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Really struggling one week after TKR

Posted , 21 users are following.

victoria21411
victoria21411

Morning,

not sure anyone can help but just just need to vent. I had total knee replacement one week ago and I'm really struggling. I am aware that it's early days but I am feeling very low and tearful.  It's so painful. As day goes on, I can just about get on top of pain, however, the mornings and night times are unbearable. I dread going to bed. I can't bend it at all as it's so swollen, I am trying very hard but am stressing myself out as I can't bend and am worried about having a MUA. I can't stop crying and am wishing I never had this done. I am hoping it will be worth it in the end but have been reading stories about how people are in worst pain after.

I am not expecting anyone to have magic answer but needed to vent as my family have been so so supportive and I am trying to paint on brave face in front of them.

I have physio on Tuesday but might ring to see if they can fit me in tomorrow 

 

0 likes, 60 replies

60 Replies

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  • barbara24048
    barbara24048 victoria21411

    Posted

    Hi Victoria.i am now starting my 4th week.the first two weeks I could hardly bend my knee then I was able to bend it a small bit.i still can just about get it to 90.it seems to be so tight at the front.just lying here on the bed I can see it is still vey swollen.smothering my knee in bio oil every day and it seems to be taking some of the redness out. 
  • victoria21411
    victoria21411

    Posted

    Good evening all, am now exactly 2 weeks in and cannot bend my knee at all myself. The physio believes it’s psychological and I think they are right as I can get to 60 degrees on CPM machine. It just feels like I’m carrying a dead weight. I had staples out today and thought this might help but no. Any tips on how to break the strong link between my mind and my knee? 
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX victoria21411

      Posted

      Half-pint of Jack Daniels and you'll forget about the stupid number and just bend your leg.  After all, it's just a number...and if 10 different pros measured your knee, you'd get 10 different numbers.  They just "eyeball" it anyway...

      In the end, forget about the number and just do the work...concentrate on that.  Put a piece of tape on the floor and do your heel slides every day from the same starting point.  Pull as hard as you can (after lots of warmups) and mark the spot with a felt marker.  You will see the lines you've drawn come closer to you all the time.  No numbers...just progress.  Stop playing mind games with yourself.  Do the work, ice and elevate...repeat.  Before you know it, you'll be done.

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I’m normally so positive but this has floored me. I have been doing the work several times per day but can’t progress. Will keep trying. Thank u for your words of wisdom. 
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX victoria21411

      Posted

      I tell people that there are advances, setbacks and plateaus...be prepared for all of them.  Yes, there are threads of commonality throughout everyone's experiences but this really is a very personal, unique journey for all of us.  If something doesn't work try something else.  The answer is here...just keep asking the right questions and someone will give you the answer.  Use our collective experiences to find YOUR answer.

      Just know that you will absolutely progess, just maybe down a slightly different path.  Find that path and walk it (no pun intended).  No doubts, no frustration.  Just focus on healing and the right answers will come your way.

  • clive45466
    clive45466 victoria21411

    Posted

    HI

    As many say first weeks challenge all of us. I found a really hot bath helped once in the bath ( I spent hours in the bath in the beginning three times a day) for the first weeks before staples were taken out did not allow the water to get to the wound. Not so easy getting in and out at the beginning. 

    Used the Aircast iced knee wrap all the time when not in the bath.

    Good healing

    • Snoozy69
      Snoozy69 clive45466

      Posted

      Ive bought one of them they are brilliant really recommend it a bit pricey at £100, but I think I'm finally recovering so worth every penny 

    • victoria21411
      victoria21411 clive45466

      Posted

      Thank u Clive. I’m constantly icing but it just won’t budge. Will keep trying. Thank you for your support. 
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