TKR New member

[benne68]

@Jayne1 It can take months for that tissue to heal, but there's no way to predict how long it will take for any individual. With my right TKR, it took more than six months for the tight band to disappear; but with my left knee, it happened much sooner. So, not only is every knee different, even two knees in the same person can be different.

You might want to look at this article: Tight Band feeling across the front of my knee

 

[Jayne1]

Thank you benne68. I will take a look.

 

[Rockgirl4]

Mine lasted 7-8 months

 

[Jayne1]

I have a way to go yet then! Thank you. It helps to have some idea of what to expect

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary, Jayne!
How is recovery going these days? Let us know when you have a minute, we'd love to read about your progress.
I hope you have a great November!
@Jayne1

 

[Dearjr]

swelling takes a very long time to settle down.

@mendogal I am living it right now with my knee and calf getting swollen back and forth after work
It is patience that pays off I hope

 

[Jayne1]

Good morning. I am doing well thank you. Saw my PT yesterday for the 2nd time and he’s really good. Very encouraging but doesn’t try to push me past my comfort zone. I’m now trying to gently increase my flexion. My knee still feels very tight so it’s just gentle exercises to slowly get it moving a bit more. Straight leg almost there now. He said to work on ROM before we get into too much strength work.
Very lucky that I have minimal pain or discomfort and I sleep well. Now able to move to side sleeping when I want to which is a treat!
I’m back for an x ray and to see my consultant next week so hopefully that will go well .
I really miss taking my 2 dogs out but I know I have to be patient
I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you for all of your support

 

[mendogal]

A great update @Jayne1 !!!

A caution: some PTs want us to start working on strength as soon as they are happy with our range of motion.

For those of us who are fortunate to achieve good flexion and extension early, this means we are challenging muscles and tendons before the muscles are fully activating in a coordinated fashion and before the tendons have healed.
This can result in soft tissue damage.

The things that cause our members the most grief before three months are squats, sequential step up-step down, and exercising with ankle weights or elastic bands.

 

[EalingGran]

My tight band feeling faded after about 6 months. But I would still get it to some extent as the day wore on up until a year.
I understood it as due to the knee joint space being really quite small and even invisible swelling as the day wore on making it tight and sore.

 

[Layla]

Sounds like you found a good PT to work with. Thankfully you're doing well! Thanks for the update.
Best wishes for your x-ray and appointment with the consultant next week, Jayne.
I'm sure your fur babies miss you just as much you miss them. A sweet reunion it will be!
@Jayne1

 

[Jayne1]

Thank you for your kind thoughts.
I’m wondering how far I should be able to walk at 5 weeks. I’m finding that more than about 20 minutes makes my knee ache. I’m not sure what I should be aiming for?
Layla, I’m with my dogs all of the time but can’t walk them yet. I couldn’t bear to be apart from them for too long!

 

[Jockette]

5 weeks post op is still early days, in this recovery that takes a year. Walk an amount that does not make your knee hurt. Do that for several days and then add a little bit more, and see how your knee reacts to that. Always wait several days, at least, before adding more length to the walk so your knee can adjust to it.

 

[Layla]

Layla, I’m with my dogs all of the time but can’t walk them yet.

Ok..got it! I was thinking that you may have boarded them for a few weeks. So nice that they're with you.

I bet you'll be walking them again soon. It sounds like you're allowing your knee to dictate how far you walk, as you should. Your knee is still healing. The muscles around your knee may still be weak which can make walking more of a challenge and tire you out easily. If there is any stiffness and swelling / tightness it may be limiting your range of motion which can make walking uncomfortable. As your gait changes once again that may also lead to discomfort and fatigue. Maybe try walking one mailbox or house further every couple of days, if you're walking in a neighborhood. Or try increasing your walking time by 5 minutes every 2-3 days. Gradually your knee and muscles will adapt without too much strain. Good luck, Jayne!

 

[Jayne1]

Hi everyone. Just an update. Saw my surgeon for my 6 week check today and all good . He’s very pleased with where I am now, which is so nice to hear as you begin to doubt yourself! My flexion is probably a bit less than 90 degrees but he said that’s perfectly fine at this stage. Just to keep on with the physio but not to push it. He basically said the same as the advice I’ve had from you and that the swelling can take a few months to go down and that will restrict bending so not to worry!
Off for a week to a lovely house with a hot tub tomorrow with my 3 besties. They’ve promised to look after me and help me in and out of the hot tub
I’ve been given the go ahead to get back to aqua fit as well so that should help ease my knee a bit.
Hope everyone is doing ok

 

[Layla]

Off for a week to a lovely house with a hot tub tomorrow with my 3 besties. They’ve promised to look after me and help me in and out of the hot tub

Wait, wait....did you ask your OS for permission to use a hot tub specifically? Please do if you haven't. My OS was extreme, but he advised no hot tubs, pools, lakes until I was three month post op due to an infection risk. Something you naturally want to avoid. So please call the office and speak with a care team member of your surgeon's about "hot tubs" if you haven't asked and received a nod from him.

Love your update, thanks for sharing! You're doing so well! Safe travels on your girls get-away...sounds like fun! Enjoy!

 

[sistersinhim]

If you get the OK from your doctor, be aware that in a recovery as early as you are, heat usually causes inflammation, and increased pain and swelling. Be sure to have ice available and use it often.

 

[Jayne1]

Yes I got permission to use the hot tub and a pool. We wound is completely healed so nothing is getting in there! I’m going to be very careful and only go in for a short time to start with. Also I will definitely have my icing stuff with me. I will also take the opportunity to rest and have lots of laughs! (And maybe the odd glass of wine!)
To be fair I probably won’t get in the hot tub much. This is England after all! More likely to be cosied up in front of the log burner

 

[Layla]

Sounds good, Jayne, glad you got permission, have fun!
@Jayne1

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you're doing well. Have a wonderful week!
@Jayne1