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4 weeks after total knee replacement

Posted , 5 users are following.

marion18849
marion18849

i am 4 weeks post op after having a total knee replacement. i didnt realise how painful it was going to be. i had a spinal with sedation. Didnt hear anything.

There is no pain but a tingling sensation like an electric shock. I sleep well and only take 2 Paracetamol before going to sleep. I find my knee is stiff in the mornings and when getting up from a chair. i walk with just one crutch .

i dont know people can walk so soon without any support.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX marion18849

    Posted

    1. NOBODY was told how painful this was going to be. Welcome to the club. The first 60-90 days are the worst...then it gets better gradually.
    2. Any "electric"-type feelings are nerve pain. Remember that a lot were cut during surgery. That feeling will subside gradually over time. You may have permanent nerve numbness at the incision site. You will have long-term nerve pain when you try to kneel on hard surfaces (concrete, tile, hardwood floors, etc.). A 4" foam pad is recommended for indoors and padded knee pads for outside work. You may be lucky not to have this but likely is way more common.
    3. You will use supports to walk until you get your ROM back (8-12 weeks) and start to rebuild all the atrophied muscles (quads, glutes, core, etc.) that support the knee. Gotta be done to walk correctly, regain your balance and be able to do stairs down the road.
    • marion18849
      marion18849 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      thank you for the info i think im trying to run before i can walk i must be more patient

  • lynn41926
    lynn41926 marion18849

    Posted

    Marion, you're doing remarkably well.... I'm 13 weeks tomorrow and am still using a stick outside. Fine inside, back at work and going upstairs with no problem, coming down with both feet on each step. Sleep is getting better but until 8 weeks i was getting hardly any! Like you, i had very little pain, on paracetamol only from second week. The tingling sensation might be nerves coming back to life...i had that at about 5 weeks...it goes. The stiffness will last for months....youre moving 2 pieces of metal, not a normal knee! It does get easier though. You seem to be doing really well, but everyone is different. Take each day as it comes and be thankful for everything you can now do that you couldn't a few weeks ago. 😁

    • marion18849
      marion18849 lynn41926

      Posted

      you are right im a very independant woman and like doing things for myself

      i must be more patient

  • bradley_33200
    bradley_33200 marion18849

    Posted

    omg you have me so concerned now I'm one day TKR and the anesthesia wore off and it's very painful I don't see me walking anytime soon. I'm praying for you

    • lynda49844
      lynda49844 bradley_33200

      Posted

      Don't panic and don't compare your knee or recovery to anyone else, these knees will recover in their own time. The first 2 weeks are tough, the next 2 a little less tough and on. I found each 4 weeks seemed to show an improvement and then the danger is to overdo it and go backwards a little. Remember this is not a quick recovery. Full recovery takes a year, sometimes longer. I'm just over 3 months and getting back to most of my activities now, still some aches, pains and swelling, but not too bad over all. Hang on in there and it will get better.

    • marion18849
      marion18849 lynda49844

      Posted

      thank you for your reply. its encouraging to hear from others in the same situation. im an impatient woman and think i can run before i can walk.

      ive got friends who have had this op and they keep telling me to slow down.

    • bradley_33200
      bradley_33200 lynda49844

      Posted

      thank for the encouraging words I really appreciate it, keep me in your prayers and I will pray for you

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