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New knee has created other medical problems

Posted , 14 users are following.

mary12001
mary12001

Hi

10 weeks post op TKR on right knee and lately have been having the most awful pain in my lower back on the right side.

This morning around 5am went in the kitchen for a walk round because I couldn't sleep due to pain and discomfort and the pain in my back was gushing. I had to sit down and rest. Today I felt weak and have flu like symptoms.

I would never go into this so lightly ever again. I never thought I would end up like this. I think they discharge you too early from these NHS Choose and book private hospitals. 3 days and you're practically thrown out. Any problems go to A&E or your own GP.

Somebody I know had hers done on the NHS and she was in for nearly a week.

Anybody else feel like this - just can't seem to get well

2 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • tana4life
    tana4life mary12001

    Posted

    Mary

    I am 13 weeks po had both knee done the end of January sometimes I don't think I am doing good but people around me say I'm doing great. Two things I can offer get a heating pad and some over the counter sleep aid ( no pain meds added just sleep aid) a good night sleep will work wonders. Good luck .

  • debbie171066
    debbie171066 mary12001

    Posted

    3 days is the norm for tkr! I had it done in local nhs hospital! All the physios and nurses all said 3 days to me! Im at the same stage as u and agree its hard! Iv got pains badly in other leg and hip! Iv took kalms a herbal treatment the last 2 nights and it has really helped! Iv slept much better i cant believe it! Try them if you get a good nt sleep you will cope better in the day! Im also walking at least 20 mins a day to strengthen leg! Very important! I would use ice packs on anywhere you have pain! All chiropracters and physios always say ice! Good luck! Iv got physio tomoz hope iv got my bend ok! They are so strict!
  • deborah90838
    deborah90838 mary12001

    Posted

    Mary, we all walk differently after a TKR, it's inevitable. I've found that my chiropractor has been invaluable. Soon after each of my replacements I was back to her at least once a week for a couple of months. She was able to keep that back ache at bay.

    Also, here in the states 3 day stays in the hospital are the norm. I actually went home the next day with my second one. Hang in there, take your pain meds and rest when you can.

  • sueisobel
    sueisobel mary12001

    Posted

    Even private hospitals "kick you out".  There is no need to keep you in any longer.  With the proper medication you can do very well, if not better, at home.

    the reason it does not hurt when in hospital, is because you are doped up to the eyeballs.  You have to take medication when you leave. If you are in pain and say nothing how are the doctors supposed to know.  If what you are already on is not enough, then ask for more.  You are not able to recover properly if you are in pain.  Everything freezes up and your rehab goes backwards.  Ring your doctor, go get something stronger

  • sueisobel
    sueisobel mary12001

    Posted

    Think about how you walked before the operation.  Lop-sided! Limping? Favouring one side over the other??? Now you have had your replacement you are having to learn to walk properly.  All this poor muscles that were used and abused and got used to a certain position now have to get used to being in the right position, hips, spine, back of thighs, calves, even up to your neck.  Think about it and it will start to make sense.  What you are feeling is normal, but only you can get better, it is as much a mental thing as physical.  You have to learn to be positive.  Your limbs have a new lease of life.  Think of your pain as a healing pain.  If you are in too much pain then take painkillers.  People can give you all the sympathy in the world.  We feel your pain, but that is not going to heal you, at the end of the day it is up to you.  You need to start feeling positive. Do your exercises, buy some essential oils; there are so many mood lifting oils out there.  Comfort food, and a comfortable sofa and something to do all go to aid in your recovery
    • Mkhp
      Mkhp sueisobel

      Posted

      Great info n very supportive. I'm in tar 5 weeks now. I try to walk down the block every day even though it feels awkward. Knee just doesn't want to bend the way it should through normal walking. Been having trouble with bending the knee, up to  80-90degrees, depending on inflammation.  I've gotten a few apps for positive reinforcement n relaxation. I have a lot of anxiety when going to pt, due to previous almost intolerable pain. I've read a lot about passive vs aggressive ROM.  So my new somewhat adjusted attitude helps. But still have that little gremlin in the back of my head who is not so encouraging. Do the exercises n your best, eventually all will fall together 

       

    • sueisobel
      sueisobel Mkhp

      Posted

      Sweetie, we all have gremlins, and those gremlins just love to give us bad advice; eat that extra piece of cake, dont go to the gym today, let's not bend the knee as it is going to hurt.  We know what to do, so kick itinto touch and make a friend with Patience.  Patience is the word of wisdom, that gentle voice in the back of mind, say if you do this slower, you will be able to do it better. Patience tells you to take a deep breath and go for it (at your pace).  We all heal differently and at different rates, just because the physion tells you you are supposed to be 90 degrees, does not mean you HAVE to be there.  It is not a case of "I can't, ikt hurts too much (that's the gremlin). It is a case of you beable to do 85 degrees.  If it means that much to you, sit on a chair and place your bad leg behind your good leg and gently push, when you get to the point where it starts to hurt, just hold it there.  The hardest part is to relax, by holding your leg in that position for a little while, your brain will realise that hey its not so bad, and you start relaxing, it is a physical feeling, you can actually feel the tension dissipate.  This is when you push a little further back and hold.  This comes in handy when you are in all sorts of places, even at your local restaurant, sitting on a bus, choices are endless.  If you consciously did this for a week, you would be surprised at your progress.  You don't really need a physio, but at 5 weeks there is a "statutory" amount time you have to have guidance; just to make sure you are doing the right things.  Once you have the hang ot what you are supposed to do, stop going. You are slowly but surely getting your life back and on your terms.  You knee may not be functioning as it should right now, but the important thing is; the joint itself is stable, believe me, I have tested this theory!! it is the surrounding areas that need building up. Diet also comes into it, certain vegetables and foods can irritate your joints (or where metal meets bone). Buy an essential oil like neroli, or patchouli, rose, Bergamot(bit too strong for me), You are supposed to dilute when using, but just put a spot on the tip of your nose and sniff.  It lasts for ages and may help with your anxiety.

      Don't be hard on yourself, you are doing the right things and it is still early days, a normal broken bone takes 6 weeks to heal, you personally have to take into consideration the nerves, that have been severed and soft tissue re-aligned/ re-attached and general abused, there will still be a little debris floating around.  This will affect the way you feel, but there are ways to cope and you are doing alright.

      Have a good day

    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 sueisobel

      Posted

      Aw sueisobel your post is brilliant. It has really helped me! Thank you so much. Im 11 weeks today. Iv got physio this afternon and was nervous as havent been for 3 wks and gosh they really concentrate on my bend! I had 86 then and im sure iv got 90 now! But what you said about all the healing of everything and everything being in place is just what my specialist said last thurs! The bend wil come. Your post just reaffirmed this for me! So thanks great advice
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel debbie171066

      Posted

      You are most welcome, good luck with the physio, when she pushes your leg back, just relax, take your brain off to somewhere nice and let her push. If its only for a few minutes you will get that extra degree.
    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 sueisobel

      Posted

      Hi just been to physio i got 90 %on bend but no more. The physio said i must walk with my crutch and i shouldnt have given it up as i wasnt helping leg the way im walking because im holding it a bit stiff! Got to take their advice but feel like i may of delayed it a bit! Oh well. He also gave me a few more exercises to help. Gosh what a long process!
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel debbie171066

      Posted

      If you walk with a crutch it means you are not walking properly, that you are not weight bearing.. By using a cane you are weight bearings nod using your muscles and are using the cane as extra support.  90degree bend is pretty good, it's not to be sniffed at.  How much muscle wastage do you have.  If your knee is stiff have you tried sitting in the bath.  You are relaxing so would be able to bend your knee.  Try the swimming pool.  It's strange that your physio hasn't suggested sending you to a hydropool.  A swimming pool full of warm water, the sides are graduated with all sorts of swimming/floating aids to help you.  You are right, it is a long process, don't lose heart.x
    • roma5763
      roma5763 sueisobel

      Posted

      sueisobel, very good advise tips. I had a double tkr on 3/24/16. Everyone says I am doing so well. Started with a walker and now have a cane for steps or those really painful days. It really is a mind set kind of recovery and I just tell myself I'm going to finally have a great summer. Some of the pain is on the same level as before surgery and I figure if I made it through that...it'll just get better. Getting a good night's sleep does help. I was given a muscle relaxer for back pain and it helps me sleep better than pain meds. Everyone is different though. Have 8-12 p.t. sessions left and can't wait to be kicked out! Lol! Good luck all.
    • tana4life
      tana4life roma5763

      Posted

      Roma

      Finally someone else that had both knees done at the same. I am 14 weeks post op both mine done end of Jan . So if some days you feel like you are going backwards just stay strong it will get better. I like to workout in the pool it's great . Good luck to you.

    • sueisobel
      sueisobel roma5763

      Posted

      You are doing good. Just keep taking the meds on a regular basis.  Think of the pain as healing pain as opposed to just plain pain.  It helps you cope a little better.  Sleep is so important, it helps you cope better, to help ease your back, try sitting down, legs straight in front of you and (try to) touch your toes.  When you get there, try and relax, you may find the area around your back ease up.  The lower you go the better.  It is going to be a fantastic summer for you.
    • roma5763
      roma5763 sueisobel

      Posted

      Thank you for tips. I am going to stretch not only for back but left calf has been really sore today also. Had a hard physical therapy session yesterday.
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel roma5763

      Posted

      When you are doing that exercise, try pointing your toes towards your face. Also make sure the back of your knees are flat against the surface. This way you will be able to feel the tension in your calves (as well as along the side of your thighs)
    • mary12001
      mary12001 debbie171066

      Posted

      Dear Debbie

      I've got the bend 93 but it's the pain and swelling that is my problem.im lying here now in bed 7.39pm.

      I've taken my last anadin which contains ibuprofen and have had to take a Solpadol 30/500 because of the pain. I am soon going to take one nytol but I know the pain will eventually break through any sleep I get. So it could be another night of the long knives like last night. That's when I wake at 12 midnight with painful feet and leg area. I need to walk on a cool surface so I'm padding round my flat like a demented soul.

      Tomorrow is Bank Holiday so I'll try and get some more Anadin - won't be dancing round the maypole that's for sure.

      Mind you I've found myself becoming fixated on knees.

      I envy a good pair of knees and wonder if I'll ever forget about mine and just walk normally again. I wish we could all meet up somewhere.

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