Excessive Swelling and Very Slow Progress in Rehab

Hi, I also had trouble with swelling and felt it affected my PT especially trying to getting ROM. It's tough. There are some on here who might know better but I wonder if in addition to ice elevating etc... If you might be overworking knee keeping it inflamed. It needs rest I believe as well. I still have a little swelling at 6 mos. it has taken me a long time to get it to go away but when I have rested knee it has a chance to unswell some then I would work it. I discovered this by acciident. I was unable to work out 1 day and noticed swelling improved. Then I began again and noticed the difference in not having so much swelling. I went to PT 2x a week for almost 5 mos. Hated it lol BUT now on my own swelling under control and I still do heel slides and lots of walking mixed with other exercises but all is improving. So there is HOPE it will improve. I wish you all the best!

Yes, I am elevating it and icing whenever possible.  I am back at work.  I have a desk job, but , even ice and elevate at work. 

I agree about the over working...rest is vital as well as exercise.

Great things are improving for you! Sometimes when the pressure is off and we can chill a bit things happen naturally! 😀

Hi Robin-

Sounds like we are in the same boat.  I tell my therapist all the time that the swelling is affecting my ROM.    The only time I notice the swelling going down is like on a Monday morning when I have spent the ENTIRE weekend icing and elevating!

I have definitely found this to be my experience! I still have a ways to go but I am improving ~ I am on the slower side probably but I don't mind cause i see incremental changes 

Exactly! Then you can work it at your own pace pushing when you can without lots of pain and be in control. Your PT sounds very aggressive so was mine I was so relieved when insurance stopped and I was on my own. Take breaks listen to your body it will guide you. Best wishes cuz it does get better.

Hi Marie,

I am so incredibly frustrated too.  I talked to so many people who just sailed through this recovery including my own sister and my father-in-law who was much older than me when he had the surgery.  Makes me wonder what’s wrong with me.  The thought of doing this again makes me ill to say the least.

  I thought there was something wrong with me bc I’ve sailed through every surgery I’ve ever had like a champ.  . .TKR was the most painful horrific procedure I’ve ever had.  Went to PT 4 months.  Knee could bend but couldn’t get to zero on flexion.  Then I feel on both knees on hard floor after 6 months.  Now knee cannot bend, but I can straighten it.  And now along with continued pain in right knee, left knee burning and hurting and calves weak.   Get spasms while I’m sleeping.  I’m not going through it again.  I do the best I can under the circumstances.  After walking or not walking, they still ache and stiffen up.  I feel almost like I did on the first day I was made to walk.  Very bad, traumatic experience.

i envy those who love their new knees.   Hate mine.

 

I feel the same way Paula - 90% of the people I talk to or in PT have had no swelling and like you said sailed through it ... and I feel like its the worst decision I have ever made ..I hope we both we get relief soon  

Me too!  I say it daily that it is the worst decision I have ever made!   Yet everyone keeps telling me that I will be happy one day. I’m still waiting.....my physical therapist says that most people don’t have as much difficulty as I am having and I have also heard that the condition of the knee pre-op makes a difference.  Mine was awful from injuries sustained in my teens!  I can still hear the doctor saying to my 19 year old self “this will cause you lots of problems as you age”.   He was right.

Youzeguyz need to take a deep breath and let go of what you expect this recovery to be and how long it will last.  Hating your decision and being upset because of unrealistic expectations just screws with your head.  "Don't do dat." - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.  Let it all go and just let the knee heal.  Give it time, do the work and be patient.  Positive outlook only.  Start planning your one-year anniversary party...and expect to dance!

Thanks CHICO !! I am gonna give it the ole college try starting today.. and definitely gonna plan the one year party - and its gonna be a doozy !!

My "ole college try" is to be well enough to attend my 50th college reunion at Fordham University in NYC May of 2019!!!  FIFTY????  I think I lost track of like two decades!!!