TKR Twinkletoes' Recovery

[Josephine]

Of course you feel stiffer and have more pain after PT. It's inevitable when someone else is doing it! So you just need to juggle your pain meds so you have some about 30 mins before a session and some others when you get home and/or icing, elevating and all that. Don't keep piling the negative on to yourself - it is normal for this stage in your recovery.

Anyway, did somebody tell you that this recovery only took a month or something? Because it doesn't. Primary recovery takes weeks and weeks. Did you read all the articles I left for you in my post here? Well even if you did, you need to go and read them again. Specially the ones in the first group. You really do need to accept and understand that you are about right for this stage in your recovery and not to expect to be any better right now.

The process is always going to be two steps forward and one back. We all did that. Just accept and expect it. You are seeing it as a failure and worse, a failure on your part which is not so.

In another three months you'll look back at this time and think "what ever was I getting in such a bate about?". Go and read those articles again - that's what we give you them for.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Thank you Josephine! I have read the articles, but know that I should read them regularly. I think that it's my friends and even my family who have expectations that have influenced my thinking. They all know someone who has had the TKR and how quickly or slowly they recovered, etc. Having Bonesmart to come to and quote [often] to all these well-meaning people is helping me quite a bit. I still have those roller coaster days (like today) and have spent most of the day on ice and elevating. I get antsy and want to do a few things around the house, but realize that I'm just not up to it. I suppose it's not unusual when I've always been so active with my ballroom dancing and working out with a personal trainer, to a complete shift to not doing any of it for almost a year before the surgery and now I'm at two months after surgery. I am very frustrated and knowing that I have to have Patience doesn't help much.

 

[Josephine]

Geeze, all these well-meaning do-gooders! They drive me mental! Truth of it is, they most likely have no idea whatsoever what that other person's recovery was like because, as we all know, we tend to make light of it when people ask how we are!

 

[PhoenixS]

:hysterical:
DUH

 

[bottomshollow]

Hi! Twinkletoes,

Your post in the Do you name your parts? thread was a real blast from the past for me.

We all called my grandmother on my mother's side "Nonnie". It was a nickname she got because her real name was Manolia (so Southern). When I saw that in your post, it brought a wealth of memories back.

Also --you know you never should say "NEVER"; it usually comes back to bite you. And some day down the road when you've mostly forgotten the pain and negatives about this TKR (as we all tend to do over time) and your other knee becomes impossible, you may do it all over again in spite of yourself.

Be good to yourself. We care. Judy

 

[Twinkletoes]

I need a moment for my Pity Party......

I went for PT today and my flexion went back to 70 degrees (it was 80 degrees last week) and my extension is -5 which doesn't really worry me. The therapist told me that my scar tissue is so thick that it is holding me back from flexion and extension! She didn't want to hurt me further and have to scrape me off the ceiling, so we'll do more easy bending the next time.

Josephine ~ How right you are! All my well-meaning friends and family haven't a clue what I'm going through, much less think that they can tell me where I SHOULD be in my recovery now. You said:

Truth of it is, they most likely have no idea whatsoever what that other person's recovery was like because, as we all know, we tend to make light of it when people ask how we are!

To be honest, I am not one of those who makes light of my feelings. I know that it sometimes takes people by surprise as most expect me to say "I'm fine!" Lately, I have been saying that I'm still stuck in the Cranky Stage.

Trainwreck ~

Duh!

Judy ~ I chose to be called Nonnie when our daughter-in-law was expecting simply because I didn't want to be called Grandma and since my mother (96) is called Nana, I somehow picked that.

I know, I know...I should never say NEVER, but from where I am at 9 weeks today, I do not think I would survive another TKR.

And hopefully, I will be so much older that it wouldn't be a consideration... Back to the sofa to elevate and ice.

 

[Twinkletoes]

It just dawned on me that I am allergic to Tramadol!!! First, in the hospital I was taking Percocet, but was allergic to that and cannot take anything with Codeine. I take Tylenol Extra Strength caplets every four hours during the day now and then the Tramadol at night. The Tramadol doesn't really take the pain away any more than the Tylenol Extra strength. But, I am so itchy all night, it was driving me nuts! I spoke with my pharmicist (who I've known for many, many years) and he told me to get off the Tramadol right away and to take the Tylenol as described above, and to take a Tylenol PM at night. Then, I went for my PT appointment...
PT= Pain and Torture! Whoever said that is so very right! I came home with a screaming knee

and did the elevation and ice... Whew!

This is exhausting. I seem to spend more time on the part of the roller coaster where it's screeching down hill and breaking the sound barrier!!! Probably not drowning out my screams though.

Thankfully, I have my sense of humor still in tact.

Any more wise and comforting words for me at 9 weeks and 2 days out? If you're looking for me, I'll be on ice...

 

[Janet2012]

You pretty much sum up why I want to get both done at once. I don't want there to be a second time.

I'm reading all these things about PT and was just thinking about the PT I had when I had my arthroscopic surgery. That was done in Europe, and what a difference in approach. Most of the PT in the early weeks was massage therapy to help ease the swelling. It wasn't the only thing, but they were very gentle. And very hands on. I remember my PT in Germany using the force of his hands and arms for me to push against. As compared to the PT in the US where they did not once touch me, but gave me print outs and directed me. I suppose there is a place for both.

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. We never know what ours will be like. Maybe that's a good thing. I'm sure you will, at some pount, be happy and celebrating!

 

[referee54]

Your PT---the "Physical Terrorist", should not be instilling the necessity of hard work and pain---and you should not have to endure that "pain and torture" in order to get mor ROM and strength.

Remember the mantra of "NO PAIN, MORE GAIN." It is something that many of us---myself included---had to learn. The idea is to not work harder, but to work smarter! Keep your knee happy and let it slowly adjust to the new rigors. Your knee has gone through tremendous surgical trauma and it will take some time before it loses its "anger."

Yes, this takes a great amount of patience---and again, many of (and yours truly!) had to reach deep down inside to find the patience reserves that we didn't now that we had.

I would like to suggest that you become more active in your own advocacy---if your knee is hurting that much after PT---you should think about backing off and being more gentle towards your surgical knee. Slow and steady will get you more results than allowing the PT to rack you and use other torture devices!

Patience, Grasshopper, Patience!!!

 

[bottomshollow]

Twinkletoes---I would just stop the PT for a couple of weeks and do as little as possible other than rest, elevate, and ice. And find a pain med you can tolerate. Your knee needs to heal, be allowed to let the swelling subside.

And you are paying the doctor--therefore you are the customer---and the customer is always right---so tell him this agressive stuff is causing you pain, pain, pain and that you're mad as h---- and aren't going to take it anymore.

You can do your own PT at home. Or no PT at all. I had 4 sessions in the hospital and 4 sessions in inpatient rehab, and than 7 sessions at home.
None of sessions was agressive--never pushed beyond what I was comfortable with. Once the sessions were over I have not done much in the way of even informal PT. I do ride by recumbent bike occasionally and I do a lot of walking and standing just doing regular stuff. And my ROM is fine and slowing improving all the time.

Please advocate for yourself and take care of yourself and your knee. We care about you---((((HUGS)))) Judy

 

[referee54]

At where you are, nine weeks seems like a rather lengthy time period, but you still are working your way through these issues. I returned to work at eight weeks, and that was too early---it slowed down my recovery.

I know that it is very frustrating---I have been there, too, as many of us were, too---and you just have to look forward and let the "roller coaster ride" take you through the ups and downs of recovery. It took me about five months before I got close to "normal." At six months, I was about 80%-85%, and at about eight months I was 90%-95%.

Remember, please, that one's recovery is not linear---it looks more like a stock market report with its ups and downs.

 

[Dianne]

OHH Twinkletoes I know how you feel! My days are about like yours but I only have 1 more PT appt.and all I am doing then are what I do at home..My ROM and flexion are really good(no numbers for you) but have the soreness all the time and I am really worried because my work leave is up May 7 and I stand on a concrete floor in pretty much 1 place all day doing very repititous work and am on production so I have to do so much per hour..so needless to say my anxiety level is out of sight.but at least I can take my pain meds.If I had to take Tylenol I may as well take M&Ms.but maybe you are really doing too much and need to pamper that knee more.I also know all about the comparison game and it really is very hard on a person especially if you have someone very close to you that is overbearing and critical. Try to do what is best for you!! and tell your PT to back off for a while...:hissyfit:Take care and will check back with you....
Di

 

[Ditzzeechick]

My PT people have been really good over the past few weeks adjusting their expectations to my ability to perform. I really like my PT but am now going to run into issues getting to therapy because I can't drive and my husband will be out of town on biz. It hit me today that I have a standard routine that I could perform at home with the purchase of a step bench. Don't let em push ya, Twink. If you can afford it, the recovery can take as long as you need so don't do what we all tend to do and view this recovery as a part of your life that has an expiration date.

Dianne- I hope with your docs assistance you might be able to delay your return to work if possible. I'm 7 weeks out, yesterday I spent an hour in Wal Mart on their concrete floor buying groceries. When I got back out to our car (small utility RAV 4) I could barely bend my knees to sit down and the skin pulling around my knees was very uncomfortable. I know I have both knees replaced but none the less, standing 8 hours a day is going to make for a long day.

Best of luck to both of you!!

 

[Twinkletoes]

Janet ~ Good luck with your BTKR in June! When I went to see the surgeon to set up the date for my RTKR, he asked me if I didn't have a problem with my Right knee, would I be there talking to him about my Left knee? Without hesitating, I said NO! So far, my Left knee is behaving. And, you're right...we never know until it's done how we'll feel. Keep us posted on your June date!

Referee54 ~ Actually, the physical therapist has been very gentle with me and not pushing me too hard. She has backed off since the very first appointment and was the one to encourage me to postpone the surgeon post-op appointment for a couple weeks. When I told her about Bonesmart supporting me in not allowing the surgeon to bully me into the MUA, but to tell him that I do not want it, but that I know that I WILL get the flexion and extension when my angry knee is good and ready. Today, she was massaging my quads and hip because besides the scar tissue being so tight, they are also holding me back from getting any flexion and extension. Those poor muscles have been tight since surgery and need some good massage therapy. She did have me get up on the bike and simply push my right foot back and forth - never trying to take it around, and then a couple minutes on the treadmill going very slow. While I was there, I didn't have any problems, but by the time I got home, I could feel and hear everything screaming. I'm still trying to find out where I can purchase some Patience. Is Patience in season?

Judy ~ Since I have all the equipment in my dance studio, I can do the PT at home, but since I am on Medicare and have many sessions paid for, I will go to out-patient and let them give me the massages and some gentle bending. She also suggested that when I'm almost finished with out-patient PT, to bring my personal trainer in with me and let her show him what I should be working on as far as my knee is concerned. When that time comes, I will want him to get me fit so I can go back to dance!

Referee54 ~ 9 weeks seems like an eternity to me. I knew nothing about the recovery and went into this completely blind! I have a close friend who had it done several years ago, but even when talking to her on the phone and hearing that she's using the CPM machine, etc. it didn't compute with me. I'd heard that the first two months are the worst...that I'll be cursing at everyone and very crabby. And, that at 6 months, I'd be happy I'd had the surgery. And, I have to admit, I was really hoping that I'd be in much better shape (at least emotionally) by May 1st - my very BIG birthday. I realize that I definitely AM better than I was even a couple weeks ago, but I'm still in the Cranky Stage.

Di ~ I'll know more tomorrow if the Tylenol PM does any good for me, but I will be happy if I'm not up itching! As for the M&M's (or any chocolate) that has been my comfort and my downfall. It's been so very frustrating not to be able to dance or work out, that the only exercise I get is EATING! When I finally get to where I can do all my favorite things, I will have to get back in shape!

Ditzzeechick ~ I like what you said about your therapist adjusting to fit YOUR expectations. I think my PT people are doing that and really listening to me. I have also printed out some of the Bonesmart wise words and shown them to them. They really are interested. It's the surgeon who is so gung ho and I worry about seeing him in another week. But with Bonsesmart people behind me, I won't let him bully me into the MUA or let him make me feel like a failure because I didn't meet HIS expectations for my recovery. I don't work, so that's not an issue. But of course, I want my life back! I think Referee54 said: Patience? Patience? I want Patience and I want it NOW!!!

 

[Roy Gardiner]

PT= Pain and Torture! Whoever said that is so very right! I came home with a screaming knee

and did the elevation and ice... Whew!


Any more wise and comforting words for me

Erm, yes, and they've been give above. Once again:

-Do not let PT hurt you
-Do not hurt yourself
-Do not do anything that makes the knee swell or need icing

Now you may think we are shouting at you. Er, yes we are. Rather like (regular viewers will be bored with this but it's been a favourite of mine for years, and perhaps you may not have seen it...) Sgt Major Attenborough here
https://youtu.be/qzKTOUkroU0

Edit: Ah I see you've posted about your PT being fairly gentle, and the knee pain being in reaction to the therapy. IMO the message is still the same, do less.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Thank you Roy! I had not seen the video before but thought it very appropriate....

​

(sorry I couldn't find a female saluting)​

Today I plan to do almost nothing! Of course you know what happens when you plan...

-Do not let PT hurt you
-Do not hurt yourself
-Do not do anything that makes the knee swell or need icing

I'll be working on the list above...

I do have one question... Aren't we supposed to ice often, or at least when the knee feels angry or if it's whimpering?

 

[Cynthia07]

HI twinkletoes. do not despair. I am four months post op and just
now starting to walk without a cane. You won't really feel good
until 4 months, sorry to tell you. hang in there! rest rest and more rest!
the first 3 months of recovery are not easy.

 

[Cynthia07]

PS I still avoid crowds and hoards of people. I keep my
activities low key.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

I do have one question... Aren't we supposed to ice often, or at least when the knee feels angry or if it's whimpering?

Yes! But I was emphasising prevention rather than cure.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Cynthia ~ Thank you for that. This has been the longest two months of my life! I only use the cane when going out. It's mainly for security and to warn people to stay clear. I'm so worried that someone might bump into me and I don't think I could survive it if I fell down!

My husband has been asking me if I'd like to go to the theatre. We have a lot of plays and music performances, but I'm too afraid...(1) that I couldn't sit long enough (2) if we cannot sit in the box seats (where I'd be able to move my chair for some leg room) I'd worry that someone would trip over my leg. So, I keep telling him I'm not ready. It's getting very frustrating because we both enjoy going out and to the theatre, etc. He also wants to go on a cruise and/or a short trip. I'm just not ready. Every now and then, when I'm home resting, I think about doing an errand or two. I get all excited and then realize that I do not have the energy to do those things yet. I go to PT and come home and ice and elevate. We do occasionally go out for dinners.

Roy ~

Yes! But I was emphasising prevention rather than cure.
Today 07:05 AM

OK then... I get it!

Is that, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? That's all fine and well, but sometimes it's hard to see ahead and end up with an