Partial knee replacement surgery

Hi Chris so good to hear your also doing well. I imagined the operation & pain a lot worse than what it was. But I think the big mistake people make is the excerssises they don't do them , they are so important. Suppose like you say no two people are the same. Wishing you good luck for the 2nd knee op, just think you'll be pain free. Pls let us no how you get on ! 

Thanks Sally:-)  Yes, to think in the future that I'll be a 'normal person' and be able to really get fit, is wonderful!  It was great to hear you had such a good recovery too!

That's so useful to hear about the treadmill AuntEG.  I thought I'd need to limit the treadmill to walking on it for 10 minutes a day otherwise I might damage the new joint - I'll gradually increase that then.  I started the recumbent just before three weeks post op (when I could get the bend sufficient to do it) and treadmill about five weeks post op.  I'll increase the recumbent too:-)))  I didn't expect the physio to test leg strength - that surprised me but thankfully it was really good!

Chris,

The very first day i used treadmill i did a mile. Oops! Got swelling. So next day i did 1/2mile and did well smaller swelling. I did .5miles at 1 mph! Its not about how fast, its technique. Soft heel toe. Then i did .5m 2x a day. Once comfortable, my body knew, i increase 1mile. Just go slow and you wont have the setbacks. Small exercises all day long is way better than all of them all at once. Mentally you will feel better too. I was told to trust my implants and i do. Respect the process and you will be happy with the results. Even the setbacks are tolerable

Phew - I've NEVER done a mile!  Legs were already bad when we got the treadmill so I've always been limited and never done more than about 12 minutes walking.  I'm building up from starting at 2 minutes and am now up to 8 but will keep doing a little more until I get there:-)))  Also doing the circuits on the bike, but what shocked me was when I got the wii out to do the balance exercises.  Did 5 minutes and calves ached LOL!  So that's getting build up slowly too:-)))  But it's all positive stuff, being able to increase fitness bit by bit.  When the other knee is done I'm going to start squats too!:-))))  I'm SO encouraged that I can reach a level of fitness I never even dreamed about a few years ago!:-))))

Chris,

Thats great! Thats the progress. Take your time! If we shut down the negative thoughts for what they are ie. I hurt or ache today, ok, then point out the good things like I'm on my two feet and not stuck in bed etc . I guess I'm a count my blessings kind of person. I have concerns about this spot on my left inner knee,but i know the hardware is ok. So, i keep going forward. I HAVE to stretch or i ache so much more. I noticed this w going to work. Im up early, dont stretch. By 10am im aching. I dont get off until 330p this week and by then, im exhausted so i have to stretch b4 bed which helps me get enough relief to sleep. If we listen to our bodies and challenge them, we improve.

I was all in from the day i said yes to surgery. No one sees the struggle, they do see "I'm walking great". Stay positive. I feel compelled to help people see the REAL recovery but let them see we get BETTER with hard work

Spot on AuntEG!  I strongly believe that if you focus on every tiny milestone you feel good!  Going from crutches to sticks and when you go to one stick and you can carry a cup of tea from the kitchen!  And when you start noticing that something needs dusting.  And can leave your sticks OUTSIDE the bathroom, and so many many little things that make you aware that you are moving forward.  I KNOW it's not the same for everyone, but personally I found the first three weeks the hardest because I was so limited what I could do but I think the turning point for me was just before that when I propped my sticks up near the recument bike and got on it and did two whole revolutions LOL!  That was my start to getting back to fitness:-)))  When the physio was obviously impressed with me yesterday - it was funny - he looked impressed at the bend and then was impressed with the strength and then asked me how I knew what the bend was and he was awfully impressed that I'd got a goniometer, and his level of impression went up and up as I talked about the exercise bike and treadmill and then I said to him that when I'd seen the surgeon I had told him 'I will do my bit to make this as successful as it can be' and his smile got bigger and bigger.  Here's hoping for the next one LOL!  Pre-op is 15th May:-))))  Not sure husband is quite so impressed at being the slave for the first few weeks again, but he'll cope and we'll be able to do so much more afterwards!:-))))

Hahaha Chris! The part about dusting etc. Yep, thats how it goes. If u dont restrict yourself and go easy, u find yourself doing more and more. All the little things add up. I found that was the #1 antidote to the depression and sadness. We have sooo much time on our hands to THINK. Stuff can run away and we're crazy. Instead, those little can dos make a difference. I even do calf raises (20) &squats, as low as i can which initially was 1 inch now, like sitting in a chair) while im waiting for my coffee to brew.

I love your upbeat attitude. We both know its not all unicorns and rainbows, but isnt it better- not necessarily easier- to try thinking up vs down. Even like wriggling your toes if ur stuck in the chair...My struggle has been real, it is for all of us. We help each other thru the forum.

I am glad to be back to work, albiet not full time yet. I am exhausted but happy i am trying. My left leg was swollen 2 inches bigger after 8hrs with stocking/compression hose on. But this am, its not. I want to take the day off but instead, i give myself permission to lay here for a few extra hours and then get going. After all, i did the calf and squat routine already!

I feel awful for the people who have had complications. Seems like we all get bleeding,bruising, swelling. But femoral nerve damage (tourniquet on leg compressing nerve and blood flow), improper seating of mechanical part r/t cement failure. Long lists from what i read. I worked on scar tissue relentlessly AND painfully. My right leg is 145bend, almost touches bum. My left is 140 when not swollen w full extension on both. I couldnt have done it wo a physio (PT). So sadness 4 peeps who dont have one.

Wow, i got long winded! Oh well, heres to a great day despite the left knee burn!

:D

Phew - you've got some bend there!!!  Now you realise, AuntEG that you've just issued me with a challenge LOL!  I HAVEN'T got a physio but now feel obliged to get to a comparative bend LOL!  My physio rather thought I didn't need to push it more, but I DO want to do squats when the other knee is done, so it's going to help and it's hardly much trouble doing the bends on the recliner while I watch tv!  Today walked around two supermarkets so just did the bike when I got home and then the balance stuff on the wii, but tomorrow will be back to treadmill as well.  I think I must come over as crazy but all of this whole procedure, from the moment I decided to get a referral for the knees, has all been an overall positive experience for me.  Every little bit I've seen as a step forward.  I was excited about going into hospital the first time, and am excited going in again - it's all leading to my new life!!!  And today I sold my mobility scooter - am NOT going to need that again!  But yes, seriously, I SO feel for those who get complications that lead to bad pain and problems moving!  Not only does it make me feel very lucky, but my heart goes out to them and I wish I could help!

You are so right about the exercises - you can do these at any time.  Before I get up in the mornings I bend the knee so it's level with the unoperated one and I can feel a slight stretch on it, and leg lifts while sitting on the recliner and anything anywhere really - every little bit helps!

Yes, I wish you and everyone a great day there.  I pulled my right knee this morning so went round the supermarket as though I had tourettes as 'ouch' came out from time to time LOL!  Don't you love it LOL!