TKR The other TKR, on August 25th

[Josephine]

But, I want to continue to reply to Josephine again, cant figure out... despite her links about this, just see quote, bookmark, but I cant reply to someone in middle of thread ? This is different for me.

Are you accustomed to using Facebook then? Or Twitter? This is a very different format to those sites.

Tylenol #3 was 1 tab every 6 hours. I took 9am, 3pm, 9pm. Tramadol 50mg. 1 tab usually around noon, and if I woke up in middle of night.

This was at first, wasn't it? What a shame - you would have been much better served taking 50-100mg Tramadol with 1,000mg Tylenol every 6hrs instead of that.

My comments in bold
PT, Home Health, 3x week - so you only did exercises three days a week at the start, then?
Slides, 2x day- 10 to 15 - 20-30 at a sitting is bad. You should read this Heel slides and how to do them properly.
Lunges, holding on to sink - 2x day - 10x each leg - lunges are bad for a newly operated upon knee, very bad!
Marching: holding on to sink: 2x day, 20x - also marching
Swing leg out to side 2x day, 5x Right leg only. - also abduction exercises
Sit on couch, bend leg inward, hold for 30 seconds. 2x day. - so is this

After one month: Outpatient therapy: 3x week.
NuStep machine for 10 minutes
lunges x 5 - and this
They bend my knee to the wall; sprained my back, then I quit. good for you!
You also need to read this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy.

Now: 1. 0-2/10

TEN?? When does this happen?

2. No meds. Took Motrin 600mg. 3x day, until last week.

And what happened last week. I know you've probably already posted it but remind me

3.Moderate. More by end of day, but not huge.

Hm, yes, I suspected so

4. Flexion, last was 102, extension, perfect.

That's not too bad

5. Been icing: 10 -20 minutes 3-4x day
6. Elevate. Work at home, on couch, legs up on pillows, total, 5 hours, 5x week.

You accomplish little or nothing in 20 minutes. Ice for at least 40-60mins and more than 4 times a day. Same with elevating.

7. Activity: Housework, little at a time. Cook easy stuff, or eat out. No laundry or grocery shopping. Plus, sometimes have to drive for work, up to 50miles 1x week. Was visiting, doing errands daily for my dad after work, cut down this week to twice a week. He is doing better.

Okay, I get it. But at 5 months out you have a right to expect to be able to do these kinds of things.

8. PT: Haven't had time. Just try to consciously make effort to keep bending.

Jolly good!

I think perhaps you've just been unlucky in that your recovery is being rather slow. Don't let this worry you. It will get better over time so long as you are not overdoing your activities.

But this "consciously make effort to keep bending" worries me. Does this mean you are doing heel slides and such? If so, I do urge you to stop that. The more you push on you knee, the more it is going to be slow to improve. Answer is, allow you knee to progress at its own rate. There is nothing to be gained by trying to make things improve.

It is true, always (well, mostly) listen to your physician. As far as I can see, no one here is claiming you should listen to them.

We suggest this because surgeons generally have little or no idea what it's like to be a recovering TKR patient!

 

[Bengalady]

@Josephine 1. It doesn't get to a 10, I meant 0-2 out of a possible 10. I know the way I describe it, sounds vey painful, it just irritating as hell.
2. No meds at all, since 2 weeks now.
5. & 6. I'll try to ice and elevate more. Elevating does hurt for some reason. Therefore, I stop, wait awhile, then elevate again.
When I say "making a conscious effort to bend" I mean, while walking. I say in my "inner voice", walk normal, walk normal........otherwise, I tend to limp, or drag my leg along.
Thank you, I'm doing better last three days, but also have rested more.

 

[Bengalady]

@Josephine Yes, I use facebook a lot. I think I got this figured out now.

 

[Josephine]

It doesn't get to a 10, I meant 0-2 out of a possible 10. I know the way I describe it, sounds very painful, it just irritating as hell.

I have a feeling you are under-estimating your pain. For instance, are you factoring in other forms of pain such as soreness, burning, stabbing, throbbing, aching, swelling and stiffness? They all count, you know.

2. No meds at all, since 2 weeks now.

I see.

5. & 6. I'll try to ice and elevate more. Elevating does hurt for some reason. Therefore, I stop, wait awhile, then elevate again.

Are you elevating with your leg totally straight? That will cause pain because a) your leg obviously still has some swelling b) because it's actually unnatural to do that anyway. I know PTs and others warn you not to allow your leg to have a bend because it "might stay like that" but I've never found that to be true. Especially not after 5 months! Nature demands we have usually a little bit of a bend in the leg. Here's some examples of good and bad!

When I say "making a conscious effort to bend" I mean, while walking. I say in my "inner voice", walk normal, walk normal........otherwise, I tend to limp, or drag my leg along.

It's not normal for you to walk normal at 2 weeks. That usually doesn't come until about 6-8 weeks out because of the swelling. I suggest you stop trying to force your leg to do this for the time being.

I do hope you took my earlier comments on board and stopped all the exercising because it's not the exercising that gets you your ROM, it's time. Time to recover, time for swelling and pain to settle and time to heal. One thing that seems to be missing from all the PT's protocols is that all your ROM is there right from the start, just waiting for all that to happen so it can show itself. In the general run of things, it doesn't need to be fought for, worked hard for or worried about. It will happen. Exercise as in strength training is counter-productive and does more harm than good. Normal activity is the key to success.

Yes, I use facebook a lot. I think I got this figured out now

Yes, thought so! Glad to hear you're learning the proper way of forum chat!

 

[Bengalady]

At 6 months post Op, TKR.......I'm still struggling. For awhile, it seemed as if I was better; but then went back downhill. Mostly swelling; and stiffness. By end of day, I can barely walk. I'm doing, have done everything suggested. Most things advised, have not helped; esp. with swelling. I'm going back to square one again.
I'm thinking this is different.....? At night, I have been wrapping a pouch with soda crystals placed on my knee, then I wrap with Ace Bandage. When I wake up in the morning, my knee feels almost "normal." Sometimes, I wrap with Ace when I go somewhere that I have to walk a distance.
My doctor said it is ok if I use a brace at times, although he wasn't keen on the idea.
OK, I would just like your thoughts on this, or if anyone else has done this.
Right now, I still have my knee wrapped, with the soda crystal pouch. It feels perfect, and I'm able to walk. Its better than with the Ace Bandage alone. I was just thinking, why not leave it on ? What would it hurt ? Not sure, maybe I wouldn't get strong enough ? (I've tried compression stockings, and a regular knee brace, but they didn't work.) I've been wondering about a "dynasplint", but that sounds painful.
I didn't think this would take no where near this amount of time. As most here, my Doctor did not inform me. I thought I'd be dancing in a couple of months !!! Oh well, trying to adjust.
PS, Not in any pain really................or maybe I'm just tolerant of it.
Thanks

 

[bottomshollow]

@Bengalady, You may notice that I have merged your three threads. We like to keep our members' recovery posts all in a single thread. That way it's easy for us to go back and read your history before responding to a question or concern. In addition, the thread becomes a journal of your recovery for those who come along later and want to read about you. So, please post in this thread from now on when you want to give an update or ask a question. If you have questions or concerns that need an immediate answer, please tag an admin, a mod, or other members or all three.

If you decide you'd like a different thread title at any point, just post what you want here and we'll get it changed for you. THANKS!

If you are having a problem locating your thread, here is a link with how to do it: How can I find my threads and posts?

 

[Bengalady]

Its' now been 9 months TKR. I don't feel any better than I was at the 4 month mark. My exercise has been sporadic as I quite feel like just giving up. I've done, or not, all of recommendations.

I can bend my knee, over 100, I can extend it fully. Ok, sounds good. Here's the problem, I can't walk right, my knee doesn't bend when I walk. Or, at least not the way it should. It's extremely stiff and tight. By the end of the day, I can barely walk without difficulty. I only feel better first thing in the morning. Once I start walking, forget it. Even when resting, it doesn't matter.

I went to see my surgeon at the 4 month because of this. He feels that I'm doing "great", and I should come back in a year. A lot of people are practically yelling at me, that if I don't do my exercises faithfully, it's going to take even longer to recover. I know that this may take up to a year to feel "normal".

I'm afraid this will go on forever. If I could see improvement slowly as time goes on, I would feel more hopeful. Nothing has improved. I'm so angry that the doctor did not tell me of this recovery period. Just ticked, I think my "real" knee was not nowhere as bad as this. I want to be active, I feel so old.

I'm thinking of going to a different Ortho, just for a second opinion, maybe starting PT again ?

When I do exercises, I keep hurting my back. I can't stand this sedentary life for almost a year now. My Primary told me that I'm hurting my back because I'm probably not doing exercises right. I do have degenerative disc disease, but it hasn't bothered me until now.

My surgeon said that sooner or later, I'll need my left knee replaced too. Yeah, I could see why, I'm depending so much on my left leg, knee, ect. that now it is starting to cause pain, and sometimes giving out on me. I've ran into others, even my chiropractor said I should be better by now.

I'm so, so sick of this, I don't know how much more I can take but then again, I suppose nothing else I can do?

 

[Celle]

Hello again @Bengalady
I'm sorry to read you are still having problems.
It seems that early in your recovery you were wrongly advised and you are still suffering the effects of that.

I'm going to ask @Josephine to advise you, but I really wonder why you are still doing exercises. While a PT should be able to help you with your gait (walking right) your ordinary life should b e your exercise now. You don't need to still be inactive and sit around all day. Sometimes, just sitting too long without moving will cause knee stiffness.

By the way, you'll notice that I have merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread. For several reasons, we prefer that you only have one recovery thread:

• That way, we have all your information in one place. This makes it easier to go back and review your history before providing advice. In your case, your past history is relevant, so we do need to have it here.
• If you keep starting new threads, you miss the posts and advice others have left for you in the old threads, and some information may be unnecessarily repeated
• Having only one thread will act as a diary of your progress that you can look back on.

So please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here. If you prefer a different thread title, just post what you want and we'll get it changed for you.
If you need an urgent response to a question, just tag a member of staff.
How to tag another member; how to answer when someone tags you
We do read all the new posts every day, so your questions won't be missed.

Here are the instructions on finding your thread, How can I find my threads and posts? . Many members bookmark their thread, so they can find it when they log on.

 

[Bengalady]

Thank you. I am doing most of my "normal" activities, and in doing so, I try to forget about this problem. I think I will go see someone for second opinion. People are telling me that I've had no improvement because of lack of exercise. (for my knee). My activities vary, I'll be busy for a couple days, then sit on the couch the next day. I'm not working....distraught because I don't know what kind of work I can do when I can't even hardly walk.

I understand about the "thread", however, I don't see how members would see my post...because they don't know me, so why would they look at my previous posts ? I posted at 6 months, but never got any answers.

I was using an ace bandage wrap around my knee when I had to be more active. It helped with some of the pressure, but I was wondering if I may have hindered my recovery by doing that. Regardless, I don't do that any more.

As far as "normal" activities, while I clean my house, I haven't been able to do any real scrubbing as I would typically do. I've thought of going back to my Surgeon, but, besides the fact that I owe him money, I'm upset that he doesn't seem to be hearing me. Thank you.

 

[Jamie]

When I do exercises, I keep hurting my back. I can't stand this sedentary life for almost a year now. My Primary told me that I'm hurting my back because I'm probably not doing exercises right.

Your GP is right. The exercises you probably need to be doing are core strengthening and balance along with some walking as you can. Does it help your back when you see your chiropractor? If so, I'd go have a chat with him. Or you could go to a good therapist who can give you exercises or do manipulations and stretches that will help your back. I have the same problem and have located a great therapist who does some stretches that really help me. But you do need to avoid too much sitting. That's never a good thing. On your "off" days, be sure you get up and walk around the house for 5 minutes every hour or so.

People are telling me that I've had no improvement because of lack of exercise. (for my knee).

And these "people" are experts, right???? Their third cousin's next door neighbor had a TKR and was up and running at 3 months, right???? Bet they are just friends, relatives or acquaintances who have an opinion. Please ignore any "helpful" advice you get from people like this.

I understand about the "thread", however, I don't see how members would see my post

Most of our members review the "New Posts" when they sign on to BoneSmart, so any posts you make to this thread will take your thread to the top of that list. That's how people see it. I'm sorry you didn't get any responses 6 months ago. That can happen now and then with a post or two. One of the best ways to generate responses is to go to others' threads and chat with them about their recovery. It's a good way to find others who are feeling like recovery is going slowly.

 

[Celle]

Getting a second opinion sounds like a good idea. Try to find a surgeon who has no connection at all, either social or professional, with your current surgeon. That way, he/she won't be influenced by your surgeon's opinion.

I understand about the "thread", however, I don't see how members would see my post...because they don't know me, so why would they look at my previous posts ? I posted at 6 months, but never got any answers.

It really doesn't matter if other members don't read your post, because I can assure you that the staff do read all new posts every day. If you post regularly and also post to help other people, they will get to know you. The forum works as a sort of mutual support system.

I'm sorry you didn't get any reply to your post at 6 months (February 2017), but I think that was partly because we couldn't tell if you had followed the advice Josephine gave you, back in December. We didn't know if you'd followed that advice, or even seen it, because you didn't come back to tell us. We do like feedback, you see, because it's good to know if we have been able to help, or not.

Maybe your surgeon isn't interested in how you are getting on because, from his point of view, there isn't a surgical problem, but rather it's one of management. He may be an excellent surgeon but unless he has had a knee replacement himself he won't know about the daily grind of recovery.

Instead of having a couple of really busy days and then a day of resting on the couch, why not try doing just one extra thing each day - in other words, try to moderate your activity, instead of doing "all or nothing".

The other thing is, are you still using a cane or any other walking aid? It's a good idea to do so, until you can walk naturally with a normal gait.
Try to walk like this, striking first with your heel and then rolling forward on your foot, until you push off with your toes. Try to pretend there is a small fence in front of you, that you have to lift your foot to step over - that will help you to bend your knee.

It's a waste of time and energy to keep on being mad because your surgeon didn't warn you to expect a long recovery. That's in the past now and he's not the only surgeon to have done that. I honestly think that some of them don't realise how tedious it can be - they see you after surgery, then maybe a couple of time up to about 2 months, then not until a year post-op. They don't see the daily frustrations.

 

[JEA]

This is the first time I have responded to a post but I was really moved when I read this one. I can totally empathize with the recovery struggles. I am four and a half months post op - Patella femoral replacement and really discouraged and disappointed. My life prior to the surgery was very active and I feel so frustrated - I am seeing my surgeon for a check tomorrow and I don't know what I will say as I am worse in so many ways. I can't walk any distance without pain. Stairs are a nightmare- especially going down! I need to use my arms and shoulders to rise from sitting. I can't use the elliptical or bike for more than a few minutes .
I regret the surgery every day.

 

[Josephine]

I'll be perfectly frank with you, my dear. You don't listen to advice you get in your own thread. Oh maybe - perhaps - you read it but you don't take it on board. Whatever, it seems you are still doing things I told you back in August and December last year. It appears you ignored that and all the advice given you by other members and staff in between.

I'd also give you this article to read in the hopes that it might give you a jolt into taking notice of good advice!
PT: the seriously grave consequences of doing too much of it

 

[sistersinhim]

@Bengalady, I think it would benefit you to get a second opinion from an OS unattached to your current OS's group, if after a month off from exercises you are no better. Aggressive exercises are counter productive for a knee replacement, which now it seems you have found out. I am so sorry you are in this pain. Stop listening to people telling you to do the exercises. We are experienced tkr people on here. Those people aren't. We have been through it and know what works better, they haven't and don't. Stop all exercises and let your knee calm down. So many of us never did any exercises and never had the pain that you have, but have our knees back working the way they are supposed to.

 

[dadman35]

Sorry your having a time. I am only a few months out from surgery and have days of frustration. Hope that even in the difficulty you can find something positive. All the negative can drag you down making matters much worse.


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Angiebabe]

There is a theme in your posts and how you describe your recovery which I think many of us will recognise and will have tried and that is the need to find the magic DO SOMETHING! Oh if only I tried one more exercise or saw a different type of therapist or rubbed in a different cream then somehow I would be magically cured and running around. I have a confession to make! When I first read the bonesmart mantra I didn't like it - more than that I hated it - it didn't go with my Protestant work ethic upbringing. Resting icing elevating? That's just acting like lady muck lazy I should get off my backside and Do!

But you know what ? These folks know what they are talking about. The biggest fight in my recovery has been psychological adjusting myself to a different way of thinking who's bottom line is resting icing elevating and not overexercising is a form of work and it is really hard! Let that be your to DO.

Ok I'm in the uk with a dream team who have a great concept of balance in terms of exercise and healing. But this didn't stop me being prone to scar tissue and needing an MUA ( ha ha more pseudo guilt) but gentle stretching rest and a big dollop of ice has done the job, I know I have a long way to go as I'm just 4 & 1 month post TKR and MUA but on a good day the light is there.

Please take a breath and try and find a balance that will let you heal physically and psychologically.

 

[Bengalady]

Thank you,
Lo, and behold, knock on wood, whatever............the very next day after writing this, my knee FINALLY is better !!
I wanted to wait awhile, because previously I had some good days in-between, but wouldn't last. Its' been a week now. I can walk better, and faster. I know I still have a way to go; but all I wanted to see was SOME improvement. Somehow, its here now. First, it felt like a thousand rubberbands, then it felt for the longest time, like two very tight ropes, with a knife sticking in the side.............for 5 months now. Today, and this week, its down to one rope only. Some places where it has been swollen, is no longer swollen. I'm not sure, but I think it may have been my last try at the chiropractor. I get a very good massage there, for my back. She asked the chiropractor if she should work on my knee as well. He said no, but she did anyway !! I realize I need to find a balance with my activities, which is hard to do. When I am sitting, lounging however, I have been getting up and walking some. (like at least every hour). I see my GP tomorrow.......since my back is sprained, I may ask for some physical therapy, but only for core, and stretching, (I won't dare let them hurt me anymore). I don't know what did it, or why it took so long...........that was the part that was depressing me. Thank you for your support.

 

[Bengalady]

I'm Back !! Not sure where I'm suppose to post this, here, or a new post...…….I'll start here though.
I'm post-op 3 years now, and still in pain !!!! Had PT three or four times. Original surgeon, after 1 year and x-rays told me everything is ok. He told me to just "forget" about my knee.
I have moved to another state in year 2. Still with problems, pain, swelling, very tight.....almost like it always was. Other knee bothering me. Went to new ortho in my new state. Same thing, took x-rays, said everything looks ok. (as a side note, his NP said Ortho doc don't like to operate on another surgeons work). After I told him, I know people who are doing so well, he said, its probably because I'm older !!
He gave me steroid injection in my other knee. , and PT
Year 3 : Had to see another surgeon due to insurance reasons. Same thing, did xray, and, well he said I was having "Pain", duuh..and is sending me to a pain clinic. He said that a revision would be worse, and they can't do a revision, if he doesn't know the cause of my pain.
Well, then, why can't/won't any doctor help me find out the cause of my pain ?
Sometimes, xrays alone, don't show the whole picture. I did realize after much research, I had one that was recalled. Going to Pain clinic on Monday.....I don't really like pain clinics.
Anyone else this happen to ? What kind of tests should I ask for ?
I'm so tired of this. By the end of the day, I can barely walk.
Anyway, thanks for listening.....if anyone is here.

 

[Jockette]

We’re here and we’re listening.

I’m sorry you still have pain and still have no help.

I don’t really have much actual pain, but I still have a lot of discomfort, 2.5 years after my partial. I’ve had two second opinions, X-rays look great, so “there’s no problem.” So, I agree that X-rays don’t show the whole story.

I’m at a point where my knee has improved to being tolerable so I’m not in any hurry for a revision, not that I’ve ever been offered one.

I think in my case a bone scan would be a good idea, and also I’d like a metal allergy blood test done. But, I’d have to find a doctor to agree to order those tests.

So, I understand how you feel.

 

[Jockette]

P.S. Posting in this thread is fine, it’s the same knee. You did very well remembering how to find your recovery thread!

If you’d like us to change your thread title, just tell us what you’d like it yo be and we’ll get that done for you.