TKR I did it!!

[Cococay]

I’ve attributed my slow progress with range of motion to the swelling and hope once the lymphedema specialist wraps it I will see reduced swelling and more range. I’ve gotten to 91. But for straightening it’s like 16 so a ways to go. I have some pain on the sides of my knee cap.
Having pains like this is normal at 2 1/2 weeks post op right?

 

[newlybionic]

Yes it is normal. Hopefully you'll get the swelling to go down and see some improvement in ROM. Was your knee able to straighten all the way before you had surgery? If that's the case then its just going to take extra time.

 

[Carmencita]

Hi @Cococay please let us know how it goes with the Lymphodema specialist (tomorrow)? My Lymphodema nurse did some gentle massage on my arm before she wrapped it (by the way, wear loose pants or a skirt, the wrap on my arm was huge, layers and layers of bandage basically). Although it may be different in the US and indeed may be different for a knee replacement so don’t quote me! Anyway, the massage has a special name which I think is MLD (manual lymphatic drainage or similar). It’s more like a stroking than a massage it’s very gentle but I think the idea is to get the lymphatic fluid moving away from the injured area and flowing more freely around the body. When I had mine done I thought “this is so gentle it’s not going to help” and I thought the bandaging was excessive, but it did work!

Hope it goes well and you get some help with managing the swelling.

 

[Cococay]

Hi everyone,
So, I have seen the lymphedema therapist twice now, she actually asked the PA for an order for both legs instead of just the surgical leg. She has the surgical leg wrapped, and she did a manual lymph drainage massage ( I think it's called). I see a slight difference so far, so hopefully it will work.
I am still going to the regular PT too, and it's been ok. Nothing has "hurt"- except- and I don't want to say hurt- because it was only a second- but- she was stretching my knee- and that was pushing it up and down- (for the bend), and towards the end when it got to a certain point it hurt- but the pain was gone right away after. I was proud of myself because she had me do 10 "sit to stand"- but without using my hands to help me stand up- and I was able to do it! I could never have done that before the surgery- or even right after.

So- I feel like an idiot.... I have mentioned I am working from home--- I just am hoping they let me work from home another couple weeks but I am not sure..... Anyways, I have a rolling chair in my kitchen- set up at my table- with my computer etc on it. The mouse dropped to the floor- and I reached down to pick it up- which I have done before- but this time- I must have went to far because the rolling chair started to move and it ended up slipping out- flipping or something- which resulted in me falling off of it and the chair flipping over on the floor. My surgical knee doesn't hurt really- so I hope that means I am ok. I mostly hit on my other side- so I am sore- my head- neck shoulder hip. etc... But- the hard part was trying to get up. I seriously wasn't sure I could get up without calling someone. I was sitting there- half laughing- half crying.... My townhouse is really small- - and I was downstairs (there is a loft with the bedroom)- and so I scooted over through the living room- to the step by the front door- and I somehow managed (although barely) to get myself up, but it hurt. I think if I loosened the knee replacement or did anything to it- I would know by the pain. but- it is scary- to fall and then feel stuck....
I am 3 weeks -2 days post op. I am using the walker- although I am ready to move to a cane- I just haven't yet because I was so sore after PT this week- and- now I am sore from falling so I might hold off a couple days.

 

[lovetocookandsew]

You're coming along nicely! Many of us have also fallen-it's scary, isn't it? I'm so glad you're okay, and now have learned what I learned the hard way also-don't reach down or bend over to pick up a dropped item for a while, buy and use a grabber! And you learned that, although it's hard at first, you can stand up from the floor when needed.

After my revision, I used my walker for around three weeks, then went to a cane when I was comfortable doing so. As soon as you feel steady enough and strong enough, you'll switch to your cane. Then, when you find yourself forgetting to grab your cane as you walk around your house, you'll realize you're ready to put it away, or, like I do, put it in your car for walking outside and running errands, until the day you retire it for good.

 

[TKRsharon]

@Cococay OH NO!!! I hope you did not hurt yourself too badly! For years I have been, "afraid" of rolling chairs for forever. I am a teacher and will not even use on in my classroom at my desk - before I ever even had surgery! I must also admit that I am a big klutz so I try to minimize my chances of falling. I can trip on a shadow. GET RID OF THE CHAIR! Or put it away for now.
Feel better and be careful!

 

[Jockette]

I know how you feel, I did the same thing with my husband‘s rollator walker. No carpet and I didn’t even think to set the brake on it, when I went to sit on the seat. I sat on the floor unexpectedly when it rolled away from me! I had trouble getting up, also, but managed it, after several minutes. My tailbone hurt for weeks. I’m lucky I didn’t break it (can you imagine??!!!)

My husband had just come out of the hospital the day before, and our out of town daughter was visiting and worried about us and I did this right in front of her. I thought, oh no, she’s never going to leave us home alone now!

But my daughter had a minor accident that night at dinner, trying to open a can of cranberry sauce and cut her hand a little. I pointed out how easily accidents could happen. She got my point!

 

[Cococay]

Oh wow! All 3 of you were injured @Jockette .
I was feeling so good before too. Is some calf pain normal? I’ve had a fear of clots since before surgery and I get occasional calf pain and tonight I’m sore and have calf pain. I hate that every time that’s what I start worrying about. But some calf pain post op is ok right? It radiates up the back of my thigh sometimes!
By the way jockette- I’m so clumsy too. It’s like the running joke in my family ever since I tripped over the baby gate and down the stairs I went- on Christmas Eve. So when I looked up there were 30 plus sets of eyes staring!!

 

[Layla]

Hi @Cococay
I think pain is kind of transient initially. I’m assuming you’re following your surgeons blood clot prevention plan. In addition, staying reasonably mobile and adding in some foot pumps should keep you safe. Also, stay well hydrated, take your meds on schedule and follow any TED protocol that was prescribed. If the pain increases in intensity or frequency, check with your surgeons care team for reassurance. With the way early recovery goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pain you’re questioning has already moved from your calf to another location. At least that was my experience. I got tired of worrying and finally gave it up, lol.
Relax and have a peaceful weekend!

 

[Pumpkin]

I was proud of myself because she had me do 10 "sit to stand"

That is great that you can do sit to stand without your hands, 10x in a row is a lot and may be contributing to your knee and leg swelling.
We do untold sit to stands in one day, being mindful while you are going sit to stand during the day may help you more than doing them as an exercise.

she was stretching my knee

You will get a better stretch yourself doing this exercise, you should just feel a gentle stretch.
Heel slides and how to do them

But some calf pain post op is ok right?

Calf pain can happen as you use your muscles, and they become sore.
Here is some information about blood clots.
Blood clots risk and anticoagulant

Sorry to hear about the spill you took, glad you are OK and are on the mend.

 

[Jamie]

Lymphatic massage can be helpful at any point if you have swelling. Just be sure you aren't trying to do too much too soon. Remember that getting ready, driving to your appointments, and then coming home again is "therapy" too and you're only 3 weeks out of surgery.

Another caution is any therapy that involves someone bending and stretching your leg for you. It's really better to advise your therapist that YOU want to do the movements under his or her guidance. That way you'll know when that "mild discomfort" pain level hits and you can stop any further movement. As you've found out, in that split second when someone else is doing the movement for you and when you let them know it hurts (either by you telling them or they see it in your face and body), your knee can go a bit too far and cause real pain. That can contribute to your swelling, as even that small painful moment irritates tender tissues that are trying to heal. Pain during therapy is not a good idea.

Take a look at our section on wound care and you'll be much more knowledgeable about the healing process that's taking place within your knee. It's under the POST-OP link in the blue toolbar at the top of the page. You might also want to read the other series there on pain management. Good stuff that should help you in these early days and weeks.

One other thing....be sure you're drinking plenty of fluids to flush out your system. During surgery you are heavily hydrated and it takes a while for all that fluid to pass out of your body. Drinking lots of water helps that process.....8-10 8 ounce glasses a day.

 

[Bishop]

I’m glad you didn’t get too hurt!! So happy you are doing really well! I hope I can say that soon too!

 

[PegGar16]

Happy you didn't get injured! I am also a member of the "fall" club. It is scary not being able to get up, I actually had to call the paramedics...LOL I had tripped in my bedroom and hit my shoulder on my cedar hope chest and broke the humerus. I couldn't use the arm to push up. I was kind of laughing when I called 911 for the "I have fallen and can't get up"...told them they couldn't laugh,

 

[Cococay]

Hi all! I’m feeling really discouraged. Today is 4 weeks PO, and- I’m seeing a regular PT and lymphedema therapist each twice a week. Today with PT -my extension was 3 which is the best it’s been and all the exercises they had me do are easy - my knee feels pretty good. But..... I asked to get tips using a cane versus walker and I was so wobbly that the PT said to stick with walker. It’s not my knee that’s the issue. My opposite side feels way shorter and the way she explained it is that from limping pre surg my hip muscle on non surgical side weakened and so my hip/pelvis drops down when I attempt to stand on both feet equal and stand straight. My back ends up hurting so bad I can’t do it. She had me try balancing on 1 leg. Surgical leg- no problem. Non surgical side- disaster. My point is at one month post op I should be able to at least walk with a cane and stand straight. So I wonder- in total seriousness- what if although my knee is good I won’t be able to walk without a support and/or standing straight- which would be humiliating. The nurse at my work is getting tkr Monday and said she will be back 3 weeks. So they want me hack and I don’t know how I can. So I just feel hopeless- and like how can I accept that I just may never get my life back without limitations....
I am not trying to be poor me. I just feel so stuck.

 

[Jockette]

My point is at one month post op I should be able to at least walk with a cane and stand straight.

There is no “should” in this recovery. A recovery that takes an average of 52 weeks. (one year) You are 4 weeks. Your body is recovering on its own timeframe and no one else’s. It is way too early to be worrying that you won’t get your life back without limitations. You still have lots of healing to do.

Your PT is right, use the walker until you feel more stable. To be honest, I liked my walker better than my cane! Life was easier with it. I walked better, had a little tote bag attached for essentials, and when I needed 2 hands for something, it stood up all by itself. My cane had none of those perks,

The nurse at my work is getting tkr Monday and said she will be back 3 weeks.

Time will tell if she is back to work in 3 weeks, and if so, what condition she will be in. As you‘ve read here on Bonesmart, it is not generally advisable to go back to work in 3 weeks. We recommend 12 weeks. And even if she is, she is not you. She is not going to have the exact surgery you had, as every knee is different, even on the same person. Members who have bilaterals say each knee recovered differently.

Don’t compromise your healing just because someone else has different expectations or abilities. Take as much time as you can to heal and try not to feel pressured to go back to work too soon.

 

[Cococay]

Thank you jockette -

I don’t know what I expected- I mean, I read all about how long recovery is but I still think I expected that at a certain point I would be pretty good to go- and I am so thrilled my knee isn’t causing pain but it’s just crazy that I had done so much so much damage that i essentially have to retrain my brain and work on all my muscles and there’s this inner voice saying - what if I can’t—.

 

[lovetocookandsew]

I agree 100% with Jockette. Every recovery is different, and there is no timeframe set in stone for any part of it. Your knee has it's own timetable and the very best thing you can do is listen to it, and to your body.
I do know how you feel though, as I'm in a similar boat and want to be back to normal already. I'm just short of three months, and although I am a lot better, I still have more limitations than I'd like. But, I also know that this will pass and I will be able to do more and more as time passes. And so will you. It's hard to be patient, as we well know, but that's what this recovery needs; the patience of a saint

 

[Jockette]

and there’s this inner voice saying - what if I can’t—.

You will. But it will take time. As you heal, things will fall into place. Healing takes a long time.

When I was 40 I broke my arm. (Rollerblading wasn’t anything like the roller skating I did in my youth, like I thought it would be! And yes, my high school age daughter did try to warn me that it wasn’t a good idea! ) Anyway, I only chipped a piece of my elbow. It took me a year to fully recover all my movement. Same thing with my sister when she broke her toe, in her 60’s.

Getting a TKR is much more traumatic than those minor injuries. Be kind to your body, it’s trying really hard to sort itself out.

 

[Celle]

My point is at one month post op I should be able to at least walk with a cane and stand straight. So I wonder- in total seriousness- what if although my knee is good I won’t be able to walk without a support and/or standing straight- which would be humiliating. The nurse at my work is getting tkr Monday and said she will be back 3 weeks. So they want me hack and I don’t know how I can. So I just feel hopeless- and like how can I accept that I just may never get my life back without limitations....

@Cococay , you are expecting far too much of yourself and of your body. You have had one of the most major surgeries and you can't bounce back from it in just a few weeks.

Fist of all this is a year-long recovery and you have only completed one twelfth of it. Where you are now is not where you're going to end up.

You can't go back to work so soon, and you shouldn't be expected to. And if the nurse at your work thinks she will be back at work 3 weeks after a TKR, she is in for big-time disillusionment.
We usually recommend taking about 12 weeks off work and then doing a Phased return to work , if possible.

My friend, Will, boasts that he went back to work 2 weeks after a TKR. He genuinely believes now that he had no problems and no complications - he isn't trying deliberately to deceive anyone.
The truth of it is this:

• Although he did go back to work so early, he did it in a wheelchair.
• His wife helped him get up, washed and dressed, and she drove him to and from work.
• He stopped taking pain medications, saying they were "for Sissies".
• Consequently, he was in pain and he was grumpy all day.
• His colleagues wished he had stayed at home.
• He rested in bed all the time, except when at work.
• His wife waited on him, hand and foot.
• By the time he was really recovered, his wife was a worn-out wreck. (Incidentally, she asked for, and received, an orange sports car for her birthday, as a reward for looking after him so well.)

Will doesn't tell the full story, because he doesn't remember it.
He thinks he had a fast, uncomplicated recovery, and that's what he tells people.


Don't upset yourself by trying to rush things. Let your body take the time it needs to recover at its own pace.

 

[DEL2021May-19]

I used my walker for longer then 4 weeks. Was my security blanket especially outside the home. Once I started using the cane I have to admit I was always afraid I was going to trip myself up with it. And wobbly is a good description...just not ready. My PT suggested I use with other hand to help with my other bad knee...this felt safer (dominant hand) and helped my strength.

I also had other aches and pains in back, hips, arms etc., which I had previous to surgery, and intensified by doing my exercises as well as the change in body from operated leg being straightened. After 12 weeks of PT, where they only concentrated on knee, I worked on helping the rest of my body. Went to a Chiropractor, used heat more regularly and iced other body parts. If there wasn't Covid, I think I would be getting into a pool, going for massages etc., but what can you do.

I don't work, so I feel for your struggle with that. At 4 weeks, strength was not there for me. Relearning every movement and nervous of new knee is part of the recovery but over 5 months now I don't think as much about every movement. Now my to do is using my aerobic step to work on up and down stair movements and get leg muscles to engage and get hips to not complain lol.

Been compensating and doing things certain ways for 20 yrs so my body and especially brain will not change overnight. 4 weeks is early days. Even contemplating returning to work would be huge for me at that point. Even going out to appointments was an effort lol. I didn't even drive until 3 months and was tender for a bit. Hopefully your work routine can be changed up to help you manage your body needs.

Take care, it does get better...but it is a total body adjustment...at least for me.