Knee replacement surgery pain and problems

one thing i left out that i have been thinking about is it to early or am i jumping the gun i have thought about getting a doctors second opinion

hi, remembering that everyone is different, this is my experience.

im now only 36 years old, 4 weeks on from my second total knee replacement, and after only 2 weeks i am able to walk freely and stable with no stick, my first knee i was around 3 weeks, my advantage may be age related as my muscles around knee are still pretty strong but this is just me.

all recovery is different, i have freedom of getting around and even driving, BUT i cannot sleep, and i cannot settle either on chair or in bed, i take my rest and ice breaks regularly and double up on pain meds at nights.

i guess if i was 5 months in, i would have concerns, might be worth seeking some medical advice, if for nothing else, peace of mind, this may help settle you down for rest, or infact address any new physio regime or ongoing issue you may be having

good luck

Hi Gary I'm 7 weeks in my 2nd tkr first one 12 months ago this one completely different to the first less painful off meds at, 5 weeks. It's not totally pain free but early days. I,m 72 but since my first was done did cycle every day and physio believes my quads are strong dur to that exercise. Off sticks at 3 weeks too but have still got quick sharp pains in knee but consultant happy so hey ho he's the specialist. Think you maybe should go back and ask for xray but with your problems might just be a longer recovery time. Anyway chin up persevere and good luck it is a long recovery time for all of us.

everyone is different and heals differently.while i was off a can by then, it took me to the 8-9 months to feel better. I slept with a pillow under my knee for about 12 months. Take it one month at a time.

everyone is different and heals differently.while i was off a can by then, it took me to the 8-9 months to feel better. I slept with a pillow under my knee for about 12 months. Take it one month at a time.

First, there is no timeline. This is the most Zen of all surgeries: "The knee will be better when it's better". Just accept that and move on. The expectations in your head are your worst enemies. Get rid of them and don't ever compare your recovery to that of anyone else. No one can tell you how this will be FOR YOU.

That said, your biggest problem is that your atrophied muscles need a rebuild. Quads, glutes, core, hip flexors, etc. are the supporting musculature of the knee. Fail to regain your strength and you just put more pressure on the knee resulting in more pain...there and elsewhere. This is the program...

Muscle Rebuild

Slow and easy...endurance before strength. This literally takes months...and climbing stairs will be the last thing to master down the road. The program strengthens all the muscles, helps you regain your balance and gives you confidence to lead a normal life. It takes time, work and patience. By one year, it will most likely be all behind you...well sort of...some lingering stiffness and noises might remain for a few more months. I'm 3+ years p/o and doing very well indeed. At 14 months, I was going up stairs two at a time without holding onto anything...and that's with a metal hip plus two spine fusions! Yes, you can do it too...

My surgery was 12/17/18. I think we are at about the same place. I am 68. I am doing all the home exercises I was shown in PT after my Insurance company cut me off. I have pain every single day. The numbness on the side of my left knee, the tourniquet around the knee feeling... even after biking, and exercising and icing. The skin burns and feels,like it will split any second. My biggest fear is falling. STAIRS !!! going down I have to go both feet on each step. Coming up I hold the rail on one side and can walk normally. Sometimes when I go outside and have to close a door I have to go backwards or sideways. Most pain is DEAD CENTER in my knee. Of course my surgeon stopped any pain meds at 3 months. Just wish we could touch them on their knee and for a full minute they would feel exactly how excruciating our pain is. Maybe then they would understand. I would like to do this to my husband and family that tell me it has been so long it can't possibly hurt anymore. I have had several Xrays and everything was o.k. I saw here someone went in and had the scar tissue laproscopicly removed and were as good as new. Anyone else had that experience??? Gary In feel your pain and am sure most do. first In was told 3 months, then 6 months very close to that. My quality has been GREATLY diminished. Lets hope a bit more time helps us BOTH!!!!!

I had TKR 7 years ago and for me it was about a year before I really began to feel the benefit. But people heal differently.

Regarding sleeping, try a pillow under your knee. If you can try sleeping on your back.

You need to make sure that the knee that has been replaced is strong enough before you think about having the other one replaced. I don't think you necessarily need a doctor's second opinion just a bit more time.

Take care and keep in touch

Sarah