14 weeks post op ltkr and a bit disappointed

[Guest guest]

You may recall I wrote to the group regarding several concerns I was

having with my ltkr.

I saw my orthopedic surgeon this week. As a preface, I am a 53 year

old female, small build of average weight for my frame. I injured

my knee in gymnastics when I was 19 and had four subsequent

surgeries. In November I had number five surgery ... the big one ...

tkr.

Issue number one was the click-clunk that accompanies my every step.

Dr. reassured me this is perfectly normal and I will soon forget

about it.

Issue number two is my range of motion is stuck around 100 degrees.

I was told this is unfortunate because to get in and out of a car

and go gracefully up and down stairs you need at least 105. I was

advised that there is a large incidence of woman in my age group who

have had multiple knee surgeries who develop a lot of scar tissue

even though they are VERY proactive in their rehab. He said

manipulation at this point is out of the picture as he would end up

breaking bones instead of scar tissue, he also stated arthroscopic

surgery would only produce more scar tissue. He said over time, I

may get back a little more ROM and to stay with my rehab program so

I keep the ROM I have.

Issue number three is the knee buckling. On x-ray he could see my

knee cap tilted slightly to one side indicating the Quad muscle has

not recovered from surgery despite the active rehab. The muscle may

be permanently damaged and may not come back. Again he advised to

stay with the program to strengthen what I have left.

I know all this news could be worse in the broad scheme of

things ... but I was certainly hoping for more. As it is I still use

a cane at work and out shopping, I hobble up and down stairs like a

person 30 years my senior. (no offence intended to any 83+ folks in

the group)

Any suggestions or advise would be most sincerely appreciated.

heidi in the Hart of Wisconsin

(blizzard on the way and at least I have a good excuse not to shovel)