6 weeks and expecting better results grrrrrr
Posted , 10 users are following.
Has anyone have pain down the outside of there legend on the top outside of the calf,when I lay in bed and am laying on my side when I go to bend my knee this is where I get pain,and when I sit and do heel slides it feels like this is where the restrictions are that stop my knee bending further,information worry at times the tourniquet has done nerve damage or something as it is definitely not any scar tissue that is preventing the bending,?????...
Also I've been a little busy walking around the house and garden and my knee swells right up and feels fat so I have to lay down and ice ,I'm told I'm doing to much which is frustrating as it's 6 weeks and even though I know we are all different I keep hearing these stories of people back to work at 6 weeks and everything is good.....drives me nuts,bend is only 90 obviously I would achieve more with less swelling......anyone have similar experience?????
0 likes, 27 replies
Irish_Al rbleegrip
Posted
Hi RB,
To reassure you. I am 12.5 weeks PO.
I did have that pain you describe and my skin in that area felt like stretched leather, very hard and almost no elasticity.
I too thought I would be back to work after 6 weeks, but not a hope. I am now back at work 5 days a week, and only fully off crutches in the last 2 days.
I still get swollen and MUST Elevate and ice most evenings.
At 6 weeks I went to my surgeon about work, and he said he was frustrated that people think 6 weeks is the back to work expectation. He said approximately 12 weeks is more realistic, but all surgeries and all people are different (ages; weight; height; fitness levels etc).
So don't worry, just follow the exercises, YOUR body will tell you how you are doing.
Keep on this wonderful forum with these wonderful people, and if you get really worried see the experts, your doctor, physio or surgeon
Best wishes and Take care,
Alan
rbleegrip Irish_Al
Posted
Amesie rbleegrip
Posted
Had. My op 29th March I'm having problems just like you,after resting for awhile the pain is awfull inside of calf when a stand and put pressure on leg I have even tumbled because of pain but once I get going I'm fine. My knee is still swollen but been told to ice pack and put leg up, I can't even walk properly and I'm finding it very hard as my first replacement last year as been great no complaints at all with that one.
rbleegrip Amesie
Posted
This is the crazy thing isn't it we are all different but then each leg is different too,you say the other knee is fine but what is different from the last operation to make the recovery so different,sometimes I wonder how rough they get with when we are out cold I've seen some youtube vids and they can be quite brutal
Amesie rbleegrip
Posted
Your reply is so true I have thought that myself, I will do my excercises and plod on until October when I see consultant again but I'm still worried about the angle from my knee to foot i need to get advice on that.
Irish_Al Amesie
Posted
Do NOT worry until October.
See an expert.
Take care,
Alan
jeanne_06699 rbleegrip
Posted
rbleegrip jeanne_06699
Posted
Yes the swelling is a real issue and I'm just not sure how to tackle everything I do find that the swelling is always the last thing to go I must because little susceptible to it but I'm frustrated with this ITB that is like a piece of tight rope rope and I'm 100% is what Is stopping my bending but nowhere to go except I'm getting leg massages to try and rub out any crap and loosen it...... keep on perseverance is all we have....
ileanainbliss rbleegrip
Posted
OMG! I'm experiencing the same. My problem always has been the back of my led. Exactly how you are describe it. I'm sorry. I understand your frustration. Tomorrow is week number 7 for me. Last week the therapist got frustrated because I was on pain and I wasn't able to bend my knee more than 90. She send me to see the Dr. with I did. He tell me to wait until week 8 and if things dosesnt get better he will do the manupilation. I'm working on the pool everyday. I'm doing masage on my entire lower leg. I woke up in the midle of the night to do execise, because I'm worrie about what is coming if I'm not where I am supposed to be. I can do a lots of things, but same here, the leg begins to swell when I start moving around. It's very frustate it.
Cookiefl2003 ileanainbliss
Posted
Hi I'm going on week 8 next week and although I'm bending at 110 in in pain constantly the back is from my hamstring which they put me on robaxin which is a muscle relaxer and wake up too in the night to ice and do exercises..what is a good nite sleep I haven't had one since before June 1 which was the 2nd knee that was replaced. I keep getting told why r u experiencing is completely normal for tkr of both knees but since when is that much pain normal and I tell them I'm in pain all the time but they only give me oxys 5mg....I'm so frustrated and tired of it as well
Oldfatguy1 Cookiefl2003
Posted
You have to remember, if you are like most, you favored the bad leg for a long time before surgery.most of us walked any way we could to avoid pain. Lower back muscles tighen as do hamstrings. You are going through a process that has to be completed....little or no shortcuts. Do the excercises but don't overdo. Hydrate, especially 1st thing in the morning and late at night. Muscle relaxants are only worthwile if you do everything you are supposed to help, like hydrating.. This is difficult at the very best and most of us don't experience the very best. I think most of can fully appreciate your feelings but don't give up. Don't be afraid to take the meds on schedule not when the pain hits. Set your next benchmark @ 13 weeks and keep doing the right things.
Try using a thin pillow between your knees at night. If that doesn't help use a thicker one. Don't be hesitant to nap and rest during the day as a rested body is a body that heals quicker. Try melatonin, an over the counter natural product that helps induce sleep for some. I take 10mg every night.stay away from any type caffine or stimulants from mid day on.
You'll get better but only when your inner body tells you. Slow down........don't try to stay up with the crowd.....be a crowd of one.
lyn32416 Cookiefl2003
Posted
I am 18 weeks po after two knees replaced on Mar 21. I have bad days snd not so bad days. I go with what is delivered, day by day! Nothing else I can do. Pain patches have been great for me. I am on the lowest dose 5mg but it takes the edge off. They work and you must get help soon or you'll go bananas! X