3 weeks in Florida. Knee not good 8 months post op

Hi Debs

I am sorry to hear your problem. So many things go through your mind when this happens. I have had two partial knee replacements, one last June and one in March this year and I have to say exactly the same thing happened to me twice!  My op last June seemed to be going ok, like you I had a trip planned and actually walked a total of 102 miles in the whole of September (when I say walked the last two weeks were more of a shuffle!) however from then until January this year that particular knee was painful and didn't seem to be recovering well. This was compounded by the left knee going (probably because it had been taking all the strain). The bottom line is I saw the surgeon again had X-Ray's on both knees and was assured everything was in the right place. I was told it was overuse. I gave since rested more after exercise, give back to elevating and icing and they have both settled down.  Not to the extent I am happy as both are still painful when walking. 

Unfortunately none of this is helping you, except to say it may be the same, although not appearing to be to strenuous maybe a little bit too much too soon.

Fingers crossed for you (and me also😊. I actually now believe I would have been better with a total replacement as no amount of rest or icing or physiotherapy and even a trainer at the gym twice a week appears to be making much difference.

it is two steps forward and one step backwards.

Let me know how you get on Debs. I would see you doctor if it hasn't settled significantly in a couple more weeks, but don't let it cease up, try to keep moving.

Sounds like you did waaaaay too much.

After reading close to 5,000 discussions on here, my impression is that recovery from a partial or full TKR are pretty much the same.  Horrible first 90 days and then gradual, slow improvement to the one year mark.  After that, maybe some residual issues that work themselves out by 18 months p/o.  During this time, there are always advances, setbacks and plateaus...unavoidable.

The biggest problem seems to be when people over do things.  They think they're better but don't realize/accept the fact that their brain, wished, desires, expectations, etc. do NOT control their recovery...the knee does.  You must listen to the knee regardless of what's going on in your head.  There are no schedules, no time tables.

That being said, the one big thing that people don't count on is the work that must be done after they do PT for their ROM.  This is the muscle rebuild.  By now, your quads, glutes and core are all dead.  Walking and biking are OK but you need to do specific strength-building exercises to regain all that musculature so you can walk correctly, regain your balance and do stairs normally again.  This is mandatory and takes time...a lot of time.  That's #1.

Number two is about your daily step count...that's right...STEPS.  Time and distance are irrelevant.  When you pass the number of steps your knee can handle on any given day, you will pay the price...period.  Get a fit bit, smartwatch, etc. and track your steps...chart your progress with the software on your phone or computer.  Have a bad day?  Note the steps...it's your new upper limit.  Back off, recover and then increase gradually.  One "balloon knee" should be enough for you to learn the lesson.  It will be painful and the swelling inside will absolutely affect your ROM.\

Post this on your fridge...

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-reality-of-a-tkr-recovery-in-one-picture-626038

"It ain't over 'til it's over." - Yogi Berra

Be sure to ice and elevate for a few days. If it is still bad in two weeks you should contact that doctor.

Yes ma’am you should be.  I’m getting a second opinion in 3 weeks and I am almost 8 months out.  The one I have is failing big time.   I would call you surgeon

Debs, Sorry to hear about the condition of your knee after your 3 week holiday in Florida. It appears as if your knee was not in SUITABLE condition to do so much walking. However without knowing the details surrounding the condition of your knee before the holiday and how far that you could walk before the holiday and the ammount of walking that you carried out during the holiday it just looks as if you have overdone the walking relative to how good to the condition of your knee. Give your knee appropriate days rest and hopefully things will settle down. Let me know how you get own

Thank you everyone. I could tell how unfit I was too. We went to Florida last year and I could do much more.

My walking is like a shuffle now which it wasn't before. Even the first day of walking it was painful after a couple of hours. It even hurts to just touch it gently.

My walking was better pre-operative, I need other knee doing, but not going to have it done, the pain from that one is far less than the one that had been replaced.

I'll see how it goes now we back and if no improvement will call surgeon. X

Sounds like a matter of overdoing a good thing. Exercise is necessary but easily overdone during the 1st 6 months of rehab. I suggest you give it as close as possible to complete rest for 3 or 4 days icing it every couple of hours. Take antiinflammatories on a reg basis for a few days. With knee replacement, more isn't always better.