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Can't straighten leg or walk 5 weeks after Total Knee Replacement.

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jamesAB
jamesAB

Most of what I had read or heard about Total Knee Replacement (TKR) led me to believe that I would be up and walking about in a few days after the operation. So it has been a bit worrying for me that over five weeks after the operation, that whilst I can easily bend the knee, I cannot straighten the leg or put enough weight on it to walk! However I have been heartened to read here that my situation is quite common and that, hopefully what is required is patience.

I have read that i should be drinking a lot of water. As one who, at the age of 75, prefers to keep my liquid intake down, I would like to know the reason for this.

In addition I would like any information on people's experiences of extended periods before walking was possible.

Thanks, Jim

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  • jamesAB
    jamesAB

    Posted

    It's now nearly seven weeks since my TKR and although due to a disability I could not fully straighten the leg before the operated., I can straighten it even less now and can't put enough force on it to support my weight even with a Zimmer . My hope is that a lot of the problem is due to the fact that I have lost an awful lot of muscle strength in the leg. Hoping this is the case I bought s mini pedal exerciser and have now used it for three days. Today for the first time, while lying down, I just about managed to lift the leg half an inch of the floor. In addition, sitting around for seven weeks left me generally week and I am remedying this by doing what Pilates I can. I really worry about if I will walk again.

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