Stiff knee
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi everyone 24 days post op TKR doing well good ROM but having trouble with movement when getting out of bed very stiff ok once exercised, ice every 2 hrs and on stationary bike 2x 15 mins low resistance still very swollen
Am I being impatient 🐌🐌🐌💃🏼💃🏼??
Thanks Rob
0 likes, 19 replies
david_61958 robert57719
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Meraai robert57719
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dan28328 robert57719
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NZJENNI robert57719
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You are It sounds like you could be pushing a little hard to me. Are you doing your basic exercises still. They really do help.
I am 6.5 weeks post op and doing really well but that much time on the bike would have my knee swelling also. I am limiting it to 7 mins 3x a day just increased from 5.
BUT we are all different. Hang in there - it is the long game
j68551 robert57719
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Hi Rob, I am almost three years post-op TKR right knee. Op done in Sthlm, Sweden.
Bad luck. Post operative infection. Pus still oozing out. But I can manage. A new big operation at my age 67. No thanks. Not right now. BTW I sleep very well every night and I can drive. Crucial for my work as Auto Editor for a newspaper. Pain? Yes. Swelling? Yes. Stiffness? Yes. I manage walking short distances. Stairs? Upstair fine. Downstairs? Because of reduced flexion (bending) always hopping. Therefore I love escalators. Medication? In Sweden doctors liberally prescribe OxyContin 'Hillbilly Heroin'. In Thailand it's not allowed by Thai FDA. But Viagra 'Blue Pills' you can buy almost wholesale OTC.
My pain I control with Tramadol ( Tramal) Never more than 50 mg per day and reduce it to 25 mg (with strong premium Arabica coffee) if you can. Smimming is also recommended more than walking. Hang in there. it will get better...
diane95880 robert57719
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Hi Rob, I am almost 4 months post TKR, and I am still dealing with stiffness when I get up in the morning or up from any seated position. The stationary bike is great for relieving that stiffness, but don't overdo it. My PT had me on the bike for about 8 minutes when I was at your stage. Keep up the icing and keep it elevated. You sound like you are making great progress, but make sure you follow instructions. At 4 months post surgery, I can say I'm glad I had it done, and stiffness is my only issue. Wishing you the best,
Diane
NZJENNI diane95880
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That is fantastic Diane
david_61958 robert57719
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susan22517 david_61958
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How far out are you on this surgery?
Also. have you had blood work done to check for anemia?
diane95880 david_61958
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Hi David, Exhaustion and lack of energy are your body's way of telling you that you are still in the healing process. Listen to it 😊I am almost 4 months past TKR, and some days I come home from work and still need a nap before I can do anything else. I took daily naps for the first 3 months. It's hard to feel that tired, but give in and take care of yourself. Before you know it, you'll feel like yourself again. Recovering from this surgery is a long, drawn out process, so give it time. Wishing you the best, Diane
david_61958 susan22517
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david_61958 diane95880
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NZJENNI david_61958
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David - it may be something other than the surgery that is impacting on your vitality. Take a good look at your nutrition as we can use the easy go to's post op which can take its toll energy wise. Drink lots of water too. Also it may be depression which is common after a major surgery.
Possibly it is time for a check up with your GP.
All the best.
dave63380 david_61958
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susan27997 robert57719
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Hi Robert, glad that you found this site. YES.,..you are being impatient! Recovery is measured in weeks, but mostly months! It is such a different recovery rate than any other surgery and takes patience that you never knew you could find! Once you can accept the fact that your new knee is an "alien" to the rest of your body and don't let it take over your life emotionally, things get easier. Don't fight the VERY slow recovery time but rejoice in the small victories...a few more hours of sleep at night, being able to cut back on pain RX, walking further, bending and extending further etc. You are in good company and we are all here to encourage you when you hit that wall of "I didn't sign up for this" . I am just 6 weeks post TKA and am so thankful for this site. You CAN do this. Blessings!