Hi everyone.
Im after some advice (and possibly reassurance from others). I had a TKR on Wednesday and came home the day after. I've been given the usual pain meds, physio and bits but I'm struggling with the physio. I've sods of bruising - as expected- and wondered when I might start to be able to manage these physio exercises and get some movement back. I can straighten without to many problems but bending is a real issue. Any hints or tips please?
Don't worry, just try little and often. You must be tired too! Every hour try a bit of a heel slide as much as you can, just keep it moving as much as you are anle, are you in UK? Did you get an exercise booklet to follow? Mine said "aim" do three times a day. dont worry, it takes time. What was your bend on leaving hospital? Make sure you are elevating the leg, high, toes above nose. As swelling reduces bend gets easier. Check out my profile and blog, but understand this is a very individual journey. Lots of good advice and experience here. "
Hi jenny
thank you for the advice. I am tired which was to be expected. Yes in the UK to. Op was done through insurance and went very well. Got a booklet and have been doing what I can 3 times a day. Bend was about 90 when I left it I've more swelling and bruising now.
Each day I can do a little more and walk with crutches a small distance and I take each positive as a massive leap.
That is the right attitude....focus on the positive. ..resolve to love that new knee whatever! Like a fractious baby, needs a lot of patience!😊
Be patient. I could not bend to 130 degrees until 7 weeks. I'm now at 142 degrees.
It will come in time.
Lot's o' stuff we started answering a few days ago...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/knee-replacement-pre-op-post-op-tips-to-share--597256
Any more? Just ask...
Just take every day as it comes rome wasn't built in a day
You're an absolute champion Martin! You're doing so well. Go easy on yourself with physio. I had my second TKR on 5th May and was in hospital 10 days (did have serious complications) and then went to rehab for 2.5 weeks. The physio only began in rehab. Just take it easy and do what you can each day. Will you be having physio? Do they send a physio to you? I'm in Australia and I guess it's quite different. It's very early days for you.With the bending just do a bit at a time and try to do a few times a day, just gently. Take care
Hi Martin, just rest, ice, elevate. Physio is important but as long as you do little and often but don't push yourself till it's too painful. I found my Physio got easier after about 3 weeks and I was able to do more.
Good luck and keep us posted.
U
Arnica cream is good for bruising...meant to add that!
Anycream for the tightness at all
No, that is general swelling, rest, ice, elevate. Anti inflammatories, ie ibuprofen if you are taking those may be helpful, but the stiffness lasts for months, just lessens in degree and frequency.
Oh Yes! ARNICA GEL or cream is great!! Took my bruising down fast. I liked the,gel as its cool going on. Your best days are ahead. You've got great advice here! ! Do as you can. But keep it up. I'm 5 months out now and very happy with my result now. Your Journey is unique to you! Keep us posted. Cheers to good healing!
Hey, Julia new knee! Glad to hear you are happy! Maybe think about posting a new discussion on the good benefits you are experiencing now? I reckon this really helps encourage people as they can the envisage a positive future. Would love to hear in more detail how things are for you. You are a bit further on than me I think!
Martin,
You are already way ahead of my experience....it took almost 2 weeks before I was able to do anything.... my experience may not typical, but I sure was discouraged.....4 months out, I am very hopeful that I will enjoy life again...
I was flat out for the first couple of weeks too! Gave myself a medal every time I managed to move at all! 😀😁
Wow thank you all for some amazing support. I will spend the day looking at the other posts suggested and getting some of that cream. I've been trying to push through the pain as I was told to do so but end up in tears.
Thank you all again.
Martin, don't push yourself too hard. You're so early in this recovery. Don't push through the pain, just do what you can up to that point and it will come. It would really help if you can see a physiotherapist, they're brilliant after a TKR. Take care of yourself.
"Don't push through the pain..." EXACTLY!!!
The old gym phrase "no pain, no gain" does NOT apply to a TKR. Push too much and the knee swells setting you back.
"Don't do dat." - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
The laugh is it was the physio that told me to push through