Posted , 14 users are following.
I tried going Christmas shopping and made it too 2 stores and the pain set in I had to go out and sit in my car. Will this get better and when. I go see my doctor on the 20th for my 4 month check up. I wish I never had this surgery.
2 likes, 49 replies
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dorothy97700 shari_48634
Posted
Hello Everybody - came back to this group a couple days ago as I went through TKR last Wednesday and came out of hospital on Friday. The group was so helpful two years ago when I had my first TKR and thought it might be useful to re-visit for inspiration and advice. It is so good to know that other people are experiencing the same problems. The very best advice I found was from Oldfatguy1! Such common sense - especially about relaxing with your body and not having too high expectations. Although my second TKR took place less than a week ago, I realise that I have a lot less pain than I had with my first TKR. Whether this is because the first knee replacement took place on a joint which was more severely affected, I do not know. I had struggled with the pain for about nine years before I had my first knee replacement whereas this second replacement has taken place after only approximately five years' pain. Co-incidentally, I also care for my husband who has Parkinson's Disease, although not in such an advanced stage and he is able to 'look after' me and give me support when necessary. I also have grown up children who live close and good friends and neighbours so I am in a very fortunate position. You might find it useful to keep a diary recording what you are able to do now and whenever there is any improvement, ie being able to walk further, or take less painkillers. I did this last time, not on a daily basis, but perhaps two or three times a week and I have found this particularly interesting to look back on and realise how much less painful I am finding the recovery the second time around. Best of luck with everything - you will definitely recover at your own rate - just do not get disheartened when it does not happen according to a 'timetable'.
marilyn10235 dorothy97700
Posted
Hi Dorothy, I am at 7 weeks post op & am relating to what others are saying. Like you I need to have the other one done & am glad to read about someone who has just had 2nd op. I insisted at 2 weeks I wasn't going to go through this again but it is easing & after reading your post am deffo getting it done, but am thinking of a couple of years down the line. Thanks for sharing with us & good luck.
dorothy97700 marilyn10235
Posted
Hello Marilyn - so glad that you found my comments helpful. I think that after one year you will be ready to go ahead with your second one. Although I knew that I had arthritis in my right knee at the time of my first operation, the surgeon indicated that it was not ready for replacement but that he would 'keep an eye on it'. I had a further x-ray in February this year which did show that the knee had deteriorated but that it was still not ready for replacement. This surprised me at the time as I thought it was ready for replacement. However, at the second x-ray in August, the knee had deteriorated to the point where the surgeon said that it was ready for replacement and I was put on the list. It just shows how quickly the deterioration can progress. Hope the rest of your recovery begins to speed up and that you are walking well next year.
ihavenonickname dorothy97700
Posted
mary12001 shari_48634
Posted
i agree. I am 9 months post op and feel really depleted of energy. I get to a shop and have to leave because I'm so tired The pain kicks in of a night and I'm padding round watiting for it to subside. Im exhaused from lack of proper sleep. That's no way to live is it?
I feel theyve turned me into a cripple.
ihavenonickname mary12001
Posted
It is best to elevate your knee above your heart while placing a frozen gel ice pack beneath the knee as well as on top of the knee for an hour while you read, telly, chat, knit or whatever.
Then extend your leg straight up and hold it up for 30 seconds. Now slip the sleeve on. Be sure to properly allow the sleeve to cradle your patella, the knee cap. Flex your knee a couple of times to ensure that your patella is able to properly glide without impingment.
In about another hour you should have much less discomfort and pain. You may sleep in the sleeve. You may walk in the sleeve.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier walking and range of motion exercises will become because the swelling will come way down.
shari_48634 mary12001
Posted
janice53831 shari_48634
Posted
Hi I am new to this forum so I would like to say Thank you for your comments. They have really helped me tonight I'm in so much pain I have been browsing the internet for help and I found this site.
i am 8 week post TKR due to hospital mess up no physio until 3 weeks ago but I did try to follow an exercise example sheet and u tube internet video help until the physio apt came through.
the specialist at my 6 week check was impressed with my self help and knee movement but I am finding my recovery slow.
i have tightening round the knee which is so bad is impeading my bending exercise. My scar is puckering causing the stretching of my knee and bending to be difficult. I have been using bio oil to try to massage the scar to make it supple.
i am now walking with a stick and tried to drive today for my first attempt. My
night pain is awful and I get no sleep even with a cushion but apparently the specialist said this is normal.
I like yourself went for a shopping expedition away from home, I booked a hotel for a weekend stay to be able to spread the walking over a couple of days. Good job my husband was with me as I only lasted 4 hours out in the shopping centre even though in this time we had 2 coffee breaks and lunch. My knee froze and swelled I had to go back to the hotel and rest. I returned home in the morning no further shopping completed.
My GP said I should be be back to work now but the specialist has now confirmed I will not be able to work for a few weeks yet. I'm signed off until end if January
im getting so down with the constant pain. I have had major ops in the past on my knees but nothing has come anywhere as painfull as the TKR. I'm taking paracetamol during the day and tramadol at night. Any suggestions for night relief?
i have just got today a memory foam pillow to rest my knee on to try tonight not sure if it will help.
shari_48634 janice53831
Posted
shari_48634
Posted
I had my tkr aug 8 and I have more pain now and feel worse. Seeing my dr. Wednesday I can't take the daily pain and swelling. I thought this would behind me by now.
ihavenonickname janice53831
Posted
Perhaps a neoprene knee compression sleeve...it is specifically made to cradle to patella, knee cap. One should be available from the pharmacy. you will need to measure the circumference of your knee in order to determine the correct size.
It is best to elevate your knee above your heart while placing a frozen gel ice pack beneath the knee as well as on top of the knee for an hour while you read, telly, chat, knit or whatever.
Then extend your leg straight up and hold it up for 30 seconds. Now slip the sleeve on. Be sure to properly allow the sleeve to cradle your patella, the knee cap. Flex your knee a couple of times to ensure that your patella is able to properly glide without impingment.
In about another hour you should have much less discomfort and pain. You may sleep in the sleeve. You may walk in the sleeve.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier walking and range of motion exercises will become because the swelling will come way down.
CHICO_MARX shari_48634
Posted
CHICO_MARX janice53831
Posted
Sleeping...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/trouble-sleeping-post-tkr--539591
janice53831 shari_48634
Posted
I usually gave a really good pain threshold but this is constant no relief even with the pills. I just seem to be rubbing it all the time.
i don't seem to be able to sleep, sit comfortably.
I had my op done in a different hospital region to my own due to the success rate of the surgeons which is why the physio was delayed at my local hospital they were ignoring the request for the start of my treatment.
I have just been told to try to cycle no resistance. I think I am so far behind the norm until I read your post it is comforting to know I'm not the only one with these problems. Thank you
roberta40 shari_48634
Posted
marilyn10235 roberta40
Posted
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