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
borobabs Pennypops
Posted
Feel better for reading all your posts today. 5 weeks since surgery and have been feeling very low. cant stop crying, tired and in pain. i am amazed at other peoples reactions to tkr surgery. since finding out I needed this op I have numerous people including medics tell me oh your up walking about the next day, you will be fine. what they fail to grasp is the pain and brutality of this op. i have felt utter despair at times with regards to how incapactitated i was ill prepared for the level of pain and discomfort i have been feeling and the first two weeks i felt like my leg did not belong to me. seeing my surgeon later today and have a list of thing i want to ask. my rom is currently 95 but it has been a struggle. found this forum by chance but have read every post and would like to thank every one for their posts. it has given me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and everyone recovers differently.
michael74223 borobabs
Posted
Hi there
I understand how you are feeling. There is no doubt that we all recover at different rates but don't be too hard on yourself, it will happen. At 7 weeks i think I overdid the exercises the other day and as a consequence have had to back off due to swelling. I have to keep reminding myself to take it gently as otherwise recovery tends to be two steps forward then 1 back!
Also I have come to the understanding that the artificial joint will never feel like the original but hopefully over time it feels less foreign.
Hang in there
johnboy7 michael74223
Posted
Hi very interesting to read your notes
Micheal .( Pity we coulden't all meet in a
large room to discuss all experiances )
Spelling Ah !
I agree on most of your comments but now at week 12 Opp 2nd October .
I CAN SAY definitely my NEW KNEE feels
part of me and don't think of it as alien at
all .
I believe you WILL feel like this.
Hope so . Cheers
John
John Boy 7
borobabs michael74223
Posted
Thanks MICHAEL for your kind words of support.
johnboy7 Pennypops
Posted
HI GOOD MORNING
I am now in France on Holiday in the Alps.
Only giving you and others News on my
Knee Operation . ( i am 78 - 79 in March )
Had full replacement 2nd October 17 now
at11 Weeks gone v quick .
OK to drive Auto Range Rover at 3 Weeks
Then went to my Gym almost every Day
missed about 2/3 DAYS only
AT5 Weeks could turn peddles on Fixed
Cycle in Gym by Week 6 and visit to my
Surgeon for Post Opp appointment i had
130 degree Bend .
Stopped all medication for pain relief
Paracetamol at 4/5 Weeks .
also at same time got rid of walking stick.
So i have been lucky so far no pain at all.
But find walking more Difficult than i
thought may require Left Knee replacing
next year .
As my Surgeon managed to alter my gait in
straightening the Right Knee my left has to
compensate so i need to find out more.
( anyone with similar problem like feed back
please ) i can walk for a few miles in the snow
no problem but feel a little wobble at times.
I believe you should Exercise fully every day.
never give in . When you try Walking you
must hold your Head up High like you are
important - shoulders back and flex your
Core and walk Heel Toe and try to stride out
Think yesterday was in fact 12 Weeks from
Operation . had v small go at Tennis just
tapping ball to and trow.
Sure Golf will be Ok in January if weather
warm enough in England.
Not sure if any help to you come back others
as well . Kind regards
John Boy 7
borobabs johnboy7
Posted
Feel inspired by your journey and hope mine progresses in the same way.
susane91705 johnboy7
Posted
Inspiration to us all, enjoyed your journey. I am 6 weeks now, feel I should be doing more. I am not as quick as you. Not tried to drive, rom 90 can straighten with no problem. Walking without stick. But feel sad. Why !!!! Irritable. Just pulled two muscles getting out of bath. First time. Which are best exersises to keep doin😕😕
johnboy7 Pennypops
Posted
PS Drove to France all the way 725 Miles?
John Boy 7
johnboy7 Pennypops
Posted
Penny Pops i know what you mean .
i think i found it best to not use a stick
as you tend to rely on it.
Also as i said in the Book i just typed best
hold your Head up straight look in a Mirror
try it on flat level ground
Try not to carry ANYTHING like a bag or
hand bag for a Lady as this will help to
throw you out until your ready .
Not sure about your age but we are all
Knocking on a bit to receive New Parts ??
Come back if you need to chat more on any
Specifics . Did find sleeping a problem early on also with medication i would wake about
every 1.5 Hours and go to the Loo .
But now all good .
Hope a little helpful
JOHN
John Boy 7
.
susane91705 Pennypops
Posted
I am at 6 week with a total knee replacement, feel low, worst thing is everyone expects me to feel on top of the world with a new knee. I don't have an appetite, feel completely not myself, painful knee, thigh, and just pulled muscle at the back of my operated leg and under my arm trying to get out of bath. Cant sleep. Susane
michael74223 susane91705
Posted
Hi Susane
Forget what those close to you are saying as i think for most of us this TKR surgery is hard work. From what you are saying it might be worth asking your GP about anti inflammatory medication as it could settle much of the pain you are experiencing.
I'm 10 weeks tomorrow and am really just starting to see my knees settling down a bit. Pain hasn't been a problem but stiffness and swelling have certainly been holding me back (perhaps I was overdoing it).
Hang in there as things will improve and remember your journey won't necessarily be as fast (or slow) as others but you will get there.
johnboy7 michael74223
Posted
Good Morning All 9.30 am here in
England.
Just read note from Micheal and i must
say i think its good advice .
We are all different like age build in as
much , some heavy some light .
Just keep going try walking as far as
possible unaided if you can.
Walking is the best way to keep all joints
moving.
Without moving i think you would stiffen
up quickly .
So keep going exercise should be helpful
Regards all
JOHN
johnboy7 Pennypops
Posted
Hi All
Firstly Happy New Year 2019 .
Just to let you Know i will be 14 Weeks next
Tuesday into post operation ( October 2nd)
Drove 1650 Miles in France and French Alps.
I only mention this to be helpful as to assure
you all that it is possible to live a good normal
life and it helps me to remember what stage
i am at . I returned home last night 4 / 1 / 19
Drove no problem 380 Miles in a Day returning .
I do realise i have to keep going ( 78 years )
i walked most Days for 2/3 Miles mainly in
the Snow which is Beautiful .
Have to wear proper clothing .
But the exercise is good builds Mussel .
If you have pain it may be worth taking 2
500 mm Paracetamal Tablets to ease pain
but check first with your Doctor to see if you
are allowed .
I can say you may think i am Ok But i still have to think about Walking .
My Top Tip would be keep bending Joints in
Exercise as yo would have been told.
Stand up straight ( Like your Important ) hold
your head up . WHEN I do this i can walk
much better than when slouched .
Must think positive . I also think i require my
Left Knee replaced this year ti make things
better .
In summary i would think most Opps are good but we must push our selves forward.
JOHN
johnboy7 Pennypops
Posted
Hi Pennypops / Suzanne
Thought i would post again to say what is
possible . Probable a lot are better than i am
Im now 14 Weeks on Tuesday today is
Sunday i Walked with my Wife and
small Dog about 2.5 Miles in an Hour
its dry so i cut the Grass when we got back.
Walk was Good no Aids just a brisk walk .
My wife days im a bit slow ??
Going to try Golf this week if no rain .
So life is quite Normal this is what i wanted
to say . I hope you all make good progress.
Think i said previously my best Tip would be.
Try standing Tall HEAD up hold core and
stride out this keeps better balance .
Kindest regards
JOHN
Silverfox276 Pennypops
Posted
I'm five weeks post TKR. I'm experiencing the burning, itching and nerve sparks lack of a better word. I ice every time I feel the nerves jumping. I take hot showers to relax as well. I do strengthening excersise's. I'm depressed, want to give up at times, but I can't I want my life back. This process has been tough for me. My range is 110 and I ride the stationary bike, but some how I'm doubting my self. I need the other one done, but that won't happen. I'm taking extra strength Tylenol and one Aleve when the pain is really bad. Stay encouraged.