Thank you Layla for the wishes. Now I am doing fine. My surgeon suggested to take Norco every 5 hours, and at bedtime take Tramadol 100mg. This is working well. I’m almost pain free. Can walk without cane, and take stairs as normal. Thought I can but I am not driving yet, since opioids are in my system and if something accident happens, they can be detected. I am continuing my PT. I feel my RTKR is much smoother and faster than LTKR which I had 3 months ago.
TKR TKR vs PKR
- Thread starter DSK
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You will get there eventually. Heel slides are ver useful for improving flexion
Recently my friend had a knee surgery. He said as per his doctor he had undergone TKR of his right knee, and all his paperwork also says TKR. But during follow up, my friend asked his doctor about what parts of the knee were replaced. He was told that femoral and tibial components were replaced and patellar components were untouched. Then how can it be a TKR. My friend got confused and asked me if I know anything. I have no clue.
It could possibly mean that the surgeon didn’t put a patella button on the patella, therefore “patellar components were untouched.” Not all TKRs get a patella button. He should clarify with his surgeon, since he is confused.
I had my LTKR on 9-27/23. I’m almost recovered. But only issue is whenever I tried to wear pants and pull , I cannot lift my knee at certain angle. My OS suggested to continue pain medications( Norco 4-5 times, and Tramadol at night) I don’t know how long. Other than that I’m doing well with both TKRs.
Which date is correct for your left TKR?
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Today my PT had checked ROM on my knees. Left knee is 0/115 ( about 4 months old LTKR), and right knee is 3/118 ( 6 weeks old RTKR). When my left knee was measured on 11/28/23 it was 0/125) and I was graduated from PT that day. Now I’m concerned why the flexion is going down to 115 from 125. Is that normal? I’m doing my exercises regularly. Right knee extension is still at 3 even at 6th week ( from 0 to 3). Any suggestions? I’m walking about a mile and bicycling for 20 minutes at the gym, on top of what I do in PT.
Thanks for the recommendations in advance.
Thanks for the recommendations in advance.
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I don't think measuring ROM is an exact science. Do you see progress in your flexibility in terms of activities? I think that is more important. I guess having the second knee done may have put a bit more pressure on your first knee and slowed it down slightly.
Others who are more knowledgeable may have other suggestions. I wouldn't worry too much but maybe get your PT to suggest some gentle stretches and exercises and ask their opinion?
Others who are more knowledgeable may have other suggestions. I wouldn't worry too much but maybe get your PT to suggest some gentle stretches and exercises and ask their opinion?
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I honestly think that unless you're experiencing symptoms on that earlier knee it's likely increased swelling.
From your description of your activity, that amount of walking and biking plus PT is an awful lot for your 7 week knee! And your older knee is just 4 months post op - it can't do compensate if overdoing things on the new knee is throwing off your structure and causing your older knee to swell. I suggest cutting back on activities, increasing ice and elevation.
BTW.... My focus has always been on functionality in daily life, not on numbers. On my second knee I didn't let PT measure after the first session. Not one person on myy ortho team ever expressed curiosity about numbers with either knee, they just wanted to see me walk and swing my legs and straighten them sitting on a chair or exam table.
From your description of your activity, that amount of walking and biking plus PT is an awful lot for your 7 week knee! And your older knee is just 4 months post op - it can't do compensate if overdoing things on the new knee is throwing off your structure and causing your older knee to swell. I suggest cutting back on activities, increasing ice and elevation.
BTW.... My focus has always been on functionality in daily life, not on numbers. On my second knee I didn't let PT measure after the first session. Not one person on myy ortho team ever expressed curiosity about numbers with either knee, they just wanted to see me walk and swing my legs and straighten them sitting on a chair or exam table.
My OS never asked about numbers, either, he just asked to see what I could do. Measuring ROM is not an exact thing. Each therapist can measure the same knee at the same time and have different numbers. It's not numbers that matter, it's function.
I agree that the swelling on each knee will fluctuate and that is normal. Some activities will cause more swelling than others. Even some foods can cause fluid retention!
I agree that the swelling on each knee will fluctuate and that is normal. Some activities will cause more swelling than others. Even some foods can cause fluid retention!
I agree with the others that you may be overdoing the exercise, which is causing internal swelling --- even if you can't see it on the outside of the knee, inflammation can continue for months.
That said, your range of motion is excellent for less than two months post op! Just read through some other threads of members who had surgery before you and you will see that you are doing really well.
My surgeon actually told me to IGNORE the numbers. In his words, "all you have to do is look at a geniometer to realize how inaccurate any measurement will be." PTs have to document something as proof of service, so the tool isn't going away. But that doesn't mean we should pay any attention to the numbers.
Your knee knows how to recover; you cannot make it go faster by pushing. If you listen to your body, you will do well!
I love this!!! All the stress some of us go through in recovery over a number found through such an inaccurate tool.
Thank you Layla. I am doing well,little or no pain. Two more PT sessions and I am done. I am off the hook of pain medications. I am taking one diclofenac a day. Resumed my Gym routine starting with bicycle and moderate walking . I am retired so I have ample time. I’m thankful to BoneSmart for valuable suggestions. My OS aides me after one year.
I wish all the best to other members who are in recovery.
I wish all the best to other members who are in recovery.
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Great report! Sounds like you are doing really well.
