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I did wayyyyy too much

Posted , 6 users are following.

sassy42011
sassy42011

Hello Everyone.

I'm 3 1/2wks. Post PKR. I was doing well at Physical Therapy, bend at 105 and I had to move into a new apartment with 14 steps to climb, with little to no help.

Well, let's just say, i did Wayyyy too much.

Now my knee is swollen, sore and ache.

I am now moved in, unpacked, and resting. Back to taking my meds as needed for pain, applying ice often. I am planning to do NOTHING (except my exercises) for the next 10 days. What else can you suggest to try to make up for the ABUSE I had to put on my knee for a week. I plan to go back to work on the 6th of June without alot of pain.

Heeeeelp...

And thanks so much

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • deborah77015
    deborah77015 sassy42011

    Posted

    So sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort. It is so easy to overdo it especially when you have those times when you're feeling good. You just want to take that time to accomplish as much as you can, I so understand that! You have the right idea about just taking it easy for as long as you need to bring down that swelling and pain. Rest,elevate and take your pain meds as needed. And kudos to you for keeping up those exercises. You don't want cut corners on those while you're still so early in your healing. About going back to work on the 6th of June, I looked at the calendar and you will be at about your 5 & 1/2 week mark. That seems so early to me for you to be going back, but everybody is different, and I'm not sure what type of work you do. I'm a commercial truck driver and I went back to work at the 9 week mark for my left knee and 16th week mark for my right knee. I started back every other day with working 6 hour days. Been doing that for the last two weeks and thinking about continuing it into my third week back. Expect to be totally wiped out after your day because you are still healing from a very major surgery. Just healing itself seems to take SO much energy let alone having to carry out your daily responsibilities. I truly wish you all the best I hope you have good family and friends for support... they are such a blessing at this time!! I hope you pamper yourself after work and every day with resting icing and elevating too!

    These are tough times but take heart, I found that with my right knee, the swelling and pain improved greatly since the 12-week mark.

    I hope this helps.

    I wish you strength and good healing.

    Blessings, Deb

    • deborah77015
      deborah77015

      Posted

      I too live an apartment style living on the third floor. But once inside thankfully I have no steps to deal with. But we do have two dogs that need to go outside. And locationally on our floor, it is easier to use the steps rather than the elevator. I guess this is good in the sense that it forces me to do physical therapy to learn how to manage steps again. Andorremouse suggested good methods to use when going down stairs, I also would hold the banister and the wall opposite it and support myself with my arms as I would go down the stairs. Gotta admit that on days when I've done too much, because both of my knees have been done, I still use this method!

      I hope that if you are swollen that you'll be taking your anti-inflammatories because the pain meds don't help with that. And the advice of massaging your knee is great advice too, and really helps. I keep a bottle of lotion hear the TV so I can just massage away on both knees while just hanging out.

      And I guess some libations are good if that's what you're used to. Me personally, I can't remember the last time I had a drink... this whole ordeal has wiped me out enough!

      I do hope you have enough provisions or you can make the most of the next 10 days of doing minimal tasks that need to get done. Along with keeping up with your exercises, it seems like that would be enough physical therapy for you. Do your best to take it easy even if you feel good and want to do more.

      I mistakenly had said that I returned back to work for six hours a day every other day... that was for the first week. The second week I went back to 6 hours a day everyday. And on my third week which is next week I have requested to stay at 6 hours a day everyday with maybe some eight hours days thrown in here and there. I truly hope you can ease back into a full work schedule.

      Once again best wishes for healing! 😊

    • sassy42011
      sassy42011 deborah77015

      Posted

      Thank u Deborah your advice was great. I have been trying to take it easy. I don't drink either, I am also too wiped out to do anything new. Lol

      I hope returning to work goes smoothly.

      Keep me in prayer, as you remain in mine.

  • Annodoremouse
    Annodoremouse sassy42011

    Posted

    Hi, The stairs are not the problem. I had to go down & back up a full flight of stairs before I was discharged from hospital. Keep 1 hand bannister and 1 holding the crutch at all times on stairs.

    How are you climbing the stairs? The rule is;

    going up GOOD leg first

    going down BAD leg first

    Your stepping up is good leg onto step then bad led onto same step 

    Your stepping down bad leg onto step then good leg onto same step. 

    Get a sling bag to go round your neck to carry things up & down. 

    I dont think moving was a good move so soon after a TKR So rest and exercise

    • sassy42011
      sassy42011 Annodoremouse

      Posted

      Thanks for your response.

      I have done exactly as suggestedon the steps.

      I just did way too much, so i had no option but to go one step at a time. Now, i'm doing a bit better, but still hurting at times.

      Moving schedule wasn't a choice, but I agree. LOL

      Have a great Holiday

  • sueisobel
    sueisobel sassy42011

    Posted

    Ouch, that was certainly not a good move was it.....Let's be flippant and try and turn it around.  You have punished yourself enough, put yourself under "apartment arrest" for a while, under the following conditions, that you are stocked up with champagne (or good wine) and comfort food.  Your exercise will be the unpacking of your belongings and moving from room to room and your rest is to congratulate yourself every now and then whilst sipping said tipple and replenishing the calories lost by all the action, with food.  This you must do with your feet up, literally. Massage your knee (especially when bending), if the scar is dry and healed use oil (whatever you like using).  Build up your strength, be good to yourself and keep boosting your own ego.  The weeks ahead and your foray back to work are going to be pretty draining and, most probably, very tiring.

    Wishing you well and good luck with those stairs (to make it easy try coming down backwards sometimes)

     

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 sassy42011

    Posted

    Time....it's going to take a few days to get back to your original state.
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