Tibial Plateau Fracture Pain when learning to walk again

[Tobysmom]

hello friends and happy, healing New Year I hope. I was doing so well for a couple weeks in early December, then pain forced me to stop again. I might have done too much again, though I never push into pain when exercising. I don't understand, but I am trying to ice, rest and hope. My doctor did put me back on Meloxicam 2 day ago, I'm hoping it helps. the depression has returned, I feel so very defeated. Any advice? Is this common?

 

[sistersinhim]

With the upcoming holidays last month, I bet you overdid it and your knee became more inflamed and swollen and painful. This is a normal reaction at your early stage of recovery, after all, you are only 1/4 of the way healed! Having up and down days reactions to your activities will probably continue for several more months. But, you will find that your knee's complaining will be less severe and will recover quicker as time goes on! Soon, before you know it, you'll notice that it isn't hurting at all! It's a time thing, and we all have gone through it or will go through it.

 

[Tobysmom]

I'm experiencing a setback since Dec 24...not sure why. I had started to work on my gait more confidently and did not need crutches at all the first 2 weeks of december. I may have walked too much right before christmas and have been down for the count and icing for the past full week. I'm so sad and scared.
Dr put me back on meloxicam yesterday, I'm hoping it helps. I am all done with PT (insurance benefit ran out). I just thought that resting for this long would make a bigger difference.
Any advice?

 

[Jamie]

The best advice is to try to listen to your body and respond accordingly so that it has a chance to heal. It sounds like you did overdo things and that is going to require some time to get back to where you were. The first step is getting pain under control. Be sure you’re taking your pain medication on a set schedule for at least a few days to a week. It’s good that you are resting and icing your knee. At this point more therapy isn’t needed. Just be sure you’re bending and stretching your knee gently throughout the day and night.

You’ve been through a lot and unfortunately it is just going to take time and patience to fully recover from the surgery. Be sure you’re eating healthy and getting plenty of protein. It might lift your spirits if you take some time to visit with friends and family - either in person or on the phone - whichever is easiest for you. We’re always here for support as well. It’s okay to express your feelings here and we will understand.

 

[Tobysmom]

I thank you for your encouragement and honesty. I am trying to be patient, but a setback is both confusing and upsetting. I balme myself for havign done something wrong, but I don't know what it was or how to avoid having this happen again.
I am back on one crutch, full time at work, and sitting and elevating as much as possible. I just thought that 7 days of true rest would make a big difference, but it didn't seem to matter much.
Thank you for telling me that PT isn't as necessary now. I think it just felt like I was doing something to move forward, even though it really became only supervised exercise. I'm taking a break from doing all that at home too.
Again, hearing that this setback is normal truly helped. I am still up and about more than 3 months ago, and I am focusing on nutrition and rest as priorities. I thank you for helping me so much.

 

[Tobysmom]

It has been 8 fullmonths since my Tibeal plateau surgery. I am back at work, but can only walk for very short distances. I still wear the brace, because it hurts much more to alk without it. I am very frustrated that I can't take a 10 minute walk yet, adn that pain can make me go back to one crutch. I don't mind sore muscles, but this pain stops me from taking another step.
I'm on meloxicam again, doesn't seem to help. I'm afraid to go back to my surgeon...what can he do??
I had 60 PT sessions, that is all insurace would permit. I got stronger, but pain persisted throughout unitl a cortisone shot helped. this latestes pain seems more global and wraps behind the leg and down the shin too.
Any suggestions? I am so depressed...

 

[Jamie]

This type of surgery requires quite an extended recovery. It can actually be worse than just a regular knee replacement in terms of pain and how fast your mobility returns. Please don’t be afraid to return to your surgeon if you are still having pain.

 

[Tobysmom]

Thank you, Jamie. I just don't know what the doctor can do for me at this point, and I don't know what to do either. Maybe I just have to wait it out. I just wish I could get more information. Your response helped!

 

[Jockette]

Here are some other members with tibial plateau fracture, maybe you’ll find it comforting to read about their experiences.

Knee Surgery Recovery Area

For post-operative knee patients, on the "other side"

bonesmart.org

 

[Layla]

I just don't know what the doctor can do for me at this point,

Further evaluation to confirm there are no issues. Adjust meds, adding something new, trying something different.
Referral to a pain management clinic. It may be worth your time to meet with him if you feel any of these options may be worthwhile for you.
I am sorry you're struggling and hope you find better relief soon.

 

[Jamie]

Yep, Layla is right. Don’t feel like you have to shoulder this pain by yourself. If your surgeon brushes you off (unfortunately some do), make an appointment with your GP. You need to be able to control your pain and not just tough it out. But I would start with your surgeon,.