I am now 10 weeks from the and getting much better. Not sure what my numbers are but at last Dr ck he said 130 bend but couldn't straighten totally. With tops from Chico and others I can almost lock my knee straight.
Now the real reason for this post...my 50 yr old niece is having tkr July 17 and her doctor told her she should be able to go back to work as a special needs teacher on Aug 17! I am so upset. I think she is going to be very disappointed. Has anyone here returned to work in 4 weeks? Can you drive in 4 weeks?
I want to guide her to this site but It would not be appreciated. I guess I'll wait until after her surgery.
I am 4 months post op and thankful that I am retired. Can't image going back to work. At 4 weeks I couldn't drive and a big factor in that is my incision wasn't completed healed!!! I don't know too many folks (here in the US anyways) that can drive at 4 weeks.
I didn’t go back until 12 weeks and that was a struggle. 2months is too soon
I'm 17 weeks post TKR, started driving 2 weeks ago and due to go back to work 4th June. I had an MUA in March. Though everyone is different I really don't think she will be back after 4 weeks.
It seems based on what Mat said and my ongoing TKR'S in the US once you get released from the hospital your on a blood thinner and you have a therapist come by several times a week to help get your knee mobile again. The goal is to get you to be able to bend 90 degrees the reasoning once you hit 90 should you get in an accident the knee will not get damaged.The time is approx. one month. It is a PIA not being able to drive but trying to get in a car with a knee that does not want to bend is not fun either. Well I would guess if she goes back after 4 weeks she is going to be in lots of pain its just to soon.
Don't think she will be able to return to work as you are still in a lot of pain as you know yourself it does take time
I was driving at 4 weeks, but just short distances. didn't go back to work til 7 weeks. But job is not physical and I sit a lot. She will know if she's ready or not..
Thanks everyone for your input. I want to help my niece to have a more realistic expectation of recovery. Unfortunately my niece and sister think I am being discouraging. Maybe she will reach out to me after the surgery when reality sets in. I really hope she is one of the few that recovers quickly.
Well I went back to work at 2 weeks (and driving), but I work 5 minutes away and have a desk job and flex schedule. So I think it totally depends on your work and also everyone's recovery is so different.