Do I proceed to a TKA or live with what I have?

[Rennschnecke]

This is such good news and great after all the agony you've been through.

I know it's early days still, but I hope you are feeling positive about recovery.

Take care of that knee! 

[Jill M]

Thanks Rennschnecke! I am feeling positive about my recovery. I have to keep up the hard work to see good results.

Jill

[Janet]

Wow, 119 at 3 weeks! You've passed me with flying colors. Congratulations and keep it up!

Janet

[Jill M]

Thanks Janet! I am really pleased with my progress. I didn't set my expectations very high after all the other surgeries so I wouldn't be disappointed.
I hit 120 today at PT! Dr. B said he would be pleased with 120.

Jill

[Janet]

You go, girl! Keep working at it and really surprise him. Plus you may slide back a few degrees when you are done with PT. The highest I ever measured after my TKR was 116, and I settled in at 111.

Janet

[Jill M]

Hello all!
I had my 6 week post op appointment with Dr. B today. He was very pleased with my progress. Flexion is 122, extension is 0. Orders to continue PT and follow up in 6 weeks.
It was interesting that he mentioned that if my incision was still pink in color then the tissues are still pliable and that I might be able to gain more motion in my knee.
At my appointment when they took my vital signs my heart rate was high- 127. They retook it and it was 119. Still high. Heart rate was not irregular to suspect a-fib. I am going to my primary MD on Friday to figure out what's going on. 
No going back to work until the heartrate issue is figured out.
Jill

[missmyknee]

Hi Jill

I was wondering how you've been. I can't believe it's been 6 weeks already !  Your report sounds wonderful    Keep it going.

I hope your heart check turns out OK. Afib is no fun. I've had it since 2004. I had an ablation for SVT and 30 hrs later I developed afib. I had a hard time getting it under control. I was very symptomatic with it. Some people don't even know they are in it. When I was in it, all I could do is lay down, it wore me out. I take flecainide for it and Toprol XL to keep the heart rate down. I had to go thru a couple different meds like Sotalol and Rythmol before staying with flecainide since the Fall of 2004. I fainted one time , had to go to the ER and was hospitalized because I found out I have Long QT syndrome. 

Keep it going, congrats 

Pam

[Jill M]

Went to my Primary MD today. He thinks my elevated HR is realted to a medication that I am taking. He stopped that medication. I also had some labs drawn. My HgB was low when I was discharged from the hospital so he wanted to recheck that. If I am still anemic my heart rate could be trying to compensate by trying to pump more blood.
He is going to let me know about the labs and I am going to monitor my heart rate at home to see how I respond to not being on the medication.
Jill

[Rennschnecke]

Hi Jill

It seems like there's always something doesn't it?

BTW, I was reading something about TKRs (priming myself for the day when ...) and from what I've read, regular knee protheses don't allow for ROM much beyond 120, so your 122 is fantastic!  Knowing this helps to appreciate what an awesome outcome you've achieved and that comparisons with the ROM for a normal knee are no longer relevant.

Hope you have a good weekend! 

[Jill M]

Rennschnecke,
Yes, it does seem like something all the time. At least it doesn't seem to be anything serious.

You are correct regarding the majority of knee prothesis. There are some newer implants that have high flexability.
My implant is from Wright Medical- it is the evolution knee. It is more like the natural knee as far as stability and ability to have lateral movement. My surgeon said my prosthesis is capable of 130 or more degrees but the majority of patients achieve approx 120 flexion. 

As you stated- my outcome has been awesome. With my history of AF and extension deficit going into the surgery I didn't know what to expect. I was confident that I had a skilled surgeon to treat my problem. He was optimistic that I would have good results but I would have to work hard. I am amazed each day as I gain more strength and have less pain. I am truly blessed.

Jill

[Janet]

Jill:

I am so happy for you! You've done so well with your flexion. Good for you! Now let's hope your heart rate calms down now that your meds have been changed.

Janet

[Jill M]

I went back to work today and survived. Knee didn't swell too much. I am a little tired but wethered the storm! I am glad to be back at work but my dog isn't too happy! LOL

Jill

[Janet]

Now that's real progress! Good for you!

Janet

[missmyknee]

Hi Jill

What a wonderful milestone for you to reach !  At one point, this was just a dream and now it is a reality.

Enjoy your new knee 

Pam

[Jill M]

Thanks Janet & Pam for your replies. It's Wednesday and my knee is a little sore but tolerable. I have been propping my leg up and trying to ice it at least a few times a day and then using my polar care when I get home.

Jill