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8 weeks post op only

Posted , 12 users are following.

mary12001
mary12001

If your 8 weeks post op then I would like to know if you're at the same stage as me.

Although my knee bend is109 - I'm suffering with so much pain that I think I've pulled a muscle!! I can't help it in the night stretching my leg without being able to control it and then if it stretches all the way I get the most awful pain that makes me cry out!!

I think I started driving too quickly at 4 weeks post op.

I had my op on the 13th Feb so that makes me 8 weeks post op today and sometimes I think I wish I never had it done.

It's been the most awful 8 weeks of my life. I never expected this.

I knew there would be pain but I can't seem to control it and I never know what I will be like the next day.

I go to a physio class one a week and then I've been to a private physio the last three weeks but in trying to help the muscle which she says is tight at the back of my leg- I feel she makes it worse - I couldn't walk yesterday.

That's what I mean - somedays I can walk unaided - other days I'm hobbling.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • CycleMore
    CycleMore mary12001

    Posted

    So sorry to hear you're struggling. It's really a bummer. 

    I'm ten weeks out from my medial meniscus surgery. It's been miserable. I'm  back in a knee brace and some days can barely walk. I've been told since I can't get the swelling down my quadricep won't fire. It's like I'm dragging a cement block behind me. 

    I've done physical therapy at home for 6 weeks and then went in to the office for PT. that's when I was told my quad wasn't working. 

    It's a struggle every day!  It would be nice for both of us to get a quick resolution. 

  • kim01222
    kim01222 mary12001

    Posted

    Hi Mary

    I think you are pushing yourself to hard. They state not to drive until at least 6 weeks post op. You certainly can't have full control of the vehicle at 4 weeks.

    I'm coming up 14 weeks now. Please listen to your body. Do your physio but some days slow down the pace. Are you taking pain relief? We all want to get back to normal asap but it's tough don't rush it. 😊😊😊😊

  • delia56360
    delia56360 mary12001

    Posted

    Hi Mary I gather you had a full TKR I am 7 months in and know excately what you are feeling I never expected the recovery like that either !! What a journey and i am still not through it yet .. No pain just stiffness but it was paindul for weeks and weeks i was told everything has to mend , and cant walk far either some days are better thank others .. Some days my calf is very sore too I still take meds at night and it takes me a while to get going in tje morning .. We have to keep going it does get easier but it takes time 
    • veronica91735
      veronica91735 delia56360

      Posted

      Hi Delia. I'm almost 6 months post TKR revision - & although it's better than the 1st one they put in (a year of agony!) I too cannot walk far (annoying when you have 2 lively dogs) & have such stiffness when getting up etc. I still take meds just at night - but now it's 18 months of putting stuff I don't want to in my body (but need to!). I see my surgeon/consultant tomorrow for the 6 months post op. check-up (because it was a revision) but I already know he'll just tell me it takes time! I'm actually going to go for a walk before I go to the hospital, so he sees the flipping thing swollen & stiff! - Veronica
    • veronica91735
      veronica91735 sueisobel

      Posted

      Not any more. I can go about half a mile, then I feel it stiffen up. I have worked on the quads, & have the strength to hold one of the dogs leads now (unless they decide to give chase!). Once home, it swells. I had an aspiration on the swellings the 1st time, which wasn't infected - I think it's just my body! I have bought 2 hiking sticks (with spikes) as we go away next week, & I so wanted to do the long walks we used to do!
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel veronica91735

      Posted

      When you are out walking the shock waves travel through your foot, up your leg and into your knee joint.  Walking, lunges are high impact. Don't give up on your cane. Use your sticks as support, you need to put your weight on them. For a while I used to wear crocs, ugly things, but oh so comfortable, like walking on sponges. You can get walking boots that are protective against impact. You may find long walks are out of the question, if so, make sure you have a camera to hand, it will give you an excuse to keep stopping. Or occupy you whilst the others go off.  Look at your holiday as a break away from the norm, is it possible to take crutches with you as well (just in case)
  • kelly44994
    kelly44994 mary12001

    Posted

    Hi I only had partial knee replacement -full knee takes much longer to heal.

    Since before my op I have been using a portable TENs machine in between pain killers to supplement pain relief especially in the early morning hours. I work in retail and couldn't have managed without it. These are easily purchased from Lloyds or Boots pharmacy for around about £20. I consulted with pharmacist first to get the product for my pain. Hope this helps.

  • sueisobel
    sueisobel mary12001

    Posted

    Hi Mary, is this a new post or have you pressed the wrong button
  • tana4life
    tana4life mary12001

    Posted

    Mary

    I am now 12 p.o. I still have extreme pain at night and most of the time during the day. I should tell though I had both knees done at the same time so I still don't drive or work I was a waitress . I had a doctor visit yesterday and I asked my doctor if I was doing well he told all people heal at their own pace . So I will tell you remember to ice and elevate. He also told me to look at the color of my scars he said if they look red and angry on the outside then my kn3 looks the same on the inside. So keep the faith do what you can it will probably be a full year before your back to your post op self.

    • jenni86878
      jenni86878 tana4life

      Posted

      Hi Tana4life

      Is that right about the scar colour? If so could explain why knee is giving me such grief! Can't bend fully because of the swelling and the pain at night is something else

      Jenni

    • tana4life
      tana4life jenni86878

      Posted

      Jenni

      My doctor is the best in my area they call him Dr. Knee and he told me to stop being do hard on my self . I told him I had no reference to go by and that's when he told about the scar color and I lknow it's true because I know when I work out my scars are so red before I ice and they look so good in the morning.

  • linlee
    linlee mary12001

    Posted

    Hi mary12001 my surgery was 3/18 so I'm not quite 4 weeks. My bend is 75. Pt says that is not good. Been working really hard but like you I pay for it the next day. The back of my leg hurts really bad. My Dr said he wouldn't even consider doing my other knee any sooner than a year. Ha like that is going to happen. I just didn't think it would be this painful. I thought I was tough. Haha. Sorry I'm not giving you any advice but you are not alone. AND you are 4 weeks ahead of me!!!!
  • marge23618
    marge23618 mary12001

    Posted

    Yes, BAD pain wakes me up at night. I keep moving the leg around in bed till I eventually find relief. Behind the knee is stiff and it takes a lot of moving to loosen it. Side of kneecap very sore and those shooting sharp little daggers ouch! Remembering the day I decided I HAD to give in to the surgery.....I came out of Publix and nearly fell off the sidewalk because of the terrible, sudden pain in my knee... again. I'm very thankful the surgery is over and the healing is taking place even with all the !#^*X% in the process. Chin Up and best to you.
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