Hi, it's me again I'm 6 weeks post op and still having to use my crutches as my knee just gives way when I try to put full pressure on it. Physio says I'm doing well but I feel upset as I know someone who is older than me and walking unaided. I am also still not getting more than a couple of hours sleep a night before I have to sit on the side of the bed in pain my hip is so painful at night. Feeling very low right now
Oh dear Diane. Really sorry to hear that you are still having problems...and pain. It's so difficult when you can't even get comfortable. I hope that you are taking something strong for the pain?
I can understand you being worried if the knee feels like it's giving way, but if your physio thinks that you are doing well, then that's a good sign.
We just have to keep at it and hope that eventually we'll be walking somewhat normally, and pain free, again soon.
Take care.
Patsy
Hi patsy,
thank you, I know I need to be more positive but every day seems so long and every night even longer just can't wait to sleep through one night without waking in pain, and to come off these crutches that I have been on for so many years.
Hi Diane, I certainly know how you feel. I am 8 weeks post op and until about 2 weeks ago I was still using a walker as I had a lot of weakness in the quadricep on the bad side. It has finally started to get stronger to the point that I am able to walk around with my cane for support (not leaning fully on it but there for moral support that makes me feel more confident). Is the knee itself giving out - or the muscles in the thigh? I know that that is an awful feeling because you certainly feel like you are going to fall. I still have issues with the bend but the muscle stimulation helped me a lot especially conciously contracting the muscle while the machine was working. Something else that helped me - especially for stairs - where you have to rely on the leg for support - was a brace that did not allow the knee to bend. obviously the goal is to get as much bend from the knee as possible but for those situations - like stairs or uneven pavement - the brace worked wonders on my self confidence. I keep it handy if I am tired after PT or after I've had a lot of walking ... but am getting to (maybe) not need it anymore. Best money I spent! Good Luck and stay positive - I know thats not always easy but the folks on this forum are great. Donna.
Hi Dianne..sorry you feel that way I can relate I spent whole weekend in tears..I'm 4 weeks out and getting discouraged. .but today I woke up and went to pt they said I'm bending better..OK great but I have lots of pain in my lower leg so I told the girl and she got out her magic tape.. that's what I call it..it's tape she uses to hold muscles and parts together I swear it works wonders next time you go ask them about it..just regular medical tape.maybe it will help..I felt so good I came home and walked almost 3 miles..well I'm paying for it icing and pain med now..this site is amazing and no 2 people are alike we all heal differently..please keep positive and know we all are her for you..hope the tape helps..take care Kim
Hi Diane, I am 6 months post op (but I do need my TKR replacing and all my ligaments removing so I know I'm not a good comparison). I still have to use crutches as my leg is bent considerably. Your new knee should be stronger so I know how devastating it can be when its not. My problem is the ligaments and muscles. I have been doing muscle strengthening exercises for months now and although my ligaments are beyond help, my leg does feel stable. Try to concentrate on this. I lift some light ankle weights and also step up the bottom stair using my TKR leg (just do several repetitions of lifting yourself up a step to work the thigh). I bet your leg just needs the other parts to be stronger like mine did. Remember how long your leg was deteriorating prior to surgery? Muscles are bound to weaken.
At 6 weeks this is the worst time. You feel like you should be further along than you are. It will improve Diane. You need to keep the crutches until you feel stronger and more confident.
I've had many a melt down and I know I have many more to come. Just take it day by day. If you work on the muscles you should feel a difference quite quickly as they will be missing the exercise.
Good luck x
I'm 21 weeks po today from new plastic knee cap and metal trochlea. Knee is definitely feeling stronger, I can manage without stick around the house but use it when outside 'coz I've lost my confidence. My problem has been with muscle wastage, especially quads, and my hamstrings are very tight. I'm working hard to build up muscle, my exercise bike has been a godsend, but boy it's a long drawn out journey. I also have fibromyalgia and am menopausal so seem to be in a vicious circle. For weeks now I've been very low and weepy and doc has given me antidepressants but I'm very reluctant to take them. I'm 56 and have never had anything like this before and its all come as a big big shock. I've been off work now since 20 March and wonder if I'll ever return. I just need the old "me" back!
Do not compare yourself with other people. I made this maistake when I had TKR 3 years ago. Another woman who had op same day as me and had same consultant was doing much better than me and was discharged before me. This made me feel really low, but people are different.
Your hip should not be painful if it is your knee you have had replaced.
Maybe you should check this out withyour physio and mention it to them.
I had a lot of trouble sleeping after my op. Something I never really thought would happen, a complete surprise. Maybe I should have epected it.
Take care and keep in touch
Love Sarah xxx
Pam, I think you will take longer if you have fibromyalgia as that affects the muscles doesn't it. Take it easy. Do what you can and you will slowly build up. I am so pleased you have an exercise bike it will really help you. Chin up. Are you also on Pred for your fibromyalgia?
hi diane have you seen your surgeon ?? as usualy here we have to see surgeon at the 6wk mark ive had revision 12mths ago and i found it did take alot out of me after it try not to think about others who you think are doing better as they may not have had to go through what you have been through its like if you were at a fittness class and some people can stretch better than you dose not mean you are not doing the excersise properly its just that we are not all the same .. sleep is really the bane of our lives im still not getting full night but the hip issue it probably is because of the op not sure if the surgeon put in rods as well ?? mine did and so it took longer at everything because of so much metal and remember the forse of this op on the body maybe use the pillow between the legs when in bed to make sure hip is in a better line with your leg make sure also your meds are strong enough and anti inflamatorys are a must i feel for you i was where you are last year but believe me it gets much better i thought id never get to where i am but im so much better now good to have a moan keep up excersises chin up we are all here for you 
It's a slow process getting your confidence back once you've had that scare (knee giving out or feeling as though you might fall). I went to the hospital this morning for my 8 week visit and used just my cane...I have to say that I felt a bit exposed and naked. The leg was fine but I was moving a glacial pacefor fear it might maybe could..give out. It didn't. So next time I hope I'll be that tiny bit more confident... I know some (most?) Is in my head but can't help it.
also diane i too felt i was on crutches on and off for 3 years you get so fed up of them
No, I can usually control it with nurofen, hot water bottle, hot shower and rest. But everything seems to be battling each other at the moment.......knee, fibromyalgia, menopause, depression........aaaargh lol!
I'm so with you on this. About four weeks ago I was out with hubby and knees seemed to hyper extend. If I hadn't have had stick and holding hubby's hand I would have been flat on my face in the street. I was absolutely terrified, as it was I burst into tears in full view of everyone, I felt such an idiot. That really knocked my confidence for six and I think this is always now at the back of my mind and I can't shake it off. I'll never, EVER, take walking for granted again. It really upsets me when I see people walking by my house, or in town, or on tele...... because I so want to be doing the same.
Hi Donna,
Thank you you I will try and stay positive, my knee just can't take the pressure when I'm trying to bring the other leg forward. My physio said its that I have no muscles working to support my knee. I go physio this week I will ask her about the brace. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Diane
Hi Kim,
Thank you I will ask my physio about the tape.
I hope things keep improving for you it sounds like you are doing really well.
take care Diane
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you I really appreciate people's advice and support. It helps knowing your not as alone as you feel.
wishing you a speedy recovery
Diane
Hi Sarah,
i know I shouldn't compare my self to others but it's so hard not too, but like you said everyone is different. I will ask about my hip at my next physio appointment.
many thanks
Diane
Hi Linda,
I don't have an appointment till the end of sept to see my surgeon I have tried to get one earlier but no luck, they did put rods in my leg too. Unfortunately I am allergic to anti inflammatorys. I go to bed every night praying that this will be the night I get more than 3 hours but it never happens. Hoping I will get some sleep soon
typically they (PT) don't like the brace idea as they think you're not working on the ever-lovin' bend... but if you're using it to get around as an interim measure while those muscles are recuperating - I say GO FOR IT. You need to feel secure and confident. I had surgery on the same knee ,many years ago (when I was a sweet young thing) and the Dr at that time insisted I wear the brace until I had at least 90 degree. to protect the knee, etc ... I mentioned the fact that I had bought a brace to my surgeon this morning ... he4 had been on holidays while I was going thru my very bad period ... and he said - no worries - whatever got you thru .... I only use it for stairs and if I am tired ....