I had a knee replacement op 10 days ago.

I, too, only had four days to prepare.  It really isn't the best thing to happen.  We felt rushed and we never did see important reading materials.  People kept asking me if I'd read this or that paper and I kept telling them I never received them...they went to the wrong address.  It is all kind of a blur.  

Hi last time I some to you I'd just had TNR and was in so much pain. Well so much has happened since then could not go to the toilet for 3 weeks woke up one morning with bad cramps thought I was going to die. After passing some I nearly passed out lost lots of blood. Layed in bed for 3 days. Doctor told me to stop pain meds .eat lost of firba which I did etc. Then no toilet again for a week cramps again enough is enough. I then took 8 movcol . O yes that worked the yesterday

18 times in and out the bathroom. And 6 today but god do I feel better. Can now concentrate on my knee phisyo starts Thursday. X

Make sure you don't get stomach issues with the Diclofenac. 

its one month since my TKR and finding this forum has been so welcome. I had a booklet but no one told me how painful my leg would be. I have had one physio session and told I was trying to do way too much, but I thought the more I pushed the knee the quicker it would recover! Sleep is also my biggest challenge and chronic tiredness doesn't help my mood, I have also been told the hip needs replacing soon but really worried about coping with this type/ level of pain again! My scar feels very tight and even with cream and massage it doesn't help!! Any hints would be most welcome.

thank you x

I am 11 weeks post op from my TKR. I have my other knee replacement on Oct. 9th.

What helps me the most is taking naps when I get tired instead of fighting it. A half hour of REALLY good sleep when I am truly tired is better than TRYING to sleep at night when pain seems to be greater.

Taking a good multivitamin that has 100% of the daily recommended dose of iron also helps with being more energetic instead of tired.

I like to move around a lot throughout the day to keep loose. This helps the PAIN and makes me less stiff. I find that stretching to increase my BEND helps to loosen my incision area and break up scar tissue. I ease gently into EVERY stretch then hold it for 30 seconds.

I stretch in bed before my feet ever touch the floor. This helps me balance as I get out of bed and makes those first few stiff minutes easier.

Be sure to keep hydrated. Also 2000 mg. of Omega 3 (fish oil gels) help with the joints. If I forget to take them or run out of them I can tell the difference.

I haven't had a hip replacement, but people I have talked to that have had knees and HIPS REPLACED have ALL said HIPS are easier than knees.

Be patient. Around six weeks I think you will find that everything starts to get easier.

Rest when you can, and do good breathing in and out to get oxygen to your body. When we are in pain we tend to breathe in a very shallow way.

Best wishes to you as you continue your recovery!

You learn a lot if you listen to your body. A lot of the time that's hard to do because we humans are REALLY IMPATIENT and want results and improvements IMMEDIATELY!

I am learning to accept that some days will be better than others, flexibility will vary, swelling comes for no apparent reason and often leaves for no apparent reason as well, and some days I have oodles of energy while on other days I am a LAZY LUCY.

I DO take my temperature often. I get high fevers if I DO get a fever and often don't realize I am already at 100° if I go without taking my temperature. One thing I DON'T ever want to do is ignore a possible infection. That could cause all kinds of trouble with a knee replacement or ANY replacement.

I would like to second what Cheryl has said. I am 32 days post tkr. It has been horrendous but is getting better. I go to pt 3x a week and do exercises at home. Maybe not as often as I should, but I make sure to do them. Massaging my knee with vitamin e oil a few times a day and keeping it iced. I am to go back to work in 7 days and am a bit anxious about it. I now use only a cane to get around and it does get easier every day.

I think the sleep problems and aching bother me the most.

Good luck to you with your recovery!

HI Wendysk8128. Having my drain removed was nothing, but 24 staples removed was not fun. The removal itself would have been easier if the P.A. would have paid more attention to what she was doing. She kept catching my skin with the staple remover when pulling to remove the staples. OUCH!

Watch when they remove each staple. Make sure no skin is pinched in the puller!

I had a quick recovery in regard to movement, I was at 120 degrees by 6 weeks post surgery, however, I have a terrible problem with severe swelling. Went for an ultrasound and no blood clots thank goodness, just it looks twice the size of my other leg. It's also very stiff, but the more I walk and do my exercises the better it feels, until it swells again. Elevation and lots of ice for me. I thought by 14 weeks I would be as good as new, but I'm told I could have stiffness and swelling for 12 months! Glad I had it done, but if the other knee needs replacing, I'll really have to be in agony before doing this again.

Hey I know where you are coming from. I can't bind my knee much. Almost 3 weeks out can't get swelling down feels like something is cutting off circulation. My foot gets cold and hurts. 

Wendy,

Having the drain removed was hideous!!

I'm at day 21, the more I walk the angrier my knee responds, doing stretches at 70 degree bend, sleeping fitfully, it's a long road to recovery but try not to do too much too soon. Be strong.

Amanda

I have had a total knee replacement!

Some people tend to have such a high pain threshold.  I went to PT today and I felt like screaming and the exercises weren't all that drastic.  I have wondered if some people, by nature, just take longer to recuperate and cope with the bending and stretching.  I could not face this again and I am use to a lot of pain from migraines and arthritis for 45 years.  

Yes everyone is different. Don't compare yourself to any one else. Everyone's healing time is different. I am 1 year out and have learned to just focus on my own recovery and do what I can. I rehabbed myself and wished I would've had rehab done. It is super painful but on this side of it, It's all worth it. Take your pain meds, bring your ice bag worked hard and ice it when your done. I did a lot of Jacuzzi therapy and bent my knee hard, I think that was the key to my success.   I'm not pain free but I would definitely do it again.  My heel doesn't touch my rear but Im close. I had both done and had complications with each one so I was a hard case. But today, no more throbbing or aching from arthritis. Just dealing with swelling a bit.  This time will pass and you will be feeling better.  Give yourself about 6 months and then each month gets better.