double TKR

I had a BTKR 2 years ago. The tightness that I remember was with the iliotibial band on my left leg. That band runs along the outside of your knee and can cause pain and tightness. If you’re still in physical therapy, talk to them about it. Mine gave me a woven band for exercises to stretch the band. They also taught me and my spouse how to use a rolling pin to softly massage out the stiffness in the area. The internet should show you a number of exercises you can try to stretch that band to see if that’s what is causing your pain. Hope this helps.

After 18 months, I finally feel happy with my two new knees. They sure ain't perfect but they're significantly better than their predecessors. Time will heal you and a good physio too. Be patient, use a stationary bike and warm water pool walk. Inactivity is your enemy. xxx

You have to remember the beating your body and mind took. The chopped, sawed, drilled ,cemented, sewn and otherwise brutalized your very being. Now just think about how long it takes for a simple knee scrape from a small fall takes to heal. Putting all of that in perspec tive you can see why it takes time to time, lots of time.. An honest Dr will tell you it takes a year before you really own the knee and some of will tell you that's a good start but not reality. You will find the old 2 steps forward, 1 back is the true pattern.

That swelling is deep, deep bruising that goes to the bone and you have to heal from the inside out. Nerve are cut and have to refire and there is no regular sequence. Recovery isn't a lineal thing. You will be up and down like a roller coaster. Patience, pain meds, ice, exercise and more patience are you bet friends. Sometimes things will bother you till you want to s ream and suddenly its gone and something else will take its place. Sound confusing, you bet it is but all the time you are one day closer to being whole again . believe me, if anyone ever suggested to me that I needed a bi My answer to that would be bye.......bye. You have my admiration for courage. I've had 11 surgeries on my knee/leg but only one at a time.

Are you doing exercises still? Gentle stretching and exercising in water is excellent.

Disturbed sleep is hard to bear...

I found lavendar on pillow, and very slow, deep breathing to focus on relaxing helpful.

Do you still have a lot of swelling?

Keep elevating and icing if this helps! I hope you feel much better soon.