Posted , 4 users are following.
I'm 5 weeks post op LTKR I have been having a lot of swelling on the left side of the knee and above. I had my other knee done a few months ago and dont remember this much swelling this long after surgery. I guess I'm kinda worried about this swelling. Has anyone else been swollen like this at this time???
Thanks!
Melissa
0 likes, 8 replies
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lynda49844 melissa34582
Posted
It sounds as if you have been overdoing it. What have you been doing for the past few days? Pain and swelling can continue for 12 months I was advised and no two knees are the same so don't compare this with the first. Maybe it's something to do with the fact that this one has been doing a lot of work whilst the first is healing. My advice would be to keep on top of your painkillers, rest, ice and elevate (toes above nose) until it subsides, but I'm no medic.. It's likely to be difficult to exercise if it's that swollen, but if you're worried see if you have a number to call on your discharge papers or see your GP?
melissa34582 lynda49844
Posted
Thanks Lynda, I have been elevating and icing a lot and have been trying to stay off it as much as I can. Therapy seems to think the swelling is ok at this point and normal. I see my surgeon on Tuesday so I will address it then as well. My doc does not want to refill my Norco prescription for pain due to the opioid crisis however I think that may be part of the problem I'm having. I have no pain control except Motrin or Aleve. I am am on dicloflenac for inflammation. Just not sure how we'll it's working...Im just wondering how everyone else's swelling and pain is at 5 weeks. I am trying to get better so I can go back to work and this swelling seems to be a setback.
lynda49844 melissa34582
Posted
5 weeks is still very early. It sounds as if you're doing the right things. It's natural to want to compare our progress, but we are all different. In one week I was told by people trying to be helpful of someone back dancing in 6 weeks and another just managing without a stick, indoors only, after 10 months who thought they were doing well. As someone said 'it's a marathon and we may all start on the same line, but we won't all finish at the same time'. I'm trying very hard to hang on to that and not compare my knee to anyone else's, but it's not always easy!
I hope your surgeon is able to reassure you. Good luck.
dee53186 melissa34582
Posted
Ongoing swelling at this point is perfectly normal, and continued ice, elevation and time will be your close friend. I had my second tkr 12 weeks ago and still have some swelling which the ortho said is normal and will continue to improve. I also think I had a bit less last time, but every knee responds differently. Ibuprofen or Aleve may help with inflammation, pain meds will not. Keep a good balance between activity and rest, as both will promote healing. 😃
melissa34582 dee53186
Posted
Thanks Dee! I am taking dicloflenac for inflammation and Motrin for pain. Doc wants me off opioids. I am feeling alot more pain this time because of no pain meds.
The swelling and pain Im having just feels like a lot this long after surgery, but you are still swelling so thanks for sharing makes me feel better. Hopefully the swelling subsides soon and I can move on. Hope you're doing good with your knee as well. Take care Dee!
Melissa
Er79in melissa34582
Posted
I had my TKR about 4 years ago! I had swelling on and off for a year! Honestly, the two things I took away from getting my knee replaced was everyones recovery is different and the recovery took much longer than i anticipated!! All these years later I still get swelling if I over due! Hang in there! I totally know what a frustrating process this is! My knee is great now!
melissa34582 Er79in
Posted
Thanks Er79in!
Yes beyond frustrated here! But I know all knees are different. I'm impatient which I know I can't be but I am lol. I had my rt knee done in Oct 2018 healed then did the other knee. I have been out of work since August and honestly just ready to get back to life. Thank you for your advice it really helps to hear everyone's stories.
Melissa
Er79in melissa34582
Posted
I'm so sorry! I still have my other knee to do so that makes me nervous. My first tkr really did take so long to recover so I'm hoping the second one is easier. This is one surgery where I'm convinced if people haven't gone through it... they have absolutely no idea!!! I just had a mid foot fusion on the same as my tkr and have been 7 weeks no weight bearing so far. Even with that...I keep saying... this is so much easier than a knee replacement!