I just want to get back to normal!
How many times have you said that since your knee replacement?
I know I did. Then I had a huge perspective shift.
What if my knee replacement was an actual level up? What if all this was happening so I had the chance to reinvent myself? That thought got me wondering how many other shifts I could make if I stopped trying to "get back to normal"
The fact is, nothing is normal post knee replacement.
Not your bathroom visits, showers (or bath), or even the way you get yourself ready each day. Who knows, maybe you aren't getting yourself ready each day. God knows there were days when I didn't have PT that I didn't do much more than use the restroom and do my heel slides.
So, let's get into a few tips first and then I am going to make a suggestion to you!!
First, please remember that you just went through a major surgery and your body needs time to heal and adjust. We don't want to rush into doing anything "normal" too soon as it can absolutely hinder progress and may lead to serious complications. It's a good idea to embrace the healing process.
Second, listen to your body! Pay attention to signals from your body and respect it’s limits. Pushing through pain or discomfort can exacerbate inflammation and delay healing. Please rest when you need to and do not hesitate asking in this group or your medical team any concerns that you have.
Third, decide and commit (Yetter Getter’s first step) to your physical therapy! Physical Therapy is specifically designed to strengthen your muscles, improve your flexibility and restore function to your new knee.
Fourth, release expectations!! Look, while achieving Range of Motion and Extension postop is of the utmost importance, it's not the only measurable timetable for you! There are many things you can look at as victories along the way, like walking further than you used to and lifting your leg on your own. I have a whole blog on paying attention to the intangibles.
And, lastly, practice self-compassion as your body heals itself. It’s entirely normal to experience moments of frustration and impatience, but it’s completely possible to turn those frustrations into gratitude for what your body is doing and how the cells are regenerating to get you back to “normal”. Remember, every step forward is in the right direction.
As promised, I am offering you a suggestion. Think of this adventure as a level up.
If there is something you have been wanting to do, but hasn’t materialized yet, use your knee replacement as a stepping stone. You just had your knee replaced and you are no longer the person you were when you had your degenerating knee.
So, use it as a springboard to “level-up”. Explore the things you’ve always wanted to do but never have. Is there a book you’ve wanted to write? An instrument you want to play? Are there places you want to go?
Use the courage, confidence and resilience skills you’ve honed in on through this surgery to propel you to the next adventure!! Then, your “old” normal, will absolutely get a level up! And, that my friend, is the Yetter Getter Mindset in action!
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