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TKR: the key is, don't despair

Posted , 11 users are following.

Pollycameroz
Pollycameroz

I just felt I had to post today to offer some reassurance to anyone going through a knee replacement or if you have recently had this procedure done.

First off, I am a fairly fit 60 year old woman who had valgus knee which very quickly became an issue, painful and frequently 'giving way' when out walking. I was told by my Consultant that I really would need a new knee; on hearing this I almost passed out as I had no idea my knee was in such a state. Years of running; hill walking; gym etc. had clearly taken their toll. Anyway, with no other option I decided to go for it, albeit with great trepidation.

Let me be clear, I had no idea how brutal this operation would be, it is very painful, not least in my case as I could not tolerate any painkillers and had to get through this on paracetamol only. I honestly thought I was going to die.

First few weeks I could barely bend or straighten my knee. My knee really felt stuck for weeks and I was getting really down, I never get down like that. I have worked my very hardest at exercising, staying positive (most of the time) and having the odd glass of wine when I needed a cheer up. The information on here from people like Chico Marx has been invaluable.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I had many issues including low blood pressure; vomiting; being mildly depressed; intolerance to painkillers; night sweats; extremely dry mouth etc. I could go on but I'll stop there. Four months on and I am now seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Keep exercising although you won't feel like it, stay positive and it will start to get better, it just takes time. Good luck to all you folks out there going through this, it's horrible but you will get there and thanks to all the posters on here for the support, you have helped get me through this.

7 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • starbright1
    starbright1 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Hi

    Thank you so much, you have summed up how I feel. I have to say how this forum has really helped and me feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.It is a struggle but I am going to battle on..exercise and occasional treats.

    • Pollycameroz
      Pollycameroz starbright1

      Posted

      Keep going, it's all going be worth it in the end. Sending very best wishes to you.

  • Miner_Martin
    Miner_Martin Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Hi

    Thanks for the advice. I am due for TKR in the next week or so so have been reading all the posts?advice on this site and found them all to be really helpful.

    • Pollycameroz
      Pollycameroz Miner_Martin

      Posted

      It's brutal and you'll think you've made a mistake having it done to begin with but it does get better. Rest and do as much as you feel like in the early days, don't rush. Stay hydrated, take help from family and friends and binge watch all those box sets you've been meaning to watch. Good luck, hope all goes well for you.

    • starbright1
      starbright1 Miner_Martin

      Posted

      Hello

      Even though it has been tough I can see really see how it's going to benefit me. So good luck and is it worth it Get lots of rest beforehand and eat it helps to eat food containing zinc. Like pumpkin seeds. 

       

  • Saint2012
    Saint2012 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Thank you Polly I am in week 9 and just starting to see a glimmer of light.Knee is good but Muscles due to realignment were and still are in spots tight as a guitar string.Thank you for sharing
  • starbright1
    starbright1 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    It is amazing the support network, It just helps to know that you are not alone and mostly the outcome is positive, I will keep going and thank you.

     

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    That's a great post and it is always good when folk post their reflections looking back....it helps many especially in those early days and weeks!

    • Pollycameroz
      Pollycameroz jenny80029

      Posted

      Thank you Jenny. Good chat with physio today who was really pleased with the way I've improved in the last few weeks so just wanted to reassure others that it does get better.

  • colleen5963
    colleen5963 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Thanks so much for the encouragement I had a TKR 9 weeks ago and I also have gone through a lot of things that you had to go through after surgery so it's nice to hear that there's light at the end of the tunnel thanks so much for your encouragement I will try to stay positive

  • colleen5963
    colleen5963 Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Thanks for your encouragement I had a tkr 9 weeks ago and have also gone through a lot of the same things you have been going through after surgery I do have my good days and bad days so it's good to hear that there's light at the end of the tunnel thanks again for your encouragement

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Pollycameroz

    Posted

    Some reading...

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

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-ptsd-569521

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-strong-594566

    For the fridge...

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

     

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