My recovery started off ok but by 6 weeks it all went wrong. PHYSIO diagnosed SYNOVITIS - inflammation of the synovial fluid around the capsule of the joint. Back on crutches and rest. I am so over this recovery roller coaster - thought I would be walking and back at work now. Feeling very down.
That’s miserable and so frustrating when things were going well. It’s natural to feel discouraged and low in yourself. Try to think of some way of treating yourself, maybe have a manicure or get someone to take you out somewhere nice for a coffee, lunch or afternoon tea, or anything that you particularly enjoy doing. Is there anything that you’ve ever wanted to do, but not had the time before? Learning a new craft or hobby, anything to take your mind off your current situation. It will pass. I know that doesn’t help at present, but you’ll get there in the end. Take care and be kind to yourself.
Good morning, Frances. so sorry to hear about your set back. How long for the crutches?
This recovery is apparently a lot more difficult than expected for some from what I have read on this forum.
I am at 9 weeks…still stiff to the point where I am not walking normally…some swelling continues and pain that wakes me at night. I continue with PT 3 times a week, but thought I would be back to most normal activities by now. Not so.
what is the prognosis for your condition at this point?
I agree with Linda…try to find something pleasant to keep your mind occupied during some of the day. Reading has somewhat saved me and treating the person who drove me to PT during the early weeks to lunch. it was a thank you to them…but allowed me to be out of the house as well.
Best of luck
yes I have synovitis as well and not normal in a post TKR do you have a rheumatologist ? maybe you have RA as well?
THANK YOU LYNDA for your kind words - I will go and see a movie this week
Thankyou Kathy - I had a good friend over tonight and had a lively evening so feeling better.
I don’t have RA so no RHEUMATOLOGIST
i also have swelling and warm to touch and i am 9 months post op of left knee. they took fluid but no infection and everything is in place. wish i would never have done this. i have multiple auto immune disease and RA and they figure this is as good as it will get. it is a foreign body and my body is fighting it, wish they would of told me before surgery! USE IT OR LOSE IT! so i will keep on going. good luck everyone.
yeah!!! So glad for u!! sometimes a little social life can lift our spirits!!
yup same here I had a revision and besides the cement not holding it showed I had synovitis and they removed the synovium but the surgeon said it will grow back so like you said my body thinks my joints are the invaders
Dear Frances, Sorry to hear you are not recovering too well can your surgeon help with Synovitis, sorry not heard of this i am 10 weeks post op and still have pain, have been told it is a long recovery but have to listen to your body. Hope you improve, try to stay positive will help with the down feeling. I have taken up making bead bracelets, takes my mind off things and yes try and treat yourself
for me fractured patella age 71 NO SURGERY BUT IT IS IN TWO PIECES ortho think it will be fine 9 weeks now PHYSIO AND THE BIKE I am doing ok still not able to do a straight leg lift PHYSIO said it will come I AM GOING TO THE POOL EVERY THING IS GOOD IN THE POOL ANY ADVICE OR DO ANY OF YOU HAVE A PATELLA IN TWO PIECES FOR EVER
Hello, just read your very kind and thoughtful reply. I am recovering from a total knee replacement and your words are very encouraging. Best wishes Suzanne
thank you
hope I don’t have to have more surgery
I sure you dont, my surgeon said there is not much he can do for synovitis but what did they tell you? They told me it was my RA
I know someone in her 80’s who fractured her patella in November. She’s now back with her walking group, doing short distances, but getting there. I wish you well in your recovery. What helped me with the straight leg lifts after my TKR was to use a therapy band for support when lifting the leg, gradually reducing the support the band gave until one day I could lift it. It was a great feeling. Hang in there, you will do it.
Hi Suzanne
I’m just over 3 weeks from my TKR. I’m glad you found my words encouraging. It isn’t always easy by any means and we all have good and bad days even if our recovery is relatively straightforward. For me, I find it helps to keep a recovery diary and note each time I can do something for the first time, or suddenly realise something has become easier to do, so if I feel a bit fed up, I can look back and focus on the positives rather than sitting and moaning about what I can’t do. That’s not to say that I don’t whinge from time to time!
I wish you a smooth and successful recovery. Best wishes, Lynda
thank you Iamdoing well actually Itripped yesterday so now sore back to ice I REALIZE PATIENCE UNTIL THE KNEE GETS STRONGER
Oh you poor thing. Take it easy and look after yourself. I hope you haven’t done any further damage.