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← Return to Miserable from TKR: What can I do to get better?
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Miserable from TKR: What can I do to get better?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Nov 26, 2022 | Replies (88)Comment receiving replies
Had TKR in May surgeon said when I see you in 2 weeks I expect you to go 0-60 degrees. I had physical therapy prior to surgery so my therapist gave specific instructions with exercises, etc and he wanted me in his office day after surgery which I was. Got the same instructions from in hospital pt and physician. Amazing they were all saying the exact same thing. Following their directions I was zero degrees extension and got to 62 degrees flexion one day post op. Having said that the worst was inability to sleep which went on for over two months, then it got better.
Had a former reverse total shoulder 2 years ago by the same surgeon and have the same physical therapist who is young and uses a kinds of things to get me back in shape. He has used dry needling, cupping and muscle stimulator. I am on a strict exercise plan for both knee and shoulder and apparently these exercises are for life. Anyhow I believe with a great surgeon and great physical therapist without any complications it just takes a lot of hard work. There can be setbacks, they say that’s normal. I am still in therapy once a month working on balance and going up n downstairs in the normal way. It’s hard hang in there
Replies to "Had TKR in May surgeon said when I see you in 2 weeks I expect you..."
Oh, for goodness sake. Am I niaeve? I expected TKR to go well and with PT be almost as good as new. Well....guess not. First TKR was perfect; not much discomfort, walking almost right away. 3 yrs. later, TKR by a different surgeon. This TKR was sort of OK, but not as perfect. AND I AM REALLY TIRED OF THIS FEELING OF IMBALANCE WHEN I WALK. I NEVER EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM IN MY LIFE. Something, I think, is wrong with the alignment. I work hard at PT to build core and leg muscles to help support my back (another issue). I can play sports (golf and picklball) - but limited to length of time. My problem is balance!! I do not walk smoothly. Is it too much to expect these surgeries to work perfectly?? (Do I expect too much.). But I want to go to a specialist (not my surgeon) to determine what can be done about walking with a smooth gait and not "pitched" forward. I still have numbness after 2 years, but much improved. People think surgeon clipped a nerve. Well, by gosh, what am I supposed to do about that?
Can someone tell me what type of specialist I should go to to become more balanced. My surgeon suggested using a "Dr. Scholl's" type of foot pad. C'mon. How about something more sophisticated? OK, sorry, enough tears and self pity. Can someone suggest what type of specialist can correct my walking gait? Shall I go to the same hospital, but ask for a different Dr. What type of Dr.? Or am I supposed to just be happy with this second-rate surgery from one of the best hospitals in the NY area? Surgeon has a great manner, but I want results. Sorry for sharing my frustration and lack of direction..............
I am glad you had a good experience with your TKR. After reading all the comments, it definitely affects everyone differently. I was given stressing exercises a week or so before my surgery. Unfortunately I didn’t know. It was sent to me on a Get Well app to download to keep in contact with the dr. PT worked with me the day of my surgery, before I left the hospital. PT started coming to my house the day after my surgery. It is absolutely hard. Thank you for reaching out to me.
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Also I do water aerobics really helps