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Total knee replacement

Posted , 9 users are following.

lynda18183
lynda18183

Had TKR March 26th 2018  I’m not due back to work till early June.  So far I’ve still have a deep achy pain in my knee especially the inner knee area. I get around the house most days doing dishes and a few other chores in spite of the pain.  I’m going back to work at the beginning of June where I usually stand for 8 hours. They will accommodate me with a chair but my job responsibilities require me to get up and down.  Would it be advisable to wear a knee brace of some sort during this time?  I go to PT twice a week. My ROM is only 106. I am able to use a full rotation on the stationary bike.  I have a Dr appointment in 2 days and am afraid of what the Dr is going to say regarding my rom. I feel I’m never going to get past all this pain. I don’t sleep well and I feel my happiness has been taken away.  I try and stay positive but it’s hard when you have this constant nagging pain! I’m taking gabapentin 300 mg 3 times a day, hydrocodine up to five a day, meloxicam 1 per day. 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • shona18872
    shona18872 lynda18183

    Posted

    Your lucky your doing so well. I got my tkr on the same day as yours and my bend is only 45. This is my 2nd knee replacement, last one was 3yrs ago. It was more painful but for some reason I’m just not getting the bend on this one although I’m quite mobile. Physio says not to worry as it’ll come. 

    Your doing fantastic so please don’t worry. The pain can last up to 6mths and longer. It’s a major op you’ve been through. Take care. X

  • kim87231
    kim87231 lynda18183

    Posted

    It doesn't sound as if you are ready to return to work yet. Maybe talk to your doctor re extending your note & concentrate on the physio. I had mine done a week later...April 3rd...and am still on crutches & in a lot of pain. I know that it's highly unlikely that I will be ready to return. Good luck 😀

  • jenkie
    jenkie lynda18183

    Posted

    Hi Lynda

    you are taking a lot of meds, and you are still in pain?  At 6 weeks I had a break through.  I was 105 rom,  had my 6 week check up with surgeon,  he suggested manipulation under anesthesia.  UGH,  that is like starting over.   so my physical therapist and I pushed really heard and I got to 120 in 2 more weeks.  Now I am at 12 weeks.  I am still stiff, and exercising and stretching everyday.  don't lose hope,  keep working at it.   it gets better just like everyone says.  this is like an AA meeting.  lol

    we all cheer each other on!!

  • Delboy1735
    Delboy1735 lynda18183

    Posted

    ...don’t think a knee brace is necessarily the answer but 26 March is almost April as it were and we are just into May. You have a while to go yet. Going back to work seems to be rushing it. Try to get an extension on the June date. You will get better, honestly. Keep up with the excercises you have been prescribed. Good luck.
  • April101
    April101 lynda18183

    Posted

    hi lynda

    in my opinion youre goi g back way to early. i had 5th tkr last wk a d in agony

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX lynda18183

    Posted

    After reading over 4,000 posts on here...

    - Going back at 3 months is rarely successful.  Typical is 4-6.

    - People trying it at 12 weeks almost always report (yes, there are a handful of exceptions) pain, swelling, exhaustion, sleeplessness...and then they have to get up and do it the next day...and the next.

    - Yes, some people MUST do it for any number of reasons.  It's very hard to do because the knee has not healed yet. AirCast and CryoCuff have portable ice buckets and knee cuffs.  Get one.  Keep it iced ALL DAY!!!  When you get home, ice, elevate and sleep.

    - By 12 weeks, almost everyone has their 0 / +120 ROM back but have not even started the muscle rebuild for their atrophied quads, glutes and core...all the muscles that support the knee.  Without those strong muscles, all the pressure is on the new knee joint, just making the pain worse.

    - Staying positive is great but we notice that people get dismayed when their expectations of being better in a few months is not met.  No one is prepared for the pain or the fact that it takes a full year to make a complete recovery.  This is a very brutal surgery...3 months is NOT enough recovery time...period.  You need to give up all your expectations and timeframes.  The knee is in charge...and it will be better when it's better, not when your brain says it's better.

    Link for ROM work at home...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-rom-work-at-home-620053

    And the muscle rebuild program...

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

    Sleep help...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/trouble-sleeping-post-tkr--539591

    Post this on your fridge...wake up to the reality of a TKR recovery...

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

    Oh...don't forget your oars for the boat part...

  • jr53970
    jr53970 lynda18183

    Posted

    yes your going back to early. my tkr was done 1st week in feb 18 rom in less then 2 weeks 120 and -04 with pain /swelling. its been up and down roller coaster  emotional and physical. i was doing great but last week my knee swelled up couldn't bend or walk on it. so your doing great but i would wait a little while before you go back to work good luck and let us know how your doing when and if you go back soon🏃😎

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 lynda18183

    Posted

    With work, ROM will continue to improve. Going back to work that soon, especially being on your feet, is a very courageous move. I would suggest part time to start, if possible. This surgery is not only the leg, its the entire system and it takes time. Sometimes surgeons will tell you everything is fine without taking in consideration the life you live outside of their domain.
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