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Progress is slipping back

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terri90278
terri90278

Hi again. I am currently 5 months post right TKR & afraid I’m slipping backwards. After a very rough 3 months, including a successful MUA I was finally doing great. I had/have excellent ROM & was practically pain free. I was walking several blocks (nothing too much) & going downstairs easily. Unfortunately that only lasted a couple of weeks. I then started experiencing pain and it’s gotten progressively worse. My ROM is still excellent & I don’t have pain when I’m at rest or doing daily light chores, but I can barely walk a block without a lot of pain now. The pain is specifically to the right of the kneecap (where the 2 parts meet). 

I’m getting depressed since I was starting to feel like things were finally going in the right direction & I could start planning a vacation & now that seems out of the question. Wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar. Thank you. 

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX terri90278

    Posted

    People forget that a TKR recovery is NOT a linear, "I'm always improving" process.  There are advances, setbacks and plateaus...the most frustrating.  If you're having a setback, take a deep breath, relax and back off the activities.  You probably pushed the knee too far.  If you're off the opioid meds, then try 800 mg ibuprofen TID (or any anti-inflammatory you tolerate) for two weeks plus use a topical A/I.  Voltaren Gel (RX in the US) is the second best on the planet.  Rest up for that period and don't do too much.

    After that, resume your activities slowly and see how it goes.  If you're still having issues, check in with your PT or surgeon.  Depression is not an option.  Do NOT let this get into your head!!!  Virtually all of us had this occur at one point or another...nothing unusual.  It could be as simple as overuse and inflammation.  Back off, treat it, resume.  Hoping that you will be fine.

    Check the part of this discussion about tracking your steps...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/walking-after-a-tkr-593409

    • terri90278
      terri90278 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Once again, thank you Chico for your advice and inspiration.  Although I hadn’t been very active I may have started walking a little too much suddenly since my recovery  was so slow and painful that when I finally felt better, I was excited to take walks. I’m not on the opioids anymore since the pain is primarily when I walk. I wish I could take ibuprofen but I can’t bc I also have ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately Voltoran gel & even the stronger Pensaid hasn’t helped. I guess I didnt think of the recovery as not being linear. Would have been nice if the surgeon or PT would have told me that. 

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX terri90278

      Posted

      No one tells you crap before the operation.  Just like sex...your education begins AFTER it happens.
    • Nananikki
      Nananikki CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I’ve heard you are a great resource and as I read this post and see you speaking to the subject of depression this is where my largest battle is now. I’m a 70 yr old female and have battled depression most of my adult life but it’s under control on meds. 

      I’ve never had surgery before and I’m doing really well post op. I’m almost 5 was today and walking without any cane. The mild depression started about 4th wk. I’ve been in contact with all my doctors and they believe it’s all normal surgery related. With my past history it’s just scary for me.

      Tell me what your thoughts and experiences are with this. I have a wonderful supportive husband and family so I’m blessed.

    • terri90278
      terri90278 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I understand that. But they’re not even telling me now that what I’m experienced no is normal. 😡

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Nananikki

      Posted

      I'm almost 70 and have also suffered from depression from time to time in my life.  Been on meds a long time.  Post-op depression is completely different...

      https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-post-operative-depression-604195

      Got it when I had a hip replacement in '09...cried for days.  Once I found out what it was, it disappeared virtually overnight.  Jedi Mind Trick...completely fake.  Once you understand it, you toss it out the window.  Support is great but this is something you have to do for yourself...in your own head.  Own it...kick its a$$...

  • Rcurry17
    Rcurry17 terri90278

    Posted

    Don’t panic, I am at 7 months post op and having gone through many set back periods, I am just now starting to get somewhere with this knee. Still low pain sometimes when I overdo my workouts but I am now up to 3 mile walks. Give it a rest and start again. Prior to six months I was beginning to wonder if this would ever improve.
  • Rcurry17
    Rcurry17 terri90278

    Posted

    I walk 5 days a week 2 or 3 miles. I also continue with all the exercises given to me during PT.  Lastly I ride the recumbent bike at the gym and use the leg machines with light weight. Hope this helps. You will feel discomfort in the knee but it is the muscles complaining.
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Rcurry17

      Posted

      The muscles are complaining because they atrophied after the surgery and now you are pushing them.  Quads, glutes and core all have to be rebuilt virtually from scratch.  This takes time...a lot of time.  Push it and you get the pain.  Read the link in the above reply.  You have to build endurance before strength.  Push it and you have to back off, eliminate the inflammation and then resume at a slower pace.  Very typical...patience...
    • terri90278
      terri90278 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks Chico. I copied exercises you suggested onto a word doc & printed it. Will start off slowly & hopefully increase. Unfortunately I also have back issues & pain. One seems to set off the other. 

      Although I’m very patient with others (special ed teacher for 37 yrs) I’m not very patient with myself. I definitely need to work on that. 

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX terri90278

      Posted

      Same here.  I've had a spinal laminectomy plus two fusions...and the knee and a hip.  Almost five pounds of metal.  It does put a crimp in the exercises a bit but I LOVE lighting up the x-ray machines at the airport!!!

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