare at the knee and without doubt it should be one of the Bonesmart mantras - as should swearing at it! Helps relieve the tension but makes no difference to outcome!

As for that dog, he spends his whole entire day staring at me - like this:

 

[Spex10]

Poor thing. I've got this staring at me! He does blink occasionally though.

 

[Cratchit]

 

[L.I.T]

Awwwwwww, flowers! Yay you! (and your sister) I don't even remember the last time I got flowers! I would have cried, too. Those short crying sessions are so cathartic.

I've taken over the 'glaring' duties today... Earlier my knee was just a little bit swollen, so I iced it - only to have it BALOON 5 minutes after the ice was off. Grrrrrr... These knees! They give us that tiny bit of hope and then give us the bird the very next day! Guess it's time to elevate!

I'm jealous you guys have animals that look at you! (they are both cute cute) Mine all want nothing to do with me except to steal my warmth! (and yes, that is one of our 20lb Savannah cats under the covers!

 

[Mireille]

@Cratchit I totally understand how you feel and you're not alone. I'm still struggling at 5 weeks. I cry quite a lot out of frustration. One of the things that keeps me going is Bonesmart and the inspirational experiences of others. Gives me hope that there is a bright light at the end of the looo......ng tunnel. You will get better! Thoughts and prayers going your way!

 

[Cratchit]

@L.I.T I'm very fortunate in that the hubster will from time to time appear with flowers and quite often they'll be freesias which are my favourites. Spoilt.com! Not the same but here are just a few for you

Your cats are gorgeous! I so miss having cats around. My little Fluffygirl was the best and most extraordinary cat l ever had in a lifetime of having cats. Not unlike Spex10's moggie to look at except she didn't stare (gotta laugh; auto wotsit just corrected 'mog' to 'mother' so the previous sentence read, "Not unlike 'Spex10's mother to look at"!)

@Mireille Thank you so much for your encouragement, prayers and understanding. It truly is a rocky road to recovery but we'll get there.

I seem to be locked into the weepy stage at the moment. Himself got up all bright and breezy this morning. Even the dog was bouncy, throwing his biscuits around and 'killing' them which is his favourite game at the moment. He's had a new lease of life since his trip to the vet (he bit the vet; the shame of it ). I, meanwhile, just wanted to cry. So l decided to get going on the cross trainer and be proactive instead of moping. The trainer is in the conservatory and looks out onto the garden where the birds were all fluttering around and, upon seeing me, tweeting for me to fill the feeders up. It had the desired effect and l do feel better. Might even take the dog out later. And fill the feeders. I just hope l don't pay for it later or l'll be back to the sorry stage.

These knees are not the bee's knees at all - yet! 14 weeks today and l've finally figured out the best way to ice and elevate effectively without the dog staring at me- l've shut him downstairs! No, seriously, it involves a series of sleeping bags of various sizes, all lined up, coupled with the triangular pillow behind me and the iPad balance on the valve of the ice pack. Oh and a nice, sunny view!

 

[Spex10]

@Cratchit you really wouldn't want my mother staring at you!!
Gosh your mood seems to change quickly. There really is nothing like a bit of exercise, sunshine and nature to cheer one up.
As a judgment on me for going on about not being too sore, I had quite a painful night for the first time in ages. Took some paracetamol and am currently icing. Husband doing the shopping as he doesn't think I'm up to going out. That's quite good but I'm too embarrassed to ask him to buy the sorts of little treats I'd buy myself (eg chocolate!) Drat. Oh well it'll be healthier I suppose.

 

[Cratchit]

Gosh your mood seems to change quickly. There really is nothing like a bit of exercise, sunshine and nature to cheer one up.

It probably seems that way @Spex10 and maybe I am quite labile but the reality is I make myself appear brighter because it`s unfair on others for me to be miserable and weepy all the time. I don`t sleep at all well so by the time I get up after a night of tossing and turning, being hot, being cold (I`m still at `that` age) I`m usually cranky, tired and sore. It`s no fun. So I slap my mask on, kiss the hubby and smile at the dog (think I`ve got that the right way round!) and away I go. And quite often I become the part I`m playing. I choose to look for things that`ll please me. It doesn`t always work but it`s worth a try and it`s better than sinking into the mire of despondency that could so easily swallow me up.

Today in addition to exercise, I have filled up the bird feeders and in doing so noticed that the snowdrops are out and the daffs are on their way. Above me two buzzards rode the thermals and the Rooks were in a tizz at the sight of them. A Sparrowhawk sat on the pergola observing me with sharp yellow eyes before swooping away, unfed. The washing is out in the sunshine, blowing in the breeze (this I really like!). These are the things I choose to notice to lift my mood and to change my focus.

I am also trying to be more congruent in how I feel and behave. There has been so much that has happened in the last few years which has made me wary and untrusting and which has had a profound effect upon me. My tendency is to resort to the safety and privacy of the written word as a means of expression and relief but that isn`t fair on those around me, my husband particularly, who has to guess at what may be going on. So now when I feel weepy and fed up (and he isn`t at work) I`ll sidle up for a snuggle and a hug and this has the effect of reassuring me and taking me out of isolation and feeling lonely. I`ve trained him well - as he has me!

Judgement, eh?! I hope the knee isn`t too sore. Even more, I hope your husband has thought to buy the little treats you would usually slip into the trolley!

 

[Spex10]

Oh @Cratchit you certainly express yourself well in writing. I'm sorry you're so miserable but looks like you know what helps and actively seek it out.
No chance of hubby getting me any treats. Even if I ask he gives me 'that look'! He's been very helpful and understanding but I think he's thinking that this knee business has gone on long enough. Actually so do I. I'm pretty sick of it!