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One Year TKR Checkup

Posted , 11 users are following.

CHICO_MARX
CHICO_MARX

OK...so it's really over 13 months but the guy was busy...lots of "installation" work on his plate.

From the Doc:

- Perfect ROM ( 0 / +135 ).  Told him I wanted 140; he was skeptical that the number could be attained with the artificial joint.  Guess I'll never sit back on my heels again (that's 161).

- Perfect alignment, no wobbles, scar healed.

- Cautions: No running, treadmills (elliptical only), skiing, HOCKEY (no kidding).  Stay away from anything that causes impact to the knee...like twisting, jumping and landing hard playing basketball.  I posted a list previously...he concurred.

- Clicking, popping clunking...  Bad news campers...probably permanent.  His exact words: "What do you expect?  It's metal on plastic!".  It may quiet down but I don't expect it to...neither should you.  Small price to pay for walking without pain.

- Not happy with my quads but understood the condition because of my stenosis midway through the recovery plus the recent spine surgery.  Told me to hit the gym as soon as I get clearance from the neurosurgeon.  

- Looking forward to seeing me again as soon as I need the other one replaced...I'm not...but it is inevitable...

From me...

Most of you know that I've had 28 surgeries (mostly minor) in the past 17 years including a hip replacement and back fusion.  The knee was the absolute worst in terms of pain and recovery time.  If you've gotten past the year mark, you can look back and remember the times you thought you'd never survive it, begged for the pain to stop, wanted to kill your PT sadist, wonder if you would ever be whole again.  Guess what?

You CAN'T be whole again!  Your original knee is gone, goodbye.  But what you have in your body is a miracle of science that will allow you to live a decent life again, one with new horizons, new challenges, new skills to master...one without pain.  It takes a long time to get here...like a whole year.  Expect it...if you do it quicker then count your blessings.  Most of us really struggle with this but find strength we didn't know we had. 

For me, I still have all that rehab work to do in the gym once I get past the spine issues.  Get to the gym and kick some serious a$$... I'm getting anxious to start again...another month should do it.  Targeting September for a full recovery.  Who knows...maybe a gentle glide on some new blades...

Keep the faith, brothers and sisters.  We live to fight another day!!!

 

3 likes, 70 replies

70 Replies

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  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    Congratulations! Nice to hear about your landmark visit! When I hear the cluncking in my knee it encourages me...sounds like a train and makes me feel strong! Also sound so much better than the sounds which used to come from my knee!
    • jan01779
      jan01779 jenny80029

      Posted

      I like my clunking its a far better noise than the grinding pre-op !!
    • chris00938
      chris00938 jan01779

      Posted

      Yes, the VERY slight click I hear (or feel) from time to time is way better that all the ligaments or whatever it is pinging on each step with the other knee, along with the crunches etc.
  • mike_57190
    mike_57190 CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    Well done my boy. Good positive thoughts. Mind over matter really.  

    Piece of cake.

    who am I kidding.

    but at least I can look forward to pedalling my bicycle and a little golf . . . Oh and running up and down stairs with the grandkids.

    good luck to all on this journey.

    Mike

  • jan01779
    jan01779 CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    Congratulations! Most of us havent had the long  journey you've had. Its encouraging.  

  • Eizie
    Eizie CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    Thank you Chico! I'm 3 months post bilateral so I've got a ways to go but you give me hope! I just need more patience!! Good luck with your next replacement. Personally I don't know how people go through this process again. I'd probably go to my grave with one bad knee! I hope your second one is a little easier!!?? Keep us posted.??🙏

  • dolores84206
    dolores84206 CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    That is wonderful news Chico! Keep up the good work. Hope I can attain what you have done after a year. I have a band or ligament that snaps behind my knee and is so annoying. Hope that is not the clicking, popping noise you are talking about. I am hoping that will stop over time. You have gone through so many surgeries and are an inspiration to us all. Stay well, enjoy life, and be happy! Best regards, Dolores
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX

    Posted

    Elliptical vs. treadmill.  The treadmill is ok if you use it like you're out walking on the street.  No jogging or running...that's all impact stuff.  The elliptical is like a circular motion machine, no stress on the knee because you're not impacting your foot on the ground causing the jolt to the knee.  The elliptical tests your ROM because it makes the knee move from straight to bent with no impact.

    Thanks for all the support...still not done because of the spine but I'll get there...  Just more hardware for the TSA to scan at the airport... 

    • chris00938
      chris00938 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      That makes sense Chico:-)  Yes, you WILL get there:-))))  Million Dollar Man:-)))))
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