1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

4weeks post knee replacement op.

Posted , 11 users are following.

sue29174
sue29174

Feeling a hit more active than my last post but not much.

still hurting like hell at times and taking loads of pain killers, including 2 slow release ones,Paracetemol and Codine.

Am ok on 2 Crutches for a while and can manage one, at times, round the house.

Going to physio every 2 weeks and given superficial exercises but knee still not straightening as much asit should!

Seeing consultant next Friday, hope he is positive!

Still prone to bursting into tears at times because there is do much to do and I know I cant do it....i am 64 and live alone with my dog.

Anybody else feeling like me........xx

 

1 like, 40 replies

40 Replies

Next
  • tess94652
    tess94652 sue29174

    Posted

    Hi Sue - it sounds so much how things were for me in those first few weeks (and i don't live alone!!) It is really is an overwhelming experience and to be honest i found the patches of teariness and depression as difficult to cope with as the pain (so did my family - not everyone understands the huge impact this surgery has on your total well being) But hang on in there it definitely does get better truly - pain lessens so you can take less painkillers (they made me feel sick and zonked out) and best of all the down days get fewer. So there are lots of us out here sympathising with you anf trying to give support and speed you on to recovery. i've found this site a godsend - personal help as well as much needed information. All the best 

    tess x

  • anita78925
    anita78925 sue29174

    Posted

    IT CAN ALL BE SO VERY OVERWHELMING....AND YOU ARE SO VERY NORMAL,,,TRY TO PAMPER YOURSELF ...BE KIND TO YOUESLF...BE SURE TO EAT PROPERLY,TO PROMOTE HEALING...REST AND TAKE DAILY NAPS  .THIS FORUM HELPS PREVENT ISOLATION , SO KEEP IN TOUCH...DONT FORGET TO USE ICE ,OR COLD PACKS...WORK THAT STIFF SORE OLD KNEE .IT DOES GET BETTER .PERSEVERANCE AND PATIENCE..KEEP AT IT..I HAD A RIGHT TKR IN AUGUST ...AND NOW FEEL SO WELL...YOU WILL TOO ...I WISH YOU WELL...IT WILL COME   ...anita in boston
    • sue29174
      sue29174 anita78925

      Posted

      thanks you Anita. Yes I have ice packs on throughtout the day xx
  • susan20089
    susan20089 sue29174

    Posted

    Early days sue, remember them well.  I actually still burst into tears when on my own at 15 weeks!  You are doing well.  I know there is a lot to do but you can't do all of it at four weeks.  You need to be concentrating on resting most of all.  You need sleep too which wll help you to heal.   Be positive you are going fine. Xx
  • anne07663
    anne07663 sue29174

    Posted

    Hang in there. It will get better. Everyone heals differently and you can't rush the process. Don't judge your progress by others progress. I've kearnrd to let that go myself. It must be difficult to be living alone with this. I went to physio three times a week up tob4 weeks. You are doing well. Keep using your crutches as long as you need to. No laws against that. Take your meds, ice, rest and do your stretching exercises. I'm back to work but the bend is not more than 98 maybe, I'm 15 wks post op. Still gets swelling and tightness but getting better each day.  Good luck and keep following the forum. 
  • jennifer86104
    jennifer86104 sue29174

    Posted

    You're doing fine. You sound very much like I was at 4 weeks. I'm 64 too. It's still very early days and you will be tired and tearful. I was still taking strong painkillers regularly every 6 hours and having a nap in bed every afternoon. It must be harder being on your own but try to accept any help offered by family and friends. It is a long haul and it's taught me that you must be patient. I struggled with straightening the leg too but it has got there eventually. Keep up your exercises but also ice and rest when you can. You didn't mention your appetite but I didn't fancy much food for a few months which is most unlike me. One advantage was I lost a few pounds but, unfortunately, have put them back on now 😊 

    Things will improve but very slowly I'm afraid.

    Jen (nearly 8 months post op) 

    • sue29174
      sue29174 jennifer86104

      Posted

      Thank you Jen. My appetite is fine, about the only thing that is. 

      Its just that the NHS say 2 weeks crutches,2weeks oe crutch or stick and then 6 peeks walking without....can't see that......xx

    • jennifer86104
      jennifer86104 sue29174

      Posted

      Everyone is different. See, your appetite is good 😊  - mine was rubbish. Don't go by strict rules. You'll know when you'll feel comfortable without the crutches. I just tried a few steps at a time in the house. I used to walk round the living room practising! 
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo sue29174

      Posted

      Hi Sue . .Please do not let the Nasty Health Service bully you into thinking that at two weeks you should be on one crutch, and at six weeks walking without.  My specialist told me . . Six weeks on two crut=hes, then as long as three months on one crutch IF I felt I needed it.  Well, at six weeks I was able to walk across his surgery in astraight line with no crutches, so he said I could walk without them IF I FELT LIKE IT. In the house I do feel like it, but when I'm out, because I don't know what sort of hills, or steps, I might be faced with, I prefer to take one with me.  What is important is regular and gentle exercise to strengthen muscles, LOTS of rest.  It must be very difficult on your own, and I really feel for people facing this brutal operation without help.  But honestly, you are NEARLY at a turning point. . .At six weeks usually you will notice the beginning of improvement. It's a long way for us all yet (I'm at nine weeks, nearly ten)  but apart from the odd bad day, it is a gradual but continual improvement!  Pity the dog doesn;t know how to cook and clean! 
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.