4 weeks post op knee replacement - Arthritis Action

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4 weeks post op knee replacement

Lynnee1964 profile image
35 Replies

Hi

I am

4 weeks post op tomo

My knee is still

Very swollen and so stiff

It was very bruised when had op

I am trying very hard with exercises 3 times

A day

I find it very frustrating as I feel like I must be

Behind others

Recovering

I have for

Physio again on wed

Could

You please share your post op

Stories

Thank

You

Lynn

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Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964
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35 Replies

G'day Lynnee,

Well, to be blunt I think you are expecting a bit much. I suppose you'll be wanting to drive your car tomorrow :-)

You have had some very dramatic surgery on a complicated bit of body mechanics - give yourself a break, stop beating yourself up.

I would guess that your dressing came off only about a week or 10 days ago.

I found I needed to do exercises 5 times a day.

I also consulted a sports injury massage therapist and got her to work on my incision line and surrounding area. She gave me deep massage all along the incision line and the swollen area surrounding the incision. The idea being to break up and prevent scar tissue from forming.

If scar tissue forms the chances of your successfully doing your exercises is reduced.

If you get onto YouTube and type in the search box Knee Replacement exercises you should find a range of short videos that will help you understand the exercises you are doing.

I also tried Physios but found them bloody useless.

I was 8 weeks before I could drive again, at least drive and do an emergency stop but then I was back at work driving a bus at 11 weeks. Haven't looked back.

John

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to

Thank you for your reply I am

A very nervous person who always thinks negative and am trying so hard to be positive and take one day at a time

I haven’t even thought of driving

I am going to ask physio if swimming in a few weeks might help

Thank you once again

Glad

To hear all

Ok

With you

in reply to Lynnee1964

I did consider swimming but don't enjoy it so I didn't bother. I'm told that hydrotherapy is very good. The exercise that helped me best was getting a clean tray. Sit in a dining table chair, put my foot on tray and drag it back as if I was trying to put my leg under the chair. If you see what I mean. Trouble is this only work well if you have a carpet floor.

Do try the hydrotherapy . It is important to try and stop the scar tissue from forming.

Good luck, but don't worry, you'll be fine.

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to

Thank you so much I will

Definitely try the tray

Would like to say thank you again especially telling me not to worry it means so much

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to

Great news about your recovery John 👍

Cat33 profile image
Cat33

Hello Lynnee

I haven't had a knee replacement but have had 2 hip replacements last one was in September 2019 and 4 weeks on isn't that long I've heard that knees take longer to heal

Please take it slowly one day at a time it will get better but honestly don't try and rush it

Your physiotherapist will guide you just "enjoy" your convalescence and think of yourself in a few months time when you are all recovered and doing everything again you will look back and think why didn't I just take it easy

Don't put any pressure on yourself or compare yourself to anyone else we all recover in our own time you have been through a major operation be kind to yourself

Take lots of care and all the very best xx

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Cat33

Thank you so much for your lovely kind reply I do worry everyday and compare myself to others

I need to try and calm down and do like you say

I will see what physio says on Wednesday

Thank you xxxx

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Lynnee1964

Yes please try not to worry and definitely don't compare yourself with others it really is early days

Just make your day full of simple pleasures and let nature take its course The exercises will help Also please tell your physio how you feel I've no doubt he or she will put your mind at rest

I know 4 weeks on with my hips I was sore and stiff but here I am just over 4 months on and I've walked 3 miles today

You have the spring to start getting out and about again

Just take loads of care x

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Cat33

Thank you for your kind words xx

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Lynnee1964

All the best would love to hear how you get on x

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Cat33

Thank you so much I will keep in touch xxxx

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Lynnee1964

Please do and in a couple of months time when you are feeling well I'll be very happy to say "I told you so " 🤗

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Cat33

Just seen a little saying

"Your speed doesn't matter forward is forward" 🐢x

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Lynnee1964

Whoops I think I just sent myself a message by mistake I'll try again 😊

Just seen a little saying

Your speed doesn't matter forward is forward 🐢 x

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Cat33

Oohh I love it I am

Going to copy that and keep it thank you xx

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Lynnee1964

I'm on the Weight Loss forum we do a thing every day a happiness celebration Not that I'm suggesting you are overweight but it might be something that would interest you it's so lovely The lady who posts it for us puts lovely little sayings like that

We just post things we are grateful for anyone can join in

Heathunlocked Weight Loss forum Happiness Celebration

It's only a thought

Hope you sleep well x

Susanhalstead profile image
Susanhalstead

Hi, I had a knee replacement 9 months ago. Keep up with the exercise and massage with bio-oil. You will start to feel the benefit soon I promise. I am now pain free with full mobility in my right knee and looking forward to having my left shoulder and left knee replaced!!! Good luck.

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Susanhalstead

Thank you so much it’s so helpful

To hear what people

Have to say xxxx

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

Hi Lynee1964, found the post & replies interesting, I was referred in May 2019 for leg pain which they now say is my knee . I am still waiting for news of an op date and can no longer walk without severe pain guess it will be the same after the op. I think you are doing well , they told me in my case it would be 12 weeks before I would be back to normal if I follow the exercises. So one day at a time for you and best wishes for a good recovery, it is a bit depressing in a way, stuck in the house unable to go out for so long especially if you live alone but take advantage of the recovery time if you want best results. xx

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to katieoxo60

Thank you so much for your kind reply

I hope you get your knee sorted and get your op booked soon xxxx

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60 in reply to Lynnee1964

Hi again Lynnee , just spoke to hospital they have told me I am near the top of the list hopefully mid March. But my surgeon is very busy apparently. Try to keep as well as you can heres to a safe recovery for both of us. Bye for now x

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to katieoxo60

That’s good

Keep

In touch how you get on xx

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60 in reply to Lynnee1964

Will Do

DS13 profile image
DS13

Hello Lynne

I’m 1 week post knee replacement, ‘only’ 51 and I know exactly where you’re coming from. Half of the problem is knowing how you or the knee ‘should’ be feeling at any one stage and what’s normal. I had 4 days in hospital and even there I was getting conflicting opinions depending on who I was talking to. Physios weren’t happy I wasn’t being given enough pain relief, nurses felt I was being pushed too much too soon. It was very confusing and draining to be honest. I’m now home alone for the first time, I’ve been lucky to have had friends and family over the weekend helping out but I now need more time alone to get into a routine & dedicate the next few weeks to this leg. I’m starting today by making myself a planner so I can tick off the physio/icing m/elevating throughout the day. I know by knee is not bending enough (even at this early stage) but I will be taking my planner with me to my first physio visit next week so they can see that it will not be from lack of effort on my part. The only thing I would say is keep taking photos of your knee, keep notes etc so that you can look back and see little changes you may not have even noticed. And read lots of blogs others have posted about their recovery. It really does help. Take care.

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to DS13

Thank you so much for your reply

I keep

Thinking I am

Behind with my recovery but like you say it’s not through not trying

I often think

Am

I putting knee up too much am I walking enough etc etc

It is worrying not

Knowing all we need

I have wrote myself a few questions to ask physio on wed

Take care and good luck xxxx

KathleenJ profile image
KathleenJ

It’s all about patience dear. Recovery can be a very long process because, well, if you consider that you basically had your knee amputated and a new one put it then it makes sense. You will turn corners every two weeks or so and everyone heals differently so don’t compare your progress to someone else. You MUST do your exercises and push through the pain. It’s the only way to keep breaking through the scar tissue.

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to KathleenJ

Thank you I think I have been a little impatient

I am trying really hard with my exercises and just been out for a little walk

Thank you for your reply it does help hearing what people say xxxx

KathleenJ profile image
KathleenJ

Glad I could help. I’ll be 2 years with Mr Smith (that’s what I call my new knee) and I like him much better now than I did at first. You’ll get there!

saracen45 profile image
saracen45

i had complete knee replacement 15 years ago. did a load of recommended and all was ok but was never a100%. I hurt my back and could not do the exercises, strangely my knee was great , reckon i was pushing too much exercising, so did no more and it has been 100% since with no problems. best wishes dave

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to saracen45

Thank you very much for your reply xx

srenee profile image
srenee

Hi Lynne,

I had a TKR in March 2015. I had PT physical therapy come to my home every morning for a month, Unfortunately she did not work on my scar tissue, I had no idea. I also went to outpatient PT for at least 4 months. i am a gym person so I was back to yoga in a few months & dance class in 3 months. I never gained my flexion back so I have not been to spin bike classes. Take your time & make sure you do knee exercises, i did see a post in this thread about bending your leg under a table. That is great advice. I wish I would have done this. Don't be nervous but the exercises are very important.

Good luck to you. I did start driving at around 5 weeks but only to PT. It was not far.

Please keep me updated on your status. I also had my second ankle replacement 2 months ago. Recovery is much longer, Doctor said no gym yet so I am bored.

Always,

Sue

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to srenee

Thank you for your reply

I am trying really hard with exercises

Hope your recovery is going well with your ankle

Keep in touch

Lynn xx

365806 profile image
365806

I've had 2 knee replacements. 4 weeks post op is still very early. Keep up the exercises they will pay dividends in the end. The important thing is building up knee muscles and the bends. Each knee op I've had was very different in terms of recovery so don't judge yourself against others. You will be fine but don't stop the exercises they are very important.

Veggiehog profile image
Veggiehog

Have patience , you're still at the early recovery stages so don't be hard on yourself. Keep up with the physio and let nature work it's wonders in healing you .

Lynnee1964 profile image
Lynnee1964 in reply to Veggiehog

Thank you so much yes I will xx

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