Knee Infection* The girl with the two fake knees

[Celle]

I agree that it's not about the numbers. What you can do with your knees is far more important.
I didn't go to PT and my ROM has never been measured, but I can do everything I want to with my knees. I estimate they both straighten fully and bend to over 125 degrees.
My surgeon doesn't care about the numbers, either. He looks at my knees and says "Show me what you can do."

Have the PT measure your ROM whatever way is easiest for you and make sure that it's measured that way from now on. The actual number isn't important. It's more important to confirm that you are continuing to make steady progress.

 

[Jamie]

Jen, go easy on the Bosu ball if you get one for balance training. This is something I work on with my trainer and she waits until you are very advanced with balance before using the ball. Instead of that to start, you might want to purchase a thick foam pad. It's not as "tippy" as the ball. We do a lot of balance exercises on it and it's still a challenge for me.

Here's one from Amazon:

 

[lene']

Hi Jen, glad to hear you are doing well, sounds like you are really enjoying your PT. I went twice last week, and although I dreaded the second time, my knee did seem to loosen up while there...my PT guy is really easy on me and when I had pain he had me stop and rest! However I do notice that the next day, I am very stiff and swelling is worse[emoji45]. I was supposed to go back today but cancelled because we are having s new roof put on and my hubby had to be here for the material delivery About the same time as my appt. I will try to call back tomorrow to reschedule. I hope you get out of it every thing you hope for in preparation for your other knee.
Lene'


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[womanhiker]

Wow Jen! You are making great progress and it sounds like things are going your way! Glad to hear it.

 

[ACDCJen]

I definitely have been feeling the effects of PT. Yesterday was pretty painful, or more than usual. I've been very protective of my knee while walking or doing anything with it. It's much better today, so I'm going to keep icing it and using my TENS unit. I got to spend the afternoon with my 9 year old nephew and my sister's furniture is so low! Definitely didn't help me, but I did it. When I go to PT tomorrow, I'm going to tell them no to the side steps because I think that is what made it hurt yesterday. I am looking forward to going though. Pretty sure I'm going to go out today for a little drive and get my iced coffee from Tim's!

Nothing else big going on. I'm saddened by the results of the election, but I am going to keep being kind and tolerant while hoping for the best!

@lene'
I would love to do some of the trails at Letchworth! Every time I go there, I see signs for short ones and can't wait to do even those! I just love that park. My other favorite one in our area is Allegheny State Park. Red House lake is great to kayak and fish in. Can't wait to do both of them next year. Sounds like you are doing well too.

Oh, and my baby knee is 8 weeks old today!!!

Jen

 

[Pumpkin]

Yesterday was pretty painful, or more than usual

Jen, Please do not let the PT work you past discomfort.
Exercise is a challenge, because the negative effects may not occur until later in the day.
Happy Birthday to your baby knee! Your old knees date with a TKR is coming up soon!!

 

[ACDCJen]

@Pumpkln

You know, it's weird because it doesn't hurt too much while I'm doing certain PT exercises. The bike was great and I hope to do 20 minutes on it tomorrow. The incline board was good too, just hurt the bottom of my right foot. I will speak up for myself tomorrow for sure! I do feel strong and capable, but you are very right about feeling the after effects.

Only 20 more days for my new right knee!!!

Jen

 

[Pumpkin]

Tell the PT, no resistance exercises, and to reduce the number of reps to no more than five to ten. Your new knee is still very early in this yearlong or more recovery and needs lots of TLC.

 

[KarriB]

Often the effects of PT are felt the next day or in the night while trying to sleep. I'm just in awe of you getting the other knee done!

 

[ACDCJen]

Hello fellow Bonesmartians!

I had PT today and it went well! I was pretty well recovered from Monday and I know it was the side slides. So, I didn't do them today! I had them measure my flexion sitting and it was 96! (I could have done further, but it wasn't done the first thing I got there) I got a massage and talked about the soreness and my concern that something was wrong since I have some swelling on the outer part of my knee. They assured me that it was normal and that it would go away the more I get used to being up and active. He also said that there are other issues I'm dealing with that may prolong my recovery, which I understand too. So, I used the elliptical bike for 10 minutes (I seriously love this machine!), the rocker board for 35+ reps back and forth, stepping over small cones with the correct form 6 times (12 back and forth), the incline board for 30 reps up and down, and then another 10 minutes on the bike before icing for 30 minutes. It sill cracks me up that they think 30 minutes is a long time to ice!!! I keep telling them that I ice at least 4 times a day and all night with my machine! I have also been walking a bit without my cane and I do notice my gait getting better and my limp getting better! My incision is healing well, the scabs on the three little parts are almost falling off. I feel I will be ready to go for surgery in 17 days!!! I just hope we get a really snowy winter since I don't have to go out in it too much! I love snow!

Still having sleep issues....I got one hour last night from 430-530. I got up at 6 to shower before PT. Ugh....hopefully I'll sleep easier tonight. We'll see.

Well, going to elevate and watch Project Runway before dinner. Thank you so much for your support. I know I haven't been very supportive, but even if I don't comment, I try to read the boards every day!

Jen

 

[ACDCJen]

@KarriB

Don't be too impressed until we see how I do! For me, it just makes sense to do them both so I have time to recover, lose some weight, get used to moving around and being active with them so I can be raring to go next summer! My goal is to log at least 500 miles on my kayak!!!

And remember, I haven't had to deal with a huge infection either. If I had, I would probably be waiting a bit for my right one too.

Jen

 

[KarriB]

It does make sense and makes the recovery a bit shorter. I went back to school for an event this evening and my left knee is screaming, plus my right PF heel hurts. It's those cement floors I think.

 

[ACDCJen]

Ughh... had a very anxious night last night. Have a ton of things on my mind other than my RTKR coming up. I found out on Friday that I am being taken off the payroll at work on December 14. So, I am effectively being "fired" I guess? The HR woman that I spoke to was extremely nice and felt so bad that I was having another RTKR (I'm not sorry that I am!) She said that Dec. 14 is the 6 month mark and LTD will kick in. So, I also lose my health insurance! I did find 2 other plans on the marketplace that would work better than what I have now, plus I could always choose to do COBRA. HR said that I could reapply for any open position once I am ready to come back. It is a blessing in disguise I guess. I wanted to transfer/apply to a child therapy position at the same agency because that is where my heart is. Also, it means that I can look for something more toward Buffalo. So, I have a lot of ducks to get in a row and letters to write. I'll go next week to get my books and other stuff I left in my office. At least now I have as much time as I need to recover. I can also apply for unemployment. I will probably go to Social Services tomorrow to see what I am eligible for.

I was in some pain yesterday, and I think I've identified some of the problem. I'm walking differently and it's putting stress on my right hip and my back, where I have arthritis. So, that makes sense. My right knee is killing me, so I am glad that it is going in 15 days. I've been moving around more so all of my parts are hurting me. Plus, I'm in the middle of a fibro flare. Yesterday was probably the most painful, but I also did the most. But, it will all get better once I have my two new knees!

I did get out yesterday and spent the afternoon with Scott. We went to lunch and Niagara Falls, Canada. We went to this bakery that we love in Lewiston, NY. It was a long 7 hours, but I had a good time. I miss being able to just go where and when I want, but that will come back again, soon!

Hope everyone is doing well today. Football is on! Yay!

Jen

 

[KarriB]

Ah, Jen, I'm sorry to hear of this added stress. But it seems you're handling it well and looking on the positive side. I know very little about jobs outside of education and whether they're in demand or not. You're right though, you won't have to push to go back to work before you're ready and will have time to look when you're feeling better. Do you know how long you'll be eligible for unemployment?

 

[ACDCJen]

Hi @KarriB

I wouldn't be eligible for long, but long enough to get well and find a new job.

I can't complain. They paid for my STD at @50% of my salary for 6 months, so they did more than they had to!

Jen

 

[lene']

Wow Jen, that is a lot to think about! I guess the best thing is if your right knee is covered by insurance, and you can get at least your first post op covered that would be a big help. Also good you have a support system with your parents and Scott! I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and when one door closes another opens so I am wishing you the best of luck!
I also have noticed that moving a different way now brings pains where I didn't have any before! Using different muscles I guess!
Please keep us up to date as you get closer to your new right knee.
Blessings,
Lene'


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[AThom10731]

Cool costume!


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[ACDCJen]

I feel so much better today! Maybe I was getting sick on top of my fibro flares, or something. I didn't notice how horrible I was feeling until I didn't feel horrible! I am walking so much better today, without my cane, and my limp is noticeably less. I canceled PT this morning, and may cancel Thursday's session too. I have a bunch of stuff I do at home, so it's not like I'm just sitting around being a bum!

Working on planning for losing my job, getting LTD, and obtaining new insurance. I think it will all work out just fine, but I need to fret about it first! I want to find out how much COBRA will be before I purchase off the Marketplace.

Anyway, just popping in for a second. I will try to be on later to read updates and offer support.

Jen

 

[Pumpkin]

Sounds like you have a plan do deal with your recovery and your job loss. Glad your TKR is soon, and you start looking forward to getting your life back.

 

[referee54]

You are certainly moving forward!!

Don't worry about canceling the PT---sometimes canceling it is not only good physically, it can be good psychologically, as well..