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Stiff knee

Posted , 12 users are following.

robert57719
robert57719

Hi everyone 24 days post op TKR doing well good ROM but having trouble with movement when getting out of bed very stiff ok once exercised, ice every 2 hrs and on stationary bike 2x 15 mins low resistance still very swollen

Am I being impatient 🐌🐌🐌💃🏼💃🏼??

Thanks Rob

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • david_61958
    david_61958 robert57719

    Posted

    I m 6 was post op, every night around 3 in the morning I wake up due to pain, not real bad but just enough to keep me awake, also stiff in the a m ,I m told just hang in, I n hanging but when the hell am I going to get my energy back.
  • Meraai
    Meraai robert57719

    Posted

    Hi Robert, you are actually doing very well!  Be kind to yourself you are expecting too much way too soon. Stop the stationary bike for a few days and see if it makes a difference.  Recovery is not the same for everyone and not the same for different knee replacements in the same person.  If your knee swells that much it probably means you are doing too much.  Some people tend to swell even with a little excercise and you may be one of them (I am too) I am 9 weeks post-op with my second knee replacement and 8 months post-op with the first knee replacement.  By now I know that if the knee swells I did too much and need to give it a rest.  After the experience with swelling with my first knee replacement my physio have not even allowed me to start with the stationary bike yet (hopefully this week). I am walking fine and go up and down stairs fine but if I do too much the knee swells up. If your knee swells so much it impedes your recovery so rather be patient and listen to your body.  Elevate the knee above your hip several times per day and continue with the ice.  I have learnt that patience and time are the best healers.  Good luck!

     

  • dan28328
    dan28328 robert57719

    Posted

    Yes you are. This takes longer than any of us like. But considering what was done to our body, peddling a stationary after 3 weeks is great progress. Hopefully you are weaned off any harmful meds and getting some quality sleep time. I find that the lack of sleep has been a negative I would like to see go away..it will, but not fora few more weeks. That is why I am typing this at 4:00 am with ice packs on my thigh and calf.
  • NZJENNI
    NZJENNI robert57719

    Posted

    You are smile It sounds like you could be pushing a little hard to me. Are you doing your basic exercises still. They really do help.

    I am 6.5 weeks post op and doing really well but that much time on the bike would have my knee swelling also. I am limiting it to 7 mins 3x a day just increased from 5.

    BUT we are all different. Hang in there - it is the long game smile

  • j68551
    j68551 robert57719

    Posted

    Hi Rob, I am almost three years post-op TKR right knee. Op done in Sthlm, Sweden.

    Bad luck. Post operative infection. Pus still oozing out. But I can manage.  A new big operation at my age 67.  No thanks. Not right now. BTW I sleep very well every night and I can drive. Crucial for my work  as Auto Editor for a newspaper. Pain? Yes. Swelling? Yes. Stiffness? Yes. I manage walking short distances. Stairs? Upstair fine. Downstairs? Because of reduced flexion (bending) always hopping. Therefore I love escalators. Medication? In Sweden doctors liberally prescribe OxyContin 'Hillbilly Heroin'.  In Thailand it's not allowed by Thai FDA. But Viagra 'Blue Pills'  you can buy almost wholesale OTC.

    My pain I control with Tramadol ( Tramal) Never more than 50 mg per day and reduce it to  25 mg (with strong premium Arabica coffee) if you can. Smimming is also recommended more than walking. Hang in there. it will get better...

  • diane95880
    diane95880 robert57719

    Posted

    Hi Rob, I am almost 4 months post TKR, and I am still dealing with stiffness when I get up in the morning or up from any seated position. The stationary bike is great for relieving that stiffness, but don't overdo it. My PT had me on the bike for about 8 minutes when I was at your stage. Keep up the icing and keep it elevated. You sound like you are making great progress, but make sure you follow instructions. At 4  months post surgery, I can say I'm glad I had it done, and stiffness is my only issue. Wishing you the best,

    Diane

     

  • david_61958
    david_61958 robert57719

    Posted

    Will someone please respond relative to tiredness? I still feel tired most of the time? Am I the only one? Lack of energy?
    • susan22517
      susan22517 david_61958

      Posted

      Hi David!

      How far out are you on this surgery?

      Also. have you had blood work done to check for anemia?

    • diane95880
      diane95880 david_61958

      Posted

      Hi David, Exhaustion and lack of energy are your body's way of telling you that you are still in the healing process. Listen to it 😊I am almost 4 months past TKR, and some days I come home from work and still need a nap before I can do anything else. I took daily naps for the first 3 months. It's hard to feel that tired, but give in and take care of yourself. Before you know it, you'll feel like yourself again. Recovering from this surgery is a long, drawn out process, so give it time. Wishing you the best, Diane

    • NZJENNI
      NZJENNI david_61958

      Posted

      David - it may be something other than the surgery that is impacting on your vitality. Take a good look at your nutrition as we can use the easy go to's post op which can take its toll energy wise. Drink lots of water too. Also it may be depression which is common after a major surgery.

      Possibly it is time for a check up with your GP.

      All the best.

       

    • dave63380
      dave63380 david_61958

      Posted

      At 7 weeks your whole being is still in healing mode, not just your knee. If your really sleeping good then your doing better than I did. It was months of 2-3 hours sleep some nights. Then I did it all again in 3 months! Both knees replaced 3 months apart, about 2 years ago. A year of physical therapy and I was feeling great. The tiredness will pass, just work at strengthening your leg and you will begin to feel the progress which is very rewarding. Enjoy your recovery and appreciate that you can walk again.
  • susan27997
    susan27997 robert57719

    Posted

    Hi Robert,  glad that you found this site.  YES.,..you are being impatient! Recovery is measured in weeks, but mostly months!  It is such a different recovery rate than any other surgery and takes patience that you never knew you could find!  Once you can accept the fact that your new knee is an "alien" to the rest of your body and don't let it take over your life emotionally, things get easier. Don't fight the VERY slow recovery time but rejoice in the small victories...a few more hours of sleep at night, being able to cut back on pain RX, walking further, bending and extending further etc. You are in good company and we are all here to encourage you when you hit that wall of "I didn't sign up for this" .  I am just 6 weeks post TKA and am so thankful for this site.  You CAN do this.  Blessings!

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