Update - 11 weeks

[NLVCa]

I enjoy reading of others experiences, trials and triumphs with their TKR's. I haven't posted in a while, so will update things.

It will be 11 weeks this coming Monday since I had my LTKR on Aug 11. I'm having some trouble getting ROM and my extension is still about -10.

During my 6 week checkup my OS suggested I use a more aggressive PT to gain flexion & extension and I have been using a physio & sports clinic since then. They have tried a lot of different things like E stim on my quads, a vacuum system to loosen the fascia and today another electronic unit (I believe they called it an IF unit) to dull the pain so that they can push harder or I can pull harder on the strap with a heel slide.

The chief therapist and owner of the clinic talked to me today because I thought maybe I should schedule an appointment with the OS to see about manipulation. The therapist said not to give up yet as long as we are making any progress at all.

Two weeks ago I developed another problem. I ended up at the emergency department of our local hospital with a severe pain in my gut which has since been diagnosed as gall stones. After an ultra sound and an endoscopic exam, they determined my gall bladder is full of stones and I am scheduled for day lapiscopic (sp?) surgery on Nov 24. Oh joy!

My knee loosens up some with therapy and/or exercise, but gets very stiff soon after, particularly if I ice it. Then it becomes uncomfortable to bend the knee as I walk so I end up "peg legging" which of course is a no-no.

All the best to all the regulars on this forum.

Vern

 

[Josephine]

Oh Vern! What rotten bad luck! However a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of those fairly quick procedures to recover from. In and out of hospital in a day or two though you will remember you havae still had a major op and not expect to be back to normal in a day or two, won't you!

I do hope your physio proves to make a manipulation unnecessary.

 

[Simon]

At 10 weeks I was kind of stuck at 104/-5 on the right and 107/-1 on the left. My OS also said to have the PT get more aggressive or it would be a MUA. Well the PT has been wonderful as of yesterday (4 1/2 months) the left is 123/0 and the trouble right one is 115/-3. Mine also tighten up after PT but I have just been trying all different things to stretch them out. Things are a bit slower at the moment due to hip pain (PT thinks it is Trochanter bursitis) and he is working that out and added some additional home exercises. I also have a werid pain on the outer part of the left knee knee right at the top of the fibula which is also some type of inflammation. Like yours, the PT said as long as we are making some progress we should keep going. I see the OS in 3 weeks and I hope he agrees. This is more bend that I have had in a long time and I am satisfied even if we don't get the right one to 120

Simon

 

[Gretchendz]

Vern,

Good luck with the gall bladder surgery. My husband had it (laparoscopic) and it went really well with great results. It won't be nearly as tough a recovery as TKR!

He had horrible pains for many years he chalked up to stress until it got diagnosed. It has given him great relief.

Good wishes!