1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

20 weeks post op and still no bend

Posted , 7 users are following.

kerrie_30523
kerrie_30523

Hi I had my left knee tkr 20 weeks ago and can still only get a rom of 50.  I saw my surgeon today hoping he would do an MUA however he said he wanted me to go for a second opinion as I have lymphodema in my legs and he thought an MUA would be counterproductive. He also mentioned Fibrosis and then disappeared before I could ask him for an explanation.   The nurse said it would be a couple of months before I get to see the specialist and it might even mean having to have a revision.  Has anyone else experienced similar? I feel so frustrated as my knee is still 10 times worse than it was before the surgery.  And the thought of going through all that again leaves me cold.  I’d welcome any insights or advice.  

Keep smiling k

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • debbie40320
    debbie40320 kerrie_30523

    Posted

    Kerri,

    I had both knees done 6 weeks apart. Right is 6 months and left is 4 1/2 months.. I had the MUA done on the left at 12 weeks... my doctor would not do after 12 weeks, not sure why.  So I’m surprise they do at 20 weeks.. I think my right is 110 and left well it’s not as tight but maybe a 100.. no more therapy, I had to pay after the MUA.. I still stretch everyday..  I’m told by people give it a year, so I am..  So far I wish I didn’t do, never told I would have to put so much into getting a bend..  if I would of known I would of waited on my left.. very unhappy.. best of luck to you..

    • kerrie_30523
      kerrie_30523 debbie40320

      Posted

      Thanks for your message Debbie.  I had my first tkr on right knee October 2016 and it’s been good. Only rom of 100 but I can still use it fine.  This left knee is horrendous.   It’s such a brutal surgery isn’t it.  I really hope things improve for you.   At least we have this forum to turn to and everyone is so supportive and helpful,  keep smiling, Kerrie x
  • kathleen_65043
    kathleen_65043 kerrie_30523

    Posted

    Hi so sorry you are still struggling I think we all expect far to much after being in pain for so long we have the op thinking that’s it BUT omg it’s only the start they don’t give you your correct pain meds when needed  Physio hurts like hell (but that’s good as the knee need to move)  mobility is restricted and becomes frustrating because you can’t do what you thought you was going to be able to do   Some light may get an infection which has been very painful the abscess is not closing yet due to a  Another internal  stitch that needs to be removed from the surgeon it has to be packed every day Surgeon TExed me last night and says he’s having today off  but I can see his registrar I’m just hoping he’s better at his job and can’t tell me why I’m still suffering like I am should of been going back to work next week as I was told I would only be off for six weeks looks like it’s going to be even longer so fed up if I knew it was going to be like this I think I would of tried to all waited longer before my op but  after two years in constant pain they did the right knee first and said the second day would be done in six months like Hell  I’m not staying under that surgeon at all  he does not have any bedside manner what so ever and does not consider the amount of pain and discomfort I’ve been through just says what do you expect well I did expect pain but not like this and not to feel so trapped  
    • kerrie_30523
      kerrie_30523 kathleen_65043

      Posted

      Hi Kathleen I’m so sorry your going through this too.  I really hope things improve soon.  For both of us
    • kathleen_65043
      kathleen_65043

      Posted

      Hi Kerri 

       Saw the registrar yesterday oh my what a nice man came in with a nice smile asking how I was looked at the hole in my leg said he was not happy with it concerned about the redness to My knee I think that is a lot of bruising still coming out  he said if it got worse over the weekend I was to go straight back to A&E He said the amount of pain I’ve been getting them I should expect for up to at least another six weeks he was pleased with the amount of the band that I had and how I could lift my leg but still in self he was sorry that I was suffering like I was what a change the consultant could not give a damn I feel that at least the registrar was nice to me  he said the amount of pain I’ve been getting I should expect for up to at least another six weeks he was pleased with the amount of band that I had and how I could lift my leg but still in self he was sorry that I was suffering like what a change the consultant could not give a damn I feel that at least the registrar was nice to me   I could cry with the pain but as they say it’s onwards and up woods keep doing the exercises but all I want is this pain to go away see the nurse this afternoon to get it repacked and with luck I am hoping a doctor will come by and give me some more pain medication   And restart me with my local physio as I don’t want to go to the hospital for it as I hath to rely on a neighbour to take me due to husband being my neighbour as been great don’t know what I would’ve done without him 

      As I always say stay strong and keep positive

  • Slm911
    Slm911 kerrie_30523

    Posted

    Have you tried deep tissue massage with pressure point therapy? This INSTANTLY took those config "band's" from above my knees away and allowed me to bend better. I was amazed. Can't say that getting the knots out and pressure point therapy felt good at the time but it did really help me. I hope that you find relief soon, chin up.

    • kerrie_30523
      kerrie_30523 Slm911

      Posted

      Hi yes I’ve been having private physio twice a week ( as nhs only offer me one appointment every three weeks) my pt does a lot of deep tissue massage which is agony plus I go for acupuncture every week too.  My knee  seized up and stuck at 50 rom at 5 weeks post op and is still the same at 20 weeks.  So far nothing has helped.   Thanks for replying and good luck in your recovery 
  • teela_13121
    teela_13121 kerrie_30523

    Posted

    Hi Kerrie,

    I had a tkr right knee in October 2108. I am in my mid 50's.I have been unhappy since day one as I  was very active and flexible immediately before op. I struggled massively to start ( although op did damage my muscles) and although I had 100-110 bend at 5 months I wasn't happy. ( had over 150 before) I had an MUA  7 months later , despite them saying it was probably too late for this to make much improvement as best done 3-4 months. On the operating table they got me to 130 but could not get it straight. I have managed to keep just over 125 so I am so pleased I went ahead with it. Also, because I was so far down the recovery line the procedure was relatively painless and I was back on my feet the same day, although surgeon said to use crutches for two days to help .

    Good luck in your recovery and let us know how it goes.

    Teela

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.