Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi I wonder if there's anyone out there with positives sboit a knee replacement tightness, cement like feeling in the thigh, lack of sleep watching the clock go round - actually start hating the thought of going to bed... I am 6 weeks post op and thought it would have started to ease now so a little fed up ... please help as I am starting to wish I never had it done
Jan
0 likes, 35 replies
Cementless janethocter
Posted
Because I had very little arthritis, he said my knee would be very painful!
I will get follow up x-rays this week.
chrisa306driver Cementless
Posted
Full range of motion. (140/0). Keep at it. It will get better.
Nevadacitylinda Cementless
Posted
It is helpful to read your posts as I've been a bit depressed / discouraged. Tomorrow is three weeks post tkr. I thought I wasn't progressing properly because I still need pain help, although less than before, and still working on flexibility. I don't feel up to being out of the house just yet, not comfortable. Nor do I feel I can put up Christmas decorations, which my friends don't understand.
chrisa306driver Nevadacitylinda
Posted
I have to admit I really pushed myself. Also, I had the surgery very early in the "pain game" and had not lost any ROM. In addition, I worked out all my life (age 69 now). When I went in for my 6 week check up, the nurse said I was at 4 months recovery. Good luck.
Nevadacitylinda chrisa306driver
Posted
Did you push yourself with pt or getting out and driving? I had pretty good rom prior according to the doctor because I was a walker. But I was down for three months before the surgery. I'm 66 so we're about the same age. Initially I thought being up and walking on it was a good thing but learned that just caused excess swelling. I'm wanting to drive in the next one to two weeks.
elizabeth_59334 Nevadacitylinda
Posted
I'm 7 weeks post TKR and I drove my car for the first time yesterday and again today. Things have certainly improved but my knee isn't flexible enough and I certainly need strong painkillers although they have been adjusted so I can drive. At three weeks I didn't want to be out and about either. Be patient!
chrisa306driver elizabeth_59334
Posted
I was off the walker 2 days after leaving the hospital. Off the stick 3 days later. Bike at two weeks after surgery. Drove at 2 weeks. I guess I was just lucky. Pushed myself in both PT and driving. In the US you don't need a release to drive; just don't be on meds.
Nevadacitylinda elizabeth_59334
Posted
Good, that makes me feel better. It's so hard to be patient and not get a little depressed.
Laura3333 Nevadacitylinda
Posted
Sit on a high stool and swing your legs, one of the retired nurses at the hospital gave me that tip, she just said a" a rusty gate doesn't open easy,get those legs swinging!"
So we put a really dense foam cushion on a kitchen stool, and every day, several times, I sat and swung my legs backwards and forwards, and it didn't hurt, the weight of my legs gave a bit of traction, and I got quite used to it, really loosened my knee up.
I've had both knees done, and was walking without a stick after three days, and drove to my physiology appointment at two weeks. Consultant said it was ok.
I had a lot of pain, like everyone, but I was pretty mobile.
Laura3333
Posted
Nevadacitylinda Laura3333
Posted
clive45466 Cementless
Posted
Good healing
cheryl86544 Nevadacitylinda
Posted
Hi Nevadacitylinda, At that stage I was still taking plenty of painkillers. You are progressing properly. Don't worry what anyone says, just do what you feel you can deal with. You're only 3 weeks post TKR? Wow, that's so early, just go with whatever makes you comfortable, you'll progress at your own speed. I'm 13 months post TKR and the knee area still gives me plenty of discomfort. Please just go with what allows you to feel comfortable. 3 weeks post TKR is so early, I was still in rehab at that time. Please don't worry about comparing yourself to anybody, you're on your own timetable. Regarding your friends not understanding why you can't put up the decorations yet - don't feel you need to explain so they can understand, it's just the way it is at the moment. Take care.
cheryl86544
Posted
Have a read of Chico Marx's documents below, they're great!
ihavenonickname Cementless
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.
ihavenonickname elizabeth_59334
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.
Nevadacitylinda cheryl86544
Posted