Physiotherapy nearly 9 weeks post TKR

sharmaine

Hi everyone

I'm thrilled. I've been to the physiotherapist twice this week and had a session on their exercise bike. I was scared to make the first revolution on the pedals with my operated leg but I did it!!!! She then kept moving up the pedals and today I was on the highest level. I don't have to see her for another 3 weeks as I have an exercise bike at home. I'll use it twice a day 5-10 minutes at a time.

I'm driving again and have been walking short distances without any crutches ......... having one strong leg is marvelous. If I have to go further I take my crutch as the other leg is pretty bad. I can't wait now to have the other knee done and I just hope I have the same level of recovery. The first few weeks after the op were tough and now just a distant memory.

I thought I would share my bit of joy with you all - since I've had this op I feel as if I've climbed mountains.

Sharmaine

elnafinn

Great news Sharmaine

When you have had the other knee done, you will be a new woman.

You do soon forget don't you, if it has all gone well and the recovery is without any hiccups.

I have absolutely no regrets about having had both mine done. I can never thank my wonderful consultant enough. I shall see him again in July for a 6 month check, chat and have an xray done before the appointment.

Enjoy your weekend and this good weather even if it is a little breezy today. Washing is whirling round nicely

Love
Elna x

dorcas

Hi Sharmaine,

that is just wonderful

You (and Elna) have achieved so much in such a very short time it's a real success story for others who have surgery to come to take heart from ...and to follow suit when their time comes.

enjoy whizzing around on your knew knees ladies.

Iris x

barbara12

Hi Sharmaine
You have done so well,how lovely to read these threads it really dose give hope to all of us that have to have surgery. hope you carry on making progress and that you get your other knee done very soon (well has soon as you want it done)
You take care and keep this thread going,then we know how you are getting on.
Love
Barbara xx

chris7

Hi Sharmaine

Lovely to see that, so glad all is going well for you. Am sure that first pedal was scarey but well done you. Hope you continue to grow in confidence and can enjoy getting out and about again.

love
Chris

angel1

Wonderful news Sharmaine, so very pleased for you.

As you know, I was very lucky to have no post op pain, so once they assured me that I could do no damage to the new knee, I was like a demented soul, doing the exercises endlessly, and using my exercise bike. It`s well worth it, as you have found out.

Have a lovely weekend, hopefully in the sun.........Ange.

sharmaine

Hi Elna

Lovely to hear from you and I hope that you are doing well. The physiotherapist reckons that the surgeon will operate quickly considering how well I'm doing with the first TKR.

I will remember all the tips (thank you so much for yours especially the extra ice packs; glider etc) for getting in and out of bed ...I used the belt from hubby's bath robe as well as other things.

Carl is outside powerwashing the patio..once he's finished I plan on sorting out some hanging baskets etc. We're going to risk a bbq
this evening - I'll have the patio heater on! Black bird is protesting at the noise OH is making!

Take care Elna and have a good weekend.

Sharmaine

elnafinn wrote:

Great news Sharmaine

When you have had the other knee done, you will be a new woman.

You do soon forget don't you, if it has all gone well and the recovery is without any hiccups.

I have absolutely no regrets about having had both mine done. I can never thank my wonderful consultant enough. I shall see him again in July for a 6 month check, chat and have an xray done before the appointment.

Enjoy your weekend and this good weather even if it is a little breezy today. Washing is whirling round nicely

Love
Elna x

sharmaine

Hi Angel

You were indeed lucky not to suffer too much pain post op... my new knee still twinges a bit but I think in a few months time I'll be as good as new. I really enjoyed being able to use the exercise bike - it has been a few years since I was able to cycle.

I'm glad you're doing so well.

Take care.
Sharmaine
quote="angel1"]Wonderful news Sharmaine, so very pleased for you.

As you know, I was very lucky to have no post op pain, so once they assured me that I could do no damage to the new knee, I was like a demented soul, doing the exercises endlessly, and using my exercise bike. It`s well worth it, as you have found out.

Have a lovely weekend, hopefully in the sun.........Ange.[/quote]

sharmaine

Hi Chris

Thank you. The only thing I have trouble with still (it is possibly because my other leg is so bad) is shopping - it kills me. I think it's the flat surfaces. I may post a thread asking other OA sufferers how they cope with this.

I can put on my shoes and socks on my own for the first time in 2 years - having this one good leg has been a real bonus and made me feel more optimistic about the next operation!

I trust you are well.

Sharmaine

chris7 wrote:

Hi Sharmaine

Lovely to see that, so glad all is going well for you. Am sure that first pedal was scarey but well done you. Hope you continue to grow in confidence and can enjoy getting out and about again.

love
Chris

sharmaine

Hi Barbara

Having a TKR is a big thing and you really do need time to recover. I think I really started feeling a bit more myself two weeks ago and just being able to do more things for myself has cheered me up no end.

I know I've got to go through it all again but it will be worth it - I hated having to be pushed about in the wheelchair and still can't believe that I am no longer reliant on using a stick or crutches indoors. I think I'll have to rely on it again in a few weeks as the other leg gets worse. I'm relying on the operated leg and simply dragging the other one around with me!

Sharmaine

barbara12 wrote:

Hi Sharmaine
You have done so well,how lovely to read these threads it really dose give hope to all of us that have to have surgery. hope you carry on making progress and that you get your other knee done very soon (well has soon as you want it done)
You take care and keep this thread going,then we know how you are getting on.
Love
Barbara xx

sharmaine

Hi Dorcas
I agree Elna is an inspiration for us all. I hope to catch up with her by next year!!
Having arthur changes your life completely. I'm certainly reviewing how I plan on enjoying it with 2 good legs!

How are you these days?
Sharmaine



quote="dorcas"]Hi Sharmaine,

that is just wonderful

You (and Elna) have achieved so much in such a very short time it's a real success story for others who have surgery to come to take heart from ...and to follow suit when their time comes.

enjoy whizzing around on your knew knees ladies.

Iris x[/quote]

elnafinn

Aw, dear Sharmaine, you sound so very happy, the vibes shine through, in your message to me.

I feel so happy and content too, I shall be seeing Little Lola around 4.00 pm, she is staying the night and Ben and Lucie will stay over too as they are attending a local charity auction and casino night. Also my little boy will be 29 years old tomorrow. I have made 2 ciabatta loaves this morning, so am looking forward to lunch! I did cheat, it was a packet but don't tell anyone!

Life really begins with one or two new knees, don't you agree?

Lots of love, enjoy the sunshine, pottering in the garden and your BBQ

Elna x

speedalong

Sharmaine - just read your post about the exercise bike - that is SO fab!!! You really are doing very well. You sound so delighted and so you should too. Well done.

I wonder what that physio will have you doing in 3 weeks time??!!

When is your other knee op planned? Fancy your op leg being able to compensate for the other one - there will be no stopping you once you have the other one sorted too.

Speedalong

sharmaine

Hi Elna

You sound grand! Glad to hear that you're doing so well. Enjoy your sleepover with Lola! My son and his wife (he's 26 and my baby) are in London for the weekend and we've just been around to ensure the cat is ok, fed and watered. I'm looking forward to them having a few children.

Carl is outdoors overseeing the bbq. I've made a luscious salad and for the first time in nearly a year I'm going to have a couple of glasses of wine.

OH is in my good books because he's made me another raised border for veggies! I've already planned what I'll be putting in there!

Have a good weekend!

Sharmaine

elnafinn wrote:

Aw, dear Sharmaine, you sound so very happy, the vibes shine through, in your message to me.

I feel so happy and content too, I shall be seeing Little Lola around 4.00 pm, she is staying the night and Ben and Lucie will stay over too as they are attending a local charity auction and casino night. Also my little boy will be 29 years old tomorrow. I have made 2 ciabatta loaves this morning, so am looking forward to lunch! I did cheat, it was a packet but don't tell anyone!

Life really begins with one or two new knees, don't you agree?

Lots of love, enjoy the sunshine, pottering in the garden and your BBQ

Elna x

sharmaine

Hi Speedalong

If I can persuade my surgeon it will be done before Christmas - my other leg is proving rather useless, however, I am chuffed to have one good one!

I'm sure my physio is planning on putting me in a one-legged football team. She's a lovely lady and I enjoy every single session she plans for me!

I am really delighted - especially when I reflect on how I was this time last year wheelchairs etc. It made me feel old. Just being able to cycle has cheered me up (even if it is just on the exercise bike!)

Not long for you either .... but don't worry you'll be fine.

Regards
Sharmaine

speedalong wrote:

Sharmaine - just read your post about the exercise bike - that is SO fab!!! You really are doing very well. You sound so delighted and so you should too. Well done.

I wonder what that physio will have you doing in 3 weeks time??!!

When is your other knee op planned? Fancy your op leg being able to compensate for the other one - there will be no stopping you once you have the other one sorted too.

Speedalong

speedalong

Hi Sharmaine - keep the posts of your progress coming - you make me feel better about my imminent op!!

Speedalong

bertyboy

thank you thank you for all the positive comments from you both it s really putting me in the right frame of mind for my op in a few days time , and if i can ride a bike in the near future i will invest in a trike as i have no balance for two wheels you are brilliant both of you xxxx

sharmaine

Hi Speedalong

Good luck with your forthcoming operation. Some tips/ advice for you:

(a) wear loose fitting/wide legged trousers or joggers (don't get those that have 'fluffy insides'.
(b) do your exercises daily.
(c) buy a good ice pack (I bought mine online it cost about £24 and the hospital gave me one) I had to use 3 ice packs - front and back of leg; top of thigh and on ankle. Make sure you use these up to 3 times a day during the first few weeks.
(d) I used a combination of ice packs and heat pads which really helped in the first couple of weeks post op.
(d) Rest - you'll need it.
(e) Pain was bad for me at night and I had to ask for Tramadol which I got on with fine and saw me through the first six weeks of op. I had to phone surgery.
(f) I have a divan bed and found it hard getting in and out. OH had to help me. In the second week I had a brain wave and used the belt from OH's bathrobe to lever my leg in and out of bed and seated positions. Simply hook it under your foot.
(g) take nighties to hospital - it's easier.
(h) you'll have to sleep on your back for the first few weeks - if you do that already then fine ... I found it tough as I sleep on my side.
(i) joint will feel 'heavy' and alien to you initially but once muscles etc start repairing and stitches are out this will ease.
(j) expect lots of bruising.
(k) having a higher chair with arms will be easier for you.
(l) I found that I couldn't sit for long lengths of time after op so I rotated between little wanders around the house and lying down.

These are just my experiences and maybe Elna might add something to this list as she's been through two!

Do you go in next month?
Sharmaine

speedalong wrote:

Hi Sharmaine - keep the posts of your progress coming - you make me feel better about my imminent op!!

Speedalong

sharmaine

Hi Bertyboy
I wondered where you were! Good luck with your op. I posted some tips/advice for Speedalong on this thread read them when you have a moment.
I was lucky to have OH at home during the first 3 weeks - he did all the cooking, cleaning and caring. I owe part of my well being to his love and care. As well to the surgeon who performed the op! Prior to my op I stocked up the fridge, freezer, cupboards and made lots of meals for the freezer.

It will be 10 weeks on Monday since my TKR (I think) I'm losing track.
It takes time, patience and a strong will.

Keep in touch and let us know how you are.

You'll be in my thoughts.

Sharmaine

bertyboy wrote:

thank you thank you for all the positive comments from you both it s really putting me in the right frame of mind for my op in a few days time , and if i can ride a bike in the near future i will invest in a trike as i have no balance for two wheels you are brilliant both of you xxxx

speedalong

Thank you Sharmaine for all your tips. Espescially the one about getting in and out of bed. I have a much higher bed these days and I had a go yesterday at getting in and out how I will have to after the op and it was nigh impossible!!!Will have a go today with a belt.

Speedalong

elnafinn

Hi Speedalong

I am sorry I cannot really help you with the hip op, as I have never had one. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that a hip op is probably not as easy as a knee op, to get over because you really have to be so carefu, from what I read from others who have been through it. At least with the knee there is no problem with dislocation really, you are meant to bend the knee as much as you can, but with a new hip it seems that there are quite a few "don'ts" to remember. :roll: As long as you do as you are told, it will all go well and so many on here have had hip ops, they will be able to help and assist you with any problems regarding your recovery.
We are all very interested to hear your progress.

Love
Elna x

bertyboy

thank you Sharmaine all tips noted x

sharmaine

Hi Speedalong

Sorry thought you were going for a TKR!!! I don't know if the belt trick will work for you. Someone may come up with something.
You take care of yourself.

Sharmaine

speedalong wrote:

Thank you Sharmaine for all your tips. Espescially the one about getting in and out of bed. I have a much higher bed these days and I had a go yesterday at getting in and out how I will have to after the op and it was nigh impossible!!!Will have a go today with a belt.

Speedalong

speedalong

Sharmaine I still think the belt will work - the problem is lifting the weight of the leg up and onto the bed - the belt will support the weight.

Speedalong

sharmaine

Hi

The belt trip worked for me and saved me waking OH up in the middle of the night when I wanted the loo. I also used it when I wanted to lay on the sofa and to get off the sofa. OH was good and managed five consecutive nights of helping me in and out of bed - but looked like hell afterwards! He hadn't looked that rough since our son was a baby. He never moaned once and really took good care of me.

My only complaint was that he tumble dried all my new joggers and they are now above my ankle! I had to go out and buy more. He has now learnt to read labels. He can't iron even though he attempted it. His shirts were a mess.... in the end he decided to only iron the collar and covered the rest with a jumper or jacket. All my meals were served with the same vegetables: carrots and peas!!!! After 2 weeks I had to say something! My MIL was in fits of laughter when I told her.

I hope all goes well for you and you have someone lovely to take care of you afterwards.

All the best for a successful op.

Sharmaine



quote="speedalong"]Sharmaine I still think the belt will work - the problem is lifting the weight the leg up and onto the bed - the belt will support the weight.

Speedalong[/quote]

elnafinn

You could always get as far back on the bed as possible sort of sideways and then put one ankle (the weaker leg) on top of the other ankle (stronger leg) and lift both legs at the same time onto the bed. I am finding that a little difficult to explain. :roll: I had no need to use this method with the second TKR but did for a day or so with the first one.

Luv
Elna x