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4 months Help TKR

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Lem1

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Nov 24, 2008
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I have been reading this forum for about a week now and it has been very helpful. Went to the OS last week and still my rom is just at 95. I had a manipulation at 8 weeks. He said he got it to 120. No progress since then. It has always been swollen to some degree. I am a diabetic but my sugars are under control.
The OS next step is to do arthropscopic surgery to remove more scar tissue. Previously from skiing accidents they have been in this knee 7 times. Anyone else been this route before.
Just reading other post has really helped my mental out look.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!
 
There are a couple of other members who have similar stories, Lem. I'm sure they will be along eventually to add their bit.

Sounds like you are having swelling issues that are stopping you getting good results. Can't help thinking that surgeon of yours would be better to let things settle down a bit instead of keep on messing with it.
 
Thanks for the encouragement. It really helps to hear from others. Off to the gym and then back to ice.
Lem
 
If you have swelling issues have your doctor drain some fluid from your knee and give you a cortisone shot. I am at 8 weeks and just had that done today. Can't tell yet if it will work.
 
I hope this works for you. I see the OS on Dec 9th. Will be interested to hear how this goes for you.
 
Swellings may not always be in concert with a joint effusion (fluid in the joint) and therefore it will not be possible to draw off fluid that way. Mostly swelling is an excess of fluid in the soft tissues in which case elevation and icing is the most effective treatment.
 
I am elevating and icing on a regular basis. This has not been of much help so far. Do some people still have swelling after 4 months plus?
 
Are you icing and elevating ABOVE your heart? That can make a big difference in knocking back the swelling.

And yes--- swelling still happens at 4 months out.
 
Always icing above the heart. Initial swelling has never completely gone away. Would love to wake up one morning with no swelling.
 
Lem1
I too just hit 4 months (7/14/2008 RTKR) and it was like ----- WOW!!!! Al of a sudden my motion is improving and my swelling has somewhat decreased. i had MUA on 10/14 (I thinkit was the 14th) and it really helped. We were hoping for 130 now - but we have 125 and I am thrilled. just saw the OS on tuesday and we both had the biggest grins. he is pleased as punch that i am smiling - We expect to get to 135 after I have some work on my hip done on 12/18. All I can tell you is it has been a long road and i wish the OS had pushed for me to take some more time off of work (I went back on and off full time/part time) 1 month after the suregery. i took a whole wek off after the MUA and that really helped. i still ice almost everynight and and every lunch time but I can make it through and my gait has improved tremendously in the past 2 weeks. Prior to the MUA I was stuck around 90-95. After it the knee felt totally different. i still have quite a bit of swelling but i have found ways around it. i have scheduled PT visits for 1st thing (8AM0 in the morning and that really helped. This time last month I was ready to throw in the towel. i had just found out that my hip needs a little work and my back is screwed up a bit - But what a difference a month has made (And a month that i was sicker than a dog for a week in- strange how things work out!). i am looking forward to the spring and getting my life totally back. If the hip wasnt an issue I really think I would proabably be able to do a little skiing later this season - that's how good my knee finally feels!!!!!! but... i am a realist and am looking forward to NEXT Thanksgiving - 364 days till my first slide down the slopes!!!!! i can make it - Think of how strong my legs will be-

Lem - Just hang in there - it really does get better - i promise!!! I really thought I had screwed up having this done - but like I said - literallly the last 2 weeks everything has really changed and my knee really isn't a bother anymore - yeah it still looks kinda funny and swollen - but the darn thing bends and doesn't really hurt all that much anymore - just occassional weird feelings that pass really quickly!

please keep looking forward - it really does get better!

Marianne
 
I had similar problems Lem in fact I was at 95 degree's of rom five weeks ago and totally depressed! I had the manipulation and that opened the door for me to make some progress. I will say this Lem I believe that if you do not put some real intensive effort into the PT you will not get the progress that you are looking for. I also believe that what really helped me was my return to work because the more the joint works and moves the more it will flex. You just have to be careful you do not get carried away like I did.......
Hang in there Lem and work hard you will be reworded.
Ralph
 
Thanks for all of the encourageent. It really helps. I am going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and working very hard. At PT they said they had done all that they could. Would love to get the ROM better than 95. I am use to being very active with my dogs at shows but unable to do so now.
 
Saw the OS today and is going to remove scar tissue in hospital then do manipulation. Hopefully this will help the rom. Probably do this on Friday.
 
Indeed good luck. We'll all be thinking of you and rooting for you!
 
When I get out of the hospital I will let you know the results. I am actually excitied(maybe scared also) to maybe get back to all of my activities. What a wonderful Christmas present!
Lem
 
Arthro surgery went well on Friday. Home on Sat. PM My knee is totally better and less swelling than before surgery. At Pt today and we got to 110. OS said he got it to 120 so am hoping to get that far also. I am a happy person and thanks for all of the support.
This forum sure helped me get through this. Best to all in the New Year.
 
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