TKR 9 weeks in

Posted , 18 users are following.

It's been 9wks since my surgery. I have been able to walk without help since day 3. I'm still having allot of pain and swelling is really bad. I have been having PT but I still can't bend my knee but 88°. My PT councillor does the same exercises 3 times a wk. I have missed the last 2 sessions because of this. I don't seem to be having any trouble doing much of anything I want except for bending my knee. I'm anxious to get back to work but doubt I will be able to because of the swelling and bending. My job demands me walking and standing all day. Walking anywhere from 7 to 13 miles. I'm scared I won't be able to go back to work. Is anyone else having trouble with swelling and bending after 9weeks after surgery.

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  • Posted

    Hi suzy same here sept 2nd 2017 I really new the recovery was going to be long .but not as uncomfey as this .my bending only reaches 80%so lm worse than you ,I been back to hospital clinic see surgeon.they said were see you in a yr.carry on with bending physio.but physio just tells me the step exercise n pushing forward.or try riding a bike.obviously not on a rd .but my kneefeels like theres a blk there as hard as rock.as I push push the pain is horrendous,and al im on since week 4is every day pai killers.useless.the physio says there take me in put me out and bend it for me,was u ever told anything.how a yr.on you doing.my best wishes jacky.

  • Posted

    Hi suzy same here sept 2nd 2017 I really new the recovery was going to be long .but not as uncomfey as this .my bending only reaches 80%so lm worse than you ,I been back to hospital clinic see surgeon.they said were see you in a yr.carry on with bending physio.but physio just tells me the step exercise n pushing forward.or try riding a bike.obviously not on a rd .but my kneefeels like theres a blk there as hard as rock.as I push push the pain is horrendous,and al im on since week 4is every day pai killers.useless.the physio says there take me in put me out and bend it for me,was u ever told anything.how a yr.on you doing.my best wishes jacky.

  • Posted

    I am also 9 weeks out.   So glad this forum is here.  I almost thought I was going crazy.  I thought I was on the road to no pain. But a movie or a basketball games tells me otherwise.   I think it’s the arthritis that was present before my tkr that makes it in bearable to move from lying to sitting to standing. I feel like I am 88 instead of 48... I go. Ack to my OS tomorrow and trust I have a long list to go over.  From my scar being sensitive to the touch. And I still have numbness on one side to me knee not looking quite straight when I stand in the mirror.  I am scheduled to do the other knee once this one heals but I am so scared to go through this whole process again.  I keep sayyto myself it’s only been 9 weeks but dang.   I don’t think they really prepare you for this mentality....
    • Posted

      No, they don't prepare you for this mentally.  Sensitive scar:  Wrap loosely in an elastic (ACE) bandage or get a compression knee sleeve one size larger than you would normally use.  Protects against clothing and sheets.  You're NOT going crazy.  Numbness at 9 weeks?  Duh...  If not done already, doc should do a knee alignment x-ray.  On the film, they draw a straight line from hip to ankle...that line should go straight through the center of your knee.  If yes...you are absolutely aligned.

      Lots of people do #2 within months of #1.  Unless your second knee is in extreme pain, I can't see doing this...in my personal opinion.  My thought is that you should TOTALLY rehab the first one (12-18 months) before doing #2.  Also, very few "doublers" report having a similar experience.  The vast majority report having either a better or worse experience with #2 than with #1.  No telling in advance which way that will go.

      For me, I'm almost 2 years post-op with little to no pain in the second knee.  I'm putting that one off as long as I can.  Otherwise, you won't have "a leg to stand on."  Sorry...couldn't resist...

    • Posted

      I’m so sorry Tina.. this has definitely been the hardest thing I have ever been through... I’ve had 6 babies and I promise you this is worse.. also 9 weeks out on my second.. 

      The second was a bit harder than the first only because the first one has become swollen again... but I’m glad I did it!! This deal takes a lot of patience  and I’ve found that everyone is different.. I will certainly keep everyone in my prayers!!

  • Posted

    My tkr was 9wks 2 days ago. My knee is still stiff and I have alot of trouble bending my knee. When I stopped pt 2 weeks ago my rom was 100 and that was because they pushed my knee back until I was almost screaming. I do my excercises and ice but it stiffens up again. I hope I dont have to get the manipulation procedure. Have you improved since you wrote your question?
  • Posted

    After 9 weeks your worried about walking 7 - 13 miles WOW!!! My last TKR it took me almost 9 months before I could walk a half mile with out paying for it later. After a year I was walking 1.5 daily but that ended up doing more harm then good. Considering your at 9 weeks and your at 88degrees that is not bad. No matter what you read or who replies about how well they are doing just keep in mind everyone heals differently.The one issue I never had a problem with is bending after a month I was over 95degrees,  2 years post op there is just a very slight difference between L and R. Your body is going to let you know whether or not your pushing too hard or not. If you are walking a half a mile and your sore that fine but if you walk the same distance and your in extreme pain well maybe you went too far. Key word PATIENCE!! 
  • Posted

    Hi I’m hoping someone can tell me what’s going in n with my knee , had key hole surgery 9 weeks ago to remove cartilage and I had multiple micro fractures in my knee , I was told to part weight bare for 6 weeks ! I have done everything  they said , I’m at wits end with it , 9 weeks and I’m in pain walking I limp so badly I have to use crutches , I haven’t attempted to go back to work cause if I’m on my leg to long it swells above my knee so bad , I am a large lady 18 stone . I have been doing everything . I see the consultant next week . Iv has no pt it wasn’t offered . I lay in bed st night and it aches . Is this normal if so when will I walk again properly, it’s really depressing. I wish I never had it done at least before I could mange the pain and discomfort, but this is hell ! 
  • Posted

    Hi I’m hoping someone can tell me what’s going in n with my knee , had key hole surgery 9 weeks ago to remove cartilage and I had multiple micro fractures in my knee , I was told to part weight bare for 6 weeks ! I have done everything  they said , I’m at wits end with it , 9 weeks and I’m in pain walking I limp so badly I have to use crutches , I haven’t attempted to go back to work cause if I’m on my leg to long it swells above my knee so bad , I am a large lady 18 stone . I have been doing everything . I see the consultant next week . Iv has no pt it wasn’t offered . I lay in bed st night and it aches . Is this normal if so when will I walk again properly, it’s really depressing. I wish I never had it done at least before I could mange the pain and discomfort, but this is hell ! 

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