TKR TKR January 19

[IndigoKnee]

At 5 months now and had been doing well, swelling virtually gone, enjoying walking again and managing 2 miles or more, including hills and rough going. Then, a week ago whilst staying with friends my knee buckled under me 7 times within a few minutes of walking out the door. I would have fallen if not for my walking poles. Now the knee is swollen and I haven’t walked, apart from indoors, since. Very sad and upset just when I was thinking finally that the operation was worth it. Still away from home but will contact my surgeon when I get back.

 

[Layla]

Hello IndigoKnee,
I am sorry you’re dealing with this while away from home. Get lots of rest and ice frequently to help with the swelling. Not sure if you have a target date for heading home, but you may want to schedule an appointment now if your OS is difficult to see on a moments notice. You should check out what’s causing the instability. Until then, be extra careful And please stay in touch.
@IndigoKnee

 

[EalingGran]

Then, a week ago whilst staying with friends my knee buckled under me 7 times within a few minutes of walking out the door. I would have fallen if not for my walking poles. Now the knee is swollen and I haven’t walked, apart from indoors,

That is scary. So sorry to hear this.
Hope you can get to see your surgeon soon and figure out what is causing it. Are you able to ice the knee?

 

[sistersinhim]

What a disappointment to have your knee buckle like it did. Did you recently just start to do all this walking, especially on uneven ground and up and down hills? If so, your muscles probably aren't used to it and are rebelling from the extra stress and are weakening. Usually, when the knee buckles it is a soft tissue problem, but maybe not. Can you see a doctor there that can get your records from your OS? I hope it is just a soft tissue reaction. Rest and a gradual increase in walking should fix that!

 

[IndigoKnee]

No, I hadn’t only just started doing extra walking - I had been very gradually building up and in fact hadn’t done so much walking whilst at friends and that was much more on the level than where I live. Got back home last night so I'll contact the surgeon on Monday. The knee is now giving way just walking round the house with sharp pain when it does so. Thanks for everyone's support.

 

[sistersinhim]

Please let us know what your surgeon says. Something definitely sounds wrong.

 

[IndigoKnee]

Hi all,

I saw my surgeon today and he said I have a tear to the joint capsule. However, the good news is that the knee joint and ligaments are ok. He said the tear would have been caused when the knee unexpectedly gave way but he wasn’t sure why it had given way. So…..I am to carry on with my usual exercises, try and walk as much as I can but reducing the walking if the knee feels sore, then build up again. Also ice and elevate (where have I heard that before) He also said that full recovery from TKR takes 12-18 months, again sounds familiar. Overall I feel reassured. Now that I know what it is I am going to see my Physiotherapist next week and see if she wants to change any of my exercises.

 

[Layla]

Hi IndigoKnee. Thanks for the update!
Well, the prognosis is good and it seems you received good advice.
Glad you feel reassured as there is nothing like peace of mind. Please be careful in Physio and don’t allow them to force you to do anything that hurts.
Enjoy the weekend and keep us posted on your progress.
@IndigoKnee