Issues 6 months in- suggestions needed please

Susie, 

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just hit the 5 month anniversary of my TKR on both and am still dealing with the ups and downs this surgery seems to involve and include. I don't think any of us could have been really prepared despite the surgeons' reassurance that we would heal more quickly and easily. I was told my experience would be life altering and I'm still waiting! Yes, the pain of my arthritis is in theory gone, but the level of discomfort keeps me up at night, has me tire easily and I still walk slowly and a little awkwardly. I also teach, so the day is long and challenging. My insurance declared my pt over, but I am fortunate to have a pool in my building and I find the water soothing. I'm not sure I have helped you, but I do understand and I feel your pain and frustration!

Hi susie, I'm only 5 weeks into my recovery from TKR and i also need the other knee  replacing next year,now i was told anything up to 12 months for the swelling and numbness  to pass I get an ache at the back of my knee when my leg is straight  and knee cap pain occasionally but at the end of the day I'm convinced it will be for the good,My consultant told me if I don't get them replaced (no cartridge in either knee) I will end up in a wheel chair so it's a no brainer for me and I'm 58 take all the expert advice given and I'm sure you will come out the other end in good nik.

Oh, i feel sad for you..what a pain and how frustrating!

I would personally have the op and manipulation...but I couldn't stand the thought of not trying it.. not an easy decision.

But that's me, not you.It may or may not happen again. you will need to commit to another knee journey at a time when you are down , however your mood could change even if circumstances don't. Sounds like the other one needs doing.

It is two years I understand for complete healing .. so there is time for the one done to improve, Mine had no complications but at six months it is definately still healing... It just be upsetting to have had complications but the final outcome is still some distance away.

. so may is an annoying word but keeps the door open either way I guess,

You sound like a determined person, If you think you can do it, go for it, and get all the help you can get in the process, nothing as precious as yourself and your mobility...

Hope you feel stronger very soon, x

Hi Susiemah

?Sorry things are not going so well. You're at similar stage to me, 6 ms post op?

?I believed I might have arthrofibrosis too, though the docs will not use that term, they just mentioned scar tissue as the problem when I needed the MUA at 10 weeks as the knee would bend much. It has been painful and swollen tight since done. The scar is good and the bend better since the MUA. I am older than you and still it would be awful to imagine this may be as good as it may get, I certainly hope the estimate of up to a year will mean we have time to improve.

?My other knee is also playing up now, not yet to the extent of yours but I know it is likely a progressive situation. I'm seeing the doc tomorrow but not up to the surgical route again as yet. A person on a different group had one knee that had arthrofibrosis but his other knee did not, so it does not mean the same result is inevitable.

?You seem to be doing all the right things anyway and there is not much more you could have done at this stage. I need to up the activity but have had other health setbacks and it has been an uphill struggle but keeping going.

?Could you get a second opinion I know they may say the same but at least you then know. I did for a different op and it was worth the fee for a private consult to know I was on the right track and I had been so uncertain.

?I'm not sure how my knee situation is going to turn out either and the uncertainty is awful as I cannot plan anything in life until more progressed. Has the doc suggested any measures to help manage the non op knee at this stage until you know whether to still have op? They do not have much to offer I know. I never had anything with knee 1 until the surgery, they just said do exercise and take painkillers. Not much help as we are usually doing all that anyway. There are therapies supposed to help scar tissues but not sure how widely these are available - I'm in England and no-one near has much to offer. The private physio I went to did deep oscillation therapy which certainly does help short term.  

Susie I hear you.  I am 5 months out of TKR and paying privately for a specialist to work on my leg as I'm still 10 degrees off.....I can't straighten my leg.  He believes with time and patience I will be able to get most of it back.  The only professional that I consulted who wanted to do manipulation under surgery was my surgeon!  This is a very personal decision and I would recommend that YOU make your own decision based on your body.   I was beginning to sleep, but last night I was up almost all night with swelling and pain.  I still use the ice machine daily and finally ended up taking half of a leftover pain med.  I'm going to the pool 3 times a week and to the gym 2 times a week.....we will both improve in time!!  Yes, we will!  Best wishes for healing and peace!

Oh my I feel so sorry for you. I'm upset to the fact that why didn't they give us info regarding post op problems. Had I heard of what could happen after surgery I know that I would not have done this. I went to a Boot camp and they explained the procedure but not once about complications that could occur. You have it way worse than me. The word manipulation makes

Me vomit. I think you are at their mercy so I would pray and ask God to help you make the right decision. Keep posting I would love to hear how you are

Coming along. I wasn't much help but you do have my sympathies. 

Hi Susiemath - have the manipulation done. I chose not to at 4 months and I am paying for it now. This week will be a year for my TKR.  My knee is not the same. Lots of pain. Good luck J-21370