OT: feel like I have "turned the corner" on knee replacement

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version
on 3/23/13 9:53 pm - OH

It feels like I have "turned the corner" on recovery from my knee replacement surgery, and that I can honestly say that I am glad I had it done. (I will the 3 weeks post-op on Tuesday.)

I still have pain and swelling, and both are still significant at times, but I am taking the pain meds "as needed" rather than on a schedule. I also still have pain from vascular compression when I sit upright on a hard surface, but the surgeon said that will continue to I,probe (it is just taking longer for me because the veins in that leg are already not in very good shape because of the DVTs that I have had in that leg). I still am "behind schedule" on how much I can bend the knee (supposed to be at 90+ degrees but am only at 80-some degrees), but am very close to being able to completely straighten it. I can bear full weight on it without pain when standing still, and have been using one crutch rather than the walker since my 2-week follow up with the surgeon last week. I am not ready for the cane (it doesn't offer the same level of steadiness and support as the crutch), but it won't be long since I am able to get around the kitchen without even the crutch, with just having a hand on the countertop to provide a bit of stability.

The PT is still hard, and I still need pain meds beforehand to get through it, but I am at least seeing progress from one session to another (for a while it felt like every session was starting back at the same point and the was no progress at all).

I still have a long way to go to have full use of the knee, but at least I can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I am enjoying actually being able to take steps without the grinding and pain that I have had for so long (and can see almost daily improvement in the surgical pain which feels very different than the old pain)!

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

karenp8
on 3/23/13 10:19 pm - Brighton, IL

Glad to hear this Lora! At least once you start to see improvement it feels like the pain and the PT is worth it. I was slow also to be able to bend the knee to 90 degrees but I got there and I am sure you will too. Keep up the good work!

CindyKae64
on 3/23/13 11:47 pm

RNY on 05/22/12

Good to hear you are starting to feel better!

It will hurt. It will take time. It will require dedication. It will require willpower. It requires sacrifice. There will be temptation. But, I promise you, when you reach your goal, it's WORTH IT! (Author Unknown). I feel this sums up my ongoing journey to a healthier me!

bbearsmama
on 3/23/13 11:53 pm

RNY on 02/28/13

That is wonderful Lora!!

Hugs,

Pam

"B" bears' mama from Texas
Follow my journey on youtube: "bbearsmama"

SW: 210 CW: 123.6

alaskasusan
on 3/24/13 6:35 am - AK

RNY on 02/11/13

Bless your heart, I'm glad to hear that you are seeing some progress on that! Knees are so tricky, but it's great that they were able to do this for you. A very athletic friend at work had both knees done, and one of them had to be REDONE because she reinjured it shooting basketball with her kids a little too soon ... so no basketball for a while, k? ;o)

Take care ~

nfarris79
on 3/24/13 6:43 am - Germantown, MD

RNY on 04/13/11

So glad to hear it!!! :)

First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.

BWB
on 3/24/13 6:44 am

RNY on 09/01/11

I'm glad you are on the "down hill" side of recovery. The whole idea of replacement parts is totally amazing to me. A friend just had shoulder replacement and is totally pain free after 3 or 4 weeks. Several friends and family members have had successful surgeries and it is wonderful to hear about. I hope I never have to go through it but I know that it is safe and common operation.