4 weeks out now and still very frustrated with the progress of my knee. This past week I feel I have regressed and the pain has increased. Is this normal?
Hi Frank, it is almost 8 weeks since my op and l have got a bit better each week. The pain is still there, not quite as bad but l am still on strong pain killers, walking without any sticks or aids.
My leg . Knee still feels clumsy and different, numb in parts.....l still wake up about 3.00am but with not as much pain, it will get better and please stay focused .....
Good luck
Vaughan
Tell us more. What exercises are you doing? Are you going to physical therapy? What meds are you on, and do they have any impact? What are your numbers for flexing and straightening? Where is the oain, and when does it happen? All the time? Are you walking, climbing stairs OK?
Hi frank Remember 4wks is still very early stages, don't give up on your exercises they are very important & I use bio-oil which really helps with the tightness. I'm now on my 7wk post op & still get pain in different parts from shin to knee? It all mainly repairing, trauma pain.
Hi Frank
Yes the progress for me was very slow to start with. The healing process just takes time. Hot baths and icing was my only relief. At 15 weeks my knee did not need the icing, the burning was at a low level.
Good healing
Hi Clive I was told no baths or swimming until after 6wks no soaking knee? Showers ok but water not directly on the knee.
Hi Sally
I had the waterproof large plaster on my knee. I started baths 2 to 3 times a day. On the day I got home, to start with keeping the plaster out of the water, then found the plaster was water proof as they put me in the hydro pool, so carried on bathing and putting my leg under the water. As it would not bend laying side to side to have each side of my knee under the hot water for relief. I purchased the ice bucket and knee wrap where you can easily empty and fill it via gravity. I found this very good for pain relief to get to sleep, but then it would get hot and wake me so recycled the water to get it cold, maybe 10 times a night to start with. Then less and less as time went on
Hi Vaughan,
Doingy best to maintain my positivity. The more I read the more I understand. Reckon the meds are not helping the frustration much. I am stretching and doing exercises and using heat and cold. Just thought and hoped by now pain would be a bit less.
Thanx!
Frank
Hi 3kg,
I am doing most of the exercises I have been given, tho some hurt toouch. I do go to PT 2 times a week. On P-cet and sometimes they work and some times not. Bending at 125 and straight at 5. Pain is mostly on sides of knee and the back as well but not every minute, but too often I think. Sometimes so sharp it's like a knife. I am walking and climbing..
Thanx!
Frank
Hi Sally,
I am doing my best to be patient. Just sometimes feel alone in having this type of reaction. I believe the meds aid in bringing doubt into my mind. I will be steadfast and redouble my efforts on my exercises. I have not heard of the bio oil. Is it like bio freeze?
Thanx!
Frank
Hi Clive,
Patience has never been my strong suit, but I am learning. Just felt I was regressing not progressing. I will keep my chin up and look for time to pass.
Thx!
Frank
Hi Sally,
My PT said my scar was healed enough to go into the water at the 4 week mark. I like the water therapy and baths are alright also.
Frank
Hi frank I picked up a small bottle of "Bio-oil" from Sainsbury's, you can get it from any chemists or most supermarkets, it's about £8.50 you might be able to get it on line cheaper ? Good luck !
Strangely it is actually very normal! A really good day often seems to be followed by a bad one. . . but in general, the progress will be towards feeling better. sometimes the regression may be because of a bit too much exercise. . or not enough . . . It's a bit of a mystery really so the best is to just keep going! Eventually, you will be like me! Pain free, and the knee is no longer the only thing I can think about! it will happen . . .
Hi frank what operation have you had done ? I had a trochleoplasty 8 weeks post op now, and I am still at a slow pace of getting better my knee bend is 50 degrees so you are lucky at 4 weeks to have 125 bend wish i was that far on my knee is really heavy and stiff due to scar tissue around the knee hope your recovery is a speedy one take care
Four weeks...one month? You've barely started your journey...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
After your PT gets your ROM back, you need to rebuild your muscles (quads, glutes and core). Read the Exercise Section. Feeling down? Read the Post-Op Depression Section.
You need to be prepared for a long, difficult recovery. I'm eight months out and still working on it...
I will do my best to be positive. I know it is only a month but it is all so different than I could have imagined. I will work harder on patience and keep plugging along. Thanx for the info and encouragement!
Hi Frank
During the first 6 to 8 weeks I did not do the exercises as the pain it caused was too much. So it's a balance based upon how your body heals. At 18 weeks the bend of my knee improves week to week . I could straighten it around 12 weeks.
Keep writing hot and cold, bath and ice wrap was my best relief. Getting in the bath was a challenge during the first weeks