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I had a partial knee replacement almost a week ago but in a lot of pain with swelling

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SharonBeth1975
SharonBeth1975

Hi I had a partial knee replacement done just under a week ago and been sent home but have a lot of swelling around mid thigh and soreness in shin area swelling in my ankle and knee both where I had the surgery and behind and having trouble bringing it down to even do my exercises that physio have given me is there a way I can reduce the swelling better and be able to do my exercises easier any comments advice and suggestions are more than welcome I've been using peas for the swelling I'm finding it really hard to cope now

1 like, 46 replies

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  • safiya86335
    safiya86335 SharonBeth1975

    Posted

    Dear SharonBeth1975,

    I understand exactly how you feel. What I did was to tie a sash from my bathrobe around my foot to help lift my leg up and down. 

    Elevation, ice pack and lymphatic drainage help with the swelling and pain. But at one week post ops, I was still on pain killers. 

    The physiotherapy is painful but very rewarding, you must do it. At this stage you may need help and encouragement to do it. 

    Please be gentle and careful with the knee, do your physio always 

  • denisek64
    denisek64 SharonBeth1975

    Posted

    We're you not given an ice pack when you left hospital I was icing every w hours to begin with I'm 8 weeks post op still along way to go yet as still very tight and stiff make sure you take your meds I've been able to reduce mine now take only when needed. It will get easier only been a week pain does ease

    • denisek64
      denisek64

      Posted

      Sorry icing every 2 hrs
    • SharonBeth1975
      SharonBeth1975 denisek64

      Posted

      Hi thanks for your reply no they just sent me home with some paracetamol and codeine and said to use crutches and do my exercises which I have been trying to but with all the stiffness and swelling it's agony and challenging just getting from my sofa to the toilet and back in one piece the ice packs I'm using is actually just frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel though 

    • denisek64
      denisek64 SharonBeth1975

      Posted

      Where did you have your op my friend went to physio class and she was told to use heat on her knee b4 exercise it apparently warms up the muscle make it easier worth a try
    • SharonBeth1975
      SharonBeth1975 denisek64

      Posted

      I had my operation done in Bristol in United kingdom they have a physio team but haven't been given much to work with

    • denisek64
      denisek64 SharonBeth1975

      Posted

      I had mine done in RUH Bath and physio in chippenham hospital I'm surprised they didn't give you an ice pack i would ring them and see if they forgot because it's worth getting it as it's double sided with 2 ice packs 2 either side so soothing

    • denisek64
      denisek64 SharonBeth1975

      Posted

      I was only given a sheet of paper I used a plastic bag on the floor which helped me to slide my foot back and forward also used it when lying down made it easier to bend knee try it
    • tricia1954
      tricia1954 denisek64

      Posted

      I had my partial medial done in Leeds end of June and came home with five days of pain killers and nothing else. Just told to try and straighten my knee a much as possible and also bend it as much as possible. I think every hospital must be different in their approach. I did go for physio after ten days which gave me more instruction. Otherwise it was on here and YouTube physics that got me through. My own gp's were difficult to get an appointment with and then only good at issuing pain medication. I bought my ice packs from Amazon and also used a big bag of peas in a tea towel which was more effective as it covered a greater area. You were lucky by the sound of it Denise.

    • denisek64
      denisek64 tricia1954

      Posted

      You'd think every where would be the same I've got to say I have a luvly physio lady which sadly was my last day with her as start the exercise classes Monday she gave me a massage on my knee and gave me lots of tips I am now using bio oil massaging I to the scar

    • SharonBeth1975
      SharonBeth1975 tricia1954

      Posted

      When I went for my operation last Thursday they said 9am I wasn't even seen until 4pm and I wasn't even told what was done because there was so many options and in the end I had to find out from a physio nurse that I had a partial the day after I wasn't even told what they have done weather I have stitches in my knee or something else I still don't know I'm just hoping to get all the info I need as I now got to go back and see the surgeon next week too everything is coming at a cost atm though I gotta even get a mattress topper because it's hurting my back to stay on at night that and other stuff like a plaster cast cover for when I shower and pads for my crutches they hurt my hands to walk with them now

  • tricia1954
    tricia1954 SharonBeth1975

    Posted

    Hi Sharon. You are very very early in your recovery so be kind to yourself. Just do as much physio as you can manage and don't forget your pain medication. I am 18 weeks after a partial and remember the early days it did seem to be all pain just waiting for the next pills. There are many exercises on you tube which have great tips. Using a towel or belt to lift your leg if you can't do,it yourself. There is nothing better than icing and elvation which I did several times a day to try and reduce the swelling. It did take time however. At  three weeks I had a straight leg but I took six weeks to get my rom to 125. Lots of people take much longer so I consider myself one of the lucky ones, but hard work is indeed needed. You have had a big operation and your swelling will go down week on week and you will be able to do more and more exercises. Sorry to say it but it all just takes time. 

    Good luck 

    • SharonBeth1975
      SharonBeth1975 tricia1954

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the information I shall definitely take it on board and hope to get back on my feet quickly I do however have a 6 year old son so it's going to be a challenge for sure 

    • tricia1954
      tricia1954 SharonBeth1975

      Posted

      Oh my goodness. A six year old!😊 You have your work cut out a little boy and a knee operation. You definitely need  pain pills to get you through your day and rest whenever he is at school and ice, ice and elevate and then ice some more😬

      Dont hesitate to ask me if you need any more information.

      I wish you well in your recovery.

    • tricia1954
      tricia1954 SharonBeth1975

      Posted

      You are welcome. I'm not in anyway an expert but effort and as much patience as I could muster got me here. At week twelve I went on a months vacation and according to my Fitbit walked 102 miles in the month - well shuffled I suppose, compared to how I used to stride out😊 But looking back I came a long way in three months, although it didn't feel like it at the time. You will have some tough times but will get there in the end. After all you have a little boy to run around after😬

    • SharonBeth1975
      SharonBeth1975 tricia1954

      Posted

      Sounds like this is gonna be a tough challenge to get through I think a lot of you tube videos and see if a nurse from my GP practice can come and help or at least advise on what I should do
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