OT: still waiting to "turn the corner" on this knee replacement surgery (just...

As of this afternoon, I am exactly two weeks out from the knee replacement.  Sounds like a long time, but also sounds like almost no time at all.  Yesterday, we had to take Gus to the groomer (did not go very well), get a prescription refilled, and get me to my follow-up appointment with the ortho surgeon.  I was up and around from 9:30am to 3pm.  My knee was swollen already yesterday before all that, and is still swollen (and very painful) today.  According to the surgeon, I am a little "ahead" on extension of the knee but am behind on flexing (cannot bend to 90 degrees yet). I had PT for an hour today and was ready to cry by the end.  I took a pain pill when she left  and slept for 2.5 hours.  I have it scheduled again for tomorrow and Friday (plus the twice a day exercises that I have to do on my own).

Gus has been extra wound up (since I cannot play with him nearly as much), and is being a PITA today

Food in general sounds completely unappealing (except sweets, of course)

I am very disappointed that I will not be able to join family and friends for dinner and to watch the Buckeyes NCAA tournament game on Friday night (no way that I can possibly sit that long, not only in terms of bending the knee but also because any pressure on the back of my thigh causes a lot of pain from blood constriction)

I had to cancel the counseling appt I had scheduled (tentatively) for tomorrow because I am still taking the oxycodone regularly and cannot drive (and asking my mom to drive me there and back is NOT an option).

I'm disappointed that progress on bending my knee is so slow (it seems like I start every exercise session at the same place I did the previous time, and although I am able to bend more by the end of the session, I start the next one right back where I was... So I don't seem to be making any progress at all)!  

I am just tired, and hurting, and cranky.  I think I just need a good cry.  After another pain pill...

Lora

Just take it easy and rest. Sounds like you did a lot today. Those excersizes seem like they don't work, but they do. My husband had to do them (with his arm not knee) and he got 90% of his movement back. Just keep working at it. In the end it'll all pay off.

I know it seems like it's forever and the discomfort and pain will never end. But it will in time and you will have all this behind you and feel better with your new knee. (((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))) hang in there.  

I hope you are feeling better very soon.

Take care

Lora, I'm sorry things are going poorly for you! Vent away - you're going thru alot & it's hard to see the end of that long tunnel when you're in the middle of darkness....

Lora, I think that you are doing great. A couple of ideas, though:  take the pain medication 1/2 hour before PT and make sure that you are doing your home program at least twice a day.  Wrap the knee in ice with a large ace wrap right after PT and during the day when pain medication is wearing off.  When swollen, see if the PT will let you wrap the knee for a little more support with that ace wrap especially if you are doing weight bearing tasks.  Get someone to take Gus out for a long walk every day and you will return the favor later on when they need it!  Do the counseling session on the phone with your leg elevates above the level of your heart.  You need all the support, and deserve it, that you can get right now.  Two more weeks till no pain.  Good luck to you.  allison

So sorry you're having to go through all of this.  I know the PT must be very painful - a friend of mine is going through it and she says the same, that she's just about crying by the time she's through, even feels sick to her stomach.  She did say she takes a pain pill prior to the PT.  I don't have any great advice, just know that there are many who are thinking of you and wishing you well. 

Sorry you're going through this frustration and pain. Uhg!

So glad to hear you went through with the surgery.  Remember how hard the first few weeks were after WLS?  This is the same thing. In no time you will be saying it's the best thing you ever did.  Take your pain meds before you go, if it hurts too much, tell them.  My PT said it should be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.  Just know "this too shall pass".  I'll keep you in my prayers and hope that you heal quickly.

Linda

 I hope you feel better soon.  Sorry Gus isn't being nice.