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Am I on track?

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BuffaloBill

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I've just discovered this site as I dove into the internet to see if I could determine if my recovery in on schedule or if I'm lagging. Friends are constantly asking: "How's the knee?" And my stock answer is: I'm getting there. But the trouble is, I don't know where I'm supposed to be at this point (20 weeks). Perhaps you all can give me some perspective?

I had RTKR on Dec 28 and started driving on Jan 17 and back to work parttime on Jan 23 and fulltime in early Feb. I did PT for several weeks and when that ended, started working with a trainer. I am playing golf (walking) and working out three days a week. So far so good, right? But here's the rub: the knee is sore...not the kind of soreness and pain I had before surgery, (thank God!) but sore nonetheless and I'm wondering if that's normal. Will the soreness eventually abate? If so, approximately when? Am I pushing it too hard? At what point do you forget you ever had TKR? I've heard that recovery is a full year but not sure how "full recovery" is defined.

Compared to where I was pre-surgery, I'm in heaven but the soreness is troublesome. I'm scheduled to see the surgeon in three weeks for my last post-op appointment. Thank you for your insights.
 
Hi Bill! I can't speak to the pain at 20 weeks out, but it sure sounds as if you've picked up your "normal" life very fast! Congrats!

The only thing I know for sure is that we all progress at different rates, and this group has a wealth of information and experience. I'm a newbie here too, and I've found people to be very friendly and helpful. I've tapped into the experience here more than once and it really helps!

I'm sure someone with more time and experience will give you some ideas...I'm just now at 4 weeks and still struggling to resume some semblance of normalcy.

But most of all--welcome!

Weezy
 
Bill - welcome. I am at 23 weeks and you sound on track to me. I still get some soreness when I walk too far, stand too long, sit too long... but nothing like I had before. It is normal for us to have some soreness still. It has improved so much over the past couple of months, too.

I went hunting on Mothers' Day weekend and walked about 5-6 miles a day on uneven terrain. I totally forgot about my knees for many hours at a time. I often forget about it now until something causes it to hurt. I moved a certain way yesterday and it was very painful... but nothing right now, so I hope you are normal... otherwise I am in trouble, too. I don't go back to the doctor until December. Hope the visit goes well. God bless, Skeet
 
hello Bill,
I am at 21 weeks LPKR--- and still have pain too. Not all the time and not the same type or degree as before my surgery. I wish it was completely gone, but am hoping that with more time and continuing my home therapy routine that it will get stronger and better. I have heard that it takes 12-18 months and know that everyone is different. It sounds like you are doing very well and on a postitive "track".

I have a friend who had a TKR almost 2 years ago. She says she is always aware it is not her own knee, and still has some "twinges" from time to time. She had a very rough time with her TKR and recovery and is putting off having the other knee done for another year ( She is coping with a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 year old and has her hands full!)

I see my OS tomorrow for a follow up and to get my stitches removed from a 'scope on my other knee. I have a few questions to ask at that time and will ask about timelines for "normal"-- if there is such a thing.
 
Hi Bill, you're further than me so I'll watch you, but glad you found us, welcome.
 
Hi Bill. The 'one year' is largely defined by the time at which you suddenly become aware that it's been a few days since you thought much about your knee. Although, it has to be said that some continue experiencing pain/soreness even months after that. Sometimes it's an occasional thing, sometimes continuous. My sister had hers done 2 and 2½ years ago but is still having bad problems. Happily, she is in the minority but not so happy for her.

Apart from that, sounds to me like you are doing excellently. All power to you!
 
Wow, what great feedback...thanks to everyone who replied and who welcomed me into the group. You gave me exactly what I was seeking: perspective on the pace of my recovery. It sounds like I am on track and just need to keep working at it. Like everyone, I long for the day when I indeed will forget I ever had a bad knee or the replacement...I originally injured my knee when I was 21 and am now 53 and I've been dealing with pain and soreness in my knee to varying degrees for literally my entire adult life. I'm so sick of it!

Sorry for that digression; at least I know you all understand!

Here's another question I get a lot and was wondering what the "conventional wisdom" is: how long will the new knee last? I've read anywhere from 20 to 30 years.

Thanks again.
 
Bill,
Welcome! I too am new as I have not as yet joined the "club". I have BTKR on 6/18 and then will be a full fledge member! From my understanding, it depends on they type of replacement that you are having or have. I am getting the Johnson & Johnson Depuy Rotating Platform knee. There is not enough longevity for those who have it, to know exactly how long it will last. The expectation is between 20-25 years, but it could be longer. There are some that only last 10-15 years and they do not rotate.
Best,
Crystal
 
Bill a word of caution...Patti ain't right up where it counts. I'm southern too if you need a translator.
I'm 55 I had my knee replaced on Jan 17. I just had the best workout I've had in several years. Like you, I injured mine in sports starting in my early 20's. Nine operations later, here I am.
Keep working it hard and I'm sure it will get better.
My understanding on the life of the knee is 15-25+ years. Lots depends on how it is used, and body weight.
 
Long time, long time.
I love Josephine's rational... For the amount of them they do, they must last quite a while because if'n (that's for you Patti :) ) they didn't, they would have no time for new ones because of all the revisions they would have to be doing.
 
I, too, had a sports injury in my 20's and after 5 surgeries, including a high tibia osteotomy, had my TKR. It is really nice not to have pain anymore. The only time it hurts now is when I totally forget about it and do something that pushes my knee beyond the normal ROM and I bust out some scar tissue. Then it is sore for a couple of days. That's about it.

I was told my new kneesal would last at least 15 years and probably more. It is dependent on activity (stick to low impact) and weight (get to and stay at ideal weight) and the knee itself. Since these are newer models we really don't know how long they will last until we find out the hard way. I plan to live a long time so I may need something down the road. It may be that I only need to replace the plastic part that cushions the knee. We'll see....
 
Skeet said:
I was told my new kneesal would last at least 15 years and probably more. It is dependent on activity (stick to low impact) and weight (get to and stay at ideal weight) and the knee itself. Since these are newer models we really don't know how long they will last until we find out the hard way. I plan to live a long time so I may need something down the road. It may be that I only need to replace the plastic part that cushions the knee. We'll see....
Click to expand...

That's what my OS said too...his theory is since so many (80%?) of even the older ones are now hitting the 20-year mark, then these new knees should easily go that long and longer. When I told him my real goals were to be able to walk the dogs and ride my bike, he seemed pretty confident at predicting a good, long run for my new knee.

Weezy
 
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