Had surgery Aug 31

[oneleg]

Had my new knee replacement on the 31st. of Aug. Today is the 20th. of Sept. I wasn't really expecting to be laid up this long at all. Right now I still am walking with a walking I can't walk by myself yet. And also in the evening sitting in the rocking chair with my leg up I still have pain. Is this normal or is it just me...I had polio on my right leg which I wear a full length brace....and the knee replacement was done on my left leg...I knew it would be difficult but I was hoping to be able to walk by myself without any aid (maybe a cane).....just wondering how long it took most of you to be able to get around and how many weeks it could take.
Jane

 

[Texas]

Hey One leg was wondering how you made out glad you posted............Its totally NORMAL.............you just take it easy .............it took me quit awhile...with what you dealt with before hand i think you are doing fine.......Glad you posted keep it up !!!!!!!!!)

 

[Linda2]

I'm no help on this one--walking has been the easy part for both knees for me. I can only imagine it would take longer with your other leg needing a brace.

 

[Jamie]

Oneleg....recovery from this very, very major surgery does take quite a while for most people. You are entirely within the normal range for progress right now.

If you are still having pain, be sure you are elevating your knee above your heart...that is not accomplished by just sitting in a recliner with the feet up. Also, ice-ice-ice.....day and night, ice is your friend. And lastly, be sure you are taking pain meds on a definite schedule every 4-6 hours throughout the day and night until the pain is under control. You can take prescription pain meds or over the counter anti-inflammants, but take something that works! You should not be in a lot of pain....it is counter to smooth recovery.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Jane,
I have been wondering where you were and how you were doing.
You are doing just great. it has not even been a monthe yet!!!
Relax it will all come together. Please keep me updated!! Don't
stay away so long ok?

 

[brs0660]

One leg...hang in there. I did not give up my walker until week five...and then I went back to work at week six with a cane. I will have my second knee replacement in Jan. Jaime had great advice elevate, ice and drugs

 

[Jeeper]

My doc requires a walker for six weeks followed by a cane for an additional six weeks. Sounds like you are doing well. I still find that the best place to rest the knee is in bed. I have tried the recliner but it just doesn't work as well as laying flat in bed. My doc's discharge papers advises against using a recliner.

 

[FrogFeathers]

I used a walker for over six weeks (I had the MUA five weeks after the surgery). Then I used crutches for a few weeks. Then my PT told me to stop using the crutches and use the cane, so I did.

Don't get discouraged. I know how you feel, because some days I wake up with that discouraged feeling (even six months out). But it does get better and it WILL get better.

 

[Josephine]

Give it time. 20 days is so very early yet. Why do so many people think they're going to bounce back like superman (or woman)?!! Go easy on yourself.