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Manipulation scheduled. I'm apprehensive.

Posted , 36 users are following.

joansgarden
joansgarden

I saw my surgeon yesterday and he took one look at my bend and said he would manipulate it, but not until I was at 12 weeks so that is in another 3 weeks from now. In the meantime I've stopped physical therapy so that I will still have some left for after the manipulation. I had got to 105 under force, but I think that under my own steam I'm only making about 90. My apprehension comes from the fact that his nurse told me they do it under a general rather than an epidural - because it's such a 'rough' procedure. My heart doesn't do well under general anesthesia.

I'm so tired of all the ups and downs - a big up because I made 105 and then a big down because I couldn't keep it. Feeling up because the medication is working one day and then down because the pain is back the next. And now I don't know whether I should be up or down - up perhaps because it might finally get bent and down because of the anesthesia worry.

I don't really have a question. I just know that you are the only people I can talk to who understand.

5 likes, 140 replies

140 Replies

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  • Phomp
    Phomp joansgarden

    Posted

    I don't understand why your doctor told you not to exercise; Your knee will not bend if you don't!  Scar tissue will grow everywhich way around your knee and really freezes the knee.  That was the most important thing you can do.   I'm dumbfounded that your doctor told you that, it make me wonder if he wanted to do a second surgery.  

    • joansgarden
      joansgarden Phomp

      Posted

      Sorry I haven't been on the forum for a while. My doctor did not tell me not to exercise - he just told me not to go to physical therapy. Over here there is a limit to the number of PT appointments you can have before losing insurance coverage. The PT was not making any difference to the bend so he thought it best to save some appointments for after the manipulation. It was already decided that I would have the manipulation. The PT himself told me he could do nothing more.

  • Phomp
    Phomp joansgarden

    Posted

    I don't understand why your doctor told you not to exercise; Your knee will not bend if you don't!  Scar tissue will grow everywhich way around your knee and really freezes the knee.  That was the most important thing you can do.   I'm dumbfounded that your doctor told you that, it make me wonder if he wanted to do a second surgery.  

  • faith91460
    faith91460 joansgarden

    Posted

    Hello. I am at 7 weeks post surgery, with a forced bend at 70% and tremendous pain. Big mistake. I really regret having this surgery and the only reason I had it is my bones were bone on bone grinding. Prior to surgery, I had full use of my leg, with a 30-40 minute limit. 59 years old. I'm not athletic and have heart issues, but thought I could get through this. I WAS WRONG!  I cry all day and cannot tolerate the brut force bending by the physical therapist. I've gone 2 times per week and each time, it seems to be more of a setback than a help. I'm seeing my surgeon in two days to talk about MUA. I'm so scared and feel like I've really ruined my life at this point. I know it sounds dramatic and silly, but it's real pain. Thanks for listening. 

  • sandy_28793
    sandy_28793 joansgarden

    Posted

    I have a mua this Friday. I am scared..my bend is only at 75 after pt does her thing. ..is this going to help. The whole tkr has been a disaster...I was progressing tI'll about 6 weeks then this stiffness and tingling and numbness took over. I actually have regressed so far. I had better walking ability before I had the surgery. If this doesn't help. Then what. ..

    • eileengap
      eileengap sandy_28793

      Posted

      Hi Sandy! I too had Mua at 7 weeks after TKR. It was actually very helpful. When I woke up from the mua I was in pain but right away they gave me meds which immediately helped and I was on my way home. That same afternoon I was bending so much better! I was on the pain meds for a couple weeks after that but very minimal and I changed to a warm water therapy that was extremely beneficial for me. I’m 3 months now and close to a 120 bend. I still have pain but I am able to work now. Sometimes at night I wake up and have a hard time getting in a comfortable position so my dr gave me a sleeping med for those nights. Be patient with your body, you will get there...none of us are the same. Everyday I am surprised by new things I can do! I’m figuring on one year to be completely healed. Best wishes, I believe you’ll be happy with your results!
    • sandy_28793
      sandy_28793 eileengap

      Posted

      Thank you for your words. I will hopefully have better results and positive results. Been very depressed and not showing it. .Just Tring to stay strong for my kids...I am a pleaser..I feel my friends just don't understand why I haven't progressed but that is because they haven't been thru this so shouldn't make assumptions..I am going to conquer this ..I just have to believe

    • sandy33887
      sandy33887 sandy_28793

      Posted

      Hi, Sandy! I,too, had a MUA; mine was at 11 weeks. I was really dreading the procedure, but I am so glad I did it! Improved movement was instantly noticed at my first therapy that evening after the manipulation. I was fortunate not to have a lot of pain. My doctor gave me a nerve block and a steroid shot while I was under. I had five straight days of therapy followed by three weeks of three times per week. I had two more therapy appointments before seeing m.y doctor. He discharged me last Friday. 

      I wish you luck with your manipulation. Try to stay positive even though it’s difficult at times. I’d venture to say that most of us have had ups and downs throughout this process of knee replacement! As for recovery time, all of us are different but I think looking at a year’s time is not out of the question, but things will be better all along the way. Stay strong!

  • karen14697
    karen14697 joansgarden

    Posted

    I was stuck at 110 I think and had mua dine at week 12 or 13 . could easily extend straight it was the bend i couldnt do im facing left TkR THE 23rd of MAY Ugh here i ho again. BEST OF LUCK

    • veronica14648
      veronica14648 karen14697

      Posted

      Thank you Karen....I am seeing my OS on Thursday and will have the MUA next week. Good Luck with your left knee...I hope you have a wonderful outcome!

    • karen14697
      karen14697 veronica14648

      Posted

      You'll do fine you'll be seeing me on here more as I go thru knee #2! Let me know how it goes!

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