TKR April surgery

[Linda M]

I just found this group and am grateful. I had TKR on April 26,2023. I am looking for support. Almost five weeks post op and doing well but am just plain tired of the pain. I do my exercises faithfully and have another couple weeks of outpatient therapy to go.am I just impatient to want the pain gone already?

 

[Cjackso21]

Hello, the folks here will give you lots of information to help. I’ve been through it many times unfortunately but now know what helped me. Ice and elevate is the key. Used an ice machine with compression for which worked the best but any ice helps. 0 gravity chair from Costco for elevate. And don’t push too hard with exercises. Let pain be your guide. Good luck!

 

[Linda M]

Oh my you’ve been through a lot. Maybe I need to stop comparing myself to others too. I had quite a deformity before surgery. Maybe they didn’t. I attached a pic showing before and last week. I have pain in the whole leg, which I imagine is because the muscles and ligaments, etc have to change now that the leg is much straighter. Just down this morning after doing my first set of exercises. Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[Layla]

Hello Lynda, to BoneSmart! Thanks for joining us.

I am sorry you're still dealing with pain at five weeks post op, but please know that is rather common at this point, to varying degrees. It is still early days for you in the entire scheme of things. Depending upon what you're doing in PT, it may be what's keeping you in pain. Consider stepping back for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference. Refrain from engaging in movement that causes discomfort or pain. Do not allow anyone to forcefully manipulate your leg. While your range of motion is currently limited, it will naturally increase as the swelling subsides and the pain eases. Give it time. At this point, you may do just as well engaging in the activities of daily living, along with some walking as exercise. Your leg is trying to heal from the controlled trauma of a major surgery. Give yourself the TLC you deserve.

If you're not icing, please try it as it helps with the inflammation that causes the pain. you will find an article on ICE in the Recovery Guidelines I will leave below.

Best Wishes for your comfort and a smooth recovery from here on out! Stay in touch.
@Linda M

 

[Layla]

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]

Is it your Left knee, Linda?
@Linda M

 

[Linda M]

Layla, it’s my right leg. I am going to take a look at the resources in the previous reply. I am just feeling sorry for myself right now. First time since surgery I feel like this. I guess that may also be totally normal. Thanks again!

 

[Layla]

Thank you, Linda.
It is normal and even a bit depressing at times. Check out the article on Post op Blues in the info above. Many seem to feel this way around one month post op, but the great thing is...it passes!
Brighter days are in the way!
@Linda M

 

[Linda M]

This is a comparison of last week and about a year ago. I could not get my feet close together without moving it with my hands! So I am definitely happy about this. i will check out the “Post Op Blues”!