TKR Post Op all is well<

[Cecelia]

Thank you for your great reports. I am five weeks out and your recommendations are spot on. It is so hard not to overdo when your head says let’s do it. Your Knee let’s you know and your Knee is always in control.

 

[Schenk]

Amen. The knee knows best, always.
Do not overdo, Do not overdo.
I know that it is hard, but if you do, you will pay the price and will not recover sooner.

 

[Schenk]

Sometimes my surgical knee clicks. doesn't hurt, just clicks.
Should I be concerned?

 

[Jockette]

I think we are all very self centered around our knee after this surgery, I think it’s an inborn reaction to protect it.

Early on when I was in a store I was so afraid someone would bump into me. I don’t think that’s ever even happened to me, ever, but there it was! I would suddenly stop short whenever someone came close in passing by. That stop short was not good for my knee but I couldn’t help it. It hardly ever happens now.

 

[Jockette]

I don’t have any clicking but many members here do and they say it’s nothing to be concerned about.

 

[Schenk]

Thanks

 

[sistersinhim]

I still have clunking. It lets me know knee's working!

 

[Celle]

Sometimes my surgical knee clicks. doesn't hurt, just clicks.
Should I be concerned?

As long as it doesn't hurt, don't worry about it.
It happens because you now have hard metal and plastic parts moving over one another, instead of the relatively softer bone and cartilage.
This article explains:
Clicking/clunking knee joint after surgery

 

[Schenk]

Thank you so much

 

[robhunt3]

I get a lovely clunk clunk clunk of plastic (knee cap) on metal (joint) when I pat my knee dry after a shower. I expect in time it might well become quite a party piece ;-).

 

[KarriB]

It’s absolutely ok for life to be centered around your knee for right now. The knee calls the shots for a while, but the day will come when you’ll forget that it’s not a natural part of you.

 

[Schenk]

Today is my two-month anniversary with my new knee.
Status:
1) No real pain in the knee itself. Discomfort is from the areas of swelling, i.e. side of the knee where the incision is, and left the lower part where cartilage used to be.
2) I walk often, incorporating walking my dog. My main focus is walking normally, heel to toe, and not favoring the surgical leg. It takes concentration to do this consistently, especially if I try to match pace with my dog Max. Since I can't do this yet, he has to walk at my pace. Thankfully, he is well trained and obedient so no issue with this.
I've noticed something interesting: in the morning, after waking up, the tightness when I walk is in the area of the incision. As the day progresses, I feel like a rubber band across my kneecap. If anyone has any insight on this phenomenon, I would appreciate your thoughts.
3) I've modified my PT program, both on land and in the pool, to conform with the dictates of my knee. While I try to extend my ROM and strength, I absolutely do not try to cause pain. My major strength and weight-bearing exercises are going up and down the stairs. I've also begun to ride a stationary bike, 0 resistance, for 10 or more minutes. This is a great ROM exercise.
4) State of mind: I can't overemphasize how important this is. Your body will usually follow the dictates of your mind. Don't misunderstand, It is not easy to always be positive. Everyone has valleys that we must climb out of. It's not easy when you are in pain and think you should be farther along or be healed already. I had such a day yesterday. But I take to heart, that in the A.M my knee feels better. I can put on socks much easier, and basically being able to perform many ADL activities with much less discomfort or effort. So, keeping thoughts positive is really important.
That's it for now.
Have a great pain free week and keep working towards your goal of not thinking about your knee anymore. When this happens, you are normal again.

 

[sistersinhim]

You are coming along quite well! And very sensible pt, too. You'll do just fine!
That tight, rubberband feeling is a common complaint. I'm pretty sure it's swelling inside your knee. The best thing for that is the same ole same ole...rest, ice and elevate!

 

[kneeper]

I can put on socks much easier, and basically being able to perform many ADL activities with much less discomfort or effort.

There ya go!

 

[KarriB]

Sounds like you’re doing great! That tight band feeling disappears at different times for different people. For me it was around 4-5 months post op.

I agree about the biking at 0 resistance. It really kept my knee loose.

 

[Beckadeez]

I, too, am better able to do things in the mornings. I get the tight band feeling in my knee as well. It’s just swelling. If I rest a while, it gets better, but is best when I first get up. Hang in there. It will get better.

 

[Schenk]

Thanks for all your help and support.

 

[Schenk]

Hi friends,
Just finished week 9 of my journey.
In general, I am doing OK.
Aside from tightness around my knee, no real pain to speak of.
ROM continues to improve slowly.
I experience discomfort to varying degrees depending on how much activity I do.
A couple of days during the week were challenging.
I notice that since I've been going up and down the stairs using both legs equally, my comfort level has deteriorated somewhat.
As a result, I've gone back to elevating and icing several times a day.
I'm still doing my PT either on land or in the pool, but not both on the same day.

I'm trying to remain positive, which is occasionally a challenge.

Wishing you all a happy and pain free week.

 

[SusieShoes]

Two months is a challenging place to be. You feel better, and your knee feels better, but not yet better enough. You can do a lot, but will still pay for it. You’re wise to know you still need to rest, ice and elevate often.

I like how you alternate land and pool activity. Just enough each day, and not going overboard.

 

[Schenk]

Forgot to say that sleeping is still a major challenge for me. It's as though i've forgotten how to sleep in a bed.