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3 weeks in :(

Posted , 7 users are following.

victoria21411
victoria21411

Just wanted to thank you all for your kind advice and support. 

 I’m almost three weeks in. Pain has def lessoned and sleeping better. Can get leg straight (although can’t lift yet but Physio not concerned)

I still can’t master the bend. I can push myself to get to almost forty degrees. But only after numerous ice treatments. Additionally, I’m using my other leg as to guide and bend operated leg down and will not just let my operated leg drop. It’s clearly all in my mind as I can get to 80 on cpm. Physio now getting worried. 

I rationally know that I won’t break it but my mind won’t let go. Physio thinks it’s due to all the previous surgeries I have had. I have searched on internet and can’t se anyone rise who has had this problem. 

I know there is no magic answer. Just need to let off steam. 

Thank you for reading. 

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

  • Scotty2960
    Scotty2960 victoria21411

    Posted

    Hi Victoria

    I.m only 1 week in and was concerned about straight leg lifts ha ha .trying to run before you can walk was some statements i.ve had from friends .With the Advise from here i now feel confident all will fall into place by following the programme

    Good Luck

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 Scotty2960

      Posted

      Thank you Scotty. One week in is so early. Hope you not in too much pain and discomfort. I’m just frustrated with myself as I know it’s in my mind! 
  • amy1447
    amy1447 victoria21411

    Posted

    You are not alone and I don’t know that it is all in your mind. I am five weeks after TKR and only bending to 72-74. I try very hard, do my exercises faithfully, and physiotherapist tries to manually bend it as well. On CPM I can get to 100 if on painkillers. I am becoming convinced that I have adhesions and scar tissue as I had many surgeries and injuries in the past. It is very frustrating. I’m talking to my surgeon on Tuesday and he’s not going to be happy.....I believe that he will insist on manipulation under anesthesia to break thru scar tissue....after blaming me for not doing enough (when I’m working very hard😕wink. 

    Did you have much bend before surgery? I was only at 90 degrees for a few years before TKR. 

    Also - if you have a lot of swelling you aren’t going to be able to bend your knee very far. So continue to rest and keep it up and iced a lot. It’s early days yet! 

    Take care, 

    Amy

    • amy1447
      amy1447

      Posted

      PS the Happy winky face not supposed to be next to unhappy face in that post lol!
    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 amy1447

      Posted

      Hi Amy, thank you for your reply. I had excellent range of movement prior to operation. Like you I am really trying and also worry that people will feel that I’m not trying hard enough. 

      I have previously had a manipulation after surgery they did work. I hope all goes well for you on Tuesday. 

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX victoria21411

    Posted

    I had a meniscus repair plus ripped off the femoral condyle cartilage...both ops on both knees...plus the growing arthritis.  Left TKR...20+ months post op...0 / +133.  Previous ops haven't stopped me.  Did you have the same or something more serious that's affecting your ROM???

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I have had an extremely difficult time with knee over the years. Some examples included  having a Tibia transfer that went wrong and ruined the knee. I fell out of the hospital bed after a GA which completely destroyed knee and the new ligament that they had repaired. For so long I have walked stiff legged to protected myself and know I just can’t stop. It’s frustrating, I know. 
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX victoria21411

      Posted

      OMG!!!  Looks like "the rules" don't apply to you.  With all those previous injuries, you are a very special case.  Docs are going to have to treat you very individually to maximize the benefit of the new knee while accounting for your prior circumstances.  Prayers to you...

  • valsam34437
    valsam34437 victoria21411

    Posted

    Hello victoria

    im three weeks post op on monday and as yet had two phsyio visits at home then the nurse cam and took my stapels out on tues . Im tryin to do the best i can , i havent had any other phsyio yet so i dont know where im at with the bending anf straightening. I can straighten my leg tho. But tryin to bend it too far is too painful so i just keep tryin for now . The pain is gettin less until it gets near to my pain killers time to take them. Im. Ot worried about the bending as im sure it will come. Im still walking with two walking sticks too at the moment as im not confident to give one of them up yet. Im going to just tkae my t8me with all of this and im sure it will all come into place. I have valued all the comments on here so much and i read other people diff experiences. Im. Not too far behind you victoria. Like me just take your time and all will be well for both of us im sure. Good luck love from valerie . Xx

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 valsam34437

      Posted

      Hi Valerie, thank you for your message and words of support. I’m three weeks Monday too. Sounds like you are being very sensible. I’ve found the pain has lessoned and I’m no longer at the stage where I’m waiting to take the pain killers. Although I think some of this is due to not bending and resting. I’m still walking with two crutches too.  I will keep trying. Hopefully it will come for both of us soon. 😊

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 victoria21411

    Posted

    How do you feel about your knee? Do you like it or had it been the source of distress for so long that you hate it?

    Do you see yourself fighting it?

    Maybe trying to love it and think about it positively, even though not is not how you want it may be a strategy to try?

    No easy answer, but as you say, you needed to vent. Have you ever tried mindfulness or similar?

    Certainly tension a cannot help?

    I hope things improve for you!

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 jenny80029

      Posted

      It’s a valid point Jenny. I am ckearky varying tension. I feel myself getting upset as soon as it’s time to try to bend the knee. Im not sure what the answer is. Will keep trying. Have physio again on Wednesday. Thank u fir message. 
  • Suki66
    Suki66 victoria21411

    Posted

    Hi Victoria, I agree this site is great has made me feel normal. I’m nearly 4wks in and can bend my knee but pain is still stopping me do a lot also crying a lot. However a friend of mine had hers done 5 days after me and she has managed to go out and walk a mile. The mind boggles I walk round my flat and that’s enough my point being is that we are all different. Suki x
    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Suki66

      Posted

      She may be able to do that, but I am not sure it would be recommended?

      When people break the bones in their leg by accident, they are on crutches for at least six weeks and rest is vital to healing.

      My mind boggles at the thought of someone doing that... don't quite see any advantage in it!

      However, I guess if they are doing that with no pain medication, it must be ok, because it would be mighty painful for me! I managed to walk for around ten minutes maximum with two crutches around six weeks I think! 😀😃😄

    • Suki66
      Suki66 jenny80029

      Posted

      I agree with you Jenny I walk around my flat and even then I sometimes end up in tears in fact just had a shower and now laying down in pain. Ouch ouch and ouch xx
    • valsam34437
      valsam34437 Suki66

      Posted

      Hy sukki

      i sit here and cry over fresh air , i can be fone then something sets me off , and then i think why did i cry, its an emotional roller coaster. So dont u feel bad about it .we have a big thru lounge and an extension and i walk about in here every now and then and thats enuf, i think the mile bit cud well be overdoing it though id tell ur friend to be so careful cos if we do too mcuh we could end up going backwards , keep strong xx

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Suki66

      Posted

      You are doing a good thing by listening to your knee...respect it and it will reward you back in time!

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 victoria21411

      Posted

      You know I wanted my knee sorted so badly and my biggest fear was I would not be offered surgery... so gratefulness kept me going I think.

      We are so fortunate that we have this option really...

      However, it certainly is one of the most challenging experiences!

      The low moods are very low and hard to bear...writing kept me focused!

      I went to a drum dance event last night and danced and drummed for hours! Coming up to 9 months post op now!

      When things do start coming together it does fall into place, just not when we think it should!

      Good healing to you 😊

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