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11 weeks post operation TKR and going back to work

Posted , 11 users are following.

Pennypops
Pennypops

Hi all,

Well it has come to that time that I am returning back to work on a phased return.. I'm sure I will find it incredibly tiring.. my knee has Full range of movement ( so the physiotherapist says ) it's just the muscles on my leg hurts and so stiff...I sit on the bed to try to get a sock on and that is painful behind the knee and up my thigh ....I am doing stretches but I feel this will take a long time ! When I get out of bed or up from a chair the leg is still so stiff and it takes some steps before I walk properly.....is that the same for everyone?

2 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Snoozy69
    Snoozy69 Pennypops

    Posted

    Im 10 weeks post op this Thursday and I don't feel anywhere near ready to go back to work just yet. What do you do for a living? I think that will make a big difference. I struggled to walk round a shop today started getting a lot of pain in my knee half way round a food shop. So I need to be a bit more match fit before I even consider it. I still have a lot of stiffness and it takes a while to warm up but I'm still in pain it's very annoying 

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Snoozy69

      Posted

      It will go in time. I got a bit discouraged around the 4 to 6 month mark because still aching ...but I am finding now at 8 to 9 months I don't have pain at all..It is rather odd because I got so used to it, so it feels odd! 😁😀

  • sharonc67
    sharonc67 Pennypops

    Posted

    Hi, I’m 10 weeks and went back to work last week also on a phased return. However, my leg is still very stiff when getting out of bed and up from a chair.  At least I can actually sleep on my side now!   I am really looking forward to the day when I have normal feeling in my leg and can walk well.  Good luck with your return to work. 
  • 1961Mika
    1961Mika Pennypops

    Posted

    Pennypops, 

    I have the same symptoms. I am now  11 weeks PO as well.  I have so many complications up to 2 weeks ago, I had a manipulation in 7 weeks and gained much ROM since then, but still my knee is so stiff except during and right after exercise/PT.  In addition to PTs, I started going to the gym twice a week though my leg knee feels weak and buckle sometimes. As a result I cannot let my cane go ( just graduated from a walker last week finally). I know that I am getting so much better, but the symptoms you described here worry me as well. My husband doesn’t seem understand this and he thinks I am not pushing hard enough especially I had a manipulation that I should not have to have this stiffness. I feel your concerns. Many said we might be able to go back to our lives in 3 to 4 months but a total recovery takes at least a year if not longer. We are ONLY 11 weeks PO, we need to give ourselves much credits and keep trying! 

    Mika

  • louise_48509
    louise_48509 Pennypops

    Posted

    Hi, I'm getting to that stage too I think, going back to work. I'm not getting any pain putting socks on or stiffness getting out of bed though. Are you sure you're ready? The thing that's stopping me is being on my feet all day. I still feel my muscles need more strength. I'll feel better when I can do more stairs. I'm wary about going back in case I need to go off again.

  • clive45466
    clive45466 Pennypops

    Posted

    Hi 

    Right TKR in July 2016, when back to work at 11 weeks. Travelled for work took the ice bucket and knee wrap with me for the first month for the nights.

    For myself stiffness just went  away slowly. Still take hot baths which always seem to help me.

    Good healing

    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 clive45466

      Posted

      That's a good idea, taking ice wrap to work. Aaand I would love a bath, we only have a shower cubicle and it's about 6 inches high off the floor to climb into 😞

  • Need1knee
    Need1knee Pennypops

    Posted

    Hi everyone.  I had a TKR in May and I returned to work after 11 weeks.  I had all of the ROM worries and symptoms mentioned...but I tell you what, going back to work was the best thing for me.  I was busy, on my feet, no time to worry...my ROM got better quickly and I felt happier.  I'm a 4th grade teacher and it's not that I just LOVE LOVE going to work, but it got me out of my recliner and back into life.  Good luck to you all!   I am also thankful to God for His many blessings!

  • Pibpaula
    Pibpaula Pennypops

    Posted

    I’m 10 weeks and went back to work at around 5 weeks for the odd meeting then gradually built it up. Probably too soon but there you are. I mainly sit at work and that is the hardest thing - I still cease up and take a while to get going if I sit too long and have pain if I do too much. I think the trick is to keep moving as much as you can without overdoing it. Yesterday I did too much so I’m having a day working at home today. Hope it goes ok for you! 
  • Snoozy69
    Snoozy69 Pennypops

    Posted

    It really does depend what you do for a living. I'm a nurse working in an intensive care unit and believe me we don't just sit there looking at monitors all day. I suppose I could do non clinical tasks but that means being stuck in an office and that is far too much punishment for me I'm afraid. If your job allows it go for it my consultant said at 7 weeks the best thing to do now is get back to what you normally do and then you are less likely to concentrate on your knees recovery. 

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Snoozy69

      Posted

      There certainly is a time, for me around 4 months onwards, when it really helps to move ones mind away from thinking about the knee a lot of the time and start to move the mind forwards into the NEXT phase....focusing on doing what you love! I took a one week creative course/holiday, and the change of scene, new people, new routines and new focus helped a lot. It was good timing.
  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 Pennypops

    Posted

    I can remember that... but it only lasted for around a month for me. I can get up with no stiffness at all now. So no need to worry!
  • laila20290
    laila20290 Pennypops

    Posted

    although I am only part time working at waitrose but after 8 weeks post op I had enough of day time television and decided to return to work from next week only three hours a day as I can only sit down for that long and no standing so hopefully I can. Then after a month or so see if I can return for the full six hours a day. Not sure if that will happen but will see. Anyway best of luck.  
    • Pennypops
      Pennypops laila20290

      Posted

      Hiya

      Well I have worked my second day today 8-4 luckily I have lots of paperwork to catch up with so mostly sitting down ..I get up and walk on the sales floor for a bit now and again .. yesterday I was pretty shattered when I got home but today not too bad and I've not taken any pain relief!! If your busy you don't think about it ...hope all goes well for you x

  • kathryn_75967
    kathryn_75967 Pennypops

    Posted

    I am the same way. It has been 11 weeks since my TKR.  Yesterday I did, gardening and a lot of walking. Today my knee has been swollen and hot. Getting up from the chair I am so stiff too. 

    How are you doing sleeping? How about meds? I am still taking  Motrin 800 mg 4 x a day. If I don’t, it gets painful and swollen.

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