Posted , 11 users are following.
Hi. I read many of the posts on this forum and it is great how people emphasise and support one another. I'm 9 weeks post TKR and feeling low. I don't think I've felt good since the operation. Some good days, better than others, and always feeling tired. I've spondylosis to content with too so I guess the double whammy of sore back and post-op knee is not good! I can walk OK with my knee, up to an hour, and have been driving for three weeks. My big issue is with bending. The knee is still very stiff and hard. I can't walk down stairs normally nor can I ride an exercise bike. Maybe that is no big deal but I'm only about 75% where I think I should be in terms of bending. I've tried weaning of Co-Codamol (nearly there) and that has been bad too, with flu symptoms appearing when I scale back too quickly. Sorry for the moans but feeling down and wondering whether things will ever be OK. Off to the pub later today to cheer myself up. At least I can sit at the bar!
1 like, 11 replies
sarah87162 dode
Posted
You could try this exercise.
Sit on bed or couch.
Have a tea try at your feet and keep osocks on
Gently slide your foot up the tray and mark hw far you get to.
Next time try and get a bit further.
This was one of the exercises I did when I was at physiotherapy and it really helped.
Gently and slowly but when you get to the point you think you can't go any further just start pushing that last little bit.
Believe me it does get better and come right in the end.
Hope this helps
Take care and keep in touch
Love Sarah xxx
patsyrose dode
Posted
You sound like your doing great to me...I wish that I could have walked that far at 9 weeks (I couldn't with either knee).
The bend will come, in time. I struggled with the exercise bike, too, not helped by the fact that I'd already had the seat permanently shortened, so I couldn't raise it to make it easier. Stairs will come, too. Just take it easy and don't beat yourself up too much.
My problem with both knees has been straightening after a few weeks...and this is far more important for being able to walk.
Keep at it and you will see more and more progress.
Patsy
(1st TKR Dec 2012 - now really good. 2nd TKR Sept 2014 - facing further surgery this Sept)
mary0606 dode
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have you tried the pool and do aqua aerobics or hydrotherapy, I've had great results from being in a warm pool. Just a thought. Also don't compare your recovery to any one else as we are all different our surgeons. Diseases etc are all unique to you..it will hopefully settle in soon..
kathryn42410 dode
Posted
Another one that really works is to push your hands against a wall and bend into it with the operated leg. Bend until it sticks and hold for a count of ten.
You need to make sure you are still doing all of the exercises as well as the walking and driving as both have a negative impact on the range of movement. My physio said that one of the most common mistakes people make following TKR is stopping their exercises once they can walk a distance.
You are still in the early days. I'm 22 weeks post and due for an MUA and muscle surgery next week as my bend and extension are poor. Just keep plodding along and it will definitely improve. I'd already been told at 9 weeks that I had further issues so yours just needs time. I was still on oxycodene at 9 weeks due to my complications, pain was still unbearable so you're already doing better than you think.
Try not to be so hard on yourself and keep going xx
martinarvelo dode
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irish_linda dode
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irish_linda dode
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susan33930 dode
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Im also 9 weeks and you're a lot further than I am in some things. My bend and straight are Ok though I'm still working on them but I can't walk for an hour and I can't drive yet. I can do stairs up, but only sometimes can I go down properly. I also get very tired, if I do too much I struggle the following day and can't sleep at night. And I still take my meds.
i think this shows we Are all different - although we had the op done at the same time, you are further than me in some things, I am further than you in others. Don't worry too much - I'm sure in a few more weeks we will have caught each other up!
cheryl90571 dode
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I hope things will turn out better for you each day.
Brian_EFC dode
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