Stairs and Tkr
Posted , 8 users are following.
i am 20 weeks post tkr. ROM and extension are good and I can walk several miles easily. However, stairs are still an issue. I can go up using a handrail but going down is difficult and slow. I would like to be able to navigate stairs without a handrail. I have been working hard on this. Am I being impatient? Any advice?
thank you,
Judy
0 likes, 12 replies
mary12001 judy16658
Posted
I am just over4 weeks but it's not the walking except maybe in the morning when I feel a bit wonky but it's the pain and swelling.
I take Ibuprofen and codeine still along with paracetamol but I'm awake on and off throughout the night so I'm really tired and out of sorts because of lack of proper sleep.
Will I ever be right again?
The only good thing is the arthritis in that knee has gone
jannette1 mary12001
Posted
john76554 mary12001
Posted
Ive taken sleep medication for several years for insomnia.
jannette1 judy16658
Posted
john76554 jannette1
Posted
jannette1 john76554
Posted
judy16658
Posted
judy
jannette1 judy16658
Posted
liz00723 judy16658
Posted
I am at the exact same stage as you and almost in the exact same position. You are slightly better off than me as I don't think I can walk miles easily, but I have the same problem going downstairs. With a handrail it is ok, without its a no-no. I do Aqua and I love that and think it helps but had no idea this would be such a long drawn out process.
I'm sure this is going to take the best part of a year.
good luck.
liz x
cheryl90571 judy16658
Posted
I am almost nine months and five months from my two TKRs. Going UP stairs requires me to concentrate so that I use my muscles, knees, feet etc. properly. My physical therapist worked hard to make sure that I would not put excess strain on my new knees by walking in strange ways like I HAD been doing due to compensating for VERY damaged arthritic knees for many years. Concentrating is getting easier, but I DO have to take time to THINK ABOUT how to move properly.
Going DOWN remains tricky, and I STILL do the step/together...step/together method.
I ALWAYS use the railing, and take my time. I do NOT want any falls!
I am practicing daily. Let me know how YOU are doing!
I have also been working very hard on straightening. I can now keep up with my very tall and long-legged family once again! My gait is improved, and I am excited that the snow seems to be DONE and I can resume my beloved WALKING, gardening, and just feeling normal again!
Wishing us BOTH continued success with STAIRS!!!!!🙌😁☺😊🙌
veronica91735 judy16658
Posted
When I go upstairs, although I'm holding on, I still feel quite a "pull" in the mechanics area! On my attempts to come downstairs one at a time (I make myself do it once a day) - it really pulls. I still can't walk more than a mile without it swelling, nor can I stand for long - it's all so frustrating! Having said that - it is SO much better this time around, I guess I just want to run before I can walk as the saying goes!
liz00723 judy16658
Posted
i got my TKR the day before you and I am just the same as you. Going upstairs as the day progresses is not too bad, but going down, I also stand St the top willing the blooming leg to work properly. Occasionally it does, but more often not.
i think we are all in much the same situation so perhaps we're doing better than we think.
i was at my Physio yesterday and she said I'm doing well but not there yet, just not got the strength in the quads yet and until that happens, she says I won't be safe on the stairs. In saying that most people she sees seem to be ahead of me and that is so frustrating. I so want to be able to just not think about my knee. It rules my life at the moment and I guess you are the same.
i want to be able to stand in the kitchen preparing a meal without having to stop and have a rest in between.
i want to go for a walk for an hour without feeling pain.
i want to go up and downstairs like a normal person.
I don't think this is a lot to want, do you.
take care ladies, we will hopefully get there.
Liz