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TKR 5 weeks ago.

Posted , 10 users are following.

alison48905
alison48905

Hi all, I had a RTKR 5 weeks ago. The first few days were brutal but after that I seemed to settle into a pattern of healing, never totally pain free bu manageable with medication.

Over the past few days however, I have been experiencing much more pain, from my foot to my thigh and especially in my ankle. I'm not walking as well as I was and I'm feeling really down in the dumps as a result of this set back.

I don't see my consultant until 12weeks post op and I havent started physio yet so I have no one to ask. I am taking co codamol 3/4 times daily and 50mg tramadol sr night and morning.

Should I be concerned?

Does this sound like normal recovery pattern?

Am I taking enough pain relief?

Thank you

Alison

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • martha08360
    martha08360 alison48905

    Posted

    I can't believe you haven't started physical therapy yet.  I started the day after my surgery.   I am 6 weeks out on Wednesday and am still having a lot of pain and stiffness, but stick with my exercises.  good luck

    • alison48905
      alison48905 martha08360

      Posted

      Thanks Martha, In Northern Ireland physio isn't always offered and when it is it can be a bit hit and miss.

    • pat86848
      pat86848 alison48905

      Posted

      Yes I agree with Martha.Im in NIreland and we aren’t offered physio after op.I am now 8 weeks post op knee and haven’t even received a Appt for check up .Like you when I walk I have incredible calf and ankle pain.I have no clue whether this is normal.I spoke to my GP a few days ago to discuss pain management and I’m taking OxyContin 15 twice daily plus shortec(oxynorm) up to 4 times a day If required.I checked about oxynorm as to should I should still be taking it and she is happy for me to continue as she still feels it’s very early.I had cut down myself to 2 daily but if I get very sore I take 3.I would speak to GP again re your pain management.Good luck.x
  • davidjk22
    davidjk22 alison48905

    Posted

    There is no normal recovery pattern. Every recovery is different. I started physio the next day in hospital then twice a week after return home. My medication was co-codamol 30/500mg 2x4times day. Tramadol 50mg 4 times day diclofenac 50mg twice times a day. Daily exercise as many times as I could, plus ice and elevation. That was almost 20 years ago and I have had no problems since. Are you exercising, using ice and elevating ?.
  • Saint2012
    Saint2012 alison48905

    Posted

    I started physical therapy third day home.I had a home health nurse 3 days a week.On week 3 and 4 I had appointments for physical therapy 3 days a week now in week 5 I am at 2,days.I would certainly call your physician and question why no therapy.Also no follow up till 12 weeks is,nuts.Bones take 6-8 weeks to heal so need an Cray to make sure all is well.Good luck but a phone call should be made

  • tricia1954
    tricia1954 alison48905

    Posted

    Hi Alison you sound about right. I had my 1st knee done last June and the second one just last week. You may have just done a little too much without realising it. With my first knee I was going great guns and for no reason everything started hurting. At week four I had even walked fast on a treadmill with the physio but at week five appointment I was in agony. It took about three weeks to get back. As for pain killers I take 2 x50mg Tramadol with 2x paracetamol four times a day.  I would say you could increase your Tramadol if you need it but maybe ask your doctor. It might be a good idea to book just one private appointment with a local physio to put you on track it should cost about £45 for the first appointment the probably £35 after that. It really is worth the cost if you can afford it. I'm in Yorkshire and wasn't going to wait weeks for an nhs appointment to come through.

    good luck and don't worry you are doing fine. I just can't wait for the next four weeks to pass by as obviously I know from previously what is coming.

  • ColleenAdams
    ColleenAdams alison48905

    Posted

    Alison- don't wait for it. You prob are up and about yeah? Do your own therapy- bending and straightening . YOU CAN DO THIS -     Check out another app called Bonesmart.org.   They'll be tons of info and ideas on there. You got this

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX alison48905

    Posted

    In TKRville, there is no "normal", there are no timetables, and the word "should" has been stricken from the lexicon.  There are advances, setbacks and plateaus.  I got stuck at -4 for weeks...  At 5 weeks, you are still in the most painful period of this recovery.  The really bad stuff is already past but it will probably be quite uncomfortable until 12 weeks.  By that time you will most likely be off the BIG drugs and have finished your PT to get your ROM back.  PT usually lasts around 10 weeks @ 2X/week.  Painful?  Take your meds an hour before a session and have someone drive you.

    Pain relief is relative.  You should NOT be in excruciating pain.  The only way to be completely pain free is to be in a coma.  If the pain is too much, talk to your doc about different meds, dosages and schedules (ex: every 4 hours instead of 6).  You might also try some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US)...GREAT topical anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

    Depressed?  Jedi Mind Trick...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-post-operative-depression-604195

    Other pain in your leg?

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/other-pain-after-a-tkr-641040

    Hang this on your fridge...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-reality-of-a-tkr-recovery-in-one-picture-626038

    Yeah...I've got lots o' stuff on the Forum...

    • Saint2012
      Saint2012 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks Chico just picked up my voltaren gel yesterday and used it last night.Tomorrow makes 5 weeks post o.o and the gel is a godsend especially at night.I will say I got at least an extra 1/2 hour of sleep between wakeups
  • Irish_Al
    Irish_Al alison48905

    Posted

    Hi Alison,

    I'm 12 weeks post op on my second knee. If I were you I would go to my doctor.

    Also I started physio next morning after op. 5 weeks later would be a concern. I have been told by my surgeon that physio is a race against scar tissue that's why getting the bending early is important.

    I am not an expert (as most on here are not) the professionals are, I recommend getting their advice. Good luck.

  • clemento
    clemento alison48905

    Posted

    Hi Alison, I think you should see this video in youtube (copy and paste) and you will realise how important is start working with your knee ASAP!! I will see my surgeon tomorrow at 9:30 here in Brisbane, Australia and if everything is OK I will attempt my 2 knees in one go by this coming April. Nothing comes easy but you can do it!! see your Doctor and I will keep you posted. Regards Clem

    Moderator comment: I have removed the link(s) directing to site(s) unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

  • alison48905
    alison48905

    Posted

    Hi all, thank you for all your replies. I have read and reread them. I have been doing bending and straightening exercises from day 1. I think my bend is coming along okay - at least 90 most days - sometimes a bit more. I can almost straighten also.

    I think some of my problem is that I need my other knee done asap as it is also bone on bone. I am aware that I am already relying more on my newly operated knee to save the other one. It is an unconscious thing that I am am trying to be conscious of.

    My pain relief is not really effective for either of my knees.

    Ironically I have today received an appointment for physio for 23rd march so that will at least get me started.

    I feel disadvantaged here in Northern Ireland when I read about the aftercare other countries receive.

    I have asked for my GP to call me today and I will discuss my medication options with her.

    Thank you again.

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