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Update on progress

Posted , 6 users are following.

bubblesbb
bubblesbb

I am 6 weeks post-op--I hit 110 degrees with heel slides and am at - 2 with extensions.  I am able to go full around with pedaling on a recumbent bike. Been off the walker since week 3 and walking without cane in the house--use it outside if snowing etc. Been doing cooking again and laundry of course --husband still helps with housework. Knee still feels heavy and stiff and is painful and aches randomly-even while sleeping.  I am able to keep my legs on the floor for quite a long time--2 hours for sure--but feels way better when I elevate it.  I would say I felt a big improvement almost overnight in the 5th week.

I know my PT will expect me to improve over 110 flexion tomorrow since Tuesday I was 110--trying to figure out what I can do to help me get there--I do knee squats while holding onto the walker--do straight leg raises and do heel slides while sitting in chair while moving closer and closer to the edge of the chair until it hurts and then past that as much as I can. I am not able to walk down a few steps one leg after the other yet!! I still go 1 step at a time--that is a goal I definitely have to reach--how is anyone out there doing with that and any hints to what might  help with steps?  I am massaging my knee with oil and loton a lot and using ice although not through the night--I still elevate it most of the time while watching TV.  One last thing--I am having low back pain and a bit of sciatica--mostly its just like a toothache and massaging it seems to help.

?I just can't wait until I say--"I am so glad I had it done:!

 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • susan70411
    susan70411 bubblesbb

    Posted

    Hi im 2 months post op .keep up with pt that's really very important .going downstairs try doing it at home.remember no pain no gain with knee surgery .its gonna hurt but you can do it good luck ??

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 bubblesbb

    Posted

    Sounds great! When swelling reduced further your bend will improve naturally, so dontvworry just keep up the good work, listen to your knee and let it set the pace!
  • ellen57898
    ellen57898 bubblesbb

    Posted

    It took me five months before I was able to appreciate feeling better. Although I just passed 13 months post op , feel great and am walking my 87 pound pup for two miles, I am hesitant to commit to the other knee. In fact, I doubt I will do it. I was in such excruciating pain for so long. The brutality of the surgery is not something I am going through again.  
  • 1951grumpa
    1951grumpa bubblesbb

    Posted

    Hi, I can relate to what you’re saying. My tkr was in 16, I was wondering the same thing when I was recovering. My sister in law had both knees done (separately). She told me that she didn’t start feeling like things were improving until week 8. That was the same for me. There was soreness and pain when doing therapy . 

           Sounds like your improving, your working hard at it. And I would bet it a few months you’ll be saying your glad you had it done. 

             I’ve also got some nerve problems coming from my back that have caused some tingling from my knee to my foot. Working on that with PT. 

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