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Need a little advice on TKR 22 months ago

Posted , 7 users are following.

sue37592
sue37592

Hi folks, I had a total knee replaced 22 months ago in March 16, which went very well...a few hiccups along recovery and went back to work after 14 weeks. Knee has never been same as old one which I know is understandable but I still cant walk a long distance....20 mins is max. I cant stand for any length of time...15 mins max and when I wake it is stiff achey and uncomfortable. I have seen my consultant a couple of times and he keeps saying wait till 2 years it will be fine as x-rays and bend are fine. Since I saw him last it has completely locked twice and I physically could not move it and was in agony for 2-3 hours after it needing ice on it.  I am only 52 and work as a teaching assistant 35 hours a week which is on my feet a lot. My other knee is going same way but I thought after this time it would be easier. Does anyone else still have discomfort, stiffness aches and soreness after nearly 2 year. Am I going to wake up in March and be ache/pain free in my left knee....I doubt it. Thanks in advance s

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • blively
    blively sue37592

    Posted

    My doctor also said give it time. I’m three years out and still have issues. I’m lucky to be able to hike and bike and most other activities but just standing or limited movement is very painful. Never get a good answer. I’ve also lost bend and straightening. Trying hard to stop the trend.
    • sue37592
      sue37592 blively

      Posted

      I cant use my bike which as miss as it hurts my other knee now. I do miss activities especially walking with my dog. She lived for long walks but sadly only gets wee short ones. Maybe soo. Thanks its good to know i am not on my own xx
  • linda_50869
    linda_50869 sue37592

    Posted

    Every time I read a story like this i think what am i doing?. i think replacing my knee should mean i can walk, cycle, gym, step, all the things I can't do now....what would be the point in going through all that pain and difficulty if it didn't improve, ,,the more I read, the more I'm doubting my decision to go ahead in 2 weeks ,,,,,,,,,

    • blively
      blively linda_50869

      Posted

      Linda.        I would always  encourage someone to go ahead with the knee replacement. It’s true we always hear the horror stories but that’s rare. The few limitations I still have are far outweighed by the good things I’m now able to do, Good luck and keep us posted👍

    • sue37592
      sue37592 linda_50869

      Posted

      Linda please don't be put off by my post. My life was un bearable before I had my knee done. I really was in such a bad place, wanted to do away with myself. I could do nothing and was doped in pain meds....i am glad I had it done, the bone on bone pain has gone. Yes it is stiff and gets achey but that I am learning to cope with and get used to not walking more than 20mins. I will never play hockey again or walk 10 miles at a time again. But I am glad I had it done. I need the other one done and will get it done. I just was wondering if anyone else still has niggles. Please don't be put off my tkr was certainly not a horror story. Life before was....yes it was no picnic after it but that was not for long and if you do what is advised and read posts by chicco who gives great advice you will be fine. Let me know how it goes. Xx

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 sue37592

      Posted

      I can relate to those feeling before surgery too!

      You went back to work in a demanding job quite soon, which makes me wonder if more muscle strengthening and some physical therapy might help?I am not a professional so it's just an random thought but maybe it might help?

      The locking sound a concern though...I think I would be heading straight back to the surgeon at this point.

      Good wishes.. and keep us posted!

    • sue37592
      sue37592 jenny80029

      Posted

      Hi Jenny, thank you for your reply, I have an appointment in 3 weeks to see surgeon so hopefully I will get knee sorted. I have still been doing exercises but unfortunately cant use bike or walk very far. I feel at times maybe operated knee is compensating for other knee which needs done. thank you x 
  • linda_50869
    linda_50869 sue37592

    Posted

    Thanks to both of you for your replies... i feel i can still function now though,,,,,the problem is the limitations I face,,,,,not being able to walk for any length , not being able to stand comfortably, not being able to cycle .....my life has become limited,,, not so much by pain , as by mobility restriction. I can't see a future being this restricted at my age..... but between pain, clicking, knees giving way, mua's, months of recovery.......its scarey,,,,, I still think would I be better to put up with my bone on bone knee .....i asked at pre op was it normal to be full of doubts and the nurse said it was ,,,she said most people who cancel are back within a year. .

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 linda_50869

      Posted

      Leaving it is not a good idea. Natural to want to find a quick exit when you face surgery...That is your irrational mind! However, it your call, of course.

      Delaying knee surgery when you need it might just make things harder for you when you do have it done. The the worse the knee is before the more likely it is to be a more challenging time after, because the changes are greater. But only you know how things are for you right now. Beware of depression and low expectation though...these slipped into me and I was rapidly narrowing down my horizons before deciding on a knee replacement. You may find it helpful to ask yourself if you want to live like you are for the next five years or if you are just having a pre surgery panic?

      The whole leg alters after a knee replacement, in my experience. Mine was deformed before and now it's perfectly aligned. The surgeon can sort the bone surface yet a lot needs to change with all the soft tissues.

      The majority of people get excellent results. It is major, but routine surgery.

      Wishing you the best!

    • sue37592
      sue37592 linda_50869

      Posted

      Hi Linda I hope you are well. I was just thinking about you as you must be due to have your surgery this week. Just hoping it all goes well for you, take care and let us know how it goes. Sue x
    • linda_50869
      linda_50869 sue37592

      Posted

      Hi Sue

      I'm in my bed in hospital getting ready for discharge tomorrow ..my op was Tuesday.... I'm not going to gloss over it, it was tough ..but I think I'm doing well....bend 86 or so..physio happy with me... Can straighten it and lift it off the bed plus do stairs...pain managed ...i think I'm where I should be ....walking on two sticks.....while I was dreading it, and I know I'm only at the beginning of my journey, I think I can say I'm already happy i had it done.. I feel my life can only improve....wheras before i was just getting worse....I'm going to need to be disciplined to do my PT at home...any other advice from all your experienced people? Do i sound like I'm where I should be on day 5??

    • sue37592
      sue37592 linda_50869

      Posted

      Hi Linda, I hope you ae home and are managing ok. You were doing really well before you left hospital so I hope this will continue. Just keep up with the physio, keep taking your meds as it is harder to get back on top of the pain, drink plenty of water, keep icing your knee.....I found this really vital especially when nearly need more painkillers but not quite time and get plenty of rest, let others take care of you if you can. You are doing great, take care and look after yourself. Keep us up to date, Suz xx
    • linda_50869
      linda_50869 sue37592

      Posted

      Thanks...I'm blessed with the incredible support I have from friends.....I'm managing....but the nausea is killing me...new med today so hopefully I'll get it under control....and sleep badly needed...all the support on here is brilliant ..thanks Sue

  • sue64229
    sue64229 sue37592

    Posted

    HI Sue,

    my bilateral tkr’s are just over two years old.  I still have stiffness like you sometimes and to try and kneel on them on a hard surface is excruciating.  Mine as also “ locked” a couple of time, wear I can’t bend it at all.  Usually when I needed to go to the toilet or in my car Grrrrrr!  It only lasts an hour and as only happened twice so far but it’s scary at the time hey?  I just sit and jiggle it around as much as I can stand and hope it reboots itself lol. 

    You hit the nail on the head when you say that we can’t expect the same as our original knees.  We can but try.

    Good luck with everything.

    sue

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