one week post T K R op

Hi, I know it’s difficult but try and do what you can. I had an infection week 3/4 and that put me back loads. You’ve probably read it on here but It does get easier and you will make strides when you think your not. Time, patience and perseverance is key.

See if you can get in to see the PT sooner if not there are some great exercises to be found online. 

Try using a dressing gown tie around the foot to help with the lifting, and make sure you take regular medication and ice every hour. This forum is a great tool to have. 

If your still unsure Call the hospital and they should advise you. It is very early days for you but try and stay positive 

Good luck with your recovery 😊

Hi

I understand how you feel.  I am at 10 weeks. Initially  I was sorry I did the whole thing .  so depressing and so much pain.  I couldn't lift my leg.  the only exercise I could do the first week was pressing my knee down towards the bed,

easy for me to say don't get discouraged.  but don't.  it gets better I promise you.  I am now at 125 degrees and feeling so much stronger.  it take s time and patience.  ice and meds will help lots;.  once you start PT you will get more movement.   good luck

So sorry to hear what your going through. I couldn't lift my leg either. For couple of weeks. Had to lift it up to get it into bed.

Its horrendous!!!!

when you ice your leg, make sure your knee is higher than your hip, this drains the knee fluid away.

you may find it easier to sleep sitting up more in bed, this is quite normal, and take ice pack to bed with you.

Consultant can give you strong pain relief.

I could'nt do any exercise for first two weeks and was dreading seeing physio, but it was ok.

I have to do lunges, squats, cycling and bag on foot pulling it back under the chair, and pulling my sock back so as to bring knee back. Always Ice after exercise.

This seems to be my day now.

You may get depressed, being stuck in doors. I did within first 4 weeks so if anyone offers to take you out Go.

Once your knee starts to go down, you have to go through the pain barrier which no doubt is off the scales, mine was and started doing squats 3 times and each one count to 10. Use your crutches for support, and any other exercises you been given.

I also have an 'Aircast' knee wrap and Aircast cryo/cuff cooler. You can get these from physio room. Brilliant.

I can honestly say that if I knew how hard it was going to be I'd never have had it done.

Im now 9 weeks down the line and I still only deal with one day at a time as it comes.

Hope this helps.

 

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1 week! You’ve just got off the operating table. Everyone, so early in the recovery, feels they have done the wrong thing. ‘My leg is not going to heal’ and so on. I felt the same at times in the recovery following my recent second op. You will get better. As for the possible tardiness of your Physio take it from me they want to get you up and running in the time it takes and not two weeks. You wiil improve and continue to improve. ‘Rome wasn’t built in Italy’!!!!!

Yes, ditto to the previous replies!  Too bad the PT can't come sooner.  One thing that helped me get a bend was sitting on a stool and hanging my foot down.  At first you'll have to hold your calf and lower it yourself (or have a helpful person do this), and then up again then down, gently but alot of reps, then, when you ca stand it, push it a bit.  After awhile you'll be able to get more and more bend till you are letting gravity pull it down, then you'll be pushing it past the ankle at hanging.  But it takes time and you need to ice alot.  And stay of your feet and keep it elevated above your heart.

Oh dear,

You are at such an early stage and I wish I could say it will get better soon...having said that, it might...looking at other posts on here was all imrpove at different rates.....

You are bound to be in pain - take all the relief you can get with meds.....and don't push yourself too far with exercise in the early stages....quality is better than quantity i.e. the number of reps.....

I am almost 5 months post op and still struggling with pain on exercise/walking and sleeping.....

Use a pillow between your knees if you like to sleep on your side....

My leg was so painful to lift in and out of bed that I acquired a leg lifter from my physio...it was a godsend....it's like one of those spoof dog walker leads and you put your foot in the bif end loop and lift your leg from the floot - excellent gadget...sorry there's no way to put a picture on here but it's one of the aids you can be given - though PT's don't like to give them out as they think you wont try hard enough on your own....that's'nonsence and don't let them bully you - you can only do what you can do and we all have different pain levels......

Use plenty of ice wraps  too - especially after any exercise....it really helps with the swelling...

And above all be patient...it is what it is and will heal properly in time and will be easier when your clips/stitches are out...and take the meds.....I used them a lot,,, short and long term release (shortec and longtec oxydodone) plus paracetamol...no ibrupfoen as am allergic to that.....

Look at some of Chico Marx posts on here - his advice is brilliant - he is an excellent contributor to Knee discussion...in fact he may well answer yours while I'm typing this.....

I wish you well and remember you are such early days - I can't even do stairs properly at the moment but it is a work in progress.....but you must put the effort in when you are able to do the physio - take some pain relief before you start - it def helps....

Good luck...x

Everything you're saying is completely normal...totally.  I have tons of discussions out on the Forum.  Pain, sleep, depression, ROM work, muscle rebuild, and so much more.  Cluck my name and the "See All Discussions".  Have fun...

PS: I'm 2+ years post-op.  I went through the same thing.  It's all worth it...promise...

I can assure you based on my own TKR's your not alone. The first 2 weeks just plain stink, your knee looks alien  its swollen the pain is horrible you can hardly move it and it gets worse when you try and get up even with a walker or crutches. I completely agree there is nothing fun about this. However even though your extremely limited do what you can and do not over do it You do not have to set a record take your pain meds as directed do not wait until the pain is driving you nuts. If you take them as directed your pain will be better controlled. By all means ice, it will help. Do not get discouraged you will have good days and you will have some bad ones. I wish I could say it will be smooth sailing but then I would be lying. You will get there be patient. 

Hi Defender.  sounds about right.  I'm 6 weeks out and the swelling is lessening.  Too bad that PT isn't starting sooner.  Do your quad sets as best you can.  Letting gravity lower your foot helps.  It is a lot of pain, there is no denying that.  Stay positive, stay hydrated, take meds on schedule, and measure progress on a weekly basis, not a daily basis.  Best luck

We have all been there and it does get better. I had many set backs and felt it would never get better but I am at 12 weeks and while there is still some hurdles , I feel so much better. Just focus on your health and use this site for support, everyone has been so helpful and understand your pain. Wishing you a speedy recovery 

Hang in there! It's very early days and it WILL improve. I'm 3 week today post op with my 2nd knee. And I do know what you mean. Try to keep moving even if it's only a little walk to bathroom every hour or so and attempt those exercises. Even if you can't lift your leg, the muscle is being woken up by trying. It took me 10 days to get a 1" lift and the pain!!! But once you've done it you will find things get easier. If you're sitting on stand chair tuck your bad leg behind your good to hold it then try and push it back another half inch. It will eventually loosen up. There's so much healing to do and yes, it's very painful for the first couple if weeks, but take all pain relief you are allowed. Rest between exercises elevate and ice hope things soon get easier for you . It's horrible at first but well worth it .

Last night was my worst so far

The pain was unbelievable didn't get any sleep until about 4 30.

Today they changed my dressing for a dry one 30 minutes in a car is about all I can take without getting a lot of knee pain the leg lift and bending is it coming on very well still no leg lift no matter how much I try.