Update from last week scope/MUA 4 months after TKR

Hi Amy, I do feel for you, can’t believe your ROM has gone backwards!  I can empathise at least with MUA, had mine yesterday after 5.5 months post TKR.  Apparently surgeon got full bend of 135, WOW!  Nothing like that now, however it has got to 110 which is a lot better than it was previously.  I hope I can work on it with physio over the coming weeks. Hopefully I won’t get the pain you’re experiencing!   Have you looked at a website/app called ‘bonesmart’, they have a similar forum to this.  Good luck to you, hope you have less pain and better ROM soon. Sharon  

I sympathize with you! I had an allergic reaction to dermabond, the glue used to close the incision, which caused an allergic reaction including swelling and scar tissue. My leg felt like it weighed 100 pounds and was bent at -45 extension and with flexion of 95 at five months post op making it impossible to stand or walk. I am a retired RN (brain injury nurse) and didn't want more surgery so even though it was 5 months post op, I started doing daily Epsom salt baths with water as warm as possible to relax muscles and stretched in the water. I had PT 3X weekly at home as I am a 67 year old widow living with three dogs and couldn't drive. I saw a massage therapist once a week, experienced in assisted leg stretching and massage. Both the PT and massage therapist used a Gua Sha tool and magnesium lotion to break up scar tissue. A former boxer advised me to wear leg warmers 24/7 to keep muscles from stiffening up. What a positive difference! Being winter here, I sat in front of a portable floor heater and it was easier for me to do heel slides and leg lift exercises as the scar tissue broke up.  I set up a massage table and spent a great deal of each day exercising then resting. Within 6 weeks of this regimen, I was able to straighten my leg enough to get out of the wheelchair and start walking with a walker. It is now almost 10 months post op and I am rebuilding muscles and stamina. My extension is now -3 (from -45) and flexion is 115 (from 95) which is enough to walk and move without a limp on the left side. My new knee is now strong enough to support my weight and I am better prepared now to have the right knee replaced this summer. Unfortunately I healed slowly from the knee replacement due to complications, but still recovered...it just took longer. My surgeon said we all recover and heal differently. I know the right knee will heal better without the allergic reaction. Rest, ice, elevate, exercise and be patient. It's annoying but don't compare yourself to anyone else's recovery or timetable. You can heal...best wishes!

Try not to think about all the things it could be...It is swelling by the sound of it, and this affects bending a huge amount! Keep up with the exercises and relax....easy to say I know, but it is important. Take a look on bonesmart...someone mentioned, it may help you, and laurel who has posted show a through her experience that there is a way through this, it just may not fit into the schedule expected.

Sorry for this time of complications but you sound determined. Try and be kind and patient too. All best wishes for your healing.