TKR 13th Feb 2016

I'm 65 and I hear you. Just coming up on 8 weeks and although I'm doing relatively well, I wonder if I'll ever be able to walk normally again without the stiffness and hip and back pain.

Im 51 and 5wk post tkr op and i know exactly how i feel.we will get through this.xx

Hi Mary my surgery was March 18, 2016. I still have days with and why did I do this?? I'm done with pt. Swelling has subsided alot. I still have this pain on the inside of my knee. It has gotten a little better. I don't feel like it's going to give out as much. I get a little down some days because sometimes I still walk with a limp. But I look how far I have come and decide to keep plugging along. There was a time that getting my other knee done was totally out of the question. But now that I am going up and down stairs and am pain free in my op knee, plan on getting the other knee done next yr. Hang in there Mary. I still do my pt at home. And still elevate and ice when I have over done it. Try not to let it get you down. Listen to what your knee is telling you. ...

Hi Mary, I don't know if we'll ever be back to "normal".  I have changed my thinking of what that is and I now focus on my "new normal".  I just had my almost 1 year check up with Dr. the other day and the discussion was a good one.  First, I'll say that I didn't have any of the many problems that I've read about on this forum.  I was lucky. Recovery has been textbook and Dr. was pleased with xrays and function of knee.

He did ask me if I felt my knee felt like my real knee.....no it doesn't.  It feels like an artificial knee, which it is.  Then he asked if I was glad I did it.....now...yes.  If he had asked me that at 3 months, the answer would have varied as to each day.  If he had asked 1 month out, it would have been a definite NO.  So time helps.  Here is what he said he has heard from his patients....these are things we all experience - well, mostly all of us....there are variations to everything.

1.  There will be numbness on the outside of knee - lower quardrant.  May eventually go away, but probably not.

2.  There will be some pain on the inside of knee as a result of cutting through the tendon.  May/may not go away

3.  Kneeling will not hurt the prosthetic but it does NOT feel good.

4.  The clicking you feel is the metal rubbing against the plastic.  May go away but probably not.

I added that even after a year, the stiffness is still there.  Varies each hour/day/activity, but it's there.  Yeah, he agreed that stiffness is part of the deal.  It's not your real knee.

So, I have discovered that my new normal is how I do things today. Or tomorrow. I'm careful walking downstairs, no more running, nothing stupid.  But I'm back to my extended walking and exercise.  I"m 66, so I'm happy to do what I am doing.  Things could be so much worse.  Will I get my other knee done?  Well, depends on how much pain I'm willing to put up with.  Right now, I'm ok with that.  So I'll wait.  

I hope you get your strength back....I'm sure you will, but try to understand that things are different now and try to work with it.  Funny, my Dr. said the best time to have knee replacement is in 60's and 70's because we have come to terms with what needs to be done.  People in their 50's still have the mindset of a 30/40 year old and the're just not there, mentally to accept this diagnosis.  Interesting concept!

Good luck....but I don't think you'll need it.  Give it time. (And I say all this, assuming that you don't have any major issues that need attention)

Mary Ann

Hi Mary, I am in my mid 50's & I had no operation on my knee but with all that I been dealing with the issues of pain in the knee,leg & feet even having to use my good leg puts strain on that as well.. it all has worn me out very much like you so I have to baby every step using walker now I was using a cane but a cane is useless to me now my legs feel like they would give out on me @ any given time so had to resort to a walker. I know all is not easy for you as myself & many others going through all this being it has been very stressful & overwhelming to say the least, I been through this before it lasted me months but got over it then for few years walked ok then I guess I must had sprained the knee again causing much all the same issues all over again. I believe in time it will get better for you again like me, stay strong Mary & keep the faith, God bless you...

Hi Mary,

Hang in there! I've heard from my PT and several people that it takes one year before you feel "normal." And you're on your way. Are you able to get outdoors to enjoy nature? That's been my saving grace. I have a transport chair, and have friends that take me out where I walk in three 10 minute segments alternating with riding in the chair. I'm only 6 weeks with bilateral TKR, and the roller coaster recovery is driving me crazy. One day feel fairly okay and next day is totally challenging. It's hard to plan anything given the exhaustion. Today I had plans to get a few minor things done, and had to give up my list, and lay around icing both knees instead. Frustrating. But somewhere down the road you'll be glad you did it and all this frustration will be faded history!

Hey Mary - I am 69 and also was in pain when I walked and decided to do a left tkr and for the first 4 weeks I basically wanted to shoot myself - who knew the pain? I sure didn't. Not to mention being depressed, anxious and foggy in the head ! Today is 5 weeks and 1 day since my surgery and when I woke up this morning for the first time my knee didn't ache! Talk about a breakthrough - not sure why but the overall pain is diminished! But the surgery also kicked my butt - I'm very tired in the afternoons also but I do think there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am told this is all NORMAL and it will pass so hang in there - we are all in the same boat!

I totally understand how you feel?? My TKR was in March, and I'm no where close to feeling good!! The swelling/ pain/ tiredness controls my life!!! I'm wishing I would not have done it!!!

Mary, don't give up or give in. Tomorrow is a new day! I had two knees done 6 weeks apart --the last one 7 weeks ago. Keep doing your stretches and exercises. It will pay off and continue to get better. Of this I am sure.

Hello

Don't lose heart!! Although I can completely understand.... It is such major surgery as the medics keep reminding me!

Ive had TKR and PKR replacement 10 weeks apart....the last surgery 3 weeks ago.

What I was advised is to be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster.... Which it has been.....

I did almost 'too well' in the first weeks... Not a boast I think I was massively lucky with the surgeons and physios.

Since I've been home it's seemed like one step forward two back.....sleep disruption ( it's 230 am and I'm still awake!) .. , nasty shin pain and really grim cramping.

I've had in depth discussion with my physio.... Theu were saying what i was experiencing was perfectly normal and to expect odd and sometimes difficult symptoms up to a year or perhaps 2 post surgery.

What's helping me so far is:

keeping a very basic daily log(about 5 mins to complete) so you can look at patterns... I've included what exercises I've done, my average pain score for that day and hoe my mood has been. Massively helpful as I can see how far I've come...

Take medications on time!

Do my physio exercises regardless how boring I'm finding them.

I'm remaining optimistic... And set backs are just that... Temporary blips!

Hi Mary, im 72 and tkr was just 7 months ago.Like you wonder when it will all come together.Still very stff feels like a steel band around my knee.Still on crutches, and cannot walk properly up the stairs walk round the park everyday with my dog for an hour.Monday my knee gave away and down i went,nobody around  so just had to sit it out.I dont no why this has happened,but i am so scared now.