Total Knee Replacement 15 weeks out
Posted , 5 users are following.
Looking for answers as to why my pain level is at the same as at 4 weeks. Swelling is still present, I started PT 6 weeks ago to get some range of motion and I'm at 102 degrees with pressure from Physical Therapist. Doctor thinks I'm way behind but doesn't have answers why I'm in such pain. Says it must be from back problem which I have never had. I Can't take anti-inflammatories, just Tylenol which does little. I'm awake all night in pain, packing my knee in ice. Wondering if Doctor put too large of an implant in as that is all I can find to explain the pain. Any suggestions?
0 likes, 7 replies
Caitibean joanne23352
Posted
Poor you, this sounds lousy and must be worrying when your doctor says he thinks you're behind. One thing people keep telling me (I'm 4 weeks in and finding it all way harder than I anticipated) is that recovery times are different for different people and just because one person is practically skipping around after 6 weeks, many aren't. For your own peace of mind you really should push the ortho surgeons for answers and the physios for more advice. And it sounds like you need better pain relief. You aren't going to be able to increase your ROM if you are in pain as your brain will stop you from doing it. Could you talk to your doctor about getting a stronger pain killer? I also can't take anti-inflammatories but can tolerate codeine. I was (am!) worried about my ROM and my GP has advised taking more painkiller before doing my exercises. He is adamant this is important. Don't feel worried by some people saying they manage on just paracetamol. If they do, well good for them but everyone is different. My mum had a TKR at 70 and was on just paracetamol after 4 weeks. I am 45, very fit, and only had a partial replacement but need codeine and paracetamol (and am still in pain!) Clearly my mum has a higher pain threshold so that's just lucky for her.
Talk to your doc about a pain relief plan, which will in turn help you push with those exercises a bit which will help improve your ROM. And push your surgeon for answers / reassurance / help too. I wish you the very best of luck and hope things improve soon.
joanne23352 Caitibean
Posted
He is against narcotic use Im OK to suffer with pain just taking Tylenol but I SEE NO IMPROVEMENT week to week THANK YOU for answering . wondering if hes missing something . I have my daughters wedding in 2 weeks just trying to get through that then i will have another doctors opinion.
jenny61596 joanne23352
Posted
Tell him when he has the op not to take narcotics! I was on them for two months , and couldnt have got by without as I am allergic NSAID, you could ask about a nerve pain killer like Lyrica that helped me , but have to say after 2months I was off painkillers and swelling gone . If you are not happy can you get another opinion? Also if that painful and swollkengo easy on physio
karen14697 joanne23352
Posted
Does your physician/surgeon consider that scar tissue might be the culpret. My first TKR was in 2017 and i was stuck at 105. I had to have a MUA (manipulation) which hit me to 120 quickly. THIS TKR is less than a month and im doing super. Only issue is burning. Best of luck
joanne23352 karen14697
Posted
yes he talked about that when i was below 90' bend but not anymore . There is so much soft tissue pain with no improvement each week getting concerned it has to do with placement of implant or size of it. thank you for responding.
jenny61596 joanne23352
Posted
Lyrica will help with the soft tissue pain . I really dont understand why some doctors are against endone etc its awful pain with knee op
Caitibean jenny61596
Posted
I agree. I hate taking pills and tried to reduce my pain relief right down but my GP explained the importance of having adequate pain relief on board so I increased it again. I understand that you don't want to just mask a more serious underlying issue with meds but you need to give yourself a break, at least while you get some more investigations done. You'll enjoy the wedding so much more if you can get on top of the pain!