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TKR AG TKR new knee

@KarriB thanks, yes have taken the time for extra rest and ice and elevation and without being on the knee it does look better today. And probably good,because was starting to feel like adding activity and have to remember to pace everything.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
Has anyone had the scar line or skin right around it so sensitive to touch. Week 6. But even the ice/water cuff sometimes it too much pressure for irritation.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
@agarrett i have the same issues 2.5 weeks out.My skin often feels like it's burning at the same time. It's not there all the time - seems to be when I am getting towards the end of my pain control. I am on slow release tapentadol 12 hourly and by the 9th hour it starts to give me issues. I use gel gel ice packs wrapped in very soft flannel material which helps a bit. It has been said on this forum to wrap your knee in plastic wrap which also seemed to help but my knees got a bit sweaty.
 
@DebM thanks. I just took another dose and have been icing hoping it calms down a bit but yes, it isn't always there, more comes and goes. I will watch to see if it is more at the end of my med cycle. Good luck with yours! Have the hardest time actually getting to sleep at a normal hour. Need to find a solution to that as well. Only have two more weeks before going back to work on a 8 to 5 schedule.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
My scar was very sensitive at your stage. I used to have to roll my trouser leg up past it. Couldn't bear anything to touch it. However, as with most aspects of TKR, this has improved. Time will help. Hope you feel much better soon.
 
@agarrett have you recovered from your flu? If you need to protect your scar you may want to look into mepitac it is a silicone "tape" that is very comfortable and protective.
 
@Red's Mom yes I am better from the flu, still have a cough that isn't completely gone. But they said it could last several weeks. I think it tends to be more sensitive when it is the most swollen as well. Had a busy afternoon/evening without a lot of icing or elevation and can see how the knee swells as a reaction. Good news is my scar looks really good, at least I think. And I started putting a gel on it to further heal it.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
I had that flu and the cough does last FOREVER! It's annoying! I hope you're feeling better soon.
 
Ortho six week check up today...not entirely what I expected. I guess good news is no manipulation is being scheduled, but that is really about delaying that decision for three weeks. Next appt is 3/1, he will decide then and no work until I clear that appointment. Got a steroid and a anti-inflammatory to take to help the swelling. He said the rom isn't bad but not yet where he is happy with it either. Most days comfort spot is still 95 to 100, can push slightly above 100, but that isn't the happy or normal spot yet either. A little worried about adhesions because of the heat still in my knee, but at this point a watch and see. With a strong recommendation to get more flexion. So back to the waiting game and keep progressing, small steps forward....


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
Keep up with ice and elevation. My knee was warm for 3 months or so. It still will feel warmer than the other one when it is swollen. Most OS are happy with 90 degree flexion at three months and won't do a MUA above 90 degree flexion.
 
So what would they do to get you more past 90, if you are not getting in the full range? I cannot imagine staying where I am the rest of my life.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
There is no window of opportunity. You can continue to get better flexion as time goes by. My flezion and extension was not very good prior to my surgery so it has taken me a little longer than some. I try not to look at numbers. I found it more important on what I could do that I couldn't do a few weeks before. When could I stand up normally. When could I go up one or two steps, sit at a dinner table for 15 minutes, drive, etc. you get my point it was function over numbers I used to judge my recovery.
 
I gained ROM well past a year post op. Because I was in an imbolizer for a month my TKR was very stiff, but at 18 months post op, quite by surprise I realized I was squating in a pool. You still have plenty of time.
 
I saw someone posted a comment about no hot tub. Curious on thoughts for when to use. I am starting to go to the gym for a few things and the pool. Something in the last two days really irritated my knee, lots of stiffness. Not sure what has set it off.


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
I don't think it's a good idea to go into a hot tub until about 6 months after your TKR. The hot water increases blood flow to your knee, which could increase swelling.

If you are set on going in, do make sure that your wound is completely healed, with no open areas or scabs - and only stay in for a very short time.

Also, I have a huge distaste for public hot pools - You never know how clean the people were who were in it before you. To me, sitting in that hot water with other people's germs is an open invitation to pick up an infection.
 
My scar is completely healed, just trying to give a little relaxation for the rest of me. Have thought about a tub soak at my house as well maybe with epson salt. Pain right now is more sharp pain, this seems new the last few days after we have pushed a bit more. I did get to 105 degrees after work, but starting point is really about 95 degrees before activity. And always so stiff in the morning and doesn't want to bend. Any suggestions on morning activity to get the bend better after getting up?


Right TKR 27 December 2016
 
Most people feel their knee is stiff in the morning. It's because, while you have been relatively still, your knee stops making the fluid that lubricates it. As you mobilise, the joint gets lubricated and becomes less stiff - a bit like putting oil on a rusty hinge.

That morning stiffness will probably last until at least 6 months.
 
PS: If you're going to try having a bath, do a test run first, to make sure that you can get out of the bath again. If you have to be rescued, it's much better while you're dry and fully dressed than when you're wet and naked.
 
Hey @agarrett, One thing I do most mornings is... Before I get out of bed, I raise my leg in the air, and let gravity bring my lower leg (calf and foot) down. I do this a few times just to get the darn thing moving before I put weight on it. My swelling and 'band' make it a lot harder to bend while standing up. I also used to use the same technique for the gentle stretch to gain flexion. Gravity provided just enough 'push' without any pain.

Good luck! Fwiw, I think your flexion is progressing quite nicely! My OS shoots for 90° at 6 weeks.
 
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