Swelling / Ice

Hi, I am at 4 weeks with PKR and still ice due to swelling. I hope at 11 weeks I don't have problems with swelling! Good luck Sue and will be reading other responses!

I ceased ice about 6 weeks. My knees are not swollen although I spend about 12 hours either lying on a lounge with my knees elevated or in bed for 10 hours a day. I have always needed a lot of sleep and more so with my 2 knees replaced. Some days I felt exhausted but now I know I am on the way to healing well at 10 weeks post op. My knees were more swollen post op. I try to walk 3-4 times a week and go to hydrotherapy 2-3 days a week. Have a great day.

I am 9 weeks and wondering the same thing. I ice and elevate and it helps a bit, but I am also doing more.

Hi all.

I am 6 weeks post op and had just started to feel I'd turned a corner this last weekend. Finally my foot swelling reduced sufficiently for me to get shoes on, so I went out for a walk (only about 10 mins) and am doing a lot more around the house. 

Now today my knee has come up the size of a football (well, not quite, but you know what I mean) and is much more painful. I can only think I've been using it too much. 

I still use ice several times a day, and have an hour in bed most afternoons. However I am a bit disheartened by this setback. Oh, and also, there's no way I can manage to use my static bike yet.......

So I guess in answer to your query, Sue, although I'm not yet at 11 weeks myself, what you're describing doesn't sound at all unusual. It's such a long haul, physically and emotionally.

All the best to you x

 

For ages. It depends on what you do.

My second knee was replaced last August, and still swells if I spend too long on my feet.

But although they get stiff if I'm inactive for long, it's way better than the rerrible arthritis pain I used to have, so have patience with your new knee, it's still very early days.

Hi Sue,

I am only 3 weeks po, and I was told and what I read swelling can last up to 3 to 6 months. I ice eery few hours and elevate and at least an hour in the morning and and hour at night my therapist said it best to elevate an hour before bed. Also if you push through physical therapy it will swell. I hope this helps .

Good luck and a speedy recovery

Tom

I am 8 weeks postop and while pain is better I still have swelling depending on the amount of activity I do. I have been able to cutback on pain meds but ice is my crutch I cannot seem to give up.  From what I read on this blog I am on track but I will say TKR is by far the most difficult thing I have ever experienced.  

As long As there is swelling you can and should ice. Healing is as different as fingerprints and DNA. Listen to YOUR body and don't get caught up with trying to fit in a mold with stories that others repeat as if it were absolute gospel and remember that healing is not a straight line upwards. This is my 56th rehab and they all have been different

Hi, OFG is spot on, we all heal differently and you should just listen to your body. My tkr was 12 months ago and occasionally when I've done too much and it's aching I will put an ice pack on which soon calms it down and saves me taking pain meds . Don't compare yourself with other people's time limits, and that way you won't get stressed about it

I am at 9 weeks p/o TKR. I go to my PT once a week. I have asked her, and also asked the case manager for my surgeon the same qestions as you. I have called the case manager at least 5 times since my surgery, about similar questions, and concerns... They said that I should still elevate and ice my leg at least twice a day. They said that my swelling could last up to a year.

I also use a KODIAK ice pad machine on my leg when I go to bed. This helps immensely. Your questions are not silly.  We all have had the same questions. This discussion site is AWESOME !!  Good luck with your recovery.