Im into my 8th week, get very exhausted after doing ordinary household things,cant stand on legs too long,halfhour-5mins later need to sit.I cant stand this feeling.
Is this going to improve? Bloods ok. Some swelling remains after being on feet,goes down at rest... I have such motivation but lack energy...Peobably need to start going to Gym..
Had left knee done last year,don't remember feeling like this...
You are only 8 weeks. You have just been through a very traumatic surgery and your body needs rest to fully recover. I remember feeling the same way. Just because you recovered faster the time before doesn’t mean you will do the same this time. Each surgery is different.
I just went to my 3 month doctor visit and I thought I should be doing much better than I am but they gave me really high marks. I think we always think we should be recovering faster than we really are. You must give yourself some grace.
What does your surgeon say about your recovery? Are you in PT and if so what is their assessment of your progress? If you are done with PT then the gym is always a good idea to keep your ROM going.
It takes time to get your energy back...just be patient and remember....BABY STEPS.
Hi Nora - we are at the same place -my surgery was 11-7 so I am 8 weeks P.O. as well. Agree, just doing minor household chores wears me out and then the swelling comes - so sometimes feel its a no win situation but everyone on this site promises that it gets better so I am praying that comes around soon. I use to be very motivated and energized but just cleaning my bedroom today wore me out and have been icing ever since.. Good luck to you ,
I read these posts and think thank God that's the same as me. I had my left TKR done 5 weeksago. My right leg TKR done 11 months ago. Both recovery are so different. The only consolation is I DO know it's a long journey with ups and downs along the way. At least I don't get disheartened when all of a sudden it's 5 steps forward 10 steps back. So then the ice comes out comfy chair leg elevated pain killers and remote control firmly in MY hand. Tomorrow is another day 🤔
You may need to speak to your surgeon or physio team about that as I'm 8 weeks PKR on right knee and I started doing housework cooking etc from day 3 of being home from hospital I've also recently taken my son out for the day and walked for 5 hours so you shouldn't be having those problems now should be feeling stronger you might just need some guidance from physio to help you a little though all the best
My PT states as well as doctors state every knee is different but generally it takes 1 yr to heal. I am 5 wks out and I run a low grade fever all the time and am anemic from this surgery. Everyone is different. Remember, it was major surgery and our bodies are in shock!!!!
Bless you! Can you tell me what kind of anesthesia you had and was it a good outcome for you?
Thank you.
Kathryn
Hi Nora - How I would love to be in your position. I had a TKR on June 3rd, have a flex of around 65 degrees and extension of -10...I underwent an MUA (bend whilst sedated) 5 weeks after surgery and am now preparing myself mentally (it wasnt much fun) for another. The latest from my surgeon is, its my fault for creating too much scar tissue, too quickly !
As my leg wont straighten, I still need one crutch to walk, or its a significant hobble if I dont.
After my MUA I rented a CPM machine that bends the leg. With the aid of painkillers, I would start my 2 hour session at around 65 degrees and eventually hit the mid 90's. I did this for 4 weeks, twice a day and am no better of from it. Im still exercising to try to get my leg straight and it still hurts like hell thereafter some 7 months post-op.
In summary therefore; I appreciate your frustration, but strongly advise you adjust your expectations and dont push yourself too hard. Be realistic..I was determined to be driving after 4 weeks and it took 3 months.
We all heal at different rates, many taking a year plus....As someone told me on this forum: Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.. By contrast I have a friend who cycled in for his 3 week, post-op followup !!
Best Regards - Peter
Thank you Nananikki for your reassuring words,yes everyone tells me I should be patient.
Surgeon happy with movement,got "high marks" too as you say.
I think I need the gym now to increase fitness gradually. Physio finished now,she was very happy but I do need to spend more time with strenghening legs...i think its the legs that are weak, Ijust cant kee on them for too long...like ? 40mins or so.
Probably need to pace yourself and be patient, not easy, i know!
I started the following thread at 6 weeks, which is similar to 8.
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/magic-six-weeks--587707
It is still early days!
Around 3 months is commonly the next step up, in terms of energy and recovery...well, just based on my own experience!
Be Kind to yourself and hold back a bit, your body is working very hard!
Thanks MarieMichelle..its discouraging isnt it when you are motivated but just cant get the energy to match.
Ditto. just changing my bedsheets was a big deal !! hoping things will pickup.
I think a bit of gym committment may help me.
unbelievable but happy for you that you could walk for 5 hours!!! Perhaps you were quite fit preop
I used to do an awful lot of walking before surgery and I run around after my children but I have a very stubborn nature and I'm too independent for my own good at times I don't like asking for help so I'm very determined and strong willed too hope you find something to get strength in your legs hun and good luck remember though we all heal at different rates
Wow that’s not very typical at all to be able to do housework three days out of TKR - you’re very lucky to have healed and recovered so quickly. . I’m a couple of weeks ahead of you and have just been able to resume (some) barn chores and housecleaning in the past two or three weeks - indeed we all heal and recover at different rates.
Oh Peter I feel for you! I’m 10 weeks out, bend at 75 degrees but can mostly straighten. MUA is being considered.....I am really hoping that it helps me but very nervous about it.......Did you get any benefit from it at all?
Wishing you the best of luck with your next MUA....I’m thinking I also create a lot of scar tissue....terrible that you’re being put at fault for that! 😕
Hi Nora, everyone’s journey is so different. I’m almost at 8 weeks and am unable to walk very well. The knee is becoming easier but I still struggle to do much around house. OS advised that some people recover within 6 weeks but most are around the 3 month mark.
Prior to operation I was very active I was in gym 3 times per week and walked lots and worked full time and I thought this would help with recovery but no such luck.
It’s hard not to compare but everyone is so different. Good luck with your recovery. Rest when you can.
Very normal Nora for the stage of recovery you are in. This will improve with time. My job became exercising, resting, ice and elevation. At 8 weeks the lack of sleep was enough to make me tire easily. I did exercise, stretch, Several times a day, rode my stationary bike every day and walked outside weather permitting or inside if necessary.
i would make sure after, I went and laid in bed, elevated, iced and rested.....napped if I could. I was very active prior and became frustrated several times....that is when I over did it and had a set back. Take your time, but be consistent it will come in time.
i will be 2yr post TKR in February 2018. best thing I ever did. I have continued to go to the gym at least 2 time per week and keep my weight down.
Pam
Hi Nora, just listen to your body. You cannot judge your recovery by anyone else's & don't even try! Your knee is in charge now & will let you know if you do too much. Just take care of yourself & don't try to run before you can walk, please excuse the pun!! If you try to do too much your body will let you know, you really don't want to be set back!
Have patience, I know how difficult that can be but you have to take it as it comes. It is what it is!
You've had brutal, slice & dice surgery, everyone recovers at different rates. Heck even with the other knee I found this recovery so far (am only 2 weeks today) totally different to the last.
Just go with the flow & get to the end of your journey in one piece. You WILL do it, just don't rush it!!
Happy New Year to you
Marilyn
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