Hi All, I have been on here before about my knees, I had both replaced 12 weeks ago, I still have bad pain at night, only get a few hours sleep sometimes I have pain all day, I am at the stage I really wish I didnt have them done and put up with what I had before was better than this, when I get out of bed or up off a chair I have to hold onto something for the first few steps, standing, sitting or walking for to long is no good either and causes me to suffer afterwards
Because you don't have any break like those with just one leg done, you will likely need more time to heal. I used a crutch up to nearly 3 months. Bur I always had an option to favor my tkr knee and not put all the weight on it. I do know what you are talking about with getting up after sitting. It's a stiffness that finally goes away when you get to a certain extent of healing. I would have been much less happy having both done together. I don't think most surgeons will do both at the same time. I still have to watch not to walk too much as well.
Hi Robyn.... that's so hard for you.. Where is the pain..... Im 14 weeks and have pain in the outer side of my knee and still number. I massage my knee a lot and ice 5 times a day..
.Does icing help you. It is a long recovery....Shaz
Omg u sound like me. I had my surgery 8 10 and nothing has gone right for me. I went to PT and was told I have no mussels my leg now. I have been going to PT since day one. I came home went to the phone and called my doctor and im still waiting for the return call.
I think you can double your recovery time, for every thing that would take someone else a week it will take you two, so if your at 12 weeks check what you would be at six and that's probably the same as you.
Your going to struggle more than other do, try to get physio that will really help but don't push to hard, some hydrotherapy will also help.
Heat and ice as well.
Yes Sharon icing does help a bit, I do it often, the pain is similar to arthritic throbbing I had before the op
Hi Alexandria, I had my op at one hospital and then they transfered me to another for 2 weeks physio which was great 2 hours of more per day.
I still do some at home, and ride the excersize bike, I ice after excersize, must try the pool though.
I'm sure given time you will get there, just try the pool and don't over stretch yourself, let pain be your guide
Hi Robyn,
Perhaps a neoprene knee compression sleeve...it is specifically made to cradle to patella, knee cap. One should be available from the pharmacy. you will need to measure the circumference of your knee in order to determine the correct size.
It is best to elevate your knee above your heart while placing a frozen gel ice pack beneath the knee as well as on top of the knee for an hour while you read, telly, chat, knit or whatever.
The gel packs are flat, come in various sizes and are available from the pharmacist without a script.
Then extend your leg straight up and hold it up for 30 seconds. Now slip the sleeve on. Be sure to properly allow the sleeve to cradle your patella, the knee cap. Flex your knee a couple of times to ensure that your patella is able to properly glide without impingment.
In about another hour you should have much less discomfort and pain. You may sleep in the sleeve. You may walk in the sleeve.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier walking and range of motion exercises will become because the swelling will come way down.
Kind regards
Judith
Hi There All TKR Patiens,
This morning I managed to get out of bed at 08:00 and shower with BBC news then to walk to my local Starbucks 500 meters from my town-house without forearm crutches. What I want to say is that TKR-morning-stiffnes and the first-steps sucks! That's why I usually drive. Again, the morning stiffness with reduced bending and not walking but 'hopping' downstairs. None of this I did expect three years ago before the operation, befere they started to cutting (sawing) off my old femur and tibia. Maybe more pre-operation information is needed regarding post-op pain, stiffness and hopping down-the stairs. Bangkok-Johnny
I have mentioned this many times are you icing both knees and having hot baths?
I do expect getting in the bath having both knees done is not so easy.
I had only one knee done, but for around 12 weeks with icing and hot baths every day from the same day I came out of hospital. 2 to 3 times a day taking a hot bath
I felt just as you have written very down.
I hope your body is just taking more time to heal as you had both knees done.
It's an ugly recovery.
You need two of these Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff with Cooler.
Keep your chin up
I know how you feel . . . I am not nearly two years on from the TKR, and believe me in the end it is worth it. I so well remember thinking why, o why did I ever have this done! Try to look ahead, to a few months away from now, when things will be beginning to get back to normal, and the knee is no longer the one thing that seems to rule your life. It will happen! Honestly! It's a horrible operation, and I only had one done. Two must be double trouble! aAll the best, and I'm sure you'll start to feel the advantages in a few more weeks!
Regarding sleep...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/trouble-sleeping-post-tkr--539591
My first few steps are always an adventure. Remember that our quads and glutes have virtually atrophied. Gotta build those muscles up from scratch. Need to get stronger. Read the Exercise Section...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
I was wondering about sleeve, brace, or whatever. Home physio told me I could sleep in it. Felt good after 1st night, but then I got unsure if I was doing the correct thing for healing. I'm on 7th week, and knee as stiff as ever. Even wore it while driving, but felt like boa constrictor. Feel like I can't win. I can. Ascend stairs ok, but grimace on the way down. Only hope now is outpatient PT starting next week. What a bummer, and I hate my surgeon.
What country are you in Judy, I did 2 weeks in patient PT and 2 weeks outpatient, I really missed it when I had finished
I agree there, the Doctors dont really give you the information on post op pain, mine told me there would be a bit of pain but they would control it with medication, that never happened right from the night folowing my op I have not had a decent nights sleep and trying to extract pain killers from the Doctors is another subject
I agree.
Hi Judy
You are in the aggravating stage of recovery...not an invalid, but nit really up and about either.
Yes, you can sleep in the sleeve.
So, when you have been up and it swells...time to remove the sleeve, massage with lotion, elevate, and ice before you pit the sleeve back on.
Coming down stairs, turn to face the banister with the TKR on the outside. Lead with the TKR when descending. So, TKR steps down, good leg steps down ro same step TKR is on, TKR steps down, good leg steps down to step TKR is on ...
boa constrictor means it is swollen and needs elevation and ice...are you driving with the TKR leg? I hope not because it is a bit soon to drive with it.
hugs
I had bilateral TKR almost ten weeks ago. I also have a good bit of pain at night which keeps me from getting much sleep. I use a small flat pillow between my legs, and that helps some. When the discomfort wakes me, I get up and walk to the bathroom and then I can usually sleep again. But I usually only sleep an hour or so at a time. Are you able to take pain meds like oxycodone? And do you use ice packs? Icing really helps me. Do you have PT and an exercise program? If I overdo, I pay for it with pain. Standing up from a low chair is difficult--I stand still till I feel like I have my balance.
I just think this is a long, slow recovery process. But I do think that I am a bit better each week. So, even though it's frustrating, I think all we can do is hang in there and know that it will get better. It's not easy, is it?
You are describing me exactly, although I am almost 10 weeks 