TKR 7weeks post op

[Soreone]

I had total knee replacement Jan 26/23. It's been a very painful journey as I have had gastric bypass 12 years ago and my pain was not under control. After 2 weeks my surgeon sent me back to my family doctor for pain management. My doctor made me takes 2 weeks off of physio as everytime I went to physio they pushed me so hard I couldn't walk for 2 days. I continued to do my exercises at home. As my pain started to slow down I returned to my family doctor who wanted me to take a month off of physio. I decided not to stay off physio that long and started back. At my first physio appointment my range of motion went up from 90 to 101. My physiotherapist says my rom is not good and is now pushing me to get the number up better. My pain has subsided quite a bit and I have started back to work now. I need my second knee done as it is quite painful now. I meet with the surgeon April 26 to discuss a plan for my second knee but I won't do anything until there is a plan for better pain management.

 

[Axx72]

Wow! Back to work at 7 weeks and doing physio, sounds tough. The movement you get working has got to be beneficial. Watch out for angry knee syndrome.

TKR is very much a long recovery so better to take it slow, steady and consistent. Lots of rest, ice and elevation recovery on the way.

 

[Layla]

I'll leave our Recovery Guidelines and add more in a post below.

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

the BoneSmart view on exercise​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

Activity progression for TKRs​

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart!
Please let us know which knee you had replaced so we're able to add the info to your signature.

I am sorry you had a rough start. Please don't push it in PT though and refrain from engaging in movement that causes discomfort or pain. While your range of motion is currently limited, it will naturally increase as any swelling subsides and the pain eases. Patience and time will bring the best result.

I am sorry you're already facing a second TKR and that the pain may be interfering with enjoying the progress you're making. Best wishes for your appointment on April 26th. Please let us know how it goes.
Have a great weekend and thanks for joining us!
@Soreone

 

[Soreone]

I just had my left knee replaced. Before surgery I knew both my knees were very bad (osteoarthritis). The surgeon picked the left one first because it was a bit worse. Thank you for all you kind comments it's so nice to have an understanding response.

 

[Layla]

We're here for you, Soreone.
Happy Two Month Anniversary! I hope you have a great week and rest of the month.
Please stay in touch, we love updates!
@Soreone

 

[Soreone]

Well I'm 10 weeks out tomorrow and doing so much better. I went back to physio and my ROM is 115 now. I have just been reduced to once a week for physio from 2x/week. I am back working most days (my own housekeeping business). Some days I am swollen and need a nap after work and other days aren't as swollen. I still struggle a few nights a week not sleeping well or tossing and turning trying to get comfortable but I'm learning to be patient and it will get better. My right knee is killing me and I see the surgeon on April 26th (3months) to discuss surgery on it. I just thought I would give you all an update on how things are going with me. I wish you all a Happy Easter.

 

[Susie-Q]

Very glad to hear things are better! Healing takes time and you can't rush it. I am amazed that you are back at your housecleaning business so soon. I couldn't have done it!

Happy Easter!

 

[Soreone]

I'm at three months today. I don't have pain in my new knee anymore. I find working has helped more then anything with my ROM. I have stopped physio now as my working is more then enough activity for my knees. I finally took my cockapoo for a walk. She was so happy to have me back. My appt with the surgeon has been changed to Monday May 1 and we will be discussing knee 2 as it's pretty sore...I ice it too! I will let you all know how my appt goes.

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary, Soreone!
It seems you're doing really well. I am sorry your other knee has to spoil all the fun.
Good luck with your appointment on Monday. We will look forward to your update on the visit with your surgeon.
All the best to you!
@Soreone

 

[Soreone]

Well I went today to see the surgeon and I am being put on the cancellation list as my right knee is now quite bad. The doctor said it should be before the end of summer.

 

[Soreone]

I received a call today and my second knee surgery is booked for June 23 at 10 am. Just 3 days before my 6 month anniversary on my left knee. Any suggestions anyone has for me for this second knee replacement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sistersinhim]

It's good news that you have a date for your second knee's replacement. Don't be surprised if your left knee gets angry when it has to take on most of the 'work' for a few months. You should ice and elevate it along with your new knee.

 

[FourCats]

@Soreone glad you’ve got a date for your surgery. My suggestion is not to expect #2 to be like #1. Every knee is different as I learned. And be patient with #1 as it will be doing her best to take on the work of both knees while still very young.

 

[Whoodee]

@Soreone, I found my second one a bit better than the first as I knew what to expect and in fact, did just fine and am so glad to have two new knees.

 

[Layla]

Happy Four Month Anniversary!
Won‘t be long now until your next surgery.
I hope you’re not in too much pain and I wish you comfort as you wait.
@Soreone