just some times

bertyboy

just some times i feel it was the wrong thing to have a tkr , i feel much more confined in what i do and can do , i have an appointment on the 26th with xrays really dont know if it should feel like it does , its hard to explain but no matter what i do there is discomfort not quite pain but an unrelenting ache i have never taken so much medication with little relief , feeling very confused as it was supposed to make things better , how is it supposed to feel at this stage 15 weeks this tuesday , have gone down to one crutch but its not helped as i feel so unsteady physio said he wanted to take both away , he says consultant will want me with out anyway i have had them for nearly 2 years , my tkr will let me use it to go up stairs but coming down is not good as my other leg seems to stick and drag behind if that makes sence x
sorry for the rant


hope you are all as well as things allow [[[[[[[[[[[[hugs to all]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

frogmorton

Hi Berty

Good to see you.

Sorry about the knee though. You think it's a nerve danage type of thing?? If it is then dif meds might work better?

I hope they have an idea when you see them

Love and hugs

Toni xx

bertyboy

hi Toni

thanks for the reply
i really dont know just feeel so fed up with it all :?

elnafinn

Hi Berty

It is going to take some time for you to "throw away the crutches" if you have relied on them for 2 years. It is perhaps a combination of lack of self confidence a little. I never had to use them before the op thank goodness but even in that short time, post op, I was reluctant to get rid of the one and was "told off" for not going out for walks as I suffered great discomfort like you for ages. It did go. I too wondered at times if I had done the right thing. You are not alone in your thoughts. the first few times I went out, meaning to not use the crutch, I still took it with me so that if need be I had it with me. I did not need it.

Perhaps you could try the exercise I was given which was to use the bottom step of the stairs. Facing up the stairs, hold on to the banister and with one leg on the floor lift the other foot up and down the one stair, then repeat using the other leg. Turn around stand on the bottom stair, hold on banister and do the same, one leg down, up etc and then change to other leg. This may help you, if you can make head or tail what I mean.

Chin up, it will improve.

Luv
Elna x

sharmaine

Hi Bertyboy

It does takes a long time to recover from a TKR. I still get aches. I think it hurts more because the other knee is bad and I rely on the operated knee to get me about. Like yourself I'm on so many meds. Also I think we have to take more rests. I'm just thankful to be able to get about without crutches and a wheelchair. Keep up your stretching exercises. The one Elna suggested is a good one.

Are you happy with the meds you take for pain? If not tell your GP.

It's not too long until you see your consultant - make sure you mention how you're feeling. I was on crutches for about two years too and it took me awhile to get used to walking without them.

I've had similar thoughts to you but my family keep reminding me how disabled I was prior to the operation. They're happy to see me mobile again.

Take care Bertyboy and I hope things improve for you over the coming weeks.

Sharmaine
X

bertyboy wrote:

just some times i feel it was the wrong thing to have a tkr , i feel much more confined in what i do and can do , i have an appointment on the 26th with xrays really dont know if it should feel like it does , its hard to explain but no matter what i do there is discomfort not quite pain but an unrelenting ache i have never taken so much medication with little relief , feeling very confused as it was supposed to make things better , how is it supposed to feel at this stage 15 weeks this tuesday , have gone down to one crutch but its not helped as i feel so unsteady physio said he wanted to take both away , he says consultant will want me with out anyway i have had them for nearly 2 years , my tkr will let me use it to go up stairs but coming down is not good as my other leg seems to stick and drag behind if that makes sence x
sorry for the rant


hope you are all as well as things allow [[[[[[[[[[[[hugs to all]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

dreamdaisy

I supppose the thought of a replacement joint, all shiny and new, leads one to suspect an instant cure is in the offing. It isn't. There's a hell of a lot of tugging and digging and ripping and tearing to be done before Mr New and Shiny can be put in place.It will take time, and for some it takes longer. Hang on in there bertyboy - and don't forget to take into account the upset of your bereavement so soon after the op. That event upsets all manner of things in one. Chin up girl - you have been, and I'm sure you are doing, very well indeed. Give it time. DD

lavenderlady

my mum had a TKR a couplke of years ago and has had no problems whats so ever and gets around better then me but a neighbour had his done and had to stay in hopistal for many weeks due to an infection MRSA he had to have his knee opened again think it was cleaned out , he was ill for many weeks and even had to be readmitted as his leg was so swollen, he then bravely had his 2nd knee done last year and had no problems with it at all, he was even on his roof of his bungalow 2 weeks ago fixing some loose tiles,
I'm nervous about having my wrist replaced but my family say well you had a hysterectomy last October now my wrist they are just taking out the knackered bits
give it time as already said maybe you rely on your stick and a loss of confidence is the problem, take a fold up one with you if you really need it you've got it with you if not dont open it up, I always carry mine with me for my back/hip pain, good luck and be strong

skezier

Hi Berty,

So nice to see you!

I am sorry your feeling so bad with it all but it will get better. In addition to Elna's post, which I think might be spot on, your have have muscles that have been set in the wrong place fr 2 years and they will take some training t get them back into shape and where they should be.

Berty you lo have had a traumatic time! They effect us so badly and well I am glad your having xrays soon but promise you it takes a long time for ortho surgery to really settle. One of my ortho's said it about 18 months before its really back to good!

You hang in there and I am so pleased to see you. Will leave you a cuppa in the cafe and sending a ((((( ))))) and so many hopes it all settles for you soon. Love and another ((((( ))))) Cris xx

speedalong

Hi Berty,

sorry you are feeling disheartened. I think Elna, DD and Cris are right - the soft tissue and muscles take time to recover.

Has the physio helped you go outside to practise walking with/without the crutch. Mine took me out and carried my crutch and quickly decided I still needed it, as my walking quickly detiorated. I'm walking great with it, want to be without it - but my hip has it's own ideas and isn't ready yet. My consultant will be disappointed I'm sure ....

Sounds like your other leg is hindering your progress and probably like Sharmaine says making your knee work harder than it is ready to do so.

I wish they did fold up crutches!
Speedy

angel1

I agree totally with Babycham about the Holistic approach. It certainly helped when it was time for my TKR. I needed the surgery from very soon after I was widowed, but knew that it was the wrong time. In fact it took two years, and a lot of work with a colleague of mine, before I felt that the time was right.

As a result of this thinking, and having a great surgeon, who agreed with me, and supported me totally, I had a very quick, painless recovery.

The fact that your emotions were so challenged Berty, will undoubtedly have affected your powers of recovery. Be patient, you will get to where you want to be.......Ange.

angel1

I`m a great believer in the thinking that says, if we are in emotional pain, it will manifest itself physically Cham.........Ange.x.

bertyboy

thank you one and all i know what you say all makes sense i have just got to convince my self a little more , xxxx

barbara12

Hi Berty
I have not had a TKR, so I cant help, but I know how you must be feeling so scared that things wont improve.
I am sure they will, you keep up the exercises, and write down what questions you have for your consultant.
And most of all keep coming on here to talk to us, It will help to get It off your chest.
Lots of very gentle hugs (((((((()))))))
Love
Barbara xx

marion1952

Hi Berty

In my humble opinion I think you are doing absolutely fine in your recovery.. I have heard that knee replacements take longer than hip replacements to 'settle down' so I think at 15 weeks you are bound to have aches, twinges, days when it feels better, days when it feels worse, etc..

After 2 years of not being able to walk properly your muscles will also not know what's hit them now!

I can see that the 'knee people' on the forum have given you good advice about exercise - I like Elna's tip about the stepping up and down the bottom stair.. -

Hope that you start to feel consistently better soon, Berty.

Marion

chris7

Hi Berty

Sorry I can't add to the good advice you have received here, but just wanted to call in and send a hug and hope you soon feel better about things. I am just so full of admiration for all of you who have had your ops. Am sure there are frustrating times when it seems recovery is too slow, but you will get there. Hang in there.
take care ((( )))
Chris x

dreamdaisy

Morning bertyboy, just a quick message to say hello and I hope you are feeling a little more positive today. DD

frogmorton

Hi Berty

was just checking in myself too

Hoping you are feeling a wee bit more optomistic today?

I like Elna's exrecise - It might be an idea as you can do it in private at home as often as you can. Build up all those poor tissues which have suffered.

Thinking of you

Love

Toni xx