Knee replacement

Hi jayne

it's 16 weeks since I have had tkr at 11 weeks I was in the same position, when I went for my review at 12 weeks I only handed my crutches back then. Try to take as much rest as possible in between exercises. My consultant had advised me to take 1 1/2 hours rest after each exercise session I know it may mean you are seldom out and about but it really is worth it. I still find it hard to get comfortable in bed but honestly it will pass. The consultant was really pleased with my progress when asked about pain he said it could take anything up to a year. Be patient I have both knees done and I am glad I did it. Take care.

Hi Jayne,

11 weeks may seem a long time, but honestly it's still early days. You are doing really well if you can walk for 20 mins, I'm not surprised you are having swelling still, it can last for ages, like Rita says, up to a year.

The nights will get easier, it's 13 months since I had my second knee done,and I still have swelling at times, but in the main, my knees are miles better, have patience, you will get there.

Thank you all very much for your comments you have made me feel so much better. I too do not see my specialist while next year and you feel pretty much on your own and don't really know what should be happening with the recovery or the timescale..

Patient: "Doctor, it hurts when I do this..."

Doctor: "Don't do that."

- Henny Youngman, 1948

When you do too much, the knee swells.  Period.  It's the knee's way of telling you to STOP!!!  Listen to the knee!!!

Read the Exercise section of my post...

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499

My daughter is an ACSM- and ACE-certified trainer plus a graduate nutritionist.  I wrote down her recommendations.  For the walking, get a pedometer or FitBit.  Track how many steps you do that result in the swelling.  Then back off and increase gradually.  At 5-weeks, I did 8,000+ steps one day and paid for it; never make that stupid mistake again.

You're trying to rush something that can't be rushed.  I rehabbed a hip replacement in six weeks...6 days a weeks, 5 hours a day in the gym and therapy pool.  The knee is NOT like the hip...and I was warned in advance.  You need to back off and find the point in both exercising and walking where you have no resultant swelling.  That's the point from which you increase everything gradually.  At 3 months, it could take another three...or more.

You are telling my story. I'm at near 15 weeks post op and still recovering. I think the only solution is wait for it: time.

I am ten weeks post TKR and I'm feeling I should be walking better.I can sleep fine, I am very lucky. I sleep on my side with a covered[pillowcase] small square of memory foam between my knees. My bad leg is underneath.I slept for six hours solid last night.

BUT... I am fine, with some pain, but as soon as I start walking my knee, leg and ankle swell up. The burning pain on my shin and calf are still very annoying.My knee hurts more too. I so wish I could walk  'miles' as some I read about on here.

Still I keep telling myself that everybody is different and to hang in there.

This TKR experience is so hard to go through.