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Swelling

Posted , 8 users are following.

robin15577
robin15577

just need reassurance that swelling is normal at 10 weeks I do ice but I am worried it’s a sign that scar tissue is continuing rebuilding. I don’t want manipulation I am gaining in ROM 120 now but swelling worries me. Still have pain of course but managing it well. Am I ok? So say massage is good 

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • mariana71899
    mariana71899 robin15577

    Posted

    Robin, there was a lot of trauma in that knee surgery and a lot of blood vessels and limphatic web and nerves were cut so yes the swelling will be for a good wile because the fluid (during the day and when you are upright)goes down and has no transport back up. Those vessels will regenerate in time, and you will experience swelling. I never had swollen legs before my double knee replacement, but now at almost 14 weeks my legs are puffy mostly in the evening. I am being told that it will go away... just a few days ago , at my last dr visit ( next will be in July at 1 year!!) he did tell me that really it takes up to 2 years to get totally in shape... God with us all!!! Good luck!!
    • robin15577
      robin15577 mariana71899

      Posted

      This is encouraging to have this information. It’s a LONG haul may the force be with us lol Best wishes to you in your recovery!
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX robin15577

    Posted

    Your TKR knee will look bigger than your other knee for many months to come.  That's totally normal.  Abnormal swelling (knee looks like a balloon) occurs when you push the knee too far on any given day.  Back off, rest, ice, elevate, return to activity...know your limits and push forward gradually.

    A ROM of 120 is perfect...that's what PT shoots for.  I finished PT at -1 / +123; at 19 months post-op, I'm 0 / +133.  The extra ROM comes to you over time with more work on your own.  Try some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US)...2nd best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.

    • robin15577
      robin15577 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      i have that gel and have applied smile trying to reduce ingestion of anti inflammatory but may need to take it. Such a long process this recovery. But I love how optimistic everyone is and encouraging that we will get thru this and come out on top eventually! 

      Thanks so much

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX robin15577

      Posted

      Early on...after the incision healed...I used the gel a few times a day.  It is BEST 15-minutes before bedtime.

      Yes...looooong and tedious.  Gotta stay strong mentally, physically and spiritually.  This is a real test; you end up finding strength you never knew you had.  It also teaches patience.  Meditate.  Breathe.  Very beneficial.

    • cherry75260
      cherry75260 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hi Chico,

      So,  what’s the first best anti inflammatory?

      Thanks,

      Cherry🍒

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX cherry75260

      Posted

      It's called "Lotion"...just "Lotion".  It's green and smells kind of "earthy".  It' made by particular specialists from particular plants using a very particular formula.  These particular specialists reside in very particular states.  The "Lotion" is available at very particular dispensaries in these very particular states for particular people with a very particular medical card given to these particular people by very particular doctors.  My particular son sends me some when I run out...works in 5 minutes.  Mmmmmmmmmm............

    • cherry75260
      cherry75260 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hi Chico,

      I guess I need friends in 'high' places...mmmmmmmm!  

      Many blessings,

      Cherry🍒

    • Pennypops
      Pennypops CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hi Chico, you always refer to voltaren as the 2nd best anti-inflammatory on the planet ...what would you consider to be 1st ?
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Pennypops

      Posted

      Read three posts above...  It's Grrrrrrrrrrreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 robin15577

    Posted

    Back off and give it a few days rest. If it goes down and quits hurting you'll know that you just have to take more time rehabbing. I'm 2 + years out and once in a while the thing will flair up. Unfortunately, right now I'm facing spinal surgery. A few months ago my wife took one of her several Parkinson's related falls and begged me not to call the paramedics as she was dressed for company so I picked her up and twisted something. It was getting worse with time and she took several more falls and foolishly I picked her up one of those. I'm now in such miserable pain all the way down my bad leg side I want to scream but I'm afraid the neighbors will think she's beating me and call the cops. I'm taking an MRI Wednesday but the consenses of opinion of 3 Dr s is I have a spine compression and need decompression surgery. This is so painful that I don't worry about the knee anymore.Dont tell Chico cause he'll get jealous that I'm catching up with him.

    To go e you some idea about the pain, I take 15 mg MS contin, 20th mg oxycodine and 2 Aleve and it barely touches the pain.

    Just try tweaking activity and treatment to see what helps because you are at the stage things change like the weather...which is another thing that will create problems.

    • robin15577
      robin15577 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Thank you for your insight. I am so sorry you are in back pain. That’s very hard to deal with plus having your wife be ill. You have your plate full. I will be wishing you all the best for a successful outcome 😘

  • Rcurry17
    Rcurry17 robin15577

    Posted

    I am just past 7 months post op. Although my rom is good and pain is very reduced the knee is still swollen, some times more at night after a good day at the gym. It is getting better as time goes on so hang in there.
  • Daddio180
    Daddio180 robin15577

    Posted

    Robin this is just a website and everyone HEALS different

    Always consult your Dr. If problems get worse or you are worried

    Yes swelling can continue for months 16 to 28 weeks depending how much activity you do you have to always do some kind of physical therapy so you will have swelling remember you had some pretty physical therapy to a part of your body that gets used every day so swelling will continue for a while my bilateral was on 07/18/2017 and my worst knee still swells up twice as much as my other knee BUT less every day

    Good luck

    • robin15577
      robin15577 Daddio180

      Posted

      Thank you! I meet with doc finally this week so I will ask him but it sounds like this is all normal thank goodness it’s a long road we travel. Wishing you too immense success in this process. You are about a month ahead of me
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