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back to work

Posted , 5 users are following.

peter77427
peter77427

hi there forum

i am 5 months post op, thinking of going back to work, i feel good obviesly knee still hurts but not as bad as it was, walking etc knee still hurts but i think im ok, my job is a site manager in construction, no physical work, but a bit of walking around, even up and down stairs. has anyone gone back to work after 5 months in a similar position to mine and what was the result., is it a good idea or too soon to go back. iwont be able to ice, but could get a couple of exersises in. your thoughts please. and driving, is it better to get closer to the steering wheel so your leg isnt streched as much, put something under your thigh.it is my right knee.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • max07424
    max07424 peter77427

    Posted

    Hi. Yes i am back at work after tkr, i drive a bus and my knee  still hurts a bit but is getting better everyday, I had my op on the 12 march 2018 which is nearly 4 months walking is a bit of a struggle after about 4 miles but cycling is ok, see how you feel if it hurts to much then obviously your not ready, perhaps a phased back to work would be better, hope all goes well.  Max
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX peter77427

    Posted

    Typical back to work time is in the 4-6 month range,  Most who try it at 3 months have lots of problems.  You will have issues with lots of walking during the day and doing stairs.  Recommendations:

    - Get a pedometer (fit bit, etc.) and track your steps.  You will know your limit when your knee swells like a balloon.  Back off, recover and then increase gradually.  Once you get to 10,000 steps a day (a little less than 5 miles) with no issues, you should be fine.  For your specific situation, you may need more or less depending on your knowledge of your work situation.  So the first piece is to get your step count up so you don't have swelling and pain every day at work.

    - Stairs will require a rebuild of your quads, glutes and core...the musculature, now atrophied, that supports the knee, gives you back your balance and enables you to do stairs normally.  I'd start the exercise program immediately to get that strength back ASAP...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/post-tkr-exercising-565527

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/mastering-post-tkr-stairs-552728

    You can start the stair work but you will see how difficult it is without the quad strength.  Get started right away and you should have no problem transitioning back to work.  Easy at first then gradual increases.  When the knee swells, it will tell you that you've gone too far that day.  Listen to your knee...  Remember that a full recovery takes a year.  Keep expectations low and increase gradually.

  • celticchick
    celticchick peter77427

    Posted

    Peter I think Chico’s advice is spot on but I’d add - do you have access to an occupational health assessment so they can recommend ‘reasonable adjustments’ ( which can cover all sorts of things) for when you do go back to work - if not GP might be able to do this and give you a ‘fit for some duties’ note ; and very importantly - get a phased return to work negotiated - pretty important after a longer absence and this kind of surgery and SHOULD be standard practice.

    If you are not a union member this would be w good time to join one - before you start these conversations with work - as they can support and advise you.  

    • peter77427
      peter77427 celticchick

      Posted

      Cheers celticchick I'm freelance.so I won't be able to do what you suggest. As I say I think I can try going back to work. But will it put me back. I'm nearly 5 months post op.if I go back to work I will take it easy. What do you think.

    • celticchick
      celticchick peter77427

      Posted

      Can you discuss with your GP or specialist? I couldn’t possibly give an informed opinion - we are all different, it depends on the job and I think you need expert advice on this? 
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