Swelling

[boxerlover]

Hi Everyone,

I'm 3 weeks post op today TRKR I seem to be doing ok, but just wondered how long the swelling last's I ice most of the day and elevate but it does not seem any better at the moment. Is this quite normal? I dont see the PT until next week we dont get as much here in the UK.

Karen x

 

[Jamie]

Karen, welcome to The Other Side!!! Swelling can occur for quite some time following knee replacement. In my case, you couldn't see the swelling from the outside, but it was there for at least 6 months. And if I was really active, I might get it somewhat up to a year. It can move around and cause pain in and around your knee and also down the leg around your shin. All this is normal. But it is a sign you need to ice, elevate, and take anti-inflammants. For me, Celebrex or Aleve worked once I was off prescription pain medication. You'll have to find what works best for you.

As new as you are in recovery, though, be sure you aren't cutting yourself short of your prescription pain meds. This is the time you NEED them.

 

[Dawnie]

Karen, I am 8 1/2 weeks and I still get a lot of swelling, I think it's normal and can go on for a good while. XX

 

[Linda2]

When I went for a check-up at the four month mark, my knee still had some swelling (much less bothersome, however, don't mean to alarm you). It lasts a long time for most people and gradually diminishes. Many of us will still have a bit of swelling if we really overdo. Of course, the more conditioned you become, the harder it is to overdo. My old new knee--it's 16 months old now--is rarely upset about anything, and a brief rest will suffice for it. I suspect that it will also become even better as the right knee held back my ability to whip it into shape. Now that I have two stable, secure, functioning knees, I feel like my abilities are downright limitless!

 

[Josephine]

(they!)

 

[rsmith9915]

So, I can look forward to the day my new knee will not swell anymore? I have to ice every nite after I referee basketball games. My OS keeps saying your doing great at 5 months and your refereeing college basketball games. Just keep icing every nite and rideing you bike every morning. I guess he knows what he's talking about because the day after I got my new knee, he told me I would referee again. I've worked 14 games at this time, and everything is getting better everyday.

Thanks for all the support from everyone here.

 

[Josephine]

Ever heard that saying "every day in every way, I'm getting better and better"? Well, it's true!