TKR Hello from the UK!

[bottomshollow]

So happy for you that you've had just a GOOD day. I wish you many, many more. And if you just enjoy the hydrotherapy and stop focusing on the numbers, they'll probably sneak up on you and surprise you one day!!!

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Kelsie Lou]

Jaki, I am sooooo glad that the pool went well for you!! Another small but significant accomplishment! My PT also suggested water exercise for me, not formal classes or PT, just walking to loosen things up a bit. I plan to look into it next week.

 

[Lauramacky]

Hi Jaki . That sounds soooo nice! I'm do glad to hear you sounding so upbeat! Can I fly across the pond for some hydrotherapy too? LOL!

 

[Mutley]

Completely pee'd off Will be 4 months on 1st April since the op. SURELY the pain/extreme uncomfortableness should be on it's way out by now? I did a small walk with the dogs yesterday afternoon & have had extreme "leg" ache all night & today which has just made the hydrotherapy session a chore rather than a positive. This continual front & right side of thigh ache is driving me nuts but I also have a lot of pain on the inside of my knee too. When I've walked for a few minutes I feel like someone has taken a sledgehammer to the front of my leg. Appt with surgeon should have been next week but was put back until May. Is this normal to experience such extreme discomfort at 4 months? I have just cried all the way back from the hospital as I feel fed up with having to deal with this "donkey" of a leg still I know there are many positives but I feel like I'm given a glimpse then it's snatched away from me again...If anyone mentions the "P" word I may have to eat the rest of the Digestive biscuits...AGAIN

 

[Lauramacky]

Hiya Jaki! I'm so sorry you're feeling like you do. :( I'm just wondering...maybe you're doing too much during the day? I don't do near as much as you, honestly, and I'm just wondering as a test....why not take three days off of doing anything at all to see if that helps the pain. If that works, then perhaps you'll have your answer? Just a thought. Also, is there any way you can get back into see the doctor? Maybe call and say you're having this extreme pain? I can't imagine them turning you away if you tell them this. Sometimes we have to be pushy as patients! I know you know the rest....elevate above your heart and ice. I hope you feel better soon hun. Hugs.

 

[Mutley]

I think it's the "not knowing" what you should be like at any given time. In my head 4 months should be well on the way to recovery so it irritates me that I do something "simple" and then I pay for it BIG TIME Think I'll do as you suggested & "rest up" over Easter & see if that makes a difference...

 

[60mom]

I am just a little behind you, had the manipulation as well and now I am struggling with a new issue. knee catching in the back with sudden severe pain and fortunately it stops when I stop what I am doing. I personally think the MUA causes more problems then are realized. I think my OS bent my knee too far and caused major muscle and tissue damage. I have had nothing but problems since having it. Before I wasn't in pain just had that tight band preventing me from bending. That is the only thing that improved after the MUA. Can still get it however if I do too much. I too find it very frustrating to still be so much of an invalid this far out. Try to do a bit more and pay for it. One thing though that helped my thigh pain and may be something you could try if you are a side sleeper. I was actually getting that pain after I resumed side sleeping. Went to a pain specialist and he said to go back to sleeping on my back. Sure enough my back pain and thigh pain went away. So the pain in my thigh was from my back not the TKR. Just have to retrain my body to like sleeping on my back.

 

[Mutley]

Thank you Josephine for posting all the information on this subject. My physio believes that it is exactly this which is causing me some/much suffering. Can I just ask though, would this still flare up 4+ months post op & would it just be down to "doing too much"? I believe this got worse AFTER the MUA which was about 9 weeks ago now. Would you agree that may have been the cause & it's just a case of "Time" & "Patience" AGAIN before it settles down or hopefully goes completely?
Many thanks again!

 

[Josephine]

Can I just ask though, would this still flare up 4+ months post op & would it just be down to "doing too much"?

Yes and yes

I believe this got worse AFTER the MUA which was about 9 weeks ago now. Would you agree that may have been the cause & it's just a case of "Time" & "Patience" AGAIN before it settles down or hopefully goes completely?

and yes!!!

 

[Josephine]

​

One thread for your recovery please?​

 

[speccybecky]

Think you need to eat the digestives!!
You do need patience and I know it's not easy, you will get there

 

[Mutley]

Well, as I'm a week or so short of the 5 month mark I thought I would post a little update!
Today was my LAST physio session I wrote a post on the 10th Feb thinking that was gonna be my last session! I can not fault the service I've received from my physio department at Frimley Park Hospital!
My final ROM measurement was about 109. I must remember that my surgeon only achieved 120 during the MUA so really I have to accept this is quite good. Josephine, would you know why the surgeon couldn't achieve more ROM than this as I'm sure I had more before the TKR? I've just had a fab, warm & sunny week in Spain & my knee held up pretty well. I think the warm weather agreed with it however, my general walking isn't as good as I would like. No pain as such but after a while the leg just feels very uncomfortable & heavy. I realize I STILL need to be PATIENT, give it more time & hopefully things will be good....it just can't come quick enough for me
Just want to say a big "Thanks" to all of you lovely people who have supported me & my moaning during this rather tough recovery period

 

[Josephine]

My final ROM measurement was about 109. I must remember that my surgeon only achieved 120 during the MUA so really I have to accept this is quite good. Josephine, would you know why the surgeon couldn't achieve more ROM than this as I'm sure I had more before the TKR?

Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?

 

[Lauramacky]

Hiya Jaki! Welcome to the world of no physical therapists! lol I'm sure as time passes, your ROM will get better. Even if it stays the same, I heard that 90 degrees is what the doctors hope for since that measurement provides for functionality in life. But don't forget!!! And I know you always do....shouldn't you be counting the months from when you had your MUA and not the TKR?? Yes, I'm pestering you! Don't forget to elevate your leg above your heart. I do this once a day and I swear by it. I think it's AWESOME that you felt good enough to go to Spain. Your body probably needs a rest after that trip of hard vacationing haha. Keep up the good spirits! I love hearing your progress!!!

 

[Mutley]

Thanks Laura I keep forgetting about the MUA but I'm sure recovery from that would be in weeks rather than months? Another question to ask my surgeon in May! I can't believe I'm nearly 5 months post op. feels a lot longer in some respects yet also I feel my knee still needs more time to recover properly. God help it if I'm not running a marathon on my 6 month anniversary!
It's a bit hard to elevate when I'm doing the ironing, washing, cleaning, shopping, dog walking, oh, & running the company too! But I take on board your very valuable suggestion!

 

[Lauramacky]

Awww, yeah, life does get busy and I do know that. I'm retired now, so I have a tendency to forget until someone reminds me how busy things can be. But honestly? I really am glad you're taking the suggestion in anyway. Even ten minutes can really help y'know? I hope you feel better very soon!!

 

[speccybecky]

I would be looking at delegating some household tasks!

 

[Mutley]

5 months post op tomorrow & seeing my surgeon on the same day. Bonus! Unfortunately my list of questions for him has grown bigger
Really naffed off with my progression in walking. Plus I don't think I'll ever shake off this feeling that I have an artificial leg let alone just some new bits in my knee. Hope my surgeon hasn't had a stressful day BEFORE he she's me, poor man
Will update you guy's tomorrow

 

[Mutley]

Well, have seen "The man"! Yesterday was my 5 month post op date. Surgeon is happy with the knee replacement but says I'm just below average on the recovery scale ROM will not progress further than what the MUA gave me, which was 120 degrees. He reckons this is down to the trauma my knee has suffered over the years. Quite a few op's, investigations, meniscus removal etc. he also said I'm looking at another 6 months for everything to hopefully settle down. It's unfortunate that us "younger" patients expect to be 100% A Ok after a TKR and yet that result doesn't actually happen very often. Basically I have to accept that what I've got is as good as it's gonna get. At least I don't have that original bone on bone pain but if I'm honest I'm a little bit gutted Thank goodness I can still open a bottle of wine...Cheers!

 

[Lauramacky]

Ah, ok so your ROM *is* 120. I misunderstood earlier in your email. Hey, that's good! Mine is probably only 125 or so. I have an appointment with my surgeon next week...since I am just behind you lol. They don't do ROM measurements, though. That's only at the physical therapist's office. Plus, you can have two different people measuring and get two completely different answers.

Glad you're appreciating the lack of bone on bone pain! What does "gutted" mean anyway? This here yank doesn't understand that term unless one is catching fish and preparing them for dinner. :P