So, 3 weeks post op tomorrow, gradually decreasing painkillers during the day, but not at night, don't know why but the pain seems to be worse then. Managed 100 degree flexion at physio on Monday, and am doing my exercises and icing religiously, but the knee seems to have gotten really stiff these last couple of days, is this normal?
I remember being told that at 3 weeks I would feel a difference and I did. Even at night, though, yes, the pain was still more intense then. But isn't that the same with any sort of pain...which is why night time pain meds have become so popular, at least in the US. I had no issue with taking Tylenol PM (or a store brand) to help me sleep through the night. Of course, it never really made me sleep through the whole night, but I did get better sleep. Stiffness is unfortunately normal, which is why the stretches and exercises are still important. I had some I would do just because, as in not only during my couple times a day of pt. At almost 20 months post op, I have hardly any stiffness. But I still find myself doing some stretching exercises when I'm sitting still.
I had symultaneous dual TKR (not allowed in the US anymore) and tossed the pain meds after leaving hospital (one day). I also just used over the counter pain meds. I found a leg curl machine to be best for defelction and extension. In a month you should feel way better.
Hi Diane,
100° after 3 weeks, Super and well done. I am 9 weeks PO and got 110°.
After 6 weeks I only had 90°.
Re stiffness and sleep difficulties, it's par for the course, don't panic just keep at the exercises and RICE - Rest; Ice; Compress; Elevate.
Keep on the forum this gang of TKRS are wonderful and supportive.
Take care,
Alan
Diane, WTG 100 degree...how wonderful. Yes, the stiffness comes. I am 20 weeks po and still stiff sometimes in the mornings. The pain is always worse at night...no matter what it is from. Your brain has no distractions. Keep up the good work.
pam
I'm 3 weeks out too and do find my knee stiff today. I am trying to cut back on meds though so I think that is why.
My doc says that stiffness and looking swollen could last up to a year. The stiffness will come and go. Normal. Yay!!! on the 100 degrees so soon. I started at -14/+84; 10 weeks later, I'm -1/+128 (the goal is 0/+120)...but then I'm a rehab freak and take this very seriously. Check my thread "Zero Degrees!!!". Yes, it's really painful sometimes. I got off all the meds in 3-4 weeks...hate the opioids. PT and ice...plus exercises at home.
Hi Diane. I'm 7 weeks post op today LTKR. Swelling has improved as in not as swollen like it was a few weeks ago I just can't sleep at night with the pain either despite taking pain meds, really thought would have eased by now. I'm crying for a night's pain free sleep. 100 degree flexion is very good so early goes to show the exercises are so important. I'm 110 now but was 90 leaving hospital. This night time pain/sleep deprivation can only get better, take care. Nuala