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10 wks post op tkr driving but knee hurting

Posted , 7 users are following.

debbie171066
debbie171066

Hi i havent written on here for a couple of weeks! I feel iv come a long way over the last 2 wks and have seen my specialist. They were pleased with me and told me my other knee is as bad and needs op! No way its to fresh!

I drove at the wknd and it feels odd but im ok to use the clutch! Im walking unaided round the house and garden and have been out without my crutch! But when i walk to far i really woddle and limp! From other peoples experiences is that the same for you? Do you think using a stick would give me balance and help with the woddling! Also do you think i wont be helping my healing by doing this! Im desperately trying to be ok to go back to work at 12 wks which is only 2 wks time! I need to really improve my walking technique by then! Any tips? Im working hard with my physio exercises! My leg just seems very stiff when i walk? Thanks

2 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • tana4life
    tana4life debbie171066

    Posted

    Debbie.

    My PT had my do the drunk walk toe to heel it really helps with balance, so does the grapevine . I am doing them in the pool now.

  • Annibgood
    Annibgood debbie171066

    Posted

    Hi Debbie.

    I think your just trying too hard.  You have a certain date in mind to go back to work and your stressing about it. Ease off a bit. Take it a bit more gently.  I found when I eased up and was not so frantically exercising all the time I improved a lot. 10 weeks is still early days and you will get there.  I found that around the 12 week mark, I was not spending my whole life thinking about 'log leg'. I'm at 21 weeks now and even though I get stiff and sore by times it is livable with and I only take a painkiller when really necessary now.  Keep up with the icing, elevating, hydrating and a bit of massage works wonders too.

    Good luck you will get there

    Ann

    The Irish One

    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 Annibgood

      Posted

      Aww thanks Ann you are so right! I am trying to hard. If i cant go back in 2 wks its not the end of the world is it? Maybe another week would help. I wil try to relax about it and ease off from pressurising myself. Thank you so much your comment has really helped. Cheers! I love the description log leg! Haha! Too true x
    • mary12001
      mary12001 Annibgood

      Posted

      Hi Ann

      I like that 'log leg'

      I am 11 weeks post op and this morning I went shopping to TKMax.

      After about half an hour of walking round I suddenly felt drained and had to come home.

      Although I had difficulty walking before the op I was always full of energy now the reverse is true - I can walk a bit better but I'm done in most of the time.

      Nighttime is now the worst though.

      I would love to just sleep through for 8 hours but no way

      Do you think I should take two nytol?

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 debbie171066

    Posted

    If you feel like a cane will stabilize you and give you more confidence by all means use it. You aren't really trying to establish any new records, you're trying to get back on your feet. Ive heard some say their therapists and Dr's mandated they give up all assistive devices at a certain date but I've never understood this being anything but total arrogance. Be comfortable and above all, be safe
    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Thanks! Im at pt tomorrow and had decided to swap my crutches for a cane. Short distances are ok unaided but not when im walking for say 15 mins! I am concerned my woddling wont be doing knee any good. I dont want to put any strain on it.
  • d.78163
    d.78163 debbie171066

    Posted

    My physician had no choice than to release me to drive since I had no one to depend on for transportation.  But I was scolded for trying to push ahead far too soon.  Please remember that there are a lot of tendons and ligaments that have bee severed that are just barely hanging on right now...  By gum--use the stick/crutch--whatever and smack any smart mouthed people who want to tease you about it!  Use whatever means you need to stay upright and balanced--Lesson I learned the hard way.  biggrin
  • mary12001
    mary12001 debbie171066

    Posted

    I had TKR on the 13th Feb this year.

    I have been driving since post op5 but I think that has delayed the healing process-also I've gone back to using one crutch when I'm out but I walk unaided round the house. At the moment 7pm I'm in bed exhausted with flu like symptoms and I've had a hot water bottle on my lower back because that was killing me today. Before I had the op I was in good health except for the arthritus in my knee now it's like I have a serious illness and can't seem to shake it off. I have a feeling it's all the medication has screwed up my system. Or else the arthritis has spread.

    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 mary12001

      Posted

      You must of been replying to me mary as i was replying to your post!

      Do try the kalms they have really helped. I agree driving has set me back a bit this wk as i know its using different muscles! My knee feels like iv pulled muscles just hope they settle down! My bend isnt as good as i would like.

      You may of picked up a virus maybe you need to go to dr. Hope you feel better soon x

    • Annibgood
      Annibgood mary12001

      Posted

      Walking awkwardly can mess up your back Mary.  Driving is not great for you either. Your not covered by insurance here until 6 weeks so you cant.

        Is your knee hotter than usual or more swollen. Does sound as if you have some kind of a virus or infection.  I'd check with doc if your not better by morning.

      Have a good nights sleep

      Ann

      The Irish One!

       

  • Annibgood
    Annibgood debbie171066

    Posted

    Hi Debbie

    Your bend will come. You are only 10 weeks after all.  How is your extension? That is more important if you want to walk without a limp apparently. Have you done the exercise where you hang your legs and knees off end of bed and leave them kinda hanging there. Worked a treat for me. If you havent try that one 10 times or maybe less if you havent done it before. At 10 weeks I was taking loads of painkillers still. So patience is the key!

    Take care

    Ann

    The Irish One

    • debbie171066
      debbie171066 Annibgood

      Posted

      Thanks Ann i tried hanging knees and legs from end of bed and it actually felt good!
    • mary12001
      mary12001 Annibgood

      Posted

      Hi Ann

      I'm 11 weeks post op tomorrow and it's good to know that you still need the painkillers - I was beginning to think I should be off them by now but it's a terrible recovery - I've never known anything like it. I mean the osteoarthritis was bad but my general health was ok but with this I feel so run down. The other day I sat down in Marks and Spencer cafe - had to because I thought I was going to pass out - I felt so poorly - I know I will get better but to tell you the truth I can't plan anything because I don't know how I'm even going to be in the night never mind the next day.some nights I sort of sleep through and other nights I'm awake through the hour with pain.for some unknown reason I thought it would all be over by six weeks and I'd be skipping around. Do you think these peeps who've had knee ops and tell you there's nothing to it are telling the truth?

    • tana4life
      tana4life mary12001

      Posted

      Mary

      Hey Mary I am Montana, I am 14 weeks post op both knees same time and i just stop taking my pain meds 2 days ago. I still have pain and stiffness still have some sleepless nights I am using an OTC sleep aid and a heating pad. But the pain is lessening every day. My last meds where so weak I don't even miss them now taking Aleve it works . Good luck to you.

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