I realized this morning, after thinking about it, that I have really not been pain-free since the day I injured my knee, which, as far as I can tell, was around 2003 or 2004, but don't quote me on that date-I really don't remember exactly when it was. After my original TKR, I started having issues not too far into recovery. I think I did have some time there where things were going well before they took a turn for the worse.
I continued in pain, eventually needing the revision. After that, I started having the tip pain in both my femur and my tibia, which is why I eventually had the surgery to place the graft and the metal, etc. I don't remember if there was any time where I was pain free after that as at some point the metal started causing issues, which meant more pain.
This is now the first time I can remember not being in any significant pain in a very long time. Yes, the tibia area is an issue, but I can take Ibuprofen when needed, and that will cover much of that. For the most part, I am no longer in pain, and for that I am extremely grateful. I'm walking without a limp, other than a little one at the end of the day sometimes, or after a lot of walking, but that will resolve with time. I'm walking with a normal gait, and I'm once again walking around quickly. I always walked fast, to the point where some people told me to slow down so they could keep up, but haven't walked that way in years. Granted, I'm not as fast now as when I was young, but I am walking much more quickly.
My doctor nailed it (as usual...lol..) when he told me it'd be about six weeks for this recovery. It was six weeks exactly when I saw him on Tuesday, and I consider myself to be recovered from the recent surgery. And, actually, I also consider myself FINALLY recovered from the surgery 15 months ago.
My knee, and the surrounding area, is still quite swollen, but that is an issue that will likely remain forever, unfortunately. But if that's the only issue I have, I can deal with it.
United States
