3 weeks post op following partial knee replacement

Hi Mandy, I have had TKR so am in a different legue but caqn say the mood swings are the same from crying for no reason to being happy because of no pain.

I didn't do any housework as such for 6 weeks, only did the minimum of cooking and washing up. Husband wouldn't even let me put washing in the washer....that started a crying jag!   but managed to do lots for myself.   I would not attempt to do any hoovering or such, these will still be there for later unless you have someone who would do it for you.  Changing bed linen is also hard work, get someone else to do this.  Dusting you can do!     Doing your exercises is good, take your meds, massage your leg and ice as well.  Cloth under ice pack in case of skin burns.

Take care.

Hazel.

Hi Mandy, your very early days yet, I to had pkr, am now 7 weeks po, and on list for second, only do light house work at your stage, ie getting dressed , a bit of dusting spread through out the day, only if you're having a good day,  at 7 wks, I still only do bit of dusting , bits of washing up, ( not a big amount,) you must not stand in one spot to long or you'll notice your knee gets really tight and uncomfortable, at three weeks I was walking 120 paces outside three x a day then work up from that, . On a static bike I was, not able to turn peddle right round so just rocked it gently backwards and forwards, then all of a sudden you go right round, , I was so shocked I cheered. The pain in the back of the knee/ calf ,I'm got to, and was told it's where, the muscle has shrunk, so it goes as you build up, I was told to put my leg out behind me, keeping foot all on floor , and stretch as best you can, if any thing hurts then stop, ice, massage, definitely don't over do it. Mood swings , yes me to I'm either crying , shouting or having a pop, even now, although it is improving, I must be awfull to live with, but you no we have been through a lot, so I think we are untitled to be a bit grumpy,. 😁 hope this essay helps a bit, we are all different , so don't push yourself, it takes a long time, and I have to say, it's also bloody boring 😀

I'm 13 weeks post op for new plastic knee cap and metal bit it slides on behind it.......and I am soooooo fed up! I have 2 - 3 good days when I think I have at last turned the corner and then I have a day like today.......knee is stiff, feels like it will let me go, and muscles are tight. It's a total pain in the a***, but you have to just go with it and take each day as it comes. I am usually a happy go lucky person but this has/is really testing me. I've never been much of a cryer (swearing, YES) but I've done it all with this - and it does help lol! You do begin to wonder if you will ever return to your old self, but if you read all the posts on this forum you will realise you do, it just takes some folk longer than others......but if you're one of he ones taking a long time you could cheerfully murder the ones who are progressing quicker than you! If I had a £1 for the times I've been told "be patient", "everyone heals differently" I'd be rich and wouldnt need to return to work. I'm 56 and also worry that I may never return to work, as well as returning to the old "me"! I have a wonderful hubby who does anything and everything I ask him, takes me where I need to go (as I am not yet driving due to weak muscles in knee) - I honestly do not know what or where I would be without him! 

So, take it easy, be patient, folk all heal differently - that'll be a £1 please lol!

Thanks guys for all your kind words of encouragement my hubby is really good but then I feel guilty for just lying on the bed occasionally getting of my butt and doing a bit!!! I think we are all a bit confused as to what I'm not meant to be doing so thanks for helping me out with that at least I have some idea of what to avoid xx

Don't do anything that twists the knee and definitely no kneeling.  Also, try not to stand for too long.

I understand the difficulties of getting anywhere in those first few weeks, and having to rely on friends.  It all adds to the stress.

Massage as much as you can bear, and keep walking.

Patsy

1st TKR Dec 2012 2nd TKR Sept 2014 

wow after reading all the replies ,i have to agree totaly with them all its like they are reading my mind . i have had them all at one time or another 3wks is nothing compared to the journey you are taking no matter what way you look at it  time will only heal it probably not what you want to hear the pain behind the knee is just tightness and you will have it on and off for awhile its just the muscle complaining to you telling you i dont want to work harder .so dont give in to it  make it work and stretch it regularly .your doing great  x

Hi Mandy, first of all everything you are experiencing is quite normal and everything will get gradually better over time. I was in the unfortunate position of being in the wrong hospital trust area to receive physio and I was having problems with extension and flexion, but mostly the flexion at the beginning. My flexion was 41° at week 6, I requested physio at 7 weeks post op which came through about week 11/12, in the meantime I ordered a child's skateboard online which helped increase the flexion from 41° at week 6 to 74° at my first physio. At week 15 my flexion is now 105° but I am still struggling with the extension, currently sitting at 15°. I too get the horrible pain behind the knee and my physio has given me two very simple exercises to help improve as follows: Sit with legs extended, put a tension band under the foot and tighten the tension by shortening the band on each side, from the ankle, bend foot forward, slowly bring foot back to right angle with ankle and push back of knee into the bed, holding for count of 10. Sit with foot on pillow, push back of knee downwards towards bed, hold for 10 and raise leg of the pillow, hold for count of 10. I can really feel these exercises work on the muscle and tendons behind the knee. Hope this helps.