11 Weeks Out from Partial Knee Replacement

[alfmandy]

I am currently 11 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, and currently have PT 2-3 times a week. My ROM before surgery was awful, couldn't straighten my knee let along try to even squat down. Current ROM varies on whether or not I have lots of swelling present. Highest I've gotten is 113 and I can completly straighten the knee. I even rode a stationary bike for 10 mins. I haven't been able to bend the knee enough to make the pedals go around on one for about 5 years! I was estatic! But, PT is hard many days, I still have a lot of swelling, and ended up developing patellar tendonitis. My advice to anyone who has asked me if I would do it again is YES! The pain and hard work is worth it. I have had to change career paths, (I am a CNA and since the replacement I don't want to continue as this job is very hard on the knees, back, etc), but I am staying in the medical field that I love, just a differant capacity. Before surgery I did TONS of reading on this site, and all the posts were helpful. Thank you to everyone who talked with me before surgery...and to others going through the first stages, stick with it, it is worth it!

Mandy

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Mandy! I'm so glad to hear that you are on THIS side of your surgery. Sometimes when you don't have a lot of flexibility before the joint replacement, it can take longer to get full movement back. But it sounds like you are doing great! All of us who have had knee surgery know the thrill of making it all the way around for the first time on a bicycle! It's the BEST!!

I moved your wonderful, positive post to its own thread so that it will get more attention and comments.

What new career do you plan to pursue? It sounds like a good decision to move from CNA to a job that puts less stress on your back and knees.

 

[Josephine]

That was a good move, Jamie.

Mandy - well done. Guess you know I am going to say, make sure you keep that pain under control!

 

[Texas]

Hi Mandy and welcome. At 11 weeks you sound like you are doing pretty well. Yes when it is swollen it does effect the range of motion. Congrats on the bike . I rememer my first time I went all the way over on the bike , my husband was in the kitchen and didnt see and I thought oh no you gotta see so I did it again. I wanted a celebration dinner lol !! Keep up the good work........glad you are feeling well except the tendonitus......Please keep us updated..............Kim

 

[backbay38]

Sorry to hear about the tendonitis but the knee does get better and better!! And you are already glad you did it so the rest is just the frosting on the cake! Lots and lots of frosting because you will be marveling week after week at all you can do -- that you couldn't do before for years!! Like the bike. Be patient, do what the PT tells you and since a good attitude is everything -- you'll do great!