Work

HI Louise

I’m sure most on here will say stay off more . 

Not everyone has that freedom to choose . I had a partial and went back after one month . I was able to sit though as well as walk . But I did ice at work and elevate as often as possible . And every night after work did nothing but ice and elevate as it did swell up . Was rough going for several months but eventually everything with knee calmed down . 

You’ll just have to see how it goes . All the best .

Debbie 

I'm 12 weeks now and I'm not ready yet, I'm going to wait until I've seen my surgeon again anyway because it might need manipulating. Can't you do a phase return and steadily increase the amount of hours you work to see what you can get away with x 

With my first TKR last year I had to go back at 6 weeks - was definitely the wrong thing to do but my disability was totally denied. With my second TKR in June of this year I was able to take off 10 weeks - disability worked better this time that last year - but was still too soon. I have a "desk" job but am on my feet as much as sitting. Even 6 months out I have days that are extremely painful but have to do it. I've often wondered if anyone who manages the insurance has ever had a TKR. I think that might make a difference in how they view the time off needed to recuperate.

I'm getting ready to start PT again today on the knee done in June. I have developed extreme tendonitis all around my knee and down my shin as well as building up scar tissue again. I have a manipulation done at 5 weeks and it definitely helped but I produce scar tissue to an extreme every time I've had surgery. Hopefully this PT will take care of breaking it down and avoiding another manipulation. Don't get me wrong - my knee is so much better than it was prior to surgery but the aches and pains are beginning to wear on me.

Hi Louise,I’ve just returned to work after 16 weeks,luckily for me my GP recomended a phased return on my last sick note,I work 12 hr shifts and also on my feet for most of it,but at present I’m doing 6hrs then the following week 8hrs before 12hrs. Even after six hours my knee feels ‘tight’ and less mobile but hopefully it will ease when I get used to the routine again.So ask your GP to recommend a phased return for you, good luck.

Hi Louise

I returned to work after 12 weeks I'm a retail manager so I'm on my feet a lot of the time .I went back on a phased return so for the first 2 weeks did 3 days then two weeks on 4 days and next week full time ..first couple of days I was knackered!! But gradually built up energy...I've been to an osteopath as my back was killing me ..all those months of limping didn't help...he helped me a lot it is natural for back to be out of line so to speak after the operation..

I would suggest a phased return if your able to do it ...GP with put it down on sick/ fit note so your employer can comply..

Hello Lousie,

?I went back to work on the 12th day after surgery. Had no choice because we have our own business. It depends on the work that you do. 16 weeks seems a lot of time to have off

,but I suppose that if you are on your feet all day you will need to be given a chair to sit down periodically.

?My job isn't standing up all day so I iced and elevated as much as I could at work. Physio said that I was barmy, but needs must. I don't know whether I made it any worse or not.I am now 16 months after surgery and my knee does still swell and feels tight if I walk too far .I did all the exercises religiously and tried so hard to keep the movement. I cant bend fully(probably only 110 even now)even though I had the manipulation done after 3 months so its so different with each person.

?My feeling is,is listen to your body. I think that a gradual return to your daily duties would be better than full on in one go.

I hope things work out for you though.. Good luck

?Dawn

Thanks everyone, my doctor has already mentioned phased return so that won't be a problem. I'll just have to try and see how I get on. Nothing else for it 😁

"Early" seems to be less than 12 weeks and those people seem to experience a lot of issues.  Most patients going back to work in the 4-6 month range fare a lot better.  Your key to handling 8-hours on your feet will be how much you've done to strengthen your dead quads, glutes and core.  If you've done those exercises, you should be OK.  However...

I'd take it easy at first and work your way up to 8-hours.  Expect some swelling and pain since it's still four months out instead of a full six but it should all be manageable.  Take your anti-inflammatories for the first few weeks to help.