TKR 4 months ago,and still can't walk without my crutches

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MY surgery was August 14/2017 @ St.Mary's Hospital.I had so many issues at my stay after surgery,I wasn't seen by PT after 24 hours of my surgery,They put pillows under my surgical knee which it got stiffed so bad that i can't straighten my knee at all.The drain that i had never drained the blood,the medicine called Lidocaine never received it it leaked out.Is it normal i know its been only 4 months.To complete my surgical knee is swollen,numbness and my left foot cause i make all the pressure on its so swollen and hurts badly.Please any advice.

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    Sounds like you had a bad start in your recovery.  When I look back on my own post op care I wish I knew then what I know now I would have done things differently. Just treat the symptoms you have now. If your knee is still swollen ice and elevate it, if you have pain get your pain meds sorted out so that you're not in fear of moving it. I think numbness is common mine is still numb on one side but I'm not concerned about it. As for the other foot swelling maybe you are putting too much weight on it you will probably have to rest it more listen to your body and use walking aids if you need them. Good luck x

  • Posted

    LTKR May 2, 2017 post op complications left my knee bent at a 45 degree angle for 3 months. PT kept telling me to walk with a walker even though my bent leg was 5" shorter than my right leg because of the bend. Walking with a walker did nothing to straighten my leg and doing it caused me swelling and pain. I got a new physical therapist who told me to stay off my feet and focus on straightening exercises, Epsom salt baths - the warm water helped relax my muscles and leg warmers helped keep my muscles supple so it was easier to do the extension exercises and get gradual results. I also used a JAS brace for 30 minutes three times daily which also helped me to extend my leg. Now I am walking with crutches with my left leg straight at 14 degrees. I can stand on it without pain and expect it to straighten further to 0 degrees. My flexion is 120 degrees. For those of us who have post op complications, it will take longer to recover and we can not be expected to achieve the same recovery as those fortunate to avoid complications. Speak up for yourself, elevate, ice, rest and consider getting a PT from personal recommendation from someone who had them.

    Good Luck and best wishes! 

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