i feel such a wimp. I was shown in hospital to straighten my leg and lift. But instead I have asked my husband to help lift my leg as I was getting myself into a panic trying and not succeeding. If I sit in a chair I cannot lift my leg onto the footstool without using my other foot to lift it up. Am I not working hard enough at it?
All your posts are such a comfort as I am trying to see what is my game plan in taking charge of "the leg" which is swollen and heavy thigh to toe and I seem to be keeping up and icing most of the time.
It took me 11 days after the operation before a I could lift the leg I was using the end of my walking stick to lift it onto the bed until then keep trying and it will come
Me too, I was 12 days before I could l lift my heel only slightly off the bed. I am now 8 weeks and it is still hard and quite painful to lift my leg. I have put it down to my having a new knee cap as well. But it will get easier!
Hi Susan, that is exactly how it is in the beginning. There is a prop with a banded loop on the end of the stick, put your foot through the band and lift up with the handle of the stick. Your other foot is also a good tool. The strength comes back don't worry. Physical Therapy to me was the cure all. I did it for nine weeks three times per week as well as home excercise. This was a big operation, so it will take time. I am 5 months post op, never in the beginning did I think I would feel so good as I do now. Good luck to you. Sandi
DO NOT WORRY I am 4 week post tkr and only just regained control of my leg, I use something called a leg lifter which looks like a rigid dog lead you hook you foot and raise the "lead" is terrific ! I used it for all sorts eg in and out of car, bed etc. You can use a dressibg gown belt just make a loop in one end and lift your leg with belt ! your muscles have had massive trauma and need to heal, in addition if your leg is very swollen it will also be much heavier than normal. Also have you been told the weight of your new knee ? mine weighs awhole kilo more than my actual knee so your muscles have to strengthen to get used to this weight.you have enough to deal with at the moment so make /buy a leg lifter ! best wishes stay in touch
Listen to everyone on here Sue and don't panic. At 5 days I couldn't lift my own leg either. It took me several weeks. You're still getting used to the weight of the knee and the muscles are still battered and bruised.
You need to do what is easiest and most comfortable at the moment. It's too early to push yourself too far.
I hated to hear it but be patient. It will come. I am almost 10 weeks post and I am fully able to lift and move my leg (better than I have in years).
Hi, I am now 10 days post op, and I grab my surgical stocking as far down as I can to help lif my leg up on to the bed! Another way I was shown was with the long piece of physiotherapy elastic I was given - I make a loop with it, and place the flat of my foot into the bottom of it. Then holding the elastic in each hand, as it goes taught I can ease it up. Hope this helps x
5 days dont worry. Keep tensing the muscles above the knee. Get a device from Amazon called 'Leg Up' mobility aid. Its easy to get down about little things. I was still in hospital at 5 days and 6 months later walk as far as I want
First and most important part of recovery,........,.attitude......
Don't beat up on yourself over anything. Its a slow process and the steps you are going through are baby steps. If you don't succeed at 1st, back off, relax and try again. I see others giving technique advice and one of those will work for you. The 1st couple of times I went through this rehab routine I pushed myself into a rage.........and didn't get a damn bit closer to success because of it. The last 3 times I learned to be more patient with myself and got there much faster. I'm sure when I have to go through it when I get my newest joint in the next 2 months, I'll even be more clam and easy going. Age may have a little to do with it. I was 65 when it started and now am 78. I never was accused of being brilliant so it took me a while to get it but it sure has made recovery easier. Like I tell everyone, rest and hydration will help you push through the pain and discomfort. Just take pain meds on schedule, not after the real pain starts. Take little steps as being positives and realize enough of the little steps will add up to a giant stride. Stay in touch. The good people on here will help you through every up and down of this journey.
Hi Sue.. If you have a scarf or an old crepe bandage, loop it under your operated foot and it makes it easier to lift.. I used this from Day 4 and for quite a long while afterwards. It's really helpful as well to get in and out of the car.
I have to admit that at five days I couldn't move the damned thing at all! I shouldn't worry about asking for a bit of help to move the leg at this stage . .there will be plenty of time when you're feeling a bit stronger both emotionally and physically! Just keep trying to move it. My surgeon said you may try to move it five hundred times with no luck, but perhaps on the 501st it will! Not sure if it was that many, but in the end it moved!
I could only lift my leg with the help of a crepe bandage, about 3 mtrs folded in length and I used this around my foot by pulling hard...It was the only way I could get into the car from hospital.. I had this when I had my left knee done 7 years ago....didn't throw it away must have known I would need it sometime. I kept one in the bedroom so I could lift the leg onto the bed, and lift out when needed. One physio in the hospitalgave me a length of crepe this time specially for this. The next physio in hospital told me to throw it away....NO.... you will be able to lift your leg with no problem, you are only 5 days as yet... it is painful, uncomfortable but persivere.. it will come right. Take your medication at all times and don't worry, it will be strong enough to lift of its own accord and you will be surprised at how this makes you feel, another acheivement met.
Thank you all so so much, I have just read all of your lovely post whilst crying with relief, I feel you have thrown me a rope to climb up as I was beginning to doubt myself at such an early time on this journey. I will read everybody's posts as and when and hope I can help and encourage someone as you have done for me today .
This is a great site Susan I found it before my op and has been a godsend As everyone on here knows what you are going through and you get great advice and support take care
This was what I found to be the most bizarre thing! I used my good leg to lift the new knee one. My husband and I amused ourselves with me sitting on the sofa with my leg extended trying to make it lift and only achieving a slight twitching of the foot - it really is the most odd sensation to have your brain sending the "lift" instruction and nothing happens!
must have known I would need it sometime. I kept one in the bedroom so I could lift the leg onto the bed, and lift out when needed. One physio in the hospitalgave me a length of crepe this time specially for this. The next physio in hospital told me to throw it away....NO.... you will be able to lift your leg with no problem, you are only 5 days as yet... it is painful, uncomfortable but persivere.. it will come right. Take your medication at all times and don't worry, it will be strong enough to lift of its own accord and you will be surprised at how this makes you feel, another acheivement met.