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Bilateral knee replacement

Posted , 16 users are following.

sandra82290
sandra82290

Hi I'm new to the group but would like some advice please, I had both my knees replaced on the 3rd March and am still in a lot of pain and stiffness, I go physio once a week and the bending is good but the straightening isn't so good, is this normal and what can I do to make it better and easier. Thanks Sandra x

1 like, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • allan87044
    allan87044 sandra82290

    Posted

    Had both done a week before u. Very slow process. Constants: tired, can't sleep, stiff knees. It all gets better....very .....slowly. Keep excercising, ice, rest.

    stay active. 

    Way better than I was. Still have stiff and aches, but not as bad or as often. Sleep getting better, legs getting stronger.    But have to work at it. Massage those knees.

    every 3 weeks u will see improvement that is truly noticeable. Just think about the first 10 days. 

     

    • sandra82290
      sandra82290 allan87044

      Posted

      Hi

      tell me about not sleeping! I haven't slept more than 2 hours at a time since the op. I only do physio once a week but am starting more intensive physio this week where they get into the muscle apparently!! Trying the ice as I type now lol 

  • moandrieu
    moandrieu sandra82290

    Posted

    Sandra, I hope I can be an encouragement. I had bilateral TKR October 27, 2014, almost 6 months ago. I used a walker for about three weeks, then a quad cane for two weeks and then a single cane. At about 10 weeks out, I traveled internationally to a developing country. I used the cane some, but not regularly. Doing your physical therapy on a daily basis is crucial. I was fortunate enough to have someone come to my home 6 days a week. For getting your knee straighter, I would recommend rolling a towel, placing it under your knee and then slightly lifting your foot and pressing down on the knee. I had some serious pain and tightness behind my knees, and the only relief I found was strecthing my legs out straing and brining my head to my knees, slowly forcing the knee down. Can I ask where you spend most of your time? I found it easier to sit on my bed with my knees stretched out in front of me. I often would do random stretching exercises and also work on my bend. It does get better and after a while, you will see that it was all worth it. And just think, having the bilateral means you won't have to psych yourself up for going in for the second one.
    • sandra82290
      sandra82290 moandrieu

      Posted

      Hi

      i spend most of my time at my daughters, she has 3 year old twins so not much rest, she also helps with my exercises, I put a foot on her knee with a straight leg and she pushes down on my knee to straighten it, a minute on each leg, 3 times an hour but I am still 11% from being straight xx

    • moandrieu
      moandrieu sandra82290

      Posted

      See if you can try spending some time with your legs stretched out flat. I know the floor is impossible at this early date (after 6 months it's still not pretty, but much less terrifying). Hopefully some others might have some suggestions to use too.
    • joyce_61477
      joyce_61477 moandrieu

      Posted

      Sleep is difficult! I'm still taking 5 mg of Ambuen every night, it usually helps me get about 5-6 hours....of fitful sleep. I NEVER able to size during the day even though I always feel tired. Has anyone whose had a BTKR had such a strength discrepancy in your legs? How long did it take to get it functioning better? The OS said that the left was much more difficult to balance....than the right.
    • sarndra
      sarndra sandra82290

      Posted

      Sandra you really need to rest more.  Lie down rather than sitting as your knees are constantly in the flexed position. When lying down, focus on pressing your knee down towards the mattress with toes pointing up. Repeat 10 times, 3 times a day.  Plus straight leg raising 10 x 3 times. Ice, ice, ice.  You will get there.

       

    • ya68885
      ya68885 moandrieu

      Posted

      Hi,

      I'm new to the group and reading the valuable comments.

      How are your knees doing, now that it's over 5 years?

      I had Bilateral Knee surgery on Oct 7th, 2014. I had no problems until about 1 week ago . (I have a scheduled appt to see my orthopedic surgeon). I am very active and I do walk a lot. Lately my knees caps feel very heavy after walking a block or two, on standing after sitting for 20 mins or so, also if I stand too long.

      I have not done anything strenuous that can cause this.

      Hopefully all is well with you.

      Thank you .

  • sueoz
    sueoz sandra82290

    Posted

    My goodness Sandra, you are very brave to hae had them both done together.   It is very early days and I imagine your progress will be slightly slower having had both knees done.  Still in the end you will be done.  I had one done four weeks ago, and the next one in four weeks time. Starting to wish I had had them both done already. 
  • sarah87162
    sarah87162 sandra82290

    Posted

    Both knees together,my goodness me!

    I had one knee TKR 3 years ago. I was the other way round to you, OK on straightening but poor on bending, people are different.

    I would say it took me about a yeaar to completely get over TKR. If you have had both done together this would probably take a bit longer I think

    Now I am fine, it is like having my life back.

    Take cae and keepintouch

    Sarah

  • ann1904
    ann1904 sandra82290

    Posted

    Hi Sandra I had bi lateral surgery 10 days ago am finding it very hard I've been put on morphine patch and gabapentine but think the gabapentine r making me depressed have a appoint ment tommorow and am hoping the change my medication haven't slept more than half an hour each night tell me it'll get better Ann

     

    • jaycee1952
      jaycee1952 ann1904

      Posted

      Hi Ann I had BTKR 3 weeks ago, I also wear a pain patch and have been on tramedol twice a day but am trying to wean myself of and just take panadol and patch. I think I am going ok, I can walk about 500metres on crutches, pain not too bad, bend about 95. But I struggle to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time, I get very stiff in one position and can't sleep on my side anymore. It's good to read other people's experiences, thank you

      Jan

    • ann1904
      ann1904 jaycee1952

      Posted

      Hi Jaycee I'm at 6 weeks now  and down to one stick walked 1/2 mile today never thought 6 weeks ago I would be at this point still a bit stiff and wee bit pain but can cope no depression  so don't worry you'll get there too good luck and hope you get a sleep
  • Sophie719
    Sophie719 sandra82290

    Posted

    I had both knees replaced on January 12 so I nearly four months po-op.

    When PT released me, I joined a senior fitness club where I exercise for about 30 -45 minues six days a week. I still take Tylenol and Celebrex twice daily and struggle with discomfort daily. My surgeon says it is normal to feel this way for up to six months to a year. I got into a deep depression after surgery but am trying to overcome it. Try not to feel alone or abnormal. The surgery is traumatic and your body needs much time to recover. Pray and have faith. I have been assured that this shall pass.... Good Luck to you!

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