Posted , 12 users are following.
I'm having a hard time doing my exercises after TKA 13 days ago. My pain control was terrible. It's better now. I'm afraid of the pain I think. I start Physio next week.
It would be great if there were others out there who have just gone through this.
Most are one year.
0 likes, 24 replies
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AlexandriaGizmo susan33594
Posted
I haven't had the same procedure as you but totally understand your situation, as in fearing the pain, the reason we humans and animals react that way is because we are protecting ourselves and if it hurts we stop doing it, especially if we are even remotely unsure whats causing it.
Once you start physio you can tell them where the pain is and they will advice you whether its normal or not, I think psychologically we are held back by our minds until we get reassurances from those in the know.
susan33594 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
yes that's exactly it. il 58 and don't want to feel the same pain i just had a year ago.
thank you
Joymarla susan33594
Posted
it is a traumatic proceedure - i had pain for many months, esp at nite-
susan33594 Joymarla
Posted
yes i will try not to let it bother me and go at my slow pace. thankvyou
martinarvelo susan33594
Posted
My experience was that I wasn't prepared to accept agony . . and my physio wanted to inflict that. . . so in the end I did it on my own, at my own speed, and up to the point where I could just about stand it. . but not beyond. Maybe it did take me longer than others, but in the end I have got 130 rom and 0 extension, so I'm pretty happy with that! Use all the pain control they will give you . . there is always time to come off it later when things are easier. Hope it all goes well for you.
susan33594 martinarvelo
Posted
pam92068 susan33594
Posted
Susan, take you pain med 45 minutes prior to exercising....but DO exercise. You will build scar tissue that is very hard to get rid of if not. I did this 2 X per day. I am now 10 months post op. I am 55 and understand the pain thing. But at 13 days I was still on pain meds regularly. You won't heal if you hurt. The pain, lack of sleep are hard on you. I know I broke down and cried a lot.....just tired of it in the early stages. It gets better.
take care,
pam
AlexandriaGizmo pam92068
Posted
dee53186 pam92068
Posted
pam92068 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
physio therapist called me. I over did it at 6 weeks 1st time.....when I received my borrowed stationary bike at home. I also over did it at 12 weeks. Probably 6 1/2 months for me till pain free. But bearable at 9 weeks. I still took pain meds after that time before exercising. 2 X a day. Recovery to me was my job....so I treated it that way. Ice and elevation were my best friend.
i listened to my body, but also knew I had to move and exercise to improve....and I knew it would not be pain free early. I started in home physical therapy on day 5 post op. I did exercises 2x daily. Physio came 2x per week for a month and added exercises...graduated me to cane...and walking outside with walker when I could. I did out patient therapy for 5 weeks 2x per week. Then it was up to me to continue on my own.
listen to your body, take your meds, hydrate and rest and exercise.
pam
susan33594 dee53186
Posted
that's very encouraging. i started today.
thank you
AlexandriaGizmo pam92068
Posted
Morning Pam thanks for reply, as every one knows I'm not post op but post fractures but still healing and I glad you said 6.5 months till pain free, I'm 5 months and still have pain especially now I'm exercising more and weight bearing more as well, I don't take any meds so physio says my pain can't be too bad, but still follow the ice/heat elevation rule.
I'm far behind every one else because I wasn't allowed to start weight bearing for weeks so I class my start as when I was finally allowed to do that.
Op or not its still a journey I have taken on this site and I think its definitely helped.
Thanks again
clive45466 susan33594
Posted
I also did not do the excercises as the pain level was too high, I went to a sports Physio and he told me if the pain after excercises does not stop after 20 to 30 minutes . I should not do the excercises as the healing process is not had enough time.
Good healing
Oldfatguy1 susan33594
Posted
Back off and let your body guide you. You have to exercise but you don't have to cause such a high level o.o f pain you are sick. You haven't even gotten stitches/staple out yet. Do you quad tighteningsc, gentle leg lifts etc but just give yourselfvtime. Ice is your best friend always after exercising and any other time it feels swollen. Pain med as prescribed , elevate and hydrate. Most people forget the body has gone through severe dehydration and blood loss. Its up to you to get those things back in order.
Sure, you are going to hurt and feel.like you'll never be the same again but stay with us onthissite
susan33594 Oldfatguy1
Posted
thank you to you again. and i've started exercising. i definitely will stay with the site and post my progress.