TKR 11 months in pain

[benne68]

Hi @Alwaysmoody. It takes a long time for our soft tissues to adjust to the structural realignment created by the surgery. The longer our bodies dealt with the arthritis, the longer that readjustment takes.

With my first TKR (right knee), it took well into the second year of recovery before I felt recovered. With that surgery, I had muscle pain in my calf running up to the inside of my knee. Massage therapy helped with that. While the left knee recovery is coming along, I so still have some soft tissue pain on my left side -- although this time it's mostly in my low back. Again, I'm using massage therapy.

 

[EalingGran]

I had no formal physio apart from a couple of sessions in hospital to teach me how to use crutches and do stairs.
I simply used the exercise book I was given and had some private pilates lessons with my wonderful pilates teacher ( Google Katja pilates to see loads of her free videos on YouTube).
The key was that I was in control and I never pushed to pain.
I didn't use weights or resistance bands until about 4-5 months. I still do regular glute/ quad strengthening pilates at least 3-4/week and walk on average 10,000 steps/ day at 2 years. I have a rather weak overstretched MCL from years of being knock kneed- so longterm muscle strengthening is important for me. Otherwise I will get some knee pain on stairs. Everyone here is different with their own pre-op levels of damage/ muscle and ligament weakness and what is important is to find what really works for you and what you can stick to long term in terms of exercise.

 

[Alwaysmoody]

Hi @Alwaysmoody. It takes a long time for our soft tissues to adjust to the structural realignment created by the surgery. The longer our bodies dealt with the arthritis, the longer that readjustment takes.

With my first TKR (right knee), it took well into the second year of recovery before I felt recovered. With that surgery, I had muscle pain in my calf running up to the inside of my knee. Massage therapy helped with that. While the left knee recovery is coming along, I so still have some soft tissue pain on my left side -- although this time it's mostly in my low back. Again, I'm using massage therapy.

Thank you again I really appreciate your help

 

[sistersinhim]

I am just fine now and have been for years. At 11 months I was doing most everything I wanted to do, within reason. I always listened to my knee until I was sure I was completely healed. I knew when I did heavy and/or long work, and my knee didn't swell or was painful, I knew I was healed. That timeframe is different for everyone and every knee, even on the same body!

 

[Alwaysmoody]

I can walk 3 or 4 miles a day at a reasonable pace and I do all the gardening cutting grass etc the usual chores I’m retired now at 65 due to problems with my back. My problem is sleeping, driving or maybe sitting too long and the driving in particular I find the stabbing pain worse I think it’s from having my knee in the same position for a set time. But I suppose it’s getting me down now because I’ve seen friends doing do well after their op and here am I.

 

[sistersinhim]

I agree with the others that it's time to seek out a second opinion, a doctor who specializes in revisions and problem knees. They look for things that a normal OS does not.

 

[Jockette]

I can walk 3 or 4 miles a day at a reasonable pace and I do all the gardening cutting grass etc the usual chores I’m retired now at 65 due to problems with my back. My problem is sleeping, driving or maybe sitting too long and the driving in particular I find the stabbing pain worse I think it’s from having my knee in the same position for a set time. But I suppose it’s getting me down now because I’ve seen friends doing do well after their op and here am I.

Walking that far (maybe it’s too far yet?) and the ability to do all your garden chores is really good. But, does your knee hurt and swell after these activities? If it does, you may be doing too much. If so, consider cutting back on how much you do at one time. Spend more time resting with your leg up on an ottoman.

Keeping your knee in one position while driving can be uncomfortable for quite a while, I’m sorry that in your case it’s stabbing pain.

After a difficult first year, I had a lot of improvement in my second year, as my whole leg continued to relax and heal. Hopefully you will see the same. Some surgeons do say that this recovery can take up to 2 years.

And yes, it’s very hard to watch others recover faster than those of us (me included!) who are recovering slower.

 

[Layla]

Hi there,
You're doing great on the walking!

Driving can feel like challenge for sure. Some tips, make sure that the seat is at the appropriate height so your knee is comfortable, not overly bent. Your hip and knee should be at roughly the same level.
Make sure there's enough space between the seat and pedals to avoid your knee being too flexed. You may need to move the seat back. A more upright seat position will support your lower back without straining your knee. If you're driving for long periods, stop for breaks to stretch and walk a bit to reduce stiffness.

For sleep -
Pillows help me get comfortable in bed, making it easier to fall asleep. You can experiment with different arrangements to find what works for you. I surrounded myself with them so I could rest a leg, or arm easily enough, whatever felt comfortable. It can evoke the sensation of feeling swaddled and anything that feels soothing may certainly help you drift off. Doing whatever you can to basically "set the scene" for sleep may be worthwhile. I suggest making up the bed with your most comfortable bedding / blankets along with a few extra bed pillows of different degrees of firmness. Try to block out the light if it's daytime. Minimize noise unless you feel listening to calming relaxation music, a fan, or white noise may help lull you to sleep. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or too cold. Try to disconnect from the devices at least an hour before the targeted nap or bed time, so it's easier to wind down. Limit caffeine throughout the day and consider natural sleep aids such as Valerian, Chamomile or, Magnesium, my personal favorite, which can assist in muscle relaxation and nerves and promote healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

Apply ice for a time before bed to reduce swelling and numb the discomfort. Try some relaxation techniques if you feel they may work for you such as deep breathing, prayer or meditation or even some gentle stretching may help relax your body and mind.

An article on Magnesium from our Library -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

Most large grocers carry a variety of teas such as Celestial Seasonings - Sleepytime Herb Tea,
Yogi Teas, Bedtime, Bigelow Cozy Chamomile, all of which may help you relax...at least worth a try.

Time will also help, but that takes patience, especially when you're restless and tossing and turning all night.
Wishing you many nights of peaceful sleep soon!
@Alwaysmoody