TKR TKR concerns

[emmakk]

Hi,apologies for the lax in posting. I love the new PT. Not only are the therapists great but all the other patients are great too. Totally different atmosphere!! I am improving but still a long way to go. My bend is at 112( w their help), so still a bit behind. The dr is not going to do anything about the bakers cyst now. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes not. The leg is pretty swollen still but I do have venous insufficiency, so that creates a problem. The only other thing is that I am very very stiff. I still hobble when I first start to walk. Hoping that improves soon. Overall I am doing so much better

 

[emmakk]

Also I am driving now and will start work within the next couple of weeks!!

 

[benne68]

My bend is at 112( w their help), so still a bit behind.

You are NOT behind at all. You aren't even two months post-op and have lots of time to continue to regain flexion. We have members who reported their flexion at two months was less than 100, but -- with patience -- they went on to have great recoveries.

The leg is pretty swollen still but I do have venous insufficiency, so that creates a problem.

Are you still icing and elevating regularly? That's the best way to bring down inflammation. Try to do for at least 45-50 minutes at a time, multiple times a day.

The only other thing is that I am very very stiff.

Stiffness at your early stage of recovery is completely normal. In fact, more than a quarter of patients still report stiffness at six months post-op. Give it time.

 

[Jockette]

I second everything @benne68 said, and what a blessing to have a PT place you enjoy!

 

[sistersinhim]

I was stiff off and on for at least 6-9 months. I found that as I increased my activities, my swelling and stiffness increased. Once I iced and elevated, my symptoms improved.

 

[EalingGran]

At two months I was definitely still stiff and icing a lot every day. It was probably around 6- 9 months before it had mostly disappeared- but even then I could still feel a bit tight and sore after a particularly heavy day.

 

[Layla]

No apologies necessary in regard to the timing of updates. We're happy to hear from you whenever you have a minute to share a progress report.

Liking the physical therapists and enjoying the camaraderie between PT peers makes for a pleasant experience.
It's good to read that you're doing better, driving and heading back to work in a few weeks. Please let us know how it's going after you've been back for a bit.
Thanks for stopping by, emmmakk, I hope you have a great week!
@emmakk

 

[emmakk]

Oh thank you everyone!!! So grateful for the advice and encouragement!! Yes the icing and elevation are key. I had slacked off on the icing a bit but have now picked it up again. Heading to therapy soon and not even dreading it, but looking forward to it!!!

 

[benne68]

Remember, this recovery is a marathon not a sprint! Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you had a good therapy session on Monday and you're enjoying the week so far.
Take care!
@emmakk

 

[emmakk]

Yes I did!! Thank you. I start work again tomorrow, part time and then will be going to PT. Looking forward to it

 

[EalingGran]

Good luck with your work. Take things as easy as you can. I hope it doesn't involve too much standing. I would definitely try to elevate your leg during any breaks. And possibly take in some of the chemical ice packs.

 

[Jockette]

Be careful not to do too much PT after work, as going to work is like a natural PT session, in and of itself. Here is an article from the Bonesmart Library, Phased Return To Work that will be helpful.

 

[Layla]

Hi again, thanks for the update!
Glad you had a good therapy session. It's nice that you're feeling up to getting back to work part time. I just hope you don't overdo it too soon. Two months is still relatively early in recovery from TKR. I think it's wise you're going back part time initially so you're able to see what you can tolerate. The problem sometimes in returning early is that your co-workers think if you're back....you're back! No excuses, do everything you did before TKR. Naturally a lot of this depends upon what you do at work and how accommodating your superiors and colleagues are. I hope they're understanding if you are struggling a bit at first.

I trust you'll listen to your body in regard to PT. Take it slow and easy. Work and PT may be too much activity in one day for you currently. If it feels that way, please scale back on the PT. We care and want you to heal well.
Have a great week!
@emmakk

 

[emmakk]

Hi, work is going well and everyone has been great. My question now is does anyone have experience with compression sleeves? I do have venous insufficiency in both legs. Prior to surgery, I wrapped them everyday to the knee. The TKR leg is swelling more and PT suggested I try a sleeve. The Dr said ok. So asking for advice and suggestions. Thanks

 

[eaglemom]

That's a great question. I too have venous insufficiency in both legs and have had to do a bit of trial and error to figure it out. I am surprised that the surgeon would approve you putting a sleeve on your newly operated leg. My thinking, and what I was personally told, was that if I felt I wanted to wear compression it had to go at least to my midthigh. No tight elastic band just below the knee. That's what I was told. I think you'll find it very uncomfortable very quickly. Having said that, wearing compression to your thigh presses down on your knee area and can be uncomfortable for some. Thus the trial and error to figure out what works for you.

I'd wear what you have on your unoperated leg for sure and experiment what works on your other leg. For being two months out your doing wonderfully, please don't over do it. That will set you back with swelling and pain, and you don't want either one of those. Ice and elevation are still your BFF's!

 

[emmakk]

Oh I was not clear, the sleeve would be from ankle to mid thigh, full leg. He said I could give it a try. If it doesn’t work, I’ll end it
Thank you for the encouragement!!!