Post-OP TKR and feel the metal...Is that possible?

Liz, we are in the same boat as far as walking is concerned. My single biggest worry right now. Bend is 115 and 0. 16 weeks post op and still on walker. I have had physical therapy starting in the hospital and still going 2 a week. I am also still on narcotic pain killers every six hours although I can stretch it out to 10 hours provided I do the Ibuprofen every 6 hours. I was however diagnosed at 7 weeks with femoral nerve and muscle damage from the nerve block it seems. My physio says even taking that in consideration he is a little worried.

I had EMG showed neuropathy. I was scared for tendon problems but instead I am having nerve problems. I have to see a neurologist. I am still concern about not been able to walk after all these months. When I am standing, I have to consciously remind myself to not bend my knee forward or else I get a sharp tingling sensation.My legs/ankles swell when I try to weight bear. I was asked to stop PT but has given me the ok to restart. Just nervous about everything. I am with your PT, very worried too

 

Wow. You are the first person on here I have come across that also had the EMG (I had the nerve conduction test too) and showed neuropathy. As I understand my OS that makes for a far more complicated and longer Recovery. My nerve pain is getting better but better as in compared to what it used to be like. I can take a few steps at a time on my own but is difficult and painful. My OS and PT do not want me to try it though and cannot transfer to cane until my fall risk number comes down. Apparently 9 is normal and I am at 22. Personally to me it feels like weight bearing is the problem. I am progressing in other areas- bend, movements etc in the leg. I just want to walk!!! I am 49 and used to be an athlete up until 3 years ago. You would think that make my prognosis and outcome much better but no.

Looks like we have similiar situations. Very agonizing. My husband and I were able to take long walks prior to my surgery. Of course I used my brace.  I walked daily and now it's very hard on me not able to go out or do things i dependently. I am hoping to get a PT that knows what he/she is doing because my Doc had to stop me at  first. Are you able to drive as yet? Mine was Rt knee

Told not to drive because I get a lot of muscle spasms and my leg jerks involuntary and what I called "Zappers" - nerve shocks. Feels like someone pokes me with an electric cattle prod. At least my pain has been getting better and bend is improving. But I would much rather be able to walk and stand and have other problems. I am house bound all the time. Only times I get out is twice a week to pt and every 4-6 weeks to see the OS. Getting pretty stir crazy and we are thinking of renting a wheelchair for a month so I can get out. With my pt he indicated exactly how much activity I have to do. Up to the exact amount of steps during the day. Times I got frustrated and thought I would try to do more I paid dearly for it. Like you I am fighting the swelling all the time, knee and ankle. I ice every 2 hours. Hang in there. I try to be positive but I get so worn out and tired from this. I just want my life back. Someone made a mistake😬. I signed up for the TKR where you golf at 6 weeks.

So many people ask when they can drive again.  The answer is: "When you can."  Everyone's different...especially those who have to depress a clutch with the new knee.  And how about hitting the brake hard with the new knee?  Can't do it?  Don't drive!  

You have to be strong and you have to be quick...gotta have your reflexes back.  If you're not ready, it's dangerous...period.  And you NEVER drive on opioids!  Time will go by and you'll be driving again before you know it...and you will do it safely.

Hi Marie, I'm 66 years old and the bones in my knee were rubbing against one another. Surgery was the last option. Previously I had injections (cortisone shots), PT, and it continued to get worst!!! After 4 years of trying to deal with it, I reached a point of having difficulties with my daily activities and sometimes walking. There were no other options except surgery.

Wow Linda we are so similar. I am 66 years also, had a series of 3 gel shots and cortisone which did absolutely nothing! At first visit was told I had IT band syndrome and was scheduled for PT . In the meantime fell on a wet floor in my kitchen, had a MRI and it revealed a torn Meniscus. I waited to after Christmas to see the surgeon and he took an X-ray and now it was bone on bone. Surgeon told me repairing the meniscus would do me no good and needed a knee replacement. After a few tears I agreed to the surgery. It is now 10 weeks post op and can't wait to feel normal again. Will definitely get back to you after seeing the DR. On Tuesday to see what he has to say about feeling the metal. Take care, we have a lot in common!

Hi Dolores, yes please let me know what your doctor says. This has been so new and I'm glad I have found others who are going through and feel the same thing.

Hi Linda, just got back from seeing my surgeon and asked him about feeling the metal in our knee replacement. He said it is completely normal to feel it and it really does not go away but in time it will be hardly noticeable and feel normal. I got a good bill of health today and will see him in a year! I am11 weeks post op so things do get better. He gave me a script for 4 more weeks of PT, which I can use. Hope you have a good recovery and start feeling better every day! Dolores

Thank you Dolores for letting me know. My PT said the same thing!!! Good luck with continuing your progress!!!

Linda

Linda, I have a ham string behind my knee that moves when I bend my knee. Have you experienced anything like this? My knee is still stiff and I will be 12 weeks post op this Wednesday. I am starting to get very frustrated. Does your knee feel stiff? A comfortable bend for me is about 117 but can get it to 120, which allows me to do most things. Depression, however is starting to set in again, just wondering what you are experiencing. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!