Yes, it's been a lot of trauma indeed. I think my ROM is probably the only thing I'm not worried about. I know it will get better when swelling goes down. The things I'm most anxious about are being able to finally walk properly and hoprfully without pain and have a functioning knee again where I'll be able to exercise and be active again. Fingers crossed I'll get there eventually.Looking at your signature, you’ve had 4 surgeries in about 15 months. That a lot of trauma and re-disturbed tissue in your leg in that time period. Be gentle as you recover and rehab, and hard as it is, try to be patient. your leg is trying it’s best to heal.
Regaining our ROM does not require forceful bending or painful exercises.
Regaining our ROM is more about Time than repetitions of a list of exercises.
Time to recover.
Time for pain and swelling to settle.
Time to heal.
Our range of motion is right there all along just waiting for 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. Normal activity is the key to success.
TKR TKR after tibial plateau fracture
- Thread starter Ayse
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JusticeRider
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@Ayse, I’ve just read your recovery thread and have nothing but sympathy for you. I really related to that feeling of your body sort of falling apart as you try to heal from injuries and multiple surgeries. My case wasn’t as complex as yours for sure, but we both went through multiple surgeries in a short period of time and had various challenges complicating our recoveries. And like you, I felt as though I was trying to relearn how to walk all over again each time.
The muscle atrophy is real. And yet, it’s impossible to strengthen when your body is in pain, inflamed, and not functioning properly. My left thigh is still very skinny as I try to bring it back after 2.5 years of my quad being inhibited by pain. My PT’s have tried to help me strengthen throughout this process but it didn’t work because it only exacerbated pain and swelling, which caused my quads to shut down again and again. Not to mention it all aggravated my left hip and right knee that I was depending on while my left knee healed. Ugh. I get it!
Hopefully you are on the other side of all the surgeries now, and you can focus on the long slow process of gently bringing back your poor battle-scarred body! Now you can heal. You sound determined and strong, so I know you can do it! You will get your knee and all the rest back in working order with time, and get back to the active lifestyle you’ve been missing! And we will all be here to cheer you on. Rooting for you, Ayse!
The muscle atrophy is real. And yet, it’s impossible to strengthen when your body is in pain, inflamed, and not functioning properly. My left thigh is still very skinny as I try to bring it back after 2.5 years of my quad being inhibited by pain. My PT’s have tried to help me strengthen throughout this process but it didn’t work because it only exacerbated pain and swelling, which caused my quads to shut down again and again. Not to mention it all aggravated my left hip and right knee that I was depending on while my left knee healed. Ugh. I get it!
Hopefully you are on the other side of all the surgeries now, and you can focus on the long slow process of gently bringing back your poor battle-scarred body! Now you can heal. You sound determined and strong, so I know you can do it! You will get your knee and all the rest back in working order with time, and get back to the active lifestyle you’ve been missing! And we will all be here to cheer you on. Rooting for you, Ayse!
@Ayse.....I've modified your thread title. Please let me know if it's okay with you. Rather than just have it say "TKR," I think it's important to leave a mention of the fracture there for people who may be searching for specific information. You have the prefix to indicate you've now had a TKR, so that phrase alone really isn't a good thread title. If there is something else you'd rather have, though, just post what you want and we'll get it changed.
@Jamie that's great, mamy thanks.
Softsong
junior member
@JusticeRider thanks so much. I was reading your recovery thread last night. Wow! So sorry you've been through such an ordeal but hopefully finally on the way to recovery. You're so right, when you can't walk properly it puts such a strain on everything else. I feel like I'm100 years old. My good knee hurts, back, hips, feet, shoulders, neck. I used to have good posture but from being on crutches/stick so long and having to always look down when trying to walk I'm hunched.
The atrophy makes me anxious. It's such a catch 22 because the weak muscles and ligaments cause more strain but you can't strengthen because of trying to heal.
Fingers crossed this will be the last surgery. Don't think I could take much more to be honest. Your kind words have given me encouragement.
@Softsong thanks so much. Yes, fingers crossed!
JusticeRider
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I’m glad I was able to encourage you, Ayse, even in a small way. That’s what BoneSmart is all about! This experience has brought me to my lowest lows, and I really don’t know what I would have done without this life line! Amazing that there are people all over the world who have experienced or are experiencing the same kinds of things and offering advice, support, and empathy.
Omg, I know! Same. On my walks I often go down Main Street through downtown. I check in the shop windows to see my reflection and make sure I’m not hunching over or limping. I have to remind myself to swing my right arm. I think it got so used to holding a crutch or cane that it forgot how to move normally! Isn’t it odd to have to retrain our bodies to do something that used to come so naturally? I just got the thumbs up from my podiatrist that I’m not limping! Yay! But I still do have to think about it to keep from slipping into old patterns.
Yeah. I had to really will myself to let go of my frustration with losing my muscle. There was no way to get it back as long as there was so much major damage to heal. I think I am just now approaching the point where it will be safe to focus a lot more on strength! I’m so excited but I know with this knee I have to proceed slowly and carefully. Let yourself heal and then you can strengthen. We will both get those muscles back, I know it!!
I can completely relate! It's very tough to have to retrain your body to do things you used to be able to do without thinking.I’m glad I was able to encourage you, Ayse, even in a small way. That’s what BoneSmart is all about! This experience has brought me to my lowest lows, and I really don’t know what I would have done without this life line! Amazing that there are people all over the world who have experienced or are experiencing the same kinds of things and offering advice, support, and empathy.
Omg, I know! Same. On my walks I often go down Main Street through downtown. I check in the shop windows to see my reflection and make sure I’m not hunching over or limping. I have to remind myself to swing my right arm. I think it got so used to holding a crutch or cane that it forgot how to move normally! Isn’t it odd to have to retrain our bodies to do something that used to come so naturally? I just got the thumbs up from my podiatrist that I’m not limping! Yay! But I still do have to think about it to keep from slipping into old patterns.
Yeah. I had to really will myself to let go of my frustration with losing my muscle. There was no way to get it back as long as there was so much major damage to heal. I think I am just now approaching the point where it will be safe to focus a lot more on strength! I’m so excited but I know with this knee I have to proceed slowly and carefully. Let yourself heal and then you can strengthen. We will both get those muscles back, I know it!!
So happy you're on a green light to strengthen your knee. Onwards and upwards!!
ladyj
senior
I feel so sorry for you, but be reassured you will be fine eventually.
I smashed my left tibia to smithereens in a hiking accident. The surgeons did the best they could, inserted metalwork and I couldn’t walk for months, then I walked with a pronounced limp. They said I was too young for a new knee too.
They also said that I was lucky not to have lost the leg.
I had about ten years of this, then they took the metalwork out, and rebuilt my tibia with plastic blocks and inserted a TKR.
It went fine, and I was pretty good for some years.
Now I have just had a THR because my “good leg” has taken so much punishment and my hip was bone on bone.
This so far, seems to be going well.
I still may have to have the right knee replaced but hopefully not for at least a little while.
I know this is different to your circumstances but reading what you had written reminded me of the whole thing.
You seem to have found a good surgeon now.
I do hope you get sorted out soon.
I will be thinking of you!
I smashed my left tibia to smithereens in a hiking accident. The surgeons did the best they could, inserted metalwork and I couldn’t walk for months, then I walked with a pronounced limp. They said I was too young for a new knee too.
They also said that I was lucky not to have lost the leg.
I had about ten years of this, then they took the metalwork out, and rebuilt my tibia with plastic blocks and inserted a TKR.
It went fine, and I was pretty good for some years.
Now I have just had a THR because my “good leg” has taken so much punishment and my hip was bone on bone.
This so far, seems to be going well.
I still may have to have the right knee replaced but hopefully not for at least a little while.
I know this is different to your circumstances but reading what you had written reminded me of the whole thing.
You seem to have found a good surgeon now.
I do hope you get sorted out soon.
I will be thinking of you!
EalingGran
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I really wouldn't worry about the muscle atrophy at this stage. Just concentrate on healing. You are young and basically fit- so will be able to strengthen in the future when you are able.
I am 66 and I am now starting to really work on glute/ quad strengthening and I can see the benefits. There are studies that show that even people in their 80s/ 90s can develop muscle with the right strength training. So don't worry. It will be fine- but healing is your priority right now.
Good luck.
Wow, what an ordeal @ladyj I'm so sorry you went through this. It has such a huge impact on all areas of your body which is so frustrating. Like yours, my good knee has steadily been getting worse since the accident having taken the brunt for a long time. I'm glad things are going well for you at the moment. Fingers crossed you won't have to have another new knee.
Bless you, thanks so much. Fingers crossed I will get there in the end. Can't wait to get back to exercise I enjoy rather than the boring physio exercises I've been doing for the last 14 months. Enjoy yours.
ladyj
senior
Thank you for thinking of me.
I suppose in a way I thought that my accident damage would just be fixed. It wasn’t like that. Then I had my leg rebuilt and my knee replaced and thought that’s it I’m fine now.
it hadn’t occurred to me that there would be more consequences twenty years later.
I have been lucky in having excellent surgeons and I feel the THR is going to be fine.
We must realise how fortunate we are really.
My Granny spent about 25 years of her life in agony from hip and knee arthritis for which there was at that time no treatment.
Wishing you an excellent and speedy recovery.
I've been doing self lymphatic drainage massage on my knee using this method
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=scvdeEMRLL4&list=PLWYuRSjQI5zFVs3G8BGTJmU2RdBCnJgHv&index=14 and think its really is helping with the swelling. There's also some videos by the same people for upper and lower leg. Myofascial release is also giving some improvement too.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=scvdeEMRLL4&list=PLWYuRSjQI5zFVs3G8BGTJmU2RdBCnJgHv&index=14 and think its really is helping with the swelling. There's also some videos by the same people for upper and lower leg. Myofascial release is also giving some improvement too.
@Ayse
You found a very nice video that shows some good techniques for draining the leg. It's especially heartening that it is helping you! That is great.
I would recommend anyone who wants to try this to start with Step 1, which discusses and illustrates the deep breathing techniques.
These are key to "priming" your body to then receive the fluid that you are trying to move from your leg. I will leave the link to Step 1 here:
www.youtube.com
If you experience any pain or rebound swelling, please stop trying to do this for yourself and find a Licensed Massage Therapist or Physical Therapist trained in MLD (manual lymph drainage) to help you. Better yet, talk to your surgical team first if you're experiencing any symptoms that worry you.
But, this is a good start for those of you who want to attempt it. Thank you again Ayse. I scanned through your recovery thread but want to go now and read it from the beginning, Sounds like you've had quite the struggle.
One more thing that might make this all gel together better is something I put together to help BoneSmarties help themselves with swelling. I will leave that here for you. I love that you found a video that shows what the written instructions lack.
****
Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 3-4, then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.
Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you can get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.
You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will and it will help get the swelling moving.
The reason this can help is because many of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our breathing combined with moderate pressure over our naval can help to "prime" our lymph system.
***********
Additional notes: you can reach down to your knee and lightly stroke upwards your groin after doing the steps above. Then lastly, gently pump the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion towards the trunk of your body, using all 4 fingers of your hand and NO fingertips pressing in..
This can be effective if done daily.. use light pressure, no deep pushing. This isn't a no pain no gain thing.
I hope this helps!!
****
You found a very nice video that shows some good techniques for draining the leg. It's especially heartening that it is helping you! That is great.
I would recommend anyone who wants to try this to start with Step 1, which discusses and illustrates the deep breathing techniques.
These are key to "priming" your body to then receive the fluid that you are trying to move from your leg. I will leave the link to Step 1 here:
Lymphatic Self Massage - Step 1: Deep Breathing Technique and Follow Along [Part 3 of 20]
Learn how to do deep breathing. This will help stimulate your lymph system before the massage.Disclaimer: This video does not replace seeing a Combined Decon...
www.youtube.com
If you experience any pain or rebound swelling, please stop trying to do this for yourself and find a Licensed Massage Therapist or Physical Therapist trained in MLD (manual lymph drainage) to help you. Better yet, talk to your surgical team first if you're experiencing any symptoms that worry you.
But, this is a good start for those of you who want to attempt it. Thank you again Ayse. I scanned through your recovery thread but want to go now and read it from the beginning, Sounds like you've had quite the struggle.
One more thing that might make this all gel together better is something I put together to help BoneSmarties help themselves with swelling. I will leave that here for you. I love that you found a video that shows what the written instructions lack.
****
Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 3-4, then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.
Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you can get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.
You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will and it will help get the swelling moving.
The reason this can help is because many of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our breathing combined with moderate pressure over our naval can help to "prime" our lymph system.
***********
Additional notes: you can reach down to your knee and lightly stroke upwards your groin after doing the steps above. Then lastly, gently pump the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion towards the trunk of your body, using all 4 fingers of your hand and NO fingertips pressing in..
This can be effective if done daily.. use light pressure, no deep pushing. This isn't a no pain no gain thing.
I hope this helps!!
****
Last edited:
@cickethip wow, thanks so much! Really helpful.@Ayse
You found a very nice video that shows some good techniques for draining the leg. It's especially heartening that it is helping you! That is great.
I would recommend anyone who wants to try this to start with Step 1, which discusses and illustrates the deep breathing techniques.
These are key to "priming" your body to then receive the fluid that you are trying to move from your leg. I will leave the link to Step 1 here:
Lymphatic Self Massage - Step 1: Deep Breathing Technique and Follow Along [Part 3 of 20]
Learn how to do deep breathing. This will help stimulate your lymph system before the massage.Disclaimer: This video does not replace seeing a Combined Decon...
If you experience any pain or rebound swelling, please stop trying to do this for yourself and find a Licensed Massage Therapist or Physical Therapist trained in MLD (manual lymph drainage) to help you. Better yet, talk to your surgical team first if you're experiencing any symptoms that worry you.
But, this is a good start for those of you who want to attempt it. Thank you again Ayse. I scanned through your recovery thread but want to go now and read it from the beginning, Sounds like you've had quite the struggle.
One more thing that might make this all gel together better is something I put together to help BoneSmarties help themselves with swelling. I will leave that here for you. I love that you found a video that shows what the written instructions lack.
****
Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 3-4, then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.
Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you can get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.
You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will and it will help get the swelling moving.
The reason this can help is because many of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our breathing combined with moderate pressure over our naval can help to "prime" our lymph system.
***********
Additional notes: you can reach down to your knee and lightly stroke upwards your groin after doing the steps above. Then lastly, gently pump the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion towards the trunk of your body, using all 4 fingers of your hand and NO fingertips pressing in..
This can be effective if done daily.. use light pressure, no deep pushing. This isn't a no pain no gain thing.
I hope this helps!!
****
EalingGran
post-grad
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- 67
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- Female
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If it is getting bigger and especially if it is painful/ hot- I would definitely get in touch with the surgical team and let them know.
Could you send them this picture?
Could you send them this picture?
