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4 weeks tkr post op tomorrow. I still can't seem to get my leg straight.

Posted , 8 users are following.

lynn45726
lynn45726

My doctor and physical therapist have me worried that I'm going to have a permanent limp. I'm stressing so much. I still have considerable pain and swelling. Bending is at 90° right now. Is this normal for this time Frame?

1 like, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • lynn45726
    lynn45726

    Posted

    More about me.....

    I had total knee replacement surgery on my right knee 4 weeks ago. I have struggled with pain in this knee for over 21 years. I've had 4 arthroscopic surgeries, countless hours of therapy so many cortisone injections, and an injection of the Stuff from a roosters crown. Finally I was 'old' enough to have the surgery done. So many things have changed within me since the surgery. I'm so emotional now, crying and having ' woe is me ' pity parties. My knee is still swollen and I can't bend nor straighten it completely. I'm still taking prescription pain pills, as the pain is still horrible. I can't sleep, for pain and just can't find a comfortable position. I feel like I take two steps forward and three steps back. My taste have changed. I have an increased awareness of salt... in everything. Most foods are too salty now. Nothing really tastes good anymore. I just eat for survival. Christmas, my favorite time of the year is not so important this year. I do what I do try to keep things normal for the family. I never really thought how long recovery would be. I thought I was Super Woman, able to come through a major surgery and be back at saving the world in a week! I feel disappointed in myself for not handling everything better. I hate still having to be so dependant on my husband, who has heart issues and works all day, just to come home and take care of me. I just thought I would be handling things better.

    • valsam34437
      valsam34437 lynn45726

      Posted

      Lynn i have just posted and my post is much the same as yours in different wording. I know exactly how your feeling. Im 5 weeks post op xx
    • lynn45726
      lynn45726 valsam34437

      Posted

      It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this and that others know where I'm coming from.

    • mary12001
      mary12001 lynn45726

      Posted

      Dear Lynn

      I know exactly what you’re going through because I’m still going through it and it was two years exactly on the 13th Feb. That TKR left me partially crippled and in constant pain and agony wishing I’d never had it done. It also affected my general health and disposition greatly taking away my natural joy for life and all things I too used to enjoy like Christmas etc.

      However, I’ve had to have a second op on the 15th this year which is no joke because I’m suffering ‘wound pain’ all over again. Well I hope it is only that and not infection. This second op involved some kind of button object between the patella and the prosthetic- I can walk better now but the pain hopefully wound pain still disturbs my sleep. It’s a long time since I slept normally. Can’t get to sleep because of the pain. When I do pain wakes me-then it’s more painkillers etc.

      If I could turn back time and all that!!!

    • lynn45726
      lynn45726 mary12001

      Posted

      I'm sorry you have been suffering so long. Hopefully things will start to turn around for you now. I'm now 12 weeks post op and am still having debilitating pain daily. I can't work because of the pain, which is now a sharp stabbing, breathtaking pain. Ice packs are still a daily thing to numb my pain. I'm still taking otc pain pills, too. I get discouraged some days, but I know we are all different and will heal differently. I'll will get better. I'm learning to be patient and listen to my body. I pray you feel better soon.

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX lynn45726

    Posted

    I started PT 3 weeks post op at -14 / +84.  After 10 weeks of PT @ 2X/week plus the home exercises, I finished at -1 / +123.  I'm 21 months post-op and 0 / +133.  What???  You actually thought your knee would be totally straight in a month?  Silly wabbit.  Very few people achieve that.  Relax...  Time, work and patience...

  • robin15577
    robin15577 lynn45726

    Posted

    You are doing great don't stress. I am coming up on 4 mos. Knee not completely straight and bend is only 125. Relax take a deep breath it's gonna be ok. Just keep doing the things you are suppose to do and knee will eventually come along.  For me this has taken a long time but finally beginning to see results. 

    Best wishes 😘

    • lynn45726
      lynn45726 robin15577

      Posted

      Thank you for the encouraging words. I'm learning I can't control things at this point and to just go with it.

  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 lynn45726

    Posted

    Hey Lynn. Been where you are. Trust me. It gets better. You've been through a war. Brutal surgery. Drugs which alter your mind because they mask the pain. Be patient. Be very patient. It is what it is. Eat, drink and be merry. Take it until you make it. xxxx

    • lyn32416
      lyn32416

      Posted

      Fake it. Fake it. xxx
    • lynn45726
      lynn45726 lyn32416

      Posted

      Thank you. It's nice to hear from others who have been where I'm at.

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