It’s now six weeks since I did tkr not sure what to expect
Posted , 4 users are following.
Its now six wks since my tkr the surgery went well - so i believe, incision heals quickly, minimal pain , swelling went down i n wk2 -wk3 also go a 95 degree measurement, walking with and sometimes without the cane. But my concern is that my knee wobbles if i put pressure on it ,climbing the stairs today and it was pretty unstable. also it locks up - got tight after a short walk.I am still going to pt, but should I be worried that something is wrong. Or am I panicking for nothing. Does anyone has this experience?
0 likes, 6 replies
Moosn8r triphene1974
Posted
i think you should be patient. from what i understand, it can take up to a year to fully heal. every knee is different. strengthening the muscles around your knee and stretching should be the focus. im 4 wks post bilateral tkr and its a slow road. feels a little wobbly at times. Good luck.
triphene1974 Moosn8r
Posted
Thanks you Moosn8r .
jane41470 triphene1974
Posted
You're initial recovery - swelling down and minimal pain - sounds pretty much like mine was at 6 weeks. I'm now 12 weeks with just stiffness although some days stiffer than others. As Moosn8r said - every knee is different and I have been told over and over by physiotherapists, nurses, doctor, as well as people on this forum, that it does take up to a year and can even be longer, for last pain or stiffness to disappear. Climbing stairs are hard - took me nearly 4 weeks to be able to go p normally, and another nearly 2 weeks before coming down normally. It's very easy to imagine something is wrong . Maybe you weren't quite ready for even a short walk outside the house. Did you use a walking stick for the walk? Again, everyone is different, some people need walking support for longer than others. Don't compare yourself with others, but listen to what your body tells you. The big thing is: Don't get depressed! (Says she who got depressed a-plenty!). Tell yourself it takes time, and take it slowly. good days and not such good days. I would definitely run this past your physiotherapist, just to see what he/she says. And make sure you do your physio exercises at home every day. Good luck.
triphene1974
Posted
Thank you Maybe I am expecting to much too soon . I Am expected back at work in 3 wks i am just concerned if that will be okay.
jane41470 triphene1974
Posted
9 weeks seem a little early to go back to work and I've seen others on this forum say the same. Can you get extra sick leave? Or go back part time? Tkr really saps your energy levels. You think you're doing fine and then energy level plummets. My hospital release letter, signed by the surgeon, automatically gave me three months sick leave, and I'm 72 and retired !
Pepperpot68 triphene1974
Posted
9 weeks is early to be going back to work I had 13 weeks sick leave and am currently 3 weeks in to phased return to work so that I don't over do things.
I'm now 16 weeks out tkr and my knee wobbles sometimes. My pt said its just the muscles are weak after op and sometimes wobble and that keep up exercises as this will strengthen the muscle around the knee and into get rid of the wobble. I find the stiffness and tightness comes and goes but in general is much less then at week 6..
Goodluck with your recovery we have to be patient. X