Stairs tkr
Posted , 13 users are following.
I’m having my knee done August 3rd I have 14 stairs at my house ! How hard is it going to be when I come home?
1 like, 28 replies
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Notes on Stairs tkr
jenkie lorri_3432
Posted
Hi Lorrie
I had tkr feb 13, 2018. I'm really doing well. walking fine, riding a bike outside. barre , pilates and yoga classes. But the first few weeks were pretty painful. I also have 14 steps to my apartment. I didn't use the stairs for my first 2 weeks because had physical therapy in my home. But after 2 weeks I had outpatient. You just have to go slow. one step at a time. baby steps down and up.
I live alone also, but had one friend stay with me 10 days, and another came and stayed a week.
my biggest problem was putting ice into my "ice machine". if you can get this ice machine it will be so helpful.
At this point in my recovery I am so glad I did it! I feel so much better. Good Luck!!
martha08360 jenkie
Posted
ok, so you had your surgery two weeks after me, and I still can't do the bike. If I force it to go around I can, but it is very painful. I still have knee pain, swelling and warm to the touch. What did you do that I didn't. I thought I was doing everything that I was told to do. Any hints for me??
jenkie martha08360
Posted
Hi Martha
I was pretty active before my surgery. But limited to a lot because of my bad knee. My outpatient PT was 3 days a week for 8 weeks. very intense. It took me a while, but my therapy had me on a stationary bike, the seat started out high, but little by little we lowered the seat so I could push the pedals around and increase my range of motion. initially it was very painful. I still lower the seat for 5 minutes when I'm at the gym, to get my knee revolving. I keep up with my home exercises everyday before I get out of bed. especially my heel slides.
we are all different, so the healing process is different ... My ROM is 115. I got it to 125 in therapy. but that was forcing it. I can't straighten it all the way either. so I do knee straighteners with a towel underneath. just don't give up!!
martha08360 jenkie
Posted
I i won't give up but it's sooo frustrating. I just got home from lunching and shopping and now Im sitting with the damn ice pack, like 4 months ago. I had this surgery to be able to comfortably go shopping and play with grands, and do things that I enjoy again. But, that hasn't happened , yet!!! I would never have had this surgery if I had known it was going to be like this. Great picture of you at the barre. My oldest daughter is a dancer, but now has a pilates studio in her house and she stays very very busy with clients. I admire your tenacity. Are you in the US or UK ?
jenkie martha08360
Posted
I live in New Jersey USA. I was crying and so frustrated 3 months ago. and I'm so much better now. and you will be too!
susan47321 lorri_3432
Posted
I went up with good leg 1st bringing up the bad.
Coming down holding onto bannister rail, bad leg first ( it really is ok) followed by good leg.
Had Zimmer frame upstairs by stairs and crutches downstairs bottom of the stairs.
Hope this helps and your op is a success.
Its a long road then to recovery.
Best wishes
Sue
Defender susan47321
Posted
lorri_3432 susan47321
Posted
Defender lorri_3432
Posted
I had two handrails fitted makes life a lot easier.
For the first 3 weeks i slept downstairs.
sam6187 lorri_3432
Posted
Hi don't worry about the stairs you will be fine as posted you will be shown how to do it .. i am 1 month in and can now go up and down nearly normally . But do it at your own pace I can't say it often enough and I speak from experience from.my left tkr take is easy and take it slow just keep that joint moving stretches and bends .
lorri_3432 sam6187
Posted
carri98750 lorri_3432
Posted
Hi Lorri, I have a full staircase too plus two steps down or up into various rooms in my house downstairs. I had planned on recovering upstairs in my bedroom where I have an ensuite bathroom and could be close to the toilet. I had both knees replaced at the same time AND I was determined to get up those stairs when I got home from the hospital. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then in extended care for another 4. So, all that is to say, I came home after 8 days. During my in hospital PT I told them I needed to climb stairs when I got home, so they knew that and helped me to accomplish it in PT before they discharged me. The day I was able to practice climbing their little miniature stairs they had in the PT room, I requested to be discharged asap. The biggest factor as to "if" you will be able to get up those stairs is: how good will your range of motion (ROM) be? For me, I had good ROM pretty early. BUt my leg strength was really weak. I had my husband and adult son in back of me as I attempted to climb my home stairs. I thought, If I can't do it, they can lift me up them. But I was able to using the railing and then used my walker when I got to the top. Do your PT faithfully while in hospital and you should be able to climb stairs when you go home. I only came down our stairs once a day after the first week or two as it was a lot of work. My husband works at home so he brought up to me all that I needed. I hope you do well. Be determined!!