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TKR Right knee 8 weeks out

Posted , 2 users are following.

cathy33647
cathy33647

I had my TKR almost eight weeks ago, discharged from PT a week ago with ROM 127 and full extension.  Still have trouble coming downstairs.  My main problem now though is that my other knee blew out and is creating pain.  I don't want a TKR until my new knee is significantly better but it is almost impossible to walk or bike for PT on my own and I don't want to slow my new knees recovery.  Help!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX cathy33647

    Posted

    I'm 2+ years post-op and have read over 4,000 posts on here.  A few tips...

    - Two months is still very early in your recovery.  Typically, it takes 2-3 months just to get your 0 / +120 ROM back by breaking down all that scar tissue.  You beat that with GREAT ROM so you can now move on...

    - Now you need to spend quite a few months rebuilding your atrophied quads, glutes and core to support the new knee.  You need to take all the pressure off the joint and put it back on the musculature where it belongs.  Here;'s the program...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/post-tkr-exercising-565527

    This is a must do...period.  With the strength back in your muscles, you will walk correctly again, regain your balance and be able to do stairs...the latter requires the muscle rebuild.

    - As you get stronger, you will have more success with stairs.  Here's the plan for mastering stairs...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/mastering-post-tkr-stairs-552728

    By 14 months, I was climbing stairs two at a time.  Gotta build all those muscles back to do it.

    - Finally, if you need a second TKR, I'd suggest that you have ALL your strength back in #1 or else you literally won't have a leg to stand on.  Do everything possible to relieve the pain in the other knee (cortisone, SynVisc, cane, crutches, etc.) while you rebuild #1. 

    I have read thousands and thousands of posts...gotta get your strength back in #1 to do #2...else it's a long, hard road.  Click my name and the "See All Discussions"...lots more out there...

    • cathy33647
      cathy33647 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks a million for your quick and very informative response!  Will try to do all you say!
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX cathy33647

      Posted

      I still have #2 to do but I'm delaying it as long as possible.  You really, really want to be strong to go through #2.  It takes time, work and patience.  Do whatever you have to do to gain that strength back and relieve as much pain as possible in #2 while you're doing it.  Take each day individually...don't get stressed.  Deep breath...handle it...you already know you can...

    • cathy33647
      cathy33647 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Bless you.  Let's please keep in touch.  I'm going to buy an exercise bike tomorrow.  Any recommendations?

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX cathy33647

      Posted

      The bike is great for ROM and to help with endurance but you also need the strength exercises to rebuild the muscles.  If no gym, then a set of fitness bands will work.  Plenty of YouTube videos on how to use them to strengthen quads, glutes and core...
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