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Disappointed — When a physician decides to wait on replacement
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 29, 2019 | Replies (7)Comment receiving replies
Hi @jenna16bella - I totally understand your frustration. On my first TKR, I was literally on crutches. I could not walk unassisted. They gave me a shot - it didn't help much or for long - and it caused me to have to wait 3 months before they could schedule my surgery. I was frustrated and wished I could have gone ahead and had the surgery up front, but the silver lining of that cloud was that they prescribed physical therapy called "pre-hab" as opposed to re-hab.
It gave me 3 months to do some strength training for my legs, which made my recovery much quicker and easier. I have also been told that if they do everything they can do - including the injections - before deciding on surgery, it is easier to justify for insurance purposes. Did your doctor prescribe "pre-hab" therapy? If not, could you call and ask if PT would be helpful while you wait for your surgery?
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@debbraw I have heard of people doing "pre-hab" and I asked my ortho about it. He asked if I exercised at all and I told him I do water exercise and ride my recumbent bike. He said then I was already doing exactly what I should be doing! I had been doing those things for a while and they really did help. Before I had a TKR on my R knee I was in pain 24/7 and limping badly. By the time I had the TKR on my L knee I was in pretty good shape. A few friends thought I was crazy to have it since I was doing so well but I went ahead knowing that eventually it would catch up with me again, and I am very glad that I did.
Exercises like these strengthen the supporting muscles and really do help tremendously.
JK