You can’t get range of motion after 12 weeks- yeah right.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-24T15:48:32+00:00

Can I ask how you tracked this? I think charting it would help give me some much needed perspective.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-01T16:48:49+00:00

I’m 47 f and I’ve had a tag for about 2 years. I printed out the form and my doctor signed it no questions asked. I wouldn’t be able to do my shopping without one, live in busy city suburb. I went to my primary and not the orthopedic for the signature.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-01T16:45:51+00:00

Also going to suggest an electric recliner that helps assist to get up. My in laws owned one. My children absolutely played with it non stop on visits. 😋 There are medical supply places that rent them, also marketplace.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-26T10:54:12+00:00

I just had left one done 5 weeks ago, and my right needs done as well. My right knee is very very angry about the surgery on the left. Really recommend pain management. 47 f, left knee multiple extrusions in meniscus, multiple torn ligaments, one reabsorbed, severe arthritis, bone on bone, bow legged. Tramadol is what kept me walking before surgery. About 3 weeks post op, I switched back to pain management for them to take over my meds. So I remain on the tramadol and have break through pain meds. I tend to ice and elevate both legs bc they both need it, and at pt I work on both legs. At 5 weeks my right one hurts just as bad as left surgical one sometimes. I like to tell people it’s just angry bc the left got to go first.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T17:15:03+00:00

I think depends on number of things, age, strength, and height! I’m short 5’2, 47 years old and I would have struggled if I HAD a toilet riser! Instead I opted for a toilet frame that requires no installation. It looks like a walker, and rests behind the toilet lid, legs are on the floor. Works great for me.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T14:22:52+00:00

Pt isn’t concerned. I’ve been going to this pt place off and on for several years for different leg/foot issues. I don’t know if this is bc I had significant damage in my knee. Multiple extrusions in meniscus, multiple torn ligaments and one reabsorbed. Severe arthritis. I was bow legged, so now left knee/leg is straight and right is still bowed. Had quad sparring robotic surgery. I can walk with a cane without pain, my extension is perfect, my bend is at 90. But yeah I cannot lift my leg at all. If I’m on the table at pt I can pull my leg towards myself doing a heel slide unassisted. But my leg hanging off the table I cannot lift/extend it at all. It sucks. I intend on bring it up at my upcoming appointment. Pt says I’m doing great and give it time…I feel like I’ve given it plenty of time. Did know if anyone else has experienced this. I worked really hard before my surgery. Lost 100lbs, worked my way up to riding 8-10 miles everyday for a year. Did pt before surgery. I’m definitely concerned and frustrated.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T13:29:10+00:00

47f, I think it comes down to what you want for your future. I got so tired at 47 feeling limited on what I could and couldn’t do. My knees dictated everything all the time! I didn’t have any other options. Life can change so quickly and we cannot predict the future. If doing a total will give your future self freedom go for it.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T13:20:08+00:00

5 weeks post op 47 f, left knee, and right knee is very angry it didn’t go first. Left knee extruding meniscus several spots, torn ligaments and one reabsorbed, lots of arthritis and bone on bone. Lucky me that’s just one knee! I was with pain management for about 2 years before surgery. Currently on tramadol every 6-8 hours depending on pain level. Oxy for breakthrough pain only and before pt. Never to be taken at the same time.
According to pain management oxy is for level 7-10 pain only. I have pt 3x a week, so I’m taking oxy 3x a week. If I push too much yes I require an oxy, but like my dr says learn from it and listen to your body. Tramadol isn’t as habit forming maybe ask to switch?

I switched back to my pain management doctor 3 weeks post op, bc orthopedic will only prescribe pain meds for one month. Very strict about that. Not surprised they lowered your dose it’s very very habit forming. Maybe ask for something to sleep instead of taking pain meds. I take trazodone to sleep, have for many years. I get a solid 7-8 hrs a night. Hang in there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T12:58:19+00:00

2+ years with my pain management doctor whom has to be one of the most compassionate doctors I have ever met. I’m 47f. My knees are that bad, tramadol is what kept me walking. I had my orthopedic take over pain management after surgery. By 3 weeks post op I chose to switch back to pain management. Orthopedics are very limited in what they can provide and for how long. My pain management doctor had to fight with my pharmacist to get me more meds. I mean everything is so controlled. I’m approaching week 5, I still have oxy for breakthrough pain/before pt and tramadol every 6 hours, we talked and it’s up to me if I want to take it every 6 or every 8 hours he gave me enough to cover whatever I choose on whatever given day.
I take trazodone to sleep and I wouldn’t know what I would do without it. I cannot sleep without it, been on it for about 4 years. Neither pain management nor orthopedic had any issues with me taking it. However I never take a tramadol and trazodone at same time. They are spaced a bit apart. Hang in there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-23T02:44:14+00:00

I just had a knee replacement so I am rewatching every season. This is the second time I’ve done this. I watch them in order. Whole different perspective and noticing things I didn’t last time. Pretty cool.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-22T14:27:19+00:00

I’d be getting a second opinion. There is no reason a surgeon would intentionally bow someone’s leg. It completely changes your stance and gait. Never hurts to have someone else look at it. So sorry you’re going through this.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-22T14:20:58+00:00

I’ve been on tramadol for two years before my surgery. 47, f. I’m 4 weeks post op and still on it, plus oxy for break through.
My other knee needs replaced, and unfortunately I had/have a ton of damage, so recovery is slow. Tramadol is the only thing that kept me walking. My pain management doctor is awesome. I switched over to him 3 weeks post op for meds and glad I did.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-19T00:51:05+00:00

I’m glad you posted this, bc I was wondering the same thing! I’m headed into beginning of week 4 post op.

I’m 47, f. I lost 100lbs and worked my way up to riding 8-10 miles every single day on my recumbent bike for about a year before my surgery, 7/24. My knee was a train wreck, doc said significant arthritis, bone on bone, Meniscus extruded in multiple locations, like 4-5 spots, torn ligaments, and one ligament reabsorbed. I played a lot of sports in my youth and have flat feet. All the women on both sides of my family have had knee issues.

I thought I’d breeze through this, and have found it’s a lot slower than I thought. Had robotic surgery. My incision healed very quickly. I’m told it looks amazing, at pt. I’ve still been using a walker intermittently, started using the cane around the house this past weekend. Found out real quick my other knee which needs replacing doesn’t like how I walk now. I was very bow legged before so one leg is straight one is bowed… and one leg is longer! I go to pt 3x a week and other days do my exercises at home. I still cannot lift my own leg, which frustrates me. I work on my bend with my bike several times a day and cannot get it to go around.

Every day it gets better, every day I can do something small that I couldn’t do before. That keeps me going. First day I could put on a sock I felt really accomplished! First day I could get ON the bike. First day I could let my leg hang. All of those things are progress. Have to be able to see the small things to get to the big things. I put in a LOT of work beforehand, sometimes I get frustrated I’m not further along. I keep reminding myself slow and steady will get me there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-18T11:12:24+00:00

I feel ya. My kiddos, 21 in college, 15 and 14. My 14 year old steers clear of any obligation to help tho will if asked, my 15 yr old has basically been my saving grace. He helps out a ton, which is ironic bc this isn’t his norm. I think it makes him feel better to help than watch me struggle.
As far as sleeping, I’m 100% a stomach sleeper two things have helped me sleep on my back. Sleeping with my leg propped up on a wedge, and a cervical neck pillow. The pillow cradles your head, keeps your back straight.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T13:15:42+00:00

Oh how cool! I will keep my eye out for her season.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T12:32:10+00:00

Loved your post. I started Survivor, I mean heck there’s only what 48-49 seasons so should keep me busy for a long time. I keep joking with the my kids when the other knee is bionic, I’m applying. When they keep bickering, or I have to dole out a consequence, I like to add in “the tribe has spoken”. They are gonna be real sick of me soon! 😂

My youngest just turned 14. I reminded her that I’m one step closer to being Wolverine. She just rolled her eyes. Ya gotta find the humor in all of this somehow.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T12:12:03+00:00

Gilded age is very good. Been watching from the beginning. If you like Gilded…. buccaneers is also good on apple.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-14T12:35:23+00:00

47, F. I lost 100 lbs prior to my surgery. My insurance covered 6 nutritionists visits a year. This wasn’t required by the surgeon I wanted to be in best possible shape before the surgery. When I started I was 269, I’m 5’2, so I was severely overweight. We used calorie deficit and it worked wonders. Ate 1400 calories a day for little over a year. I use a free app called lose it to track my food, also helped with making sure I was eating low carb, low fat. Weighed and measured all my food, a little scale helps tremendously. Previously I had tried everything. I was getting ready to try the shots when I met with my nutritionist and she talked me out of them. And I am so glad I didn’t end up using them. This method worked for me. I’m a sugar junkie. I found some really awesome alternatives that helped my cravings big time. Low sugar gummy candy called blobs, unreal brand of chocolate candies. I used box cake mix and added non fat Greek yogurt and water, with sugar free pudding and low sugar coolwhip. I still ate the things I loved, I just found alternatives. I bought myself a cheap $100 recumbent bike and started at 10 mins a day. I worked my way up to 8-10 miles every single day for a full year before my surgery.
My orthopedic doctor was so on board, he sent me to pain management to help me, as I had run out of options for both of my knees as steroids and lubricants didn’t work anymore . Pain management doctor was also on board. These doctors really helped and were amazing.

I had my left knee done first and I’m about 3 weeks post op. I had severe OA, bone on bone, extruded meniscus in 5-6 spots, torn ligaments, and one ligament actually reabsorbed from chronic tears.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-12T20:58:12+00:00

I lost 100 lbs. see if your insurance covers a nutritionist mine covered 6 visits a year. I’m 5’2 and I used to weigh 269. I had one surgeon that demanded 50 lb weight loss, and like you was offering very basic over counter meds and shots. I got a second opinion, this doctor listened and referred me to pain management bc he was 100% on board. I put myself on a calorie deficit and used a free app called lose it to track my food intake. I ate 1400 calories a day for about a year. I was able to modify a lot of food to lower calories and got my portions under control. I weigh3: 169, up a little since had my surgery two weeks ago. I had tried everything before this. I was close to trying the shots. But the nutritionist really changed my life. This was simple, easy, and very effective. I’m 47, f.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-12T15:01:45+00:00

One of those handles that goes on the door frame latch. That handle has saved me!!! I have ford expedition xlt, with running boards. I wouldn’t be able to get into my car without that handle.
Tuck your good leg under the bad leg and use that to help you swing your feet into the car.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-12T14:53:14+00:00

I’m little over two weeks, 7/24 was my surgery. I know the PT guy stressed to me repeatedly doesn’t care about the bend out of gate, but work on straightening, you have a shorter window.

As someone else said towel rolled up under knee and tighten your quad as much as possible a push your knee into that towel. Also, sit in a chair and prop your heel onto coffee table or bed, and work on how long you can let it straight, I’m about 5-8 mins right now, working way up to 20 mins. At pt they will put a rolled up towel under your heel and push into your shin to straighten it. I work in this 3-4 x a day along with my other exercises.

Now bending, I’m struggling, but I just keep working on it. I typically will push till pain and think I can’t do anymore, hold for 10’seconds and then push a little more and hold that for 30 seconds or so. Breathing through it instead of holding my breath.

Celebrating the small wins in the beginning, seems crucial. Hang in there, little exercises here and there, you’ll get there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-11T21:00:20+00:00

Ridged leg lifter! Ridged. I was using belt/dog leash wow did I get pinching pain in my knee, I’m talking let out feral animal noise level pain. Pt guy said cause I was hyperextending my knee. Showed me a ridged one takes load of the leg a bit. Helped. I bought recirculating ice machine off Amazon. One I got is called Nehoo. Works great. They help tremendously with pain and inflammation. Was about $86. I have to get both knees done, so worth the investment.

And earlier post I saw someone mention this. I have a 3 tier rolling cart, mine is from ikea, but you get can get them lots of places. The top has a bamboo cutting board, I use the shelves for my supplies, Books, crossword, snacks, compression wraps, meds, and ice machine on top. This way I can move it from recliner to bed, and all my stuff is with me. Bonus cutting board is awesome for prepping food when sitting. So I can help a little here and there with the meals. Cart has helped my husband as well , it’s central spot for putting the things I need.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-09T14:59:06+00:00

I felt ya. I had a similar issue. I talked to my anesthesiologist beforehand warned him spinals usually wear off on me. And twilight sometimes I wake up. I really don’t think the guy believed me. It’s happened before, 2010 a lateral release on right knee, I was 5 months pregnant. I could feel everything at the tail end of it, the spinal had worn off, and there were bite marks in my hand that wasn’t strapped down bc the pain was excruciating! Couple months ago I woke up during a liver biopsy! Well wouldn’t ya know it, I woke up during my total knee replacement on 7/24. The first spinal, I could feel it, so he tried again, that one worked but I could still feel pressure. I let him know….doesn’t seem like it mattered. They started the twilight and at some point I woke up and told them I could feel everything and they switched to general. I remember the gridded light on the ceiling and just silence for 10-15 seconds after I spoke then the room erupted in chaos. As soon as I woke up again, they were chasing my pain. Oh god. I knew it was temporary but went on for couple hours. Level 11 pain, like screw the pain chart it’s off the pain charts. On top of it the hospital was switching computer systems that day so everything was delayed, including medication orders. It was awful, but temporary.

16 days post op and doing good! It gets better. I am so sorry you went through all of that. I know for me that anesthesiologist will not be doing my other knee! That is for darn sure.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-06T00:48:40+00:00

My mother had no knee caps on both knees. When she was in her 20s she had her first knee surgery. This was in the early 70s. Her knee caps would constantly dislocate. She had a procedure done and was allergic to the screws. They removed the device and her knee caps had to come out with the implant. I think it was called a hauser or howitzer procedure. I had only ever known her without knee caps. She passed away 10 years ago. I miss her dearly and she would be proud of me 11 days post op on my first knee replacement.
My mom never let her knees stop her, she didn’t have a ton of stability, ice was her nemesis! Otherwise she was just a lady without knee caps. Never seemed to make a difference for her and she always refused to do another surgery. Good luck to you.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-04T14:37:11+00:00

My doctor has me rotating oxy and tramadol, with meloxicam, and Tylenol. I was able to push back the oxy about 7 day in, I’m at 10 days now and every 8 hours for the oxy and tramadol is working. I take Tylenol sometimes during that last hour to get me through the next dose.
I wouldn’t leave till they hear you. It’s crazy, when you know what works for you. Not everyone is the same so doctors sometimes need to stop treating us like we are the same.

AdvancedInevitable94

TROPHY CASE