Hi everyone. Even though it is a good idea to read about other total Knee Replacement Patients and their experiences, please remember that we are all different. Stop comparing yourself to other Tkr Patients. Everyone recuperates at their own pace. And, everyone went into their total knee replacement surgery with a different background, different experiences. Some have experienced trauma, others aging issues, and some have a combination of the two (like me).
My tkr is the result of a car accident which happened 45 years ago. There was trauma to my knee and entire leg. The main leg injury was a fractured femur (thighbone). At the time, the doctors said I had arthritis in my knee as a result of my knee smashing against the dashboard. I was told then that I would not really have any problems until 30 years down the road. As a 21 year old, I thought…”Yeah, ok. That’s when I’m old.” So, here I am 40+ years later, living with a total knee replacement.
I am mentioning this since my tkr recuperation has added concerns as compared to the typical osteoarthritis (aging) concerns. That is the way it is and I accept that. I don’t compare myself with others and neither should you. There is no point in doing that. It can result in feeling inadequate.
Recently one of my readers suggested having a flexion contest among the tkr readers/patients on my blog. I love that competitive spirit and found her enthusiasm refreshing. However, I would not stack up at all, and I’m not going to try to. While other tkr patients are striving for 115-135 flexibility range (kudos to you all!), I am not in the same ball park. I’m not your average bear.
Even though gauging yourself against other tkr patients will give you a general idea about experiences, comparisons between flexibility and activities is just not a good idea. That’s my opinion, anyways. For instance, I know that to “graduate” from physical therapy, 95 was the flexibility target goal for me. I saw other tkr patients, at the same time period of my surgery, with 115-120. I started to feel inadequate since I was struggling to reach 95. And, that was with my physical therapy lady pulling and pushing on me so hard I could have screamed loud enough for Asia to hear me. (I live in USA)
The only comparison you need to make is with yourself. All you can do is keep bettering yourself. Remember your pre-tkr flexibility and activity level. Then, compare it to how you are after your surgery. In my case, my flexion remains about the same as prior to my total knee replacement…90-95 And, I may never have more than that. My doctor told me to be prepared for that fact based upon my prior medical experience.
I believe it is important to mention this since comparing yourself with others can make you doubt your own accomplishments. What good is that? Anyone diligently working (doing their exercises) after a total knee replacement surgery needs to be proud of what they have accomplished. Do not doubt yourself.
So, when you hear of or see other total knee replacement patients with their desirable activity level, impressive flexion degrees, and other aspects you want to have – remember we are all different. You do not know their background. Stop comparing yourself to other tkr patients.
Good luck!
Find this post suggesting you to stop comparing yourself to other tkr patients interesting? Kindly share it with others…….
AUTHOR NOTE: Booktoots Healing helps total knee replacement patients find support throughout recuperation and beyond. Its mission is for patients to understand they are not alone in their ordeal with either a tkr or other health concerns.
This award-winning site is owned and operated by Marie Buckner, a published author, tkr blogger, and tkr patient who has been living with various health conditions for over 45+ years. She enjoys sharing her experiences to help others going through the same thing.
The post Stop Comparing Yourself To Other TKR Patients appeared first on Booktoots' Healing.
