5 weeks post TKR and feeling quite low
Posted , 62 users are following.
I had my total knee replacement 5 weeks ago ..I've realised now that I certainly won't be ready to return to work after 6 weeks (I originally thought I would) I'm still taking tramadol occasionally and though I can walk without a crutch I find I limp so still use 1 crutch . I feel a little depressed , my back gets sore if I walk for a while I can only presume it's because I'm leaning over one side ...going up and down stairs still hurts and the operated knee clicks and grinds ..my thigh muscles still tight and I'm trying to stretch them out ..anyone else feeling down and frustrated?
6 likes, 198 replies
karamcd Pennypops
Posted
Hi I'm 45 yo and in pretty good shape. I'm almost 5 weeks out of RTKA. I'm in the same boat. Although I feel pretty than before sx I have post sx pain and weakness. I didn't think it would last this long. I'm now using a cane with caution. I had to stop formal pt for a few days due to pain and discomfort. I was off the narcs for about four days, I hate the side effects but pain for so bad I had to start again. Saw my surgeon two days ago and he seems to think I'm right on track and the knee looks great. He said I had to work on my walking because was sliding my knee out.
I really thought by now I'd be further ahead and definitely of the hard meds.
Dr said hang in there 3 months is the Mark he feels will be the turning point but up to a year to really heal. I asked if I could use a brace for stability and they said yes so that's been helping wonders.
Hang in there group atkesst it's winter and not summer time.
karamcd
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leann90590 Pennypops
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I'm experiencing the same issues . Also Beginning of 5week
jean83358 Pennypops
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jodoecke jean83358
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My right foot continues to swell too. It's really holding me back because I'm not walking around the block the way I should be. At three months I love my new knee and the ROM is slowly and painfully returning during PT. The swelling is expected to continue during the first 8-10 months of recovery. It makes me feel depressed because I'm tired of foot pain while the knee is doing so well. It's as if I've exchanged one injury for another. All we can do is take meds as needed, exercise and continue with PT.
beth27452 Pennypops
Posted
One thing I would like to mention that I haven’t seen is diet. I went on an anti inflammation meal plan 2 mo prior to surgery , lost 20 lbs ( added benefit) but overall joints feel so much better and I do think helping in my recovery . I followed the ketogenic one , but several out there.
Strength to everyone in recovery , it’s a long , curvy , non linear path.
judith64041 beth27452
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I'm just at 5 weeks, your msg was very reassuring. Feeling much the same. Wondering how you are now.?
jean83358 judith64041
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jean83358
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bety2007 Pennypops
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Hello im bety i did this surgery on May 22 2018. This is horrible i still have pain all day medication does not work to much i can do the correct exercise due to pain and swalling . my knee does only bend 50 still using rolling car to walk. Please need some help i have a lot scar tissue my doctor said my knee is very hard. I can keep going😥
jean83358 bety2007
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jodoecke bety2007
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Hi Pennypops,
Use ice to control your pain and elevation to decrease swelling. Recovery is a very slow process that can move forward and back. It is depressing so you've got to build some structure into your day to overcome your anxiety. Everyday should include a trip out of the house (go for coffee), stretching (Heel slides, rice and ice, walking with your rollator, some house work) Try not to just sit around and obsess about your knee. You will heal at your own pace but it's your responsibility to go to PT and work on the knee. (Massage really helps too.) Good luck as you take charge of your recovery.
GZ1966 Pennypops
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judith64041 GZ1966
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Good grief, sounds as if you are having a bad time. I'm 5 weeks post op tkr. At times it is hell, sore, tight band feeling around knee, and muscles ache. however walking is fine, just can't walk 24 hours a day!!!! Foot and ankle swell which I guess is pretty normal from everything I have read. feeling down, but trying to think of better times ahead, I did not expect this amount of discomfort. Im not currently seeing a Physiotherapist, but I feel so nervous about whether I am doing too much, or not enough, or the wrong things? I need some guidance and reassurance at this point. Standing is awful and so is sitting down. and as for trying to get some sleep, in bed is not great either. Wish I had been prepared for these eventualities. Like you I need another knee doing, but may well re think that!!!!
GZ1966 judith64041
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Nearly 6wks now and my GP sent me back up to a&e on Friday as she thought maybe I should be on an antibiotic drip to make sure infection had cleared. After 61/2 hour wait (everyone was very nice but a long, uncomfortable wait) I got to see an orthopaedic registrar and he seemed to think all was well and to be expected. I do feel more reassured now he’s seen me but didn’t get the chance to ask why do I still feel so very sore, stiff, tired, low, (incredibly tired and low!!) etc. etc. and when will I start to feel like I’m not a waste of space and a complete burden to the family. I’m seeing my specialist in a week and a half so hopefully I’ll feel a bit better by then or can at least ask him. I’m supposed to be going to group physio sessions but only made one so far because of being up at a&e twice when the sessions were on. Chin up!
judith64041 GZ1966
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Still keeping a positive head, I have tried to cut down pain killers a bit too, I find towards evening I am very tired and in more discomfort with the tight band feeling getting worse. Anyway thanks to all for messages on here, which help me to feel less alone and definitely that all this is normal, and indeed some folks sound worse off than me. Onward and upwards soldiers!!!!