Bilateral total knee replacement
Posted , 5 users are following.
I am 6 weeks post op from a bilateral TKR. I was very depressed around week 4. While that part is better I am having problems trusting my right knee when walking. I had an ACL reconstruction surgery about 15 years ago and the surgeon had to take out the screws ext. I have much more swelling in this knee. Most days I just use a cane but at times still use my walker. I feel like I should be doing better. Has anyone else had a problem walking?
0 likes, 3 replies
davidjk22 karla33798
Posted
Six weeks is no time at all, you are where you are in your recovery. Everyone recovers differently, don't try to force recovery. Exercise and physio but do not over do it . You have had very serious surgery, watch some youtube video's of the op and you will realise how serious it was.
Aunt_Dee karla33798
Posted
Sounds like you're doing great especially for both knees to have done! I'm 11 weeks and still use the walker, trying to use the cane though. Have had issues and am having MUA tomorrow so hoping to walk and drive!!
jenny80029 karla33798
Posted
Hi and welcome!
Wow....two!
Your confidence will grow...
These knees are bionic compared with the old ones, but it takes months for them to actually feel that way 😀
Are you in UK?
I am 11 months post op single TKR. It takes a lot of work and time but it is worth it.
It really takes time. And you need to be kind and patient with yourself and your knee. Everyone is different and I can still remember my discouragement at times. I was ok in respect to straightness of leg but my quadriceps were very weak and I couldn't do the straight leg lift for ages. I needed to use support for a long time and felt rather "behind" in that way, however it is really important to listen to your body and appreciate we are all individuals and our bodies are very unique.
I used two supports for any walking over ten minutes even at 12 weeks!
I could only walk a tiny weeny bit in the house, literally a few minutes, with no stick or crutch at 8 weeks. And that was just with ONE TKR! I used one around the house for what seemed like ages.
My physiotherapist urged me to stick with using support for as long as I felt I needed it, and I didn't see the point in causing myself needless pain. Instead I focused on improving range of motion and decreasing swelling more than dispensing with support. I would say, only based on my own experience of course, that there is nothing to be gained but needless pain by trying to push oneself off using supports before you are ready.
I wanted to reduce pain medications more than walk independently in the early months, so I worked on the principle that if i had pain on walking my knee needed support. It's only partial support anyway, as some weight bearing goes on, just less than your full body weight.
If your upper body strength is good you might prefer crutches...? Are you seeing a physiotherapist, they could advise. People have different preferences but I was using crutches sometimes pre op when things were really bad, so I got rather good at using them. I used to move rather quickly with them, and went on some nice walks outside on level ground which was good psychologically.
I made most progress with walking independently between 3 and 4 months and then it all fell into place very quickly.
So for you with two, I wouldn't be in a rush. Strengthening the legs is more the work of 3 months post op I would venture to say. Now it is all about working on your range of motion, ice, elevate, and rest.
If you can get access to a pool that is really good..