Will I ever get there?

I'm 2 months post RTKR right now I'm up to 115 bend measurement and yes it takes time all you can do is ice it 4 times a day ask your surgeon for some strong inflammation pills that will help take the swollen down fast also take some vitamin C pills to help with the joints and help heal your incision faster as far as sleep I take oxycontin and I also take a prescription sleep aid my surgeon gave me really helps at nite wish you the best don't stress be patient its gonna be a long road but you will get there

Five weeks is very early in your recovery. You will improve, but it will take time. Every recovery is different there is no set pattern. Keep up with your physio and exercises, but don't overdo it. Use your medication to control pain especially before exercise, don't forget ice. I would be very surprised if you return to work soon, you really need to recover before you return to work. Good luck and don't worry, most people feel the same as you after the op, but it does improve and you will get there. Over 20 years since my TKR and it's still fine.

Simple answer is Yes...but it takes time, work and patience...especially patience. The first thing you must do is give up all time expectations about the recovery. The words "It's been x weeks; I should be better by now." are meaningless in TKRville. We all went into this with certain expectations and ran into the same brick wall. This can lead to frustration and post-op depression (normal for many). Don't go there.

The first 3 months are the hardest with the pain, difficult sleep and ROM work. There's no avoiding it...very, very, very few people escape this...and I've read over 20,000 posts. After that, you spend months rebuilding all the atrophied muscles that support the knee (quads, glutes, core, hip flexors, etc.). This takes the pressure off the knee, allows you to walk correctly, regain your balance and do stairs like a normal person. This exercise program is critical to the recovery...lots of hard work. For walking, track your STEPS with a fit bit or alternative. Time and distance are irrelevant; it's all about the pressure that each step puts on the knee. Increase very gradually.

Return to work in the 4-6 month range depending on age, job, other medical conditions, knee recovery, etc.. People who try it at 3 months talk about a lot of swelling and pain...typically, the knee is just not healed enough at that point and cannot take the stress. Most report "feeling more like their old selves" by nine months and then you dance at your one-year "ann-knee-versary" party. Some lingering tightness, stiffness, clunking noises, etc. may persist to 18 months (not unusual). After that, you must keep the knee active or stiffness will return...even years later. I'm 3+ years post-op...it was all worth it!!!

Here are some links that may help...

ROM at Home

Sleeping

Post-Op Depression

Muscle Rebuild

Print this one out and post it on your fridge!!!

Expectation vs. Reality

hi sorry to hear your still unconfortable x this wont last as it will get better over time x its x im 5 wks post op ltkr and me too still feel pretty useless but im trying to stay positive x my bend 90 -95 if i force it bk but physio happy to discharge me today so i guess its down to me now hope you feel better soon

I had my left knee done 12th June got to say I know its early but the pain is intense wishing I hadn't had it done I. bruised from top of leg to my toes, had nothing like I'm experiencing now with my right knee although that one will be 2 yrs in Sept I'm still In pain with, I have hospital appointment tomorrow so will be asking questions, plus dont know what other pain killers I can take as I'm on tramadol naproxen gabapentin paracetamol oramorph why oh why did I have it done

I understand your pains and complaints, but please remember you are very early in this process. It takes time, exercise, work, and patience to get to a happy result.

I have my right knee done about 4 years ago and I'm doing great with it. Only problem I have experienced with it is when I sit with the knee bent my knee is completely flat across. I call it my coffee cup holder.

I had my left knee done June 10, 2019. I am already frustrated that I am not further along than I am. During the PT visit I can easily achieve 125 bend and 105 straight. My problem is the continued pain, and, of course, sleeping problems. I thought I would be able to leave the pain meds behind me at this time of the game but I guess not. If I overdo things I start hurting and in turn my body just starts freezing. I end up on the couch with a heavy blanket all covered up until the pain med takes effect. I know I'll get through this, I just get impatient. Dr. visit tomorrow to remove the aquacell covering and the staples.Hopefully, that will help some with the pain and movement.

I wish everyone going through this well. Let us lean on each other and we'll get through it!

get off Tramadol makes me really sick to my stomach

For me both times 8 weeks was turning point , pain suddenly eased . Still felt very tired for a while , try not to go back to work too soon. Five weeks is early days , because op is so common , unless youve had it easy not to realise how painful it is, so what you are feeling is normal , good luck and patience

I'm the only one with positive reinforcement ! I am 4 weeks 3 days post LTKR. I am having a terrific recovery , except for burning. My experience is very different but still important to note as it is possible. Don't give up!!!!

I'm the only one with positive reinforcement ! I am 4 weeks 3 days post LTKR. I am having a terrific recovery , except for burning. My experience is very different but still important to note as it is possible. Don't give up!!!!