TKR Sudden cramp like pain walking down stairs

[Rockgirl4]

I had my 2nd TKR Sept. 19. I needed the walker 100% of the time at 4 weeks. By 5 weeks, I was using a crutch most of the time and the walker only first thing in the morning when I was most stiff. I'm almost 6 weeks out now, and I don't need either, but it's ROUGH when I first get out of bed in the AM.

Thankfully, my balance came back and the pain dropped significantly all at once around 5 weeks post-op this time. Or I should say I went from watching the clock for pain meds to now sometimes forgetting doses and regretting it. Everyone is different, and I definitely remember needing a walker for the first 5 weeks in 2019 after TKR #1.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you everyone. You do really have to listen to your body don’t you? I’ll stick with one crutch at home, but two when out, although my outings so far are only the PT sessions! I’ve rescheduled my next PT session to next week as I can’t face that awful group class torture chamber session……….hopefully it will be better than it looks!

 

[ouchie!]

Hello lovely Bonesmarters. Is it okay to ask questions on my post? I’ve been reading a lot about ice machines on here. I’m in the UK and I wondered if they are worth the money and any recommendations of which to buy, if that is allowed? Thank you.

 

[mendogal]

Oh @ouchie! this is totally the right place for questions! (Also updates, worries, wonderful milestones... everything about your recovery!)

When I had my ACL surgery over 20 years ago my insurer provided the loan of an ice machine. So when booking my first knee replacement last year, I knew I wanted to buy one.
I have the Bregg polar ice cube. It's budget friendly and low tech - just on and off switches.
One thing I love is that instead of having to keep buying ice and dumping it out, you just put in cold water to the fill line, then add four 16 oz plastic bottles of water you've frozen ahead of time.
When the water bottles have thawed, pull them out and take another four bottles out of the freezer.
I had a total of 12 bottles to never run out, but you can make do with 8!

 

[WFD]

I have the Bregg polar ice cube. It's budget friendly and low tech - just on and off switches.
One thing I love is that instead of having to keep buying ice and dumping it out, you just put in cold water to the fill line, then add four 16 oz plastic bottles of water you've frozen ahead of time.
When the water bottles have thawed, pull them out and take another four bottles out of the freezer.
I had a total of 12 bottles to never run out, but you can make do with 8!

I have the same machine and find that 8 bottles is enough, with only four in the freezer at any one time. I have the freezer set to run at -5 to -10°F, so they freeze pretty fast. If your family is anything like mine, freezer space is hard to come by.

 

[WFD]

Also, I find I have to change the water in the unit (not in the bottles) once a day or it gets slimy. It's really hard to clean out the tubing and pad if you let it go any length of time.

 

[mendogal]

Also, I find I have to change the water in the unit (not in the bottles) once a day or it gets slimy. It's really hard to clean out the tubing and pad if you let it go any length of time.

If I recall correctly from our prior conversation you're on well water? Definitely a concern to note.
Those of us with access to treated water (as via municipal or county pipes) shouldn't have that problem. I changed the water and purged the pad and tubing once every 3 to 4 weeks purely as a precaution.
I think folks living where the water is high mineral content may need to flush the pad and tubing more often.

 

[Rockgirl4]

I have the same Bregg Polar Cube that I used for my first TKR in 2019. It's worth its weight in gold. I used it for 5-6 months back in 2019 though the first 3-4 months were by far the worst. I can't imagine going through any knee surgery now without one. I've had 12 knee surgeries in 25 years, so I've been able to see how they've evolved over the years.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I’ve managed to find a Breg Polar thingy. Very hard to find suppliers in the U.K.! It’s interesting how different US health care is to the U.K. We have the National Health Service which is free to use, funded by taxes, and private healthcare which is self funded or insurance, but I’ve found the NHS healthcare better than privately funded, at least in my experience. Thank you again.

 

[ouchie!]

Hi, everyone, another “how long is a piece of string” question!

When did you feel comfortable driving again. I’m at nearly 7 weeks and don’t feel anywhere near ready. I have so much swelling I don’t feel my knee can cope just yet.

Also what do you think about stationary bikes? Are they safe to use and for how long per session?

Thank you everyone.

 

[Jockette]

I was blessed to have a retired husband with me when I had my PKR, so I didn’t have to drive until he had an eye appointment, and would be dilated, when I was 11 weeks post op. Even after that I didn’t drive much because I just didn’t have to.

Stationary bikes can be helpful but are not essential. I didn’t have one. I used one a couple of times at PT, between 3-4 weeks post op, but to be honest, it was too early for me and caused me a lot of resultant swelling! If you try one, keep it to just a couple of minutes at first, take a day off between sessions, to see how your knee reacts. If all is well, increase the minutes very few at a time.

 

[Layla]

Hi ouchie, I hope you had a nice weekend.
Once you have better mobility and sufficient strength and control of your knee, you'll feel more confident driving. The confined space and inability to change position easily does make it very uncomfortable. When you're feeling up to it take a few short drives to test the waters and see how it feels.

As far as the stationary bike, you'll need adequate range of motion and the swelling you described will likely not allow that right now. Hopefully you're icing and elevating on a regular basis. Once you get the swelling down, start slowly to make sure your knee handles the movement without pain.

If you use the SEARCH at the top right of the page and type in key words, such as "stationary bike" all threads where its been mentioned will show up, if you're interested in reading what other TKR members had to say about using a stationary bike.

I hope you have a great week, ouchie!
@ouchie!

 

[mendogal]

With my first knee I don't think I drove for nearly three months - I was doing fine but super cautious!

Second knee, I was ok driving at 7 weeks. It was my drivers side knee and the hardest part was flexing hip and knee enough to get into the drivers seat!

My first knee, I could use the stationary bike at PT pretty quickly. My second knee, I barely did formal PT. The turning radius/seat distance on the stationary bikes at my gym is really awkward for a short person with limited flexion, so every couple of weeks I tried it but was unsuccessful for a few months - to flex enough the seat was too far back for my feet to be on the pedals

It's a useful tool IF used only within one's comfort range. It's by no means essential.

 

[EalingGran]

I didn't drive until about 12 weeks. Just really careful- as we live in a busy London suburb and I was worried in case I had to slam on the brakes and jar my knee.
I also used crutch/ then a walking stick for months because I was scared of falls and our pavements are uneven due to old tree roots. Plus it is very busy and a stick signalled to people to give me space.
These are totally individual decisions and there is no right or wrong.
There is no benefit in giving up the walking aid- if it makes you fearful or risk falling. Don't feel pushed to do anything that doesn't feel right for you.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you very much you guardian angels. Always some great advice.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you all so much.

Had a really bad painful night last night, my leg felt like it was on fire. Looking back, it had been a busy day. In the afternoon had my hair done by my hairdresser who comes to my home, so I was sitting on a chair, knees bent for 2 hrs on and off. I usually lie on my bed in the afternoon, leg stretched out, so had to miss that. I am a carer for my husband who has dementia so on my feet a lot today (he was in respite care for a month whilst I recovered). Then we had a power cut last night, so was struggling to find the candles but found them and got them lit. Husband was very anxious and frightened.

Then he wet himself (he does wear pads) so had to sort that out which entailed a couple of trips up the stairs which made me cry as I was in pain and exhausted. Annoying thing is we do have a care package for him but he’d been doing so well we cancelled the evening visit - what a fool I was! I won’t be doing that again. So all night my knee was sore, hot and throbbing. I am already resting, elevating and icing to try to calm everything down. Getting up and walking is so painful. Is this normal? I’m having a check up with consultant tomorrow so I will discuss with him. I would so like your opinions. Today is week 7.

 

[Jockette]

Unfortunately, increased pain after a day like that is normal.

I’m so sorry about your husband. I understand. I have back issues which flared up big time while I was taking care of my husband. It’s so sad to see them in such a state.

I hope your consultant will be understanding. Sometimes they want a certain recovery criteria and forget that regular life happens while we’re recovering, which can affect our recovery. You are doing the best you can, for you, and for your husband.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you Jockette, that is very reassuring. With increased pain you think is there something wrong, or is it just a reaction to doing too much? He’s up in the garage having a sort out whilst I’m lying on the sofa trying to recover! The joy of being a carer………

 

[EalingGran]

Agree with @Jockette that the pain sounds pretty normal given all that you are having to do as a carer.
Can you try to get the evening carer back?
It is understandable to worry but you are still very early on and you are having to do far, far more than most people at your stage. I was still being looked after at week 7 and doing nothing apart from walking rehab, some gentle daily pilates and lots of rest and icing. Really wishing you good luck.

 

[ouchie!]

Thank you Ealing Gran. Luckily the Care Assessor came today and the evening visit is back on board after I told her what happened. My husband always tells them he’s fine and doing everything but I do butt in and put them right! It must be lovely to have someone to care for you. Without me I think he’d be in a care home by now……..