Stairs...proper walking up and down

I went upstairs the first night I came home...it was tough, but our bedroom is upstairs. I believe it was around 4 weeks that I began feeling a bit more comfortable going up and down concurrently. I held onto the bannister for dear life and unfortunately now at 14 weeks I still catch myself holding onto the bannister especially when coming downstairs. Going upstairs came first.

Good luck in stair climbing!

I managed it around 4 weeks. It wasn't until I'd done it I realised that I'd managed it without going one step at a time. Easier going up than down. We are all different. I am 5 weeks post op on Thursday and mechanically, my knee is brilliant. Managing really well without crutches. The scar however is sore, lumpy, raised and very ugly. I had my kneecap resurfaced as well as a TKR

I was actually taken down & up a short flight of stairs two days after my op, I had the physio in front of me and nurse at side of me - I was terrified but it was quite simple to do (obviously not concurrently) - but now 7 seven weeks later I can manage two steps into garage but have the securty of the door frame but cant come down them properly  - as people have said on here its a matter of practise and strengthening muscles - my consultant said it is a full year for recovery. Good Luck to all x

Hi Elaine

I think I mastered the stairs at about 6/7 weeks. Can't really remember, but then did the 2 feet one step thing, using only my operated leg, up & down for quite a long time to strengthen the muscles. Can now go up & down concurrently with no problem, am at 5 months. I can even go 2 steps up at a time, not that I want to, but we have a step stool at work which is about the height of 2 steps so have had to do it anyway. Used my right leg at 1st, but that needs TKR so had to use operated leg eventually.

I think you know in yourself when you are able to 'do' stairs. Let your body guide you, if you go to try & you can't do stress. You will when the time is right. As Chico says be Zen, it'll happen when it's meant to.

Good luck

Marilyn

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Should have read if you try & cant do it DON'T stress.

(Note to self must re learn to type!!!)

I also meant to say, the hospital Physio made sure I could climb stairs before discharge. No stairs climbing no home!! Made sure I could do that! 2 feet 1 step.

There was no way they were keeping me in any longer!!

You're absolutely right Elaine, when you think of what we've all been through, all of us on here have

done really well. We all have our gripes, complaints & pains but we have come an awful long way since our operations.

If you're reading this give yourself a pat on the back!

Marilyn

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What always amazes me, and fills me with awe, is how do all you bilateral TKr's ever go up and down stairs!!!! . .With no good knee to rely on, it must be almost impossible!