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im experiencing lots of tightness around my knee, I really thought it would be easier by now. I'm trying really hard with my exercises but they leave me exhausted and very tearful. Going back to physio next week at the hospital so hopefully they will come up with something to help. Still taking tramadol and paracetamol but the pain is worse at night. I'm hardly sleeping. Anyone else having these problems? Love to hear from a very tearful soul.
0 likes, 16 replies
suzidownunder joey55
Posted
I am 9 months post TKR and still have tightness above the knee and numbness and tingling below. Although I do everything normally. I still have stiffness and discomfort. Fluid around the knee causes a lot of the problems and will take a long time to clear up.
Be gentle with your exercises. Lots of rest in between and icing. One of those little pedal exercisers is good too
Best wishes.
lou1962 joey55
Posted
Its all very normal im afraid,im 6 weeks post op and the worse thing is the swelling and tightness which my consultant/physio say can last up to 12 months...my knee is good in the morning but as the day goes on and im walking and exercising it swells and gets tight..do you elevate and ice it when this happens...things will get better but it does take time and patience...
Pauli joey55
Posted
this is all very normal you have had a major operation it's going to take a long time before things go back to anything like normal . I am 57 I had a FKR in July 2013 what you have to do just now .take pain relief ..raise that leg as high as you can with pilow with you lying down ....and exercise when you can . It will get easier but not for a few months yet ...joey you are on the mend it takes time .....keep exercising every day what you can do and then a bit more you will notice in a few weeks when you exercises the pain will lesson ...keep going joey you soon feel the benefits of new knee ...Rome wasn't built in a day
caroline46398 joey55
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martinarvelo caroline46398
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cheryl90571 joey55
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For me, pain hurts worse when I am just laying there TRYING to sleep. Pain seems less when I just GET UP and DO SOMETHING!
Some nights are better than others. It varies for me.
I have noticed that I often overdo things. Too many hours shopping, standing, watering the flowers, etc. can really do me in! I pay the price for this EVERY TIME.
I just am desperately trying to BE NORMAL and get back to my life as I USED TO know it before all this Osteoarthritis began ruling (and RUINING!) my life.That was four years ago that the PAIN really kicked in. My husband and I were taking care if my mother here at our home for two years. Lots of stress! Mom was 99 and 100 at the time. My husband's health was compromised as well.
Rough times!
Try to grab small naps when you can throughout the day. That's how my husband and I have survived!
Best wishes to you in your journey! We are here for you!
mandy35295 joey55
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dode joey55
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Like everyone else who has responded to your post, I'd say this is all normal. I am 3 months post-op and still have a lot of stiffness and tightness and when I overdo things I pay the price. I've cut back on the medication in the last 4 weeks and no more co-codamol and just the occasional paracetamol but sometimes you have to take them to endure the pain. Sleepless nights are commonplace too. Exercise is so important even though tiring. Stick with it. I've posted on here before that I've been dispirited and the support you receive from this community is fantastic! I'm seeing my surgeon this week so fingers (not legs) crossed and good luck to you. Just stick with it and keep getting rest and drink lots of water.
terri59470 joey55
Posted
Just to reiterate what everyone has said, its all normal and par for the course!
Im 23 weeks post-TKR, and looking forward (YES! You read that right!) to my second TKR In a couple of months. Looking forward might sound strange, but Im currently in severe pain from Osteoarthritis, and that pain serves no purpose, whereas the pain from TKR is a "healing" pain, and every step you take now, however painful, is a step to an easier, pain-free way of life.
How long ago was your op?
If you are still in significant pain, I would consider a medication review with your GP - I had a messy meltdown in my GP's office at 7 weeks, was getting no sleep, tearful, massive amounts of pain - and she prescribed me a very low dosage of Amitriptyline, which helps relieve nerve pain, and if taken correctly can help with sleep. Its helped me massively. Even now I get the odd night where I dont do so good, but thats mostly from my OA.
If youre not getting enough rest, you'll be tearful. If youre not getting enough rest, you cant exercise effectively. If youre not getting enough rest, everything seems bleaker. If ypure not getting enough rest, the pain seems much worse. There are no medals for NOT taking medication if youre suffering. Its there to help you, and boy, do we need help after this operation!
Take naps, it doesnt matter at this stage WHEN you sleep, half an hour here and there is better than nothing.
And finally, HYDRATE! Make sure that youre taking plenty of fluid on board, as your body cant heal effectively if its not adequately hydrated - healing takes more out of our bodies than we realise.
I wish you well on your journey my friend, come back on here when you need us, and you can always PM if you need to xx
linda04825 joey55
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joey55 linda04825
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joey55
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martinarvelo joey55
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lou1962 martinarvelo
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Colito joey55
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