I am now into 6th weeks TKR recovery. I have been walking half a block, going up and down the stairs, doing home exercises religiously as being told to do 3 times a day. The feelings on my knee somewhat. Like rash and go back to stiffness. I'm taking norco and also ice 20 mins on 20 mins off then 20 mins off.
As you will see reading the posts on here , recovery is different for everyone . I can't say some have an easy time but some have it easier than others . You are recovering from a very serious operation , it takes time , do your physio as often as possible but don't over do it . It mat be easier to do your exercises more times a day , but for a shorter period each time . Pain relief is important , use it before the pain gets bad . Enjoy the good days , try to forget the bad days , it will get better . I'm 19½ and 17½ years since my ops , was off work 6 month each time and have had no problems . Good luck , if you have any concerns speak to your Dr or Physio.
This surgery takes forever to heal. I am 10 weeks post op and still have pain, stiffness and problems straightening my knee. Everyone says hang in there it will improve because everyone heals at a different speed. Good luck hope you improve quickly.
Exercise 3 x a day?? Aren't you overworking yourself? That's pitting lots of strain on your new knee and your muscles. Are you going to physical therapy too? I was released yesterday after 11 weeks of PT but I have some exercises to do once a day, supplemented with walking and my regular movement in and out of the car, shopping, etc. don't do too much or you will pay for it. Be careful. Best of luck to you.
2 to 3 time a day is the minimum that they recommend after tkr. It breaks down the scar tissue and builds strength.
Jedi mind trick...that's all. Every one of us has been there too... Hope this picks you up...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-ptsd-569521
I had my first replacement Feb 6 and the second one April 24. I do my exercises twice a day, unless I'm having a busy day....then I do them once. I think you are doing too much. When I do too much, knee gets swollen and achy. I worked really hard and pushed myself to the point of tears with the first knee. I decided to take a more casual approach with the second one, and it's going much smoother. I don't have as much swelling and the range of motion is about the same as it was the first time. I wish you well.
I felt discouraged at six weeks, but at twelve weeks i am over the moon. Just carry on and trust that things will improve. Your knee has its own healing agenda. Keep on...watch some comedy, see people, do things you enjoy which you are able to do. Accept what you cannot do.
I just did exercises once a day, and still do. Then I dotted the occasional one here and there over the course of the day if knee felt up to it. It is interesting what you say about what you have learnt. This pushing to the point of tears business doesn't seem to help anyone. Your more relaxed approach is better physically and psychologically. I think it is really important not to panic, and it is so easy to do that in a first TKR experience. I was fortunate to have physios who didn't install any anxiety in me.
I just wonder if you're overdoing it a tad Mona. I don't know what bend you've got there and I don't know how long you're spending exercising three times a day. But I THINK if I were you, I'd try reducing the daily walking a bit - in my opinion six weeks is still early to walk a fair amount. I sailed through my op but certainly didn't walk that much at six weeks - I waited to about nine or ten weeks before walking much and then was walking for about half an hour and then the following week for about three quarters of an hour but not every day - a couple of times a week. When I did the bend exercise (I never needed to straighten) it was only a few bends in the morning before I got up and then about maybe sixteen over a period of a couple of hours in the evening, on the recliner, while watching tv. BUT - that's all I personally needed to do, so this will vary from person to person and it is important to get the bend and the straightening, so if YOU need to do more, that's a different case. But I think I'd try cutting out the walking to every other day and just see if that helps. The stairs will be putting considerable stress on the knee too, but you have to do them - no choice. I didn't because we live in a bungalow LOL! But by 10 weeks my knee felt normal and I was walking normally and at three months post op it all seems a very long time ago and I don't give the knee any thought generally as I'm walking around. You will get there, but everyone does it at their own rate. It's not something you can force, but you can set yourself back by doing too much. Lots of luck to you:-)))
Thank you. Yes still going to PT. I will use my common sense.
Thank you. This is something what I. Have been looking for. Those words is an inspirational.
I'm at 105 bend
We've all been there. Just hang in...in fact, do better than that. OWN IT!!! Don't let it own you! I'm almost 15 months post-op and I feel very, very good. Working, stairs...basically back to normal. Sometimes it feels warm but no more swelling, tightness or pain. Tingly nerve discomfort when I kneel on it...kind of expected that...hope it goes away in time. I don't think the "clunking" sound will ever go away.
I have about 18 discussions out there; you may find some of them helpful. Just click on my picture and then Discussions.
I am so glad I found this site & especially you, Jenny. I am 5 weeks post TKR & so discouraged. Pain meds don't help me much so when my physio bends my knee or even when I do it myself I scream. My dr led me to believe I'd be back at work & driving in 4 wks. I'm no where close to that & have been feeling like a failure. Your experience gives me hope. Thank you.
Very pleased you found it useful. Be kind to yourself and be kind to your knee! 😊
FOUR WEEKS? Delusional doctor...
There is no failure, only work. Five weeks is still very early. By the time you're done, it will be a year. The worst part is the first 3 months; after that, most people report a very noticeable improvement. Work? Depending on your level of pain and ROM after PT PLUS the kind of job you do...3-6 months, skewed more towards the latter. Most people on here who tried to go back to work too soon, even at a desk job, report lots of swelling and pain, trouble sleeping and then waking up to do it all over again. Better to really heal first.
Discouraged? Don't be. We've all been there. The biggest thing is not to compare your recovery to anyone else's. We're all different. OWN your recovery!!! This may help...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-ptsd-569521
Hang in there. I'm 15 months post-op and I rarely notice it anymore. No pain, swelling, tightness...nuttin'... Still have the "clunking" sound and nerve tingling when I kneel on it but that's it. I climb stairs two at a time with no problem. You WILL get there!!!!!!!!!!!