Hard Work following Knee Replacement

Posted , 10 users are following.

I had a knee replacement five weeks ago. I know it's still relatively early days and things are starting to improve but it seems slowly and I feel exhausted.  I had no idea how much was going to be involved in getting the knee moving again and I wish you were told a little bit more to prepare you beforehand.  Sitting is still the most difficult thing for me depending on he chair height.  I don't have great bend on the leg yet.  I cannot lift my leg behind me very much at all. Is anyone else in the same boat?  I stopped taking codeine and now just take Paracetemol as I need it.  Not too much swelling but I will be glad to get rid of the pressure socks next week.  I have started hydrotherapy my second session is today and hope that will help.  Some days I don't feel too bad but then I get a really low day where I feel exhausted and a bit tearful (today being one of them). I guess I'm just worried that I will never bend it properly.  

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  • Posted

    Hi I think you are doing great and we all put too much pressure on ourselves I was the same as you and felt that it was never going to be good again but I am now 9 weeks post op and doing fine my knee bends great can go up and down stairs sit in most chairs comfortably the worst for me was having a tight band around the knee but last week just noticed it had gone and what a relief that was, we all have tearful days but stay strong and positive and keep doing the exercises and you will get there like the rest of us

    Jan

    • Posted

      Thanks so much that's encouraging. I feel the right band you mention. I've had hydrotherapy today and he said if I don't make a ninet degree bend soon they ,at want to take me back in and do it under anaesthetic!  I could do without it so I'm working really hard.  The bend had increased to 68 today.  Thanks for your kind words.

    • Posted

      My bend wasn't brilliant at first but made sure I took the strongest pain relievers I could before exercise ( it really does help) put your good foot /ankle onto the operated one and push back as far as you can tolerate relax and repeat I did this every two hours and it soon got better afterwards Ice and elevate hope this helps x

  • Posted

    Sorry for the tears but most of us cried as well as too much pain and not enough sleep. I was better after 10 weeks, but some are much longer

    Good healing

  • Posted

    I'm 5   Months TKR  still ups and downs. My knee is in charge now. Tells me to slow down by still swelling abit and if I don't listen I suffer!! But It is way better then before surgery. Unfortunately you have to b very patient! Takes time and everyone is different. The first 4 months I was sad wondering if I will ever feel better but i am slow but it's happening. PATIENCE!  😀😀best of luck!!

    • Posted

      Thanks so much - today the bend has increased to 68 from 45 so I. Working hard and hoping it will keep improving as I really don't want another procedure!  😊

  • Posted

    Hi Jane.  I understand your frustration and pain, but would suggest it's way too early to worrry about any long-term implications of the surgery.  As has been said here many times, it takes a year on average to heal from the surgery.  It's a major procedure you're healing from.  If you don't believe it, watch a Youtube of the procedure to see the extent of work that was done on your knee.

    Are you just starting to exercise now?  If not, what have you been doing, and how often? How well are you sleeping? Are you going to physical therapy?  When you say you're taking Paracetemol  "as you need it," what does that mean?  When you're feeling pain?  The way to manage pain is to stay ahead of it.  Taking pain meds after the pain has arrived is too late, and returning to a pain-free state is much more difficult.

    All of these are key questions for the group to offer any type of help other than sympathy.  Sorry to be so blunt, but I really do feel your pain, frustration, and depression, and want to help.

    • Posted

      Have been exercising from day one.  Am now having hydrotherapy. The bend has been poor, about 45 degrees but today it has gone to 68. I must admit I probably should be taking the pain relief more regularly I just hate being full of tablets and my pain is good apart from at night when it's uncomfortable - I take meds before I go to bed to help sleep.  My sleep is better than it was a few weeks ago but I am still very tired in the day. A lot of what I feel is just frustration and I know it will take time but I have been sort of worrying about the lack of bend.  Thanks for all your kind words, much appreciated.

  • Posted

    I had mine done on the 13th February this year and can only say that things get worse. 

    Your leg will bend eventually but the whole process is exhausting and ive been told it can takeanything up to two years to feel normal again.There's me thinking I woudl be fine in six weeks!

     

  • Posted

    The same "boat"???  More like an aircraft carrier with 6,000 people on it at any time!!!

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499

    Read the Depression Section for the tears.  "There's no crying in baseball!" - Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own.  Likewise, "There's no crying in a TKR recovery!!!"  Kick the depression to the curb...it's only an illusion anyway.  Concentrate on recovery and positive actions.

    Most of us are very jealous that you have access to a therapy pool.  Was phenomenal when I had a hip replaced; wish I had one for the knee.  Most excellent treatment...enjoy.

    When you feel exhausted, sleep.  Period.  Your body is expending tremendous amounts of energy to heal itself.  Eat healthy, sleep often, hydrate a lot, be good to yourself.  Most people usually see a HUGE difference around three months.  Be prepared for advances, setbacks and plateaus...all part of the process.

    • Posted

      Thanks Chico - lovely to have support from all you lovely people out there and Happy Healthy New Year to,you.😌

  • Posted

    Jane I had my Knee done Nov 2,although some days are tough I promise it will get better. Keep working hard at Pt its really important i found. There are times i felt doom and gloom and I think everybodys body is different so dont be so hard on yourself.  My next knee also needs to get done and is scheduled for Jan 24, although the though of doing this again doesnt thrill me I know in the end it will be good..Doing the exercises and and keeping moving has helped me , I even go to my gym for Zumba(of course i cant jump or twist)but mentally its good for me , stay happy and positive !

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