TKR 9 weeks post op

Davie....prepare yourself for a few more weeks of this. The ups and downs are an incredible swing that you have to know its the burden of having to deal with the beast you are trying to tame. Slow, steady is the name of the game. No shortcuts or quick fixes. Pain meds, excercise and icing in that order. Don't beat up on yourself as that just slows the process. Be kind to yourself, rest when tired, eat healthy. The mental phase is important to the physical healing. Don't despair, you'll be back up and going in a few months. You have been through a very traumatic experience that those around you, even the therapists haven't been through. Don't let anyone try to bully you into going faster than your body allows.

hi davie ... oldfatguy says it all. he is a veteran of what you are going through so listen to him carefully ;-) i had my TKR 9.1 weeks ago and have only just really turned the emotional/mental corner last saturday. i woke up and decided that i wasn't walking with crutches anymore and that i wanted my old life back. so you see, it takes time and lots and lots of patience.

having said that, a 90 degree bend after 3 weeks is good. i am stuck at 90 after 9 weeks and so they are talking of having to bend it under anesthetic in a couple of weeks. so keep at it, just like oldfatguy said, with the whole routine. i know you cannot see the end of it and the feeling of being so "handicapped" even for the smallest thing grinds you down but right now you need to fully focus on your knee and working on getting back into shape. believe me, we have all shed tears of anger, frustration and sheer desperation on here! BUT ... you can believe all of us, it does get better. every day a little bit.

in switzerland your employer could not make you redundant while you are on sick leave. are you sure that is legal in the uk? i would definitely go and find out. can't you go to the citizens advice bureau? of course that totally sucks and will add to your burden. but as you said, that is another problem and as long as your knee is not up and running, this has to take second priority.

keep reading / posting on here, there are loads of people happy to share their experience. don't despair! you will get there.

Hi Davie

what you're going through is all part of the healing process I had my TKR NEARLY 10 weeks ago and still struggling at times ...but I can assure you it get setter as time goes on.

sorry to hear about you being made redundant ...  

Keep in touch and everyone on here will offer support 

I've found this site invaluable from friends going through the same thing 

take care 

Jean 

Davie, you are doing well with 90 deg bend!  I am at 84 and really trying for that elusive 90!  6 weeks + 5.  

Keep notes and you will be surprised at your achievements.  

Carol

David.  Don't despair. You have undergone major traumatic surgery and it isn't only the body that has to heal. Emotionally you have also taken a beating. I'm nearly 6 weeks post op but in the early weeks I felt terribly depressed and spent much time in tears. What helped me considerably was this site and reading about others experiences. I realise now that everything I have experienced is the same for everyone.  No there is no quick fix. Just look after yourself and you will find you will gradually improve.  So sorry to hear about redundancy.  Do hope things will turn out ok.

Keep your chin up.  Patricia

hi Davie .. hang on in there.... I am 9 weeks after op... I am only starting to feel a bit better.. pain still bad after sitting or getting up in morning... keep taking painkillers regularly.... don't wait till pain is bad... as much exercise as your knee allows...rest leg up and ice....i think i listened too much to doctors physios  saying .... you should be doing this or stop using crutches etc.... you know your own body....  i am still using one crutch when i go outside and indoors if i need to... i also got an exercise bike only use it 5 minutes at a time when I'm feeling up to it... I also got a balance ball.... not that expensive great for posture and strengthening leg muscles.... I am from your neck of the woods...Inverkip.... take care  

Hi Mary

you are so right ,..listen to your own body ....we all heal at a different pace

I'm 10 weelk post op and not managing to do half of what the doctors and Physio expect 

today I thought ...think positive .... So I went and had my hair done ...then did some food shopping ...all in all I was out for 3 hours

did it make me feel great .....NO..... I'm now sat with ice pack on my knee ...trying to get rid of this horrible pain

 Silly me ....I over did it 

 Jean I know  what you mean.... I did that a week ago.. desperate to get out... paid for it next day  soo.. This week my friend organised a wheelchair through  shop mobility... she knew I was getting down I was a bit embarrassed at first.... but I got to visit every shop in the mall.... go for a meal and pain free next day.... won't make it a regular thing but... good to know it's an option rather than feeling trapped in house...... 

What a good idea

we have a mobility scooter hire in our local shopping centre and I keep thinking I'll give it a try round the mall ....I haven't plucked up the courage yet but maybe one day 

you take care 

Jean 

I am too scared to do the scooter hire.... .. I think I would cause structural and physical damage  .!!

wheelchair was enough for now!... but you do need a VERY  good friend to push you around. :-D

I go on my own so sadly no one to push me around

anyway as long as you enjoyed it that's what counts 

I am sure there are self propelling ones.... check out if your shopping centre has shop mobility scheme.... There is lots of help available from them... good luck. x

When I was at my worst I had to use the motorized shopping cart at the supermarket. Surprised they didn't make me show proof of liability insurance or asked me not to come back. Hard to call concentrate on driving and shopping when all you can think about is how bad your leg hurts

i looked at the terms and conditions for the motorised  ones.... apparently you have to sign a disclaimer...... !!... I'm still wary though..... 

I think I'll just struggle ,...lol 

Haha..... If we lived closer.... We could get a tandem one!!... imagine the carnage!!:O

Terrible twins ....lol

Which knee have you have done ? 

Mine is my right ...if yours is the left ...we could tie them together and ru. The three legged race 

Just saw this.... hahaha..... It is my left !!!:-D

Lol ....what a thought 

Hi Dave I am nine weeks post op and still experiencing horrendous pain at night. My consultant and physio both say I am doing great, movement is very good and I am pain free most of the day. I go to the gym three times a week and swimming and can honestly say I am glad I have had the knee replacement, until the night time comes ! 

I have tried liquid Morphine, sleeping tablets and nothing works, the pain can either be shin splints, in my thigh or knee itself, this also effects my husband as I keep him awake and he has to work next day. 

Apparently this is normal so I keep telling myself things will get better, seems we have no choice but to grin and bear it. 

I am 8 weeks 3 days in. My upper thigh is really sore and constant tingling around my knee. I am walking without assistance but when i go to store i use their electric wheelchair, too much walking for me. Did anyone else have the tingling? Dr ordered a topical cream. Has anyone used this cream?

Thank You So Much

Oh Davie. Not good! I empathise with you. This is into my 10th week and I. Am having terrible pains from toes to thighs!! Sleeping is awful. Wishing I could have someone to fix the knee! My moods are so bad.