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Stairs... how do you distinguish/define on this forum "doing stairs" from what I can do now which is only one at a time. I've seen "foot over foot" and"baby steps" , but surely there's a better description?
And in the activity level of things, by when, that is, week wise, approximately, can one be expected to do stairs, meaning the "normal" way, one foot then the other, alternating steps?
 
Many people can't do stairs one foot at a time (foot over foot, alternating steps) until at least 4 months. You will know when you are ready, but there's no need to rush.
Baby steps is two feet to each stair, stepping up with the good leg and bringing the bad leg up to join it.
 
On Friday, I had the stiffest leg on the planet; a solid block of concrete from mid-thigh to below knee. Saturday was a bit better, but not much. Last night, the *miracle* occurred while I was sleeping. Go figure, I cannot. I think our random good days will become more common and the bad ones become less so as we progress, but we'll still be subject to all manner of oddball aches, pains and stiffness for a full year. Right now, you just need a good day to provide you with faith and I think you'll have one soon. And the strudel.:yes!:
 
@flyaway79 - that drawing is funny!! Thank you for sharing.


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
 
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I like the short walks as well. It just feels so good to be outside.

VW54 - Your ROM is better than mine and we had the same surgery date. Congrats on that. My stitches just came out as well and when I showered this AM, Imavoided getting the knee wet because some of the scabs were coming off and I was a little worried about the raw skin and infection.
 
Katdog, better to be safe than sorry with that incision; good job!
 
VW54 said:
Stairs... how do you distinguish/define on this forum "doing stairs" from what I can do now which is only one at a time. I've seen "foot over foot" and"baby steps" , but surely there's a better description?
Click to expand...
Normal stairs is called sequential or one step, one stair. Non-sequential is two steps one stair.
VW54 said:
And in the activity level of things, by when, that is, week wise, approximately, can one be expected to do stairs, meaning the "normal" way, one foot then the other, alternating steps?
Click to expand...
That, my dear, is what we call a 'how long is a piece of string' question. And it's different for everybody.
 
If we are talking about "doing stairs" in terms of getting released from the hospital or how well you function at home, it really means getting from the top to the bottom or vice versa in whatever way you can. As the folks above have said, the method for "doing" them will vary depending on where you are in recovery. Obviously the goal is to take stairs normally foot over foot. But for some people, that can take a while. It comes....there is no rush. Do be aware that the ability to go down stairs foot over foot is often the last thing to come. It's tougher than going up!
 
@VW54, if my memory is correct, I believe you have 15 stairs to navigate into your apartment? If so, that's a lot of stairs. I have 13 to get in and out or down to my family room and laundry area. That means 26 stairs each time I venture out or downstairs and in your case 30. I doubt either one of us will be navigating those sequentially anytime soon, but I don't think it's important, provided we can navigate them non-sequentially. Sure, it takes a bit longer and puts more strain on the good leg, and it's a bit tiring, but it hasn't prevented either of us from getting out the door. That strudel will be waiting for you at the cafe no matter how you navigate the stairs!
 
@katdog: I've decided to put on one of those "lets air in but protects" bandages* on my knee because I feel the scar still needs protection. Some scabs were catching in clothing and on the sheets. Besides all that I'm squeamish.
It's expensive stuff but IMO worth it for another week.

*here it's called Curapor or Hansapor. It's one of those endless bandaid strips or rather rolls one can cut to size , about 2 inches wide. If I find it on the web I'll edit this post to add link.
 
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Day 19 post op
I managed 2 loads of laundry! That includes hanging things to dry because we don't own a dryer. I did it in stages and it took 3x as long. Not a big deal.
I also unloaded the dishwasher, held on to counters to stay balanced. Never did that completed task take on such significance.

My friend from childhood days came by and I made salad as she set the table. Both our husbands brought take out. It was a treat!
I've tried the TENS on a low setting and (knock on wood) it seems that the numb area is a little bit smaller since.:shrug: If it's a coincidence in timing, I don’t care. (will try again tomorrow)
Hosting visitors, and that in a foreign language, can be tiring. Icing and early to bed I go.:sleeep:
 
Whatever dressing you put on your incision, do make sure it is sterile.
 
Thanks Celle. For sure I do! Had enough experience with it (not having made sure) when travelling during college days. HUGE lesson learned way back when.
 
It sounds like you're coming along really well! You got a lot of things done today, plus company on top of that!
 
@VW54 give yourself a huge pat on the back for doing laundry, that IS an achievment and another step along your recovery road! I remember I was so chuffed the first day I could wash the lunch dishes by hand ( how sad are we ha ha) and was phoning everyone telling them the good???news!!!! It was just so good to be able to do a 'normal' task and it didn't half lift my spirits- like I said sad:loll:
 
Day 20 post op
Was basically so-so. We're having a heat wave so even if I were Ok, I wouldn't be wondering outdoors much. No walk today. Caught up on reading and naps. Managed shower all on my own. At one point I wished DH was there, to hand me the towel, and to steady my balance, but that was easily solved. Glad I have those hand rails there (we had installed them for my mum 30 years ago).
Found myself walking without walker several times up to 10 steps and it felt quite ok.
I suppose we're like toddlers again.
I tried the TENS again for pain relief. I fell asleep. Guess that's good.

That tight band feeling is bugging me to no end.:tantrum2:
Does it go away suddenly or slowly?
 
The tight band feeling will slowly disappear but be warned....it can take months.
 
It can take months and it slowly lessens up, so you don't really notice it lessening until it gone! Then, it's wonderful relief!
 
I'll certainly let the forum know when that happens.
(Tee :heehee:hee.) Is my impatience showing?
 
I remember having it with my PKR 6 years ago. Don't remember how long it stuck around but I do remember it being longer than I thought it should have :sorry:
 
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