Knee replacement surgery

Bones, joints and muscles
1

i have just had my second knee replacement surgery, but first knee (left) recovered quickly, and although doing exercises religiously I am experiencing awful pain below the knee on the bone, anyone else have this problem 

2

Hi  yes I had that too I am 9wks now and totally pain-free keep on with the ice and pain relief if you need to and remember to keep your leg elevated when you can. Walking is good too but don't overdo it.

3

Sounds like my experience with the 2nd knee. I had pain on my leg below my knee that drove me crazy. It was unexpected and frustrating - and it hurt! Fortunately, like most of my recovery, it improved with time, ice (sometimes heat), meds, and exercise. I thoughtI knew what to expect since I had done this before, but not only is each person unique, it seems each knee recovery is also! Patience and time and when in doubt talk to your doctor. My PT told me the 2nd knee is often more difficult - maybe because we have an expectation? Good luck with your recovery.

4

Hi, thanks for your reply. I am also 9wks, I had no problem until about 2 weeks ago, the pain is bad when I walk . I can do all the exercises, pedal machine, stretching, and excercise bike, and I put ice packs on in the evening, it is so frustrating . I suppose I will just have to have patience.

5

Hi, thank you for your comments, knowing that someone else has experienced the same helps. As you say it is so frustrating, especially when my first knee was completely pain free at the same time span. Oh well I will keep excercising, and icing!!  And hope that I will eventually be pain free.

6

Hi Rosemary...Sounds a familiar story.  The same happened to me and I had my second operation last Dec.  (8 months) I am much better but still having some pain when extending my knee or lifting my leg.  I still ice after I work out and put on a compression bandage helps keep the swelling down.  I was surprised the recovery was so different .  But it does make sense when you think about it.  There are different stresses and injuries for each knee.  One of mine sure got abused more than the other.   Be patient it takes time.

7

Hi Ann, thank you for your comments, I know my surgeon told me each knee is different, but I didn't expect this! I will just have to be patient and hope that normality returns soon. 

8

My 2nd knee was very different to first one and so has been the recovery but am getting there now but still get tired and still tearful pain gone except if i overdo things. Going to GP about the tearful episodes so hope to be feeling better soon.

It is major surgery we have all been through and everybody recovers differently and so the old saying Time is a Great Healer should be remembered by us all.

9

Thanks Dee, it is reassuring to know that others are/have experienced the same and not just me. I haven't been tearful or overally tired, it is just so very painful, especially when I walk. Ah well, as you say time is a great healer.

10

I go back to work as a nurse on Tuesday and dreading it as on my feet a lot but anyway keep on with your recovery and post if you want gor a chat.

11

Good luck on your return to work, I hope all goes well

12

Hi Rosemary I had knee surgery on the Aug. 16 I am having problems with bending my knee it hurt something terrible and it feels like it is too big or something, what can I do to help the pain

13

Hi Geraldine, it is one of the most painful operations. All I can tell you is the more you exercise although very painful the better it will be in the long run. You are early days, but with my first knee op, I noticed it was a lot easier after six weeks, but I did excercise, and put regular ice packs on.  My second knee was ok at first (my op was in June), but now I am experiencing pain below the knee, but I am still excercising and putting ice packs on in the hope that the pain will eventually go. As someone has said each knee/operation is different, but grit your teeth and keep excercising it should improve. Good luck.

14

Hi rosemary

I am having the same problem

Had my right TKR done about 4 years ago still on a lot of painkillers had this knee opp in June this year (left TKR) am well fed up with the pain this time 

15

I sympathise Gillian, it is not comfortable at all, so frustrating, all the pain to have operation, and it is worse than before the op!! Just hope that in time it will improve, I know my surgeon told me it can take up to 18/24 months to heal properly. So it looks as if patience is needed.