Posted , 9 users are following.
My husband is arguing that I shouldn't be pushing the bend on knee to the point of pain (waiting for the gel to come tomorrow which might help!) because he's saying I'm likely to be doing damage. But I'm worried that this window to increase the bend isn't that big a window and if I don't push it now I'm not going to get the best from it. I know it's easier as far as the bend I've achieved - around, or just over the 115, because I've been able to put the recumbent bike two notches forward to where it was before I had the op, and have done two circuits today with no problem, whereas it was hard to even get four revolutions on it five days ago, but I still feel I'm not pushing myself enough while he's saying I'm pushing too fast! I'm not on pain meds at all, so wondering if I should be, even a couple of times a week to try and push this bend more but if I should be, should I be asking the GP for them? And what's the best that won't make me drowsy during the day but be effective to reduce pain for a very short period while I try and push this bend? Or am I going over the top with trying to increase it too quickly. Is my husband right then?
1 like, 102 replies
chris00938
Posted
ps, I'll be three weeks post tkr tomorrow.
jan01779 chris00938
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My physio stated that it can take 6 months to get full ROM but it is important to do the exercises and they should have given you a regime to build up too, 3 weeks is very early days. discuss with your physio how far to push but mine pushed me hard its difficult to do harm apparently.
The ROM exercises do get easier and like me it sound like you are motivated so good luck but everyones different. I added in stuff to my regime as things got easier and adapted some exercisesfurther down the line. For me the static bike is great warm up.and the physi had me on this at week 4 but discuss progression with your physio. There is a lot on line but ensure they are reputable sites.
Read some of Chicos links funny and useful and certainly helped.
Not saying that I havent had a few melt down in the process all the best. You should take your husband to your physio appointments ......less arguing!
All the best
Jan
jan01779
Posted
chris00938 jan01779
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LOL! Yes, thanks Jan:-)))) I was given exercises to do which I've been doing and the physio said I could try doing the recumbent bike at three weeks but at just gone two I felt as though I might be able to, so started then, with the seat pushed back more and have progressed to be able to put the seat back to where it originally was and am increasing it by a circuit every day now. The exercises I'm doing that I was given, to be honest, I'm finding so easy. I know it's all odd, but I was prepared not to be able to lift my leg at all straight after the op, but I could do the straight leg lifts fine, straight away and I'd say now they're probably better than I was even doing before the op (but I did do all the exercises before it, as suggested). I'm tending to just use one stick indoors now, walking slowly but fairly normally, although it does feel as though the knee wants to do a detour on it's way forward. Is this normal????? I've put it down to it all 'settling in' so far. When I do the slides on the bed there is a real uncomfortable stiffness under the knee, but again, I'm putting that down to 'normal'. We only get one physio appointment after the op and that's at six weeks to get signed off. My husband is now feeling really pleased with himself that the physio said what he was saying - I've done way better than anyone could expect so stop pushing myself and let it heal a bit more. I just HATE it when he's right LOL! Thanks Jan:-)
sue32578 jan01779
Posted
I'm 4 weeks out from my PKR and embarrassed myself by
having a total meltdown during my PT yesterday. The 1st
stretching exercise he had me do aggravated my sciatica to thepoint of severe pain. From that point it was downhill all the way. I couldn't even make one rotation on the recumbent bike. The whole session with me in tears. I hope today is better.
jan01779 chris00938
Posted
Hi Chris,
Dont hate your husband for being right just be thanful you are motivated and let him gloat I do!!! Its good we have their support most of the time lol!
I too found some of the exercises a bit to easy to start with but upped the reps and time as improved. I found during the first 6 weeks it would swell easily if I overdid it and I did. Still swells some days but this is normal so my surgeon says. At about 6-8 weeks got that rubber band feeling scarred me that too is normal both confirmed on this forum and with my surgeon can carry on for 12 months but mine has got easier. Imoprtant to rest,ice and elevate and I give myself 1 day of per week apart from my extension stretches as still have -8
You prepped for the op with pre-op exeercises so thats why you found the leg rases easier. Pre-op I did a lot of pool prep and aquatone (could'nt do it all but it helped) I was told preople who prep and work at it post op do best. There was a 94 year old in the bed next to me and I told myself she doing well so can I lol.
Its good you are on one stick at under 1/12 and yep my knee felt that it was going to detour but it gets easier at 8weeks. I used 2 crutches up until 6 weeks as I really had to learn to walk again and physio advised best for gait . We are all different and depend what you were like before take advise from physio,
The slides use to kill the back of my knee early on even though my bend has always been better than my extension. At week 4/5 my physio stopped the slide and had me sitting on a table legs hanging and using my other leg to push back (3 sets of 12 holding for 30 seconds), also sitting on bed long sitting pull operated leg back and hold with hands pushing knee towards chest (a killer but it works). He also made me lie on my stomach and bring operated leg back holding for 30 seconds (3 sets of 12) and using the other leg to push back (in essence being the weight but some use a belt) Probably a bit early yet check. I was also told as you walk more the bend will get better and it has for me.
I though having only 6 appointment with the physio was poor but to be honest it is up to us. There is a lot on this forum and online (Chico also has some good links).
Everyone is different and you sound sensible so am sure you wil be fine.
14 weeks post op form me and hoping phased return to work mid April. I am so grateful that I had this done walking better than I have for years but am noticing the pain in my other knee now but its a long way off needing a TKR I hope. I could not have coped with bilateral hats to those brave souls!
All the best
Jan
ali95530 sue32578
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I couldn't do the bike either last time so I have my fingers crossed that I manage it next week ... I will!!
chris00938 jan01779
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LOL! I don't really hate it when he's right, and yes, he's amazingly supportive, even to the point where I said yesterday that I'm quite capable of getting up to get drinks for myself yesterday so he shouldn't spoil me, so now when I say I'd like a drink he points to the kitchen:-)))
That is so interesting what you said Jan. It's EXACTLY what I've been doing for the last week or so. Sitting with leg bent as you normally would and pushing back with the other ankle but even that's giving me pain if I push to hard now so I'm just being careful not to push past the point where I can just feel it's beginning to 'stick' and also as I'm on the recliner I'm spending a fair bit of time with leg bent bringing it up closer to chest with hands to just help the bend gently. I have seen the one about being on your front and bringing it up at the back but I'm scared to do it because I'm scared it will stick at the back of the knee if it comes up too much, but I'll try it in a week or so. I also stand holding a chair bringing the bend leg up behind me but again have to be careful of that point not to bring it up too much. I hope you can put off your other knee for a while:-)))) It must be good to get full recovery from one before the other needs it. But then when the other is so bad you feel you've got nothing to lose by getting it done as soon as you can after the other LOL! As the lady in the supermarket said to me this week - as you get older all the wheels fall off the bus at the same time LOL!
Yes, I'd certainly encourage anyone to get their legs in as good shape as possible before the TKR. It has to help, even though it's horribly painful - day after day I was pushing through the pain of the arthritis that was worse because I was exercising! But it was worth it!
sue32578 ali95530
Posted
My substitute PT guy was 3 days away from becoming a Dr of PT. He told me to go easy on the bike.,,that it wasn't a road race, to just go 5 min. then slowly increase the time. Don't worry about the resistance or speed. Good luck, Ali.
chris00938 sue32578
Posted
I'd be so pleased to do five minutes LOL! I stopped my recumbent bike because I wondered if the pain in the back of the knee was caused by that, so have put it off until this coming Tuesday or Wednesday when I think I'll start with just a couple of rotations. I've never done it with any resistance because the arthritis was too bad though, but gradually increased the amount of circuits. It's SO difficult to know what causes the problems when they arise - it really is fumbling along, isn't it. A live in physio would help! But then two live in physios would probably be saying the opposite to each other LOL!
sue32578 chris00938
Posted
I've had 3 different physical therapists in my out-patient PT and they each have their own methods. I just take what helps me the most & use those methods. The back of my knee hurts too but I think it's because the muscles are so tight. One step at a time, one day at a time. Just take your time on the bike. A few rotations are better than none, right?
Duckfan sue32578
Posted
Had the same thing happen last week. I was at 110 rpm right after surgery. They pt measured again and. Ow I'm at 80 because of swelling. I'm entering my fifth week today and thought I'd be walking normally by now. Instead in stiff as heck.
It will get better I know so we need to hang in there. Sorry about your sciatica, just what you need, right. Chin up!
chris00938 sue32578
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chris00938 Duckfan
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It's so good feeling we're in this together and not isolated!!!!! And yes, Sue, a few rotations are better than none:-))))
chris00938 Duckfan
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Did you overdo it Duckfan, or did it just happen? I guess when we're a year on we'll look back on all this and it will just seem the ups and downs of a knee replacement!:-)
Duckfan chris00938
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I don't think I overdid it although the day before I really pushed the knee bend. The next day I could hardly bend the knee. That one spot still hurts and I called my surgeon. He said all normal. To elevate more and ice. My pt was discouraging last week. My bend was only 80 and it was 110 before.
sue32578 Duckfan
Posted
Are you icing? I ice every day...I try to do 20 minutes every hour. Key word is "try". lol The icing really helps with the swelling/stiffness. Use a cream or lotion and massage that scar. That will also help with the stiffness. Things will get better, it just takes time & determination. Hang in there....
sue32578 chris00938
Posted
Yup..that's when I ease up just a little bit. Pain is OK but when it's extreme it's best to ease up to the point where you feel the pain then go just a little bit more. Too much pain may make you want to quit. Don't do it! My therapist massaged my knee with cream/lotion before the bend & straightness which helped a lot. It relaxes the muscles. Good luck & hang in there.
chris00938 Duckfan
Posted
Oh LOL! (Although I know it's not really funny) but everything we're experiencing seems to fall in the range of 'normal' LOL! None of us had a clue what 'normal' could involve with this, did we! The only consolation I'm clinging on to, and hoping is correct, is if it's all 'normal' it will all eventually sort itself out! I know my bend is varying hugely, and when I go to see the physio at the hospital to get signed off, I'll have sat in the car for an hour on the way, so that's bound to give me some stiffness, but I need to be signed off to book the other knee! I have relaxed about it all much more though once I realised that this 'window of opportunity to get that best bend' was a myth. And if we can keep moving about and doing exercises gently it will all come. I think it doesn't help when you feel you're not pleasing your pt because it's natural to want to feel that 'you've done well' but that's not what it's about. It's about it healing and there are going to be ups and downs with this. I think I've now got it in far better perspective than I did. Until tomorrow LOL!
Duckfan sue32578
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chris00938 sue32578
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My physio told me not to push it to the point where I felt the pain - give it a couple of weeks NOT going so far but to let things heal more because I was way ahead of what he'd expect anyone to be at my stage. The sort of pain I had in the back of the knee - there was absolutely NO way I'd feel that and then go a bit further LOL! Not a hope! It was a total panicking breatholding gasping shock of a pain, like a bad cramping pinching feeling. But the pain in the front of the knee, yes - that's different and I can push past that a little bit and that's what I do when I'm sitting on the recliner. I'm either icing, or I have the operated knee bent up and just gently pushing the foot closer to my bottom. When I first did this I got my heel just a fraction over the stitiching on the recliner fold of leather, and now I'm up to the joint of my foot where it joins the big toe, so gradually improving that:-) And pulling the thigh gently with hands also helps this. I am wondering if very gently massaging the lump just at the front of the knee under the kneecap is softening that too - it perhaps doesn't feel as hard. Oh this is fun, isn't it LOL!
sue32578 Duckfan
Posted
Massages are wonderful. You can also massage your own knee - especilly your scar. Use any kind of cream or lotion. It feels so good and helps the muscles to relax. Most of all, have faith in yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to....you're stronger than you think. Hugs.
chris00938 sue32578
Posted
Does it hurt when it's massaged? I've still got a fair bit of bruising coming out in some areas along the scar and still a tiny bit of scabbing in one place. So I'm smoothing emu oil on pretty gently going in a cicular motion where I can but avoiding the scabs LOL!
sue32578 chris00938
Posted
Boy, it sure is fun! What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I do know that massaging has helped greatly. I can only imagine the excruciating pain you felt in the back of the knee. I can only relate it to my sciatica. Don't you dare make me do that again is how I felt...and I told him so. Let me know how the massaging works for you.
chris00938 sue32578
Posted
So far, just a gentle rubbing over the scar seems to be helping to break down that lump at the front just below the knee cap, but you can still see the colour of the bruising there, so I guess that's all got to come out too. Oh yes- that pain at the back of the knee - I like to think of myself as tough but it brought me out in a hot sweat and I'm always cold LOL! The relief when the physio told me not to inflict it on myself for a couple of weeks - phew!!!! I THINK I'm just going to try a couple of rotations on the recumbent in a day or two though unless things seem stiffer or something. I'm just fumbling my way along to be honest LOL!
jan01779 chris00938
Posted
Hi Chris,
You are doing well it will get easier..
I have visions of you getting up going to the drinks cabinet go easy lol! No lol you did say the kitchen!
The bend ones have been the most uncomfortable for me but initially I just held for 20 seconds instead of 30 and built up the hold and reps. I pushed until the point of pain but not so it was excruciating and then as time goes on the bend has increased and as you get more mobile gets easier with less pain.
When you measure the swelling also effects your readings. I am battling with extension. Unfortunately I get swelling and not sure if it's soft tissue from RA or post op. It doesn't matter really I just ice it and elevate . - 17 post op but now about -8 to 10 . It's going to be a haul but so pleased had it done.
Let us know how you get on but remember you are still early in the process.
BWe
Jan
sue32578 chris00938
Posted
It still feels tender but it's a "good" hurt. Gentle is good...don't apply pressure. In time that bruising will go away. Remember, what they did to your knee in that O.R. caused a lot of trauma. Massaging the scar helps too. It will soften it and helps to desensitize it according to my therapist.
sue32578 chris00938
Posted
Take it easy on the bike..it will come. I finally made it to 5 minutes! We have to listen to our body and if it hurts too much then stop. I'm half English & half Polish, so I'm really tough, stubborn & yet stoic. That was until I got pushed too hard & the sciatica screamed to the point of tears. We'll survive. LOL
chris00938 jan01779
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I haven't hit the bottle yet, but who knows LOL! No, really I prefer to eat my calories in cake LOL! I think you hit on it there - the more mobile you get, the easier it is - I've a suspicion that the extension and flex probably get easier with ordinary movement. I've not got a problem with my extension. In fact I worry that it will over extend because of hypermobility, so am almost being careful not to let it slip back too far. Yes, you're so right - I, like many, are so early in the process. It must be hard with the RA too - that adds complications, doesn't it? I hope you can get to where you want to be with minimum pain:-)))
chris00938 sue32578
Posted
Oh that's lovely! Our wonderful daughter in law is Polish! She's ADORABLE and so is the rest of her family. We really do love each other!
chris00938 sue32578
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chris00938 sue32578
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It didn't actually hurt at all on the bike! I did three circuits and then stopped because I didn't want to overdo it. There was no resistance and it felt good. But then the back of the knee problem reared up. Maybe nothing to do with that though - maybe just timing of bruising or something. Who knows!
sue32578 chris00938
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Just continue to massage the back of your knee. Eventually those muscles will ease up & the bruising will go away. It just seems to take forever!!
chris00938 sue32578
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Oh, you've hit on something here Sue! The only bit I've massaged is the scar and a hard lumpy bit just at the side of the scar! I had no idea I was supposed to do the rest of it! I'm so grateful you mentioned this!!!! Thank you! Will give it a go before I go to bed tonight!
sue32578 chris00938
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Honey, I sure hope it helps you! I know it's helped me.
chris00938 sue32578
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You know Sue, I THINK it has! It's a bit difficult to know because everything seems to vary from day to day but i got back to 108 degrees today which after yesterday evening was an improvement! I've started using the voltarol three or four times a day too, today. Just wonder if anyone's using heat and found it helpful too, or if it makes inflammation worse. Thank you for that tip though!
sue32578 chris00938
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The therapist who was 3 days away from becomming a dr. wrapped my knee in heat to relax the muscles before he worked on me. It sure did help! You won't know unless you give it a try...you've got nothing to lose, just something to gain. Let me know if it works for you...
chris00938 sue32578
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Right! Thank you! I AM going to try that this evening!!!!! I'll let you know!
clive45466 sue32578
Posted
Another way is a really hot bath.
Good healing
chris00938 clive45466
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Clive, while you entertained us wonderfully with your description of getting in and out of the bath, I get the feeling that Sue is the same as me - it's not going to happen unless we could get a mini crane in our bathrooms LOL! So sitting here with hot towels round it at the moment LOL!
chris00938
Posted
Wahay!!!!!! Did the hot towels! An extra 4 degrees bend and it didn't catch at the back of the knee! I AM ONE HAPPY BUNNY! Going to do that every evening now. I got it back to 112 degrees. Not quite the 115 I'd got before but well on the way back and it did all feel easier! Even if I only gain a degree a week on that, I'll be happy! Thank you Sue and Clive!!!!:-))))))))))))))
clive45466 chris00938
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Can only pass on what worked and what did not for myself.
Glad I put a smile on your face at what is s terrible time.
Good hesling
chris00938 clive45466
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I was feeling a bit down today and that was almost miraculous! It wasn't just that I got the bend I was VERY pleased with but the whole knee felt sort of 'oiled' and moved easier. This really is something that should be mentioned along with the ice, isn't it! So folks, it's ice, elevation AND MOIST HEAT! Don't know if dry heat works as well but it was hot wet flannels that I used, covered by a towel to keep the heat in. I really can see how the hot bath worked so well for you. Just wondering about that crane LOL! Thanks Clive:-))))
sue32578 chris00938
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sue32578 clive45466
Posted
chris00938 sue32578
Posted
sue32578 chris00938
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sue32578 Duckfan
Posted
sue32578 Duckfan
Posted
PT has worked on my sciatica too & it's much better. Massaging your knee with lotion helps with the stiffness as it relaxes the muscles...especially behind the knee. I hope you're icing like you should. The ice helps with the inflammation/swelling. Another thing I was told...If you keep your knee in the same position for too long the muscles will want to stay in that position, so when you get up & want to walk the knee will be stiff. Change knee position often.
Good luck....just remember to do your PT & ice, elevate, ice, ice ice.
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