# 4 weeks post opp
**URL:** https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145
**Category:** Bones, joints and muscles
**Tags:** Knee problems
**Created:** [30 March 2015 02:56 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145 "2015-03-30T02:56:39Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 02:56 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/1 "2015-03-30T02:56:39Z")
I had total knee converted on March 2 2015
But had partial knee on Dec 01 2014 and had some poping and locking.
My question is after total knee. How long does it take to get bend and reduce stiffness? I do eccerise wvweyday but bend is not good. I'm like 85-95 depend if I take a pill. Anyone know any good exverise? Have some but seems they don't have any results. Anyone know any better? Also can't sleep good. Anyone have any good ways to help?
I go Os on Tuesday. Worried about what he say. Can't walk good witb out device. Just anyone want to talk. I'm olny 37 and afraid.:: Regular phyco will stat after Easter. And I admitt I'm scared.
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 03:13 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/2 "2015-03-30T03:13:47Z")
You are far to early I'm the process to worry about progress. Keep up with routine....pain meds, excercise, ice and elevation. Male sure you are getting plenty water and good nutrition. Sleep at this stage is very hard to come by so be sure and rest at every possible opportunity. A tired body just doesn't heal like a rested body. Give yourself time without feeling like you are on a schedule.
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_643216](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_643216)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 03:17 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/3 "2015-03-30T03:17:14Z")
Why drink lots of water? I know it's good to drink water but does it have any benefit to do with tkr?
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 03:31 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/4 "2015-03-30T03:31:17Z")
Being anxious is only natural. It is a big operation and takes a long time to heal. I'm 9 wees out (my operation was Jan 26) and I'm doing well, but there is still pain and stiffness. I think the excercise bike is what helped me the most. At first you will probably not be able to go all the way around. Don't force it. Just try to relax and go back and forth to loosen things up. It will swell and ice it! maybe take a day off and try again the next day.... Go slow especially at first. I can now ride my real bike but it has been 9 weeks. I am 57. One thing about sleep. Sleep anytime you can! and best of luck. Keep in touch on this blog. There are a lot of caring people here. Don't let the pain keep you awake. Use your painkillers as directed by your doctor.... IT WILL GET BETTER!
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_508015](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_508015)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 05:59 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/5 "2015-03-30T05:59:47Z")
Staying hydrated helps reduce swelling
right OFG (hope you're feeling better)
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_608045](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_608045)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 06:52 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/6 "2015-03-30T06:52:04Z")
Hi Sonnysgirl
Post op 6weeks
As this forum is very good indeed for info ... I do find if you follow everyones if will totally confuse you
Do exactly as your Physio says ...The only advice I can give is don't over do it because different things will just kick in day by day
Myself I'm walking unaided ,pain free ,driving and lots of other little things
But I do still get swelling ... It's your body and it will let you know when It will do something.. It will just happen and you will be so pleased with yourself GOOD LUCK
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_630690](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_630690)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 08:56 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/7 "2015-03-30T08:56:02Z")
Still early be patient. I am nine weeks and getting there. You start to see improvement and hopefully sleep about five or six weeks.
Exercises are online - stepping dipping stretching etc all good but need to be done correctly. Physio advice will help.
Bending on bed is good and bracing downwards essential.
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_608062](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_608062)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 09:44 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/8 "2015-03-30T09:44:59Z")
Hi John hope you are well. Can I ask when you started driving again? I am tomorrow 4 weeks post op still have pain obviously but bend is really good and I cam walk unaided too
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 12:59 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/9 "2015-03-30T12:59:44Z")
The ones I take is Nucynta they don't make me sick. I had a partial doc 1 and went bad dec 18 had to suffer then get total. But it's been a roller coaster. And I can't sleep good. Toss turn and get irritated. Thanks for the advice. Xxxx
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 13:04 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/10 "2015-03-30T13:04:45Z")
Thanks John. Would love to be able to bend. I get so frustrated.
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 13:12 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/11 "2015-03-30T13:12:53Z")
Thanks I just fill like I am set back. Cause when I had partial. I thought I was going good. Then started to pop. And the pain is worse from total. I try the eccerise but they hurt bad. Bend on bed is hard. Sometimes I want to cry. And sleep I don't know what that is. Cause I just nap here and there. To get the flex I set in recliner. Cause can't get comfortable in any other place. its just so frustrating Just sitting around.
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 13:14 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/12 "2015-03-30T13:14:08Z")
I drink lots water and kool aid. As far as I've well I tey. Agervate me after a while. Xx
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 13:51 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/13 "2015-03-30T13:51:40Z")
I started to answer this then saw Suzi gave the answer. Dehydration causes the soft tissue structure to stiffen and get tight thus making movement more difficult to achieve. One of the older pro golfer always drank a lemon/lime drink while playing because he was convinced it made the tissue in his fingers feel stringier and gave him better control and touch with the club.
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_643216](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_643216)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 13:59 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/14 "2015-03-30T13:59:34Z")
Thanks. That makes sense. I was drinking lots of water the first few weeks post op but have cut back a lot for no reason. That's when things started to get stiff and 'ripping' noises started happening when I do certain exercises. I will definitely make an effort to drink more water. It certainly won't hurt! Thanks.
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 14:10 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/15 "2015-03-30T14:10:33Z")
I would say it takes about a year before you can begin to feel the benefits of TKR. Sorry if this sounds a long time.
Sarah
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 14:20 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/16 "2015-03-30T14:20:53Z")
Just stick with water. Sugars and artificial sweeteners are not helping the elasticity in the joint and connective tissue. It's better to just sip a little as you go through the day and not just guzzle large quantities at one time. Google the renal system and read how fluids work their way through your system and how the kidneys clean and eliminate toxins from the body. Even pain meds are less effective without the proper amt of fluids
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_608045](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_608045)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 14:55 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/17 "2015-03-30T14:55:53Z")
Hi Shirley
Started driving after about 4 weeks
it's all about confidence and comfort of course
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 15:10 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/18 "2015-03-30T15:10:58Z")
Oh lord... That's sounds like long time. Can't wait to truly be able to bend.
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### Author:  [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 15:51 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/19 "2015-03-30T15:51:27Z")
There are a couple of additional factors....pain meds and havin a clear head and the ability to focus while driving and the dangers of being in even the smallest accident that could jam the knee into the steering wheel causing secondary injuries. My doc prefers 6 weeks.butvhectakes a conservative approach to every part of the process
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### Author:  [@nh\_user\_508015](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_508015)
#### Post date: [30 March 2015 20:48 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/4-weeks-post-opp/388145/20 "2015-03-30T20:48:13Z")
A year? I do hope you're right! I'm 21 weeks on Thursday. Some days i think see light at the end, then something flicks a switch and I'm back to stiffness and discomfort. Sitting on the bus going to work at the moment, i have nerve pain below the knee which is annoying. No walk for me today as I'm resting it after a long walk yesterday. I tried to treat it like a normal leg for a few weeks. - big mistake! Frustrating
when we get the op we're told 6 weeks and we'll start to feel better that should be 6 months!
I was very fit before the op and still think i made a mistake in having it... I'm hoping that will change!
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