OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Except it keeps me up a pissing while. :secretaea:
Bilateral TKR The Historian - recovery diary
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Except it keeps me up a pissing while. :secretaea:
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Final reading from home PT
Flexion: 125 Left, 111 Right
Extension: 5 Left, 0 Right
Bending on the right is a problem from the swelling and the nerve damage. The therapist think I might hit 130 on both sides when it clears up. Extension on the left is my old problem of the shorter hamstring. It might be a tissue contracture and I might never get to zero on that side. If so, I'll live with it.
Flexion: 125 Left, 111 Right
Extension: 5 Left, 0 Right
Bending on the right is a problem from the swelling and the nerve damage. The therapist think I might hit 130 on both sides when it clears up. Extension on the left is my old problem of the shorter hamstring. It might be a tissue contracture and I might never get to zero on that side. If so, I'll live with it.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
More questions: Any thoughts on aquatherapy during recovery?
And, how soon after surgery can I drive my car? Getting in and out isn't a problem and I'm not on drugs that impair my ability to drive.
And, how soon after surgery can I drive my car? Getting in and out isn't a problem and I'm not on drugs that impair my ability to drive.
rubysue
senior
Aqua therapy is fantastic! I go to a fitness pool and march in the pool, increasing my flexion quite nicely, plus do other exercises.
You should not use a pool until the scars are fully healed (no scabs).
I believe your surgeon will clear you to drive. Getting in and of the car is one thing; reacting in an emergency (like a sudden hard braking situation) is a bigger concern.
You should not use a pool until the scars are fully healed (no scabs).
I believe your surgeon will clear you to drive. Getting in and of the car is one thing; reacting in an emergency (like a sudden hard braking situation) is a bigger concern.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
So how long until the clunking sound of the new parts goes away?
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Clunking sound? Mine have never made any noise, but feel like a kinda clicking is going on, gradually declining over the weeks.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Yes, feeling is a better description than sound. As far as I know its not audible. My old knees made noise and people nearby could hear it.
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I think we all have a tendency to misinterpret our feelings/sensations. Well anyway I do; I get a pain, and I equate it to a pre-op pain, although that's impossible of course. I do find that if I concentrate hard then that kind of self deception or illusion does tend to lift.
There are no words to describe the 'clunking'. It might be like a soft ratchet, or thick tendons 'flicking' over a rough surface. But it definitely declines. I think it's the old tendons tightening around the new joint, but that's just a guess really.
There are no words to describe the 'clunking'. It might be like a soft ratchet, or thick tendons 'flicking' over a rough surface. But it definitely declines. I think it's the old tendons tightening around the new joint, but that's just a guess really.
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
HI! guys, I have that same sensation when walking. I feel the clicking but don't hear it. I have it sometimes and sometimes I don't. But since it doesn't hurt in any way, I've learned to pretty much ignore it.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Surgeon says I'm OK to drive.
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
:ccheers: Worth a small celebration----its just so liberating!
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Bought a cane. Trying to use it instead of the walker. I named it "Herman".... politically active Americans will get the pun.....
Excess swelling is now gone from the right leg and foot. Only problem continues to be the nerve damage - I can't raise my big toe, for instance. Putting on my socks and shoes feels a little odd.
Excess swelling is now gone from the right leg and foot. Only problem continues to be the nerve damage - I can't raise my big toe, for instance. Putting on my socks and shoes feels a little odd.
PooShay
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Hey, TheHistorian. I wanted to refer to your surgery and the date, but you don't have a signature. We all do and it helps the Moderators.
Congrats on the permission to drive. That's huge!
Congrats on the permission to drive. That's huge!
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
My signature is where I put my signature. Since my surgical procedure isn't me, I don't list it there. I didn't want to bring it up on Bonesmart since most of you have been so nice, but its been my experience on other forums that listing medical procedures or disabilities in your signature line is one step closer to thinking that's what you are. I've spent years rejecting the label "disabled" because I had scoliosis and a valgus deformity, and I'm not going to slap the label "BLKR 3/8/12" on myself now. I had those things; they never had me.
If the Moderators tell me to do it I can't stop them; I can only stop posting.
We certainly don't want you to stop posting. The surgery dates are really just to help us respond better when you post. It's not mandatory to have a signature in order to be a participating member....just strongly recommended for the benefit of the people who are following your story.
PooShay
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TheHistorian. I'm sorry I made mention of something that's not pleasant to you. I certainly didn't mean to imply that you are your procedure. I personally think it's a good point of reference since we're all sharing our recovery from the same procedure. Consider my comment withdrawn.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Current photo of me a month post surgery..... drawn by my four year old niece.
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
Just exactly what I've been thinking you look like!!!! She's quite a little artist, and probably has made you look better than you do-----just kidding. Its really cute.
And just a personal note, I have never at any point equated myself with my Bone Smart signature. But we do all see things in a different light.
We love you anyway. Judy
And just a personal note, I have never at any point equated myself with my Bone Smart signature. But we do all see things in a different light.
We love you anyway. Judy
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
Just rescheduled PT for tomorrow. I woke up and felt dizzy. Probably lack of sleep.
OP
OP
TheHistorian
post-grad
PT was so brutal I had to take Tylenol. But I got to spend 8 minutes on a stationary bike. It was my first bike ride since New Year's Day. Legs felt like jelly when I was done. It was great. If all goes well I can start riding outside in a couple of weeks.
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