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Knee replacement

Posted , 8 users are following.

deb1205
deb1205

Hi I am 6 weeks post op, I am doing most things now, is there any chance I could over do things at this stage? I still get pain but I think that must be expected but I am constantly tired. My leg does feel tight but I think that's possibly because I am on my feet alot. Any advice please.

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX deb1205

    Posted

    "Overdoing it" means you pushed the knee too far that day.  There will be pain and it will swell like a balloon.  No problem...no damage.  Back off, ice, elevate and resume activity gradually.  At 5 weeks, I did 8,200+ steps one day...paid for it.  Get a fit bit, smart watch, etc. to track your steps.  Chart the progress.  Your knee will tell you when you've gone too far.

    Tightness, stiffness, "band-like" feeling will diminish over time.  Can last 12-18 months.  No problem.

    • deb1205
      deb1205 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thank you for your answer.

      It is kind of you to take the time

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX deb1205

      Posted

      ...and the "tiredness"?  I slept 12-hours a day for the first 2 months.  This is a brutal surgery and it takes a long time to recover...most likely a year to full function.  Time, work and patience...

    • Pennypops
      Pennypops deb1205

      Posted

      Hi Deb's , I'm 6.5 weeks also I have really good movement though still have pain and the knee clicks and grinds lots lol....I'm going to the hydrotherapy pool to do some excersises which is great ....gosh I try to book any appointments for the afternoon as I can easily sleep until 10am .....I'm going to get a shock when I go back to work and my alarm goes off at 6am !

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 deb1205

    Posted

    Yes, there is. Take things easy as you need to, elevating your leg still worth doing. Remember its a major op. I was still very tired up to six months! Better now!
  • denisek64
    denisek64 deb1205

    Posted

    I'm nearly 8 weeks I wouldn't say I'm on pain more discomfort I have had a few problems with muscles not working not being able to lift my leg so having more physio now going through the no sleep stag as can't get comfortable my knee also still feels tight like an elastic band trying to keep up the exercises and icing I do a lot of walking

  • louise_48509
    louise_48509 deb1205

    Posted

    Enjoy the tiredness Deb. I'm like you, 6 weeks too. I'm enjoying a long lie in the morning now and again for the first time in years. Some days I was up at 4.30am for work, now my husband goes to work without me and leaves me sleeping. I'll take bad when I go back to work lol

  • lindak55
    lindak55 deb1205

    Posted

    Good post and very informative.

    I had right TKP just over 2 years ago. A friend told me it would be 12-18 months till you 'own the joint' and I found that to be true. Still have some problems with numbness and very occassional discomfort but generally don't think about it any more. In fact, going in for my left knee tomorrow, although I swore the first time, never again!  Time is a great healer.

  • jeanette28393
    jeanette28393 deb1205

    Posted

    Hi there, 6weeks is still so early.  I am 15. Months and doing well, still will swell abit when I overdo it.  I always worried, don’t your knee will heal in time and every healing is different.  Mine is a lot better then before my this year.  Keep doing your physio even months later when u r in bed keep doing stretches etc.  Good luck with your healing and don’t worry. It is a long road but will get better.
    • deb1205
      deb1205 jeanette28393

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind answer, the last couple of days I have found it hard

      Not sure why. I think I may have done to much! I painted the shed.

      I hopefully I have learnt a lesson.

      I also have a hard lump at the top of the scare which is quite painful

      Best wishes

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 deb1205

      Posted

      Getting over tired is demoralizing...I remember that well. Unlike normally, when you get tired and recove r your energy quickly, after TKR the energy doesnt come back! So it is important to really pace yourself. your body needs to direct all its energy into healing where your leg has basically been chopped and drilled... be kind to yourself and make sure you factor in REST. Physio exercises and rest are vital. It's early days! Even at three and four months I was very tired, very quickly, and it can be rather depressing. But it will improve, overdoing things doesn't help you even though of course bit is a massive thrill to get something substantial done. I used to have one task to do each day, just one! And I was knackered after that! Hope you feel better soon!

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