Posted , 7 users are following.
hi I am 10 weeks post op, I have been really struggling with stiffness and bend. I have been paying for private physio as NHS is a bit lacking. My bend was only at 80 but have managed 90 with physio help and painkillers. I still walk with a limp l can walk without aid for short periods.
i went back to phased back to work on 22nd July l started just a few hours now up to 5-6 hours a day stuck in front of a computer some days I do more hours. I actually had a sick note until end of August saying unfit to work till then.
my biggest problem and l apologise for the long post is l am supposed to do my exercises 3 times a day but it's getting hard to fit it in as when I get home from work I am shattered and only manage one session of exercises. I don't think it's affected my mobility except stiffness l wondered how ridged we have to be with the exercises and for how long.
sorry again for the war and peace 😁
0 likes, 13 replies
billy777 Storm2060
Posted
moandrieu Storm2060
Posted
First, I want to assure you that the stiffness is normal for a while (for me I was feeling it over 1.5 years after my TKRs). If you are sitting at a computer, can you elevate and ice your knee? Also, while at work, you can probably pull off some leg lifts under your desk or modify some of your exercises so you are still working your quad muscles and flexing your knee, working on bends and straightening. You'll just need to be a little more creative. While sitting there, work on a deeper bend, pulling it under the chair just by little bits and hold it for 10 counts, then pull it in a little tighter. Do this in incriments of 3 and then rest it in a normal position. But you'll also need to find something to help you work on straightening it. You'll do fine.
-Mo
Storm2060 moandrieu
Posted
i will take on board your exercise ideas
jen04209 Storm2060
Posted
Make your physical exercises and stretching a priority. It will make a huge difference. Don't forget to ice and elevate. All the best to you!
moandrieu Storm2060
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Storm, I forgot to mention something about your limp. I'm not sure how long you were limping along before your surgery - for me it had been a process of 9 years with the last 6 months leaving me unable to bend one of the knees as I walked. I had to mentally learn to walk properly (helped that I had both knees replaced at the same time). I took slow deliberate steps, mentally picturing myself walking normal. Using a pool is also a great place to practice this. Good luck.
-Mo
Storm2060 moandrieu
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Hi l never limped at all before knee op 😞
mike96510 Storm2060
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Hi. I am now some 13/14 weeks post opn. and essentially am almost back to normal now. I still had significant swelling up to 11/12 weeks. Everyone will be different with different recovery times. From my experience I would look upon 3 months as being the first threshold where 90 recovery has taken place. I stll have discomfort at night and need to move adjust my knee position in bed quite a few times but the strong persistent pain has gone. Bending my knee has not been the problem other than stiffness. The ability to straighten my knee was a real problem for a long time and was probably the result of swelling. . As I say everyone will be be different. Can't say I have done the exercises much at all but I do like to stay fit and was in the swimming pool 3 weeks post op. Exercise in itself can/will produce swelling dependent on state of injury recovery.. Others say it takes up to a year to get full recovery and I suspect they are right.
barb5947 Storm2060
Posted
Storm I think you are exercising too much ! I'm 7 weeks tomorrow from my tkr and my physio told me Friday to only exercise once a day ( I was doing twice) - it's a process - while I've had pretty good success with my flex my straightening has been challenging . I think u might actually be slowing the process down with too much. For me the pool really helped me - I just get in and do my exercises in the pool. That speeded me up big time! Also do a lot of stretching - but take it easy - ice, elevate - it will come. Hang in there!
moandrieu barb5947
Posted
Barb, there are definitely different thoughts on how much exercise is needed. Mine recommended three times a day (this was a PT in India) and my friend in the USA was also told three times a day. But, I didn't think twice about taking a day off when I needed a break. And some days I didn't do three full sessions, but I did always take small moments to work on my bend. But, you are right in regards to over doing it. Just like any exercise, it needs to be done within reason. If you are doing three one hour sessions - that is most likely too much for most of us...depends where you were physically before surgery too.
-Mo
Storm2060 barb5947
Posted
barb5947 Storm2060
Posted
Mandyflopit Storm2060
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Hi I am only 6 days after TKR and before we had surgery we had to go to Joint School and all they drummed into us was how important it was to do your exercises before and after surgery. I suppose the more you put in the more you get out. My knee bend is only 75 degrees. I think you should ask your physio they are the best people to ask. I totally agree with you regarding feeling exhausted I'm shattered. But I suppose if we think about it orthopaedic surgery is major surgery all the banging sawing and knocking I always think it's your body trying to tell you it's time to rest and let your body repair itself. I think you may have hone back to work a little too early.
Storm2060 Mandyflopit
Posted
I think you are right about going back too soon
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