TKR izzy's new knee-post op

[Celle]

The PT was probably thinking of just putting one pillow behind your knee - which can keep your knee bent a bit too much. It's perfectly OK to elevate your leg on pillows all night long, as shown in this article.
Elevation is the key to controlling pain and swelling


Don't put any lotions or creams on your incision until it is perfectly healed, with no open areas or scabs. You're wise to wait until your surgeon give you the OK.

 

[sistersinhim]

There is an article here about the Saran Wrap in the library. It might be called plastic or stretch wrap.

 

[izzy]

Hello, 7 weeks post op and things are progressing nicely. I can drive again, I can walk with only a slight limp and the incision is healed and looking good. But.....that knee is sore!! especially when I sit for a while with knee bent! It hurts to stand up again and it gets so stiff when I sit. I don't have much swelling but at times it feels so heavy. Am I expecting too much too soon for "normal"? I am not taking any pain meds at all, tylenol sometimes if the soreness is too bad, but nothing on a regular basis. Any advice is appreciated. Must say, this website has been a lifesaver...My good friend is getting ready to have both knees replaced and I've already told her BoneSmart is a must!!

 

[zzevi]

Think your right on track with recovery. At 7 wks there is stiffness and soreness. Limping especially as you tire. I limp yet also especially as I get tired. Tylenol is a good choice if you feel it covers your discomfort enough, by 7 wks even prior to that, it's all I was using.
Sounds like your doing great, but your not totally recovered yet, you will still have set backs and times where you've over did it and your more sore and stiff for a day or so.

 

[kneeper]

Sounds very normal to me @izzy. That feeling should gradually diminish over weeks and months.

 

[KarriB]

It takes a full 3 months to begin to feel normal. My knee felt heavy for a little while after the 3 month mark. You aren't quite at 2 months, but I think when we begin to do normal things it's easy to think we should be fully recovered.

 

[sistersinhim]

It took me about 4 months to feel normal. I couldn't return to all my normal activities, but enough of them to take care of things I needed to. You are less than 1/6 of a year long recovery. Be patient! Easier said that done. I know!

 

[izzy]

Thank you everyone for the support, guess more patience should be on my resolution list this year. This journey REALLY is a journey!

 

[sistersinhim]

Yes, it's a journey and one on a turtle instead of a hare! Slow and easy definitely gets you there quicker.