Hey
@BlueSkiesHere -- you wrote on my thread recently, and I have since read yours and agree that we do seem to be with similar recovery experiences! How are you this week? I would think that your pulled ligament at 6 weeks has contributed to a slower recovery for you, starting out. Also, the fact that your doctor says your current pain is bone pain might help ease some anxiety? I have no explanation for mine, except that I am a "slow healer."
I am at exactly 28 weeks and still very sore most of the time. My extended recovery creates some anxiety for me. I have nothing
at all that would prevent me from experiencing a "normal" recovery (like everyone else I know with TKRs) -- I have had very little swelling, I was walking without any assistance at 2 weeks, I haven't limped, and my ROM is good. I can ride a bike comfortably and walk well, but not after a lot of other activity. I simply have pain during the day (not while sleeping), and now it is a dull soreness that can get intensely achy if I have previously overdone things.
When my knee is forced to "perform" such as walking distances in an airport while traveling, or hiking up the side of a mountain (these are rare occurrences), I have learned to medicate a little beforehand. I don't like taking meds and I don't regularly now, but this helps if I am going to be more active. I've been taking a collagen supplement and eating very healthy. I am thin and in good health. I use a TENS unit, but it only helps to take my mind off my knee for a while. I use Voltaren gel before bed. I now use an iwatch to gauge my activity level, and I was shocked recently to see how much I walk while doing ADL. On busy days, it's 2.5 miles, but on average it's about 1.5 miles. That's more than I would have guessed. I really do have to hold myself back from doing what comes naturally, and that's so frustrating. I have been in this holding pattern for many months with little improvement, but I have traveled and hiked on separate weekends, and I know that has slowed my recovery.
I want to offer my support in that we are all in this together, and we WILL come out on the other side! Hang in there and let me know the latest with your recovery. Take care!