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I think I know the answer.....

Posted , 14 users are following.

terri59470
terri59470

...But I'm going to ask anyway!

I'm 11 days post TKR, and I think I'm doing pretty well. However, last night was one of the most uncomfortable I've had since being in the Hospital - extremely painful Quad muscles, hamstrings as tight as a drum, and my scar was so sensitive to touch that I couldn't even have the bedclothes touching it. Plus a little clicking/ knocking sound/sensation in the new joint itself.

I'm guessing this is all par for the course?

1 like, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • sky1996
    sky1996 terri59470

    Posted

    It was for me. I'm at 7 weeks and cringe at that description because it is so accurate.  I'm much better now although I'm still having a lot of trouble finding a decent sleep pattern.  Stay the course and all that.  I still have good days and then 2 days that are less so... etc...  It is up and down and I remember clearly the therapist drawing me a picture of  the recovery curve.  It had a lot of spikes both up and down in the gradual upward curve. 
  • sally58158
    sally58158 terri59470

    Posted

    Hello terri

    it is true that we have bad nights and at 13 weeks i am on the up now. However as supportive as this forum is we are patients not doctors. Has your leg settled down now? I think that as long as it does not worsen but settles down it is probably par for the course. If it doesn't it might be as well to get it checked out. Your gp can reassure you that there is no sign of infection etc.

  • lynn08926
    lynn08926 terri59470

    Posted

    All completely normal.

    The clunking sound is due to the swelling going down, so no need to worry.

    I remember all too well how sensitive the scar and surrounding knee is.  Going to have matching ones tomorrow when I get knee number two operated on.

    All normal, so don't worry.

    Lynn 9 months post op

    • terri59470
      terri59470 lynn08926

      Posted

      Thanks for that Lynn, I really hadn't considered that the , clunking would be more apparent as the swelling reduces - makes sense once it's been pointed out!

      Good luck with tomorrow, I'm definitely going to end up having knee #2 done at some point so I'll be interested to hear how your 2nd one goes and how the experiences differ.

      Take care and good luck xx

  • Tucks
    Tucks terri59470

    Posted

    Hi terri, yes it does sound par for the course but if it persists ect it checked out. Some of my nights were horrendous and I use to cry for hours, but yours feels particully tender around your scar so you could have a slight infection.have you noticed that this op seems to take hold of your body and completely envelopes it. Hope you feel better soon
  • ruthie2673
    ruthie2673 terri59470

    Posted

    It took nearly 10 weeks for me to be able to sleep normally, ie without a pillow between my legs to take the pressure off. I remember those early days well, quads and hamstrings are all being stretched by your exercises and then they let you know at night. It will slowly get better.

    At 11 days, I could not wear tights or even jeans, but existed in a long skirt and ankle socks like a bag lady!

  • caroline46398
    caroline46398 terri59470

    Posted

    Yes it's a bit of a roller coaster alway bad the day after Physio too. Same advice ice and elevate.
  • Annodoremouse
    Annodoremouse terri59470

    Posted

    Early days There is a lot going on in that knee. Take anti inflammatories/painkillers regularly Use ice Exercise as much as possible balanced with rest. 

    See your GP to rule out infection

  • tess94652
    tess94652 terri59470

    Posted

    Hi terri - i can vividly remember that for the first couple of weeks the skin around the scar felt as though it had first degree burns - just putting a cooling cream on i had to grit my teeth! But at nearly 10 weeks so so much better - hope yours soon improves. It seems that most of us get clunks - wonder how long they last on average?

    Good luck to lynn hope it goes smoothly!

    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 jennifer86104

      Posted

      Thanks Jen,

      Think you are one of my buddies from the first time round, if I remember correctly.  Not looking forward to going through it again, but at least it will all be over after this knee.  Thank goodness we only have two!  Just hope the hips don't start playing up.

      Lynn

    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 susan20089

      Posted

      Thanks Susan.  After knee number one, need all the luck I can get!
    • jennifer86104
      jennifer86104 lynn08926

      Posted

      Yes, I'm nearly 8 months postop now. You were just ahead of me and you gave me a lot of support which was very gratefully received. Hope you'll sail through No 2 😊 

      Jen x

    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 lynn08926

      Posted

      Good luck. I've had my left one seven weeks ago and worried about having the other one done at moment. But know it's inevitable. At least you know what to expect and it's temporary pain for long term gain for most . Thinking of you and look forward to seeing you back. My mum had hers yesterday age 83
    • Tucks
      Tucks lynn08926

      Posted

      Just want to wish you luck with op. you are so brave . I know I would be blabbing like a baby at the thought of it.hope it goes really well x from tucks
    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 Tucks

      Posted

      Hi Tucks.

      Had op at 11am and, so far so good.  Leg totally numb which accounts for being chirpy.

      Let's see what tomorrow brings!

      Lynn 9 months post op (knee one) and seven hours knee two!

    • jennifer86104
      jennifer86104 lynn08926

      Posted

      Glad it's all over, Lynn. Hope you manage to get some rest tonight. Thinking of you. Jen xx

      PS keep us posted 😊

    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 Tucks

      Posted

      I will, but with these pigging embolism stockings!
    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 jennifer86104

      Posted

      Feeling Ok, but know it's just the start.

      Onward and upward.  Be prepared for the grumps in a day or two!

    • terri59470
      terri59470 lynn08926

      Posted

      Way to go Lynn, hope you have a lovely rest tonight while you're

      still numb. Take care xx

    • lynn08926
      lynn08926 terri59470

      Posted

      Me too. But with these inflatable bags on my feet pumping away, I think the powers that be are out to put a stop to sleeping!  Can't really complain. All in a good cause.
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