Worry over my painful recovery after partial knee replacement surgery

[Julie_O]

Hi everyone,

This is so difficult to post but I really need advice following my partial knee replacement on 19th August. I take blood thinners because I have two mechanical valves in my heart. I had comprehensive care plan. I stuck religiously to the plan prior to admission, the surgery itself was fantastic but I was let down by the after care whilst in hospital. They didn’t control my pain early on, and the nurse almost gave me an infusion of tranexamic acid instead of heparin after the operation. I found out that tranexamic acid controls bleeding by stopping blood clots from breaking up, which could have been fatal to me.

Eventually after five days I was discharged and seemed to be doing okay. Then, on 29th August I went to my first physio appointment. She said I was fully weight bearing (I sure was not fully weight bearing). She lifted my knee up and It hurt me. Since then my mobility has decreased and I am in continuous pain, sometimes a painfully dull ache and other times excruciating.

I have been to hospital twice but no-one seems to be listening to me. I am scared stiff that my body is rejecting the implant. My knee is swollen and stiff and walking is extremely difficult for me.

What are others’ experiences with this type of surgery? I am so scared that this is all abnormal and am tired of the pain.

If you could let me know how you got on I would be so grateful ❤️❤️

[katieoxo60]

Hello Julie_O , sometimes the knee is a bit up and down after physio . I had total knee replacement my leg was very bruised. I still have a little bit of a problem as one leg is shorter than the other . Its three years since mine was done. If it is swollen use an ice pack for twenty minutes several times a day . I think you are being a bit optimistic it takes time for inside to heal , I was fully weight bearing in pain and was using the stairs but my discharge following Physio took some time and I still get off days but its too early for you to be thinking something is wrong did they not warn you it would be very painfull at the begining but you need to exercise to get your mobility back. The saying is no pain no gain, but I would say little and often is better . If the pain gets worse go to A&E. incase you have got something wrong. Best wishes.

[Julie_O in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi Katie,

Thanks for replying. I knew it would be painful, but I am talking about excruciating pain, not normal pain as such. So painful that there is just no way that I could do any exercises whatsoever. So painful that my heart rate was over 150 and I kept being sick after walking to the loo. This is what worried me, it is like a vicious circle and I know that I must follow the exercises to get the most out of my new knee. In my area, I am only allowed one physiotherapy appointment (ridiculous I know).

However, I can confirm that, after a taking the first few days of a course of antibiotics, I woke up this morning like a new woman. I slept for a full nine hours, which, even though it was on the sofa, is very unusual for me. I felt different, and I have been able to be more active today. I think that I may have turned the corner. Onwards and upwards,

Jules

[katieoxo60 in reply to Julie_O]

Thats good news you must have had some bacterial infection, hopefully that is the turning point . Iknow its very painful at the beginning I always worry if we take too many painkillers it might mask if something is wrong. Some painkillers can cause sickness,but your heart should be beating as normal , you knew it was not so as I say we are the only ones who really know our body. I had bowel problems with mine due to painkillers. Onwards and upwards as you say, stay as well as can be and remember to try and avoid those winter bugs lurking in unexpected places. You sound more cheerful today

[KathleenJ]

it is necessary to bend the knee so that scar tissue doesn’t build up. Do they have you doing exercises at home for this? I had a full replacement and recovery was very slow and not at all pleasant. I’m in the US so things may be done a little differently but there are some good YouTube videos for exercises.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi Julie_O , so sorry to hear you're having a tough time after your surgery. Pain and swelling can be part of the recovery process, but it's important that your concerns are heard. If you feel that your pain gets progressively worse, please go to A&E or speak to your healthcare team.

Physio will help in the long run, but be sure to let your physiotherapist know if your exercises are causing too much pain. We also have some knee exercises on the Arthritis Action website, which you might find useful.

Wishing you a speedy recovery- do let us know how you get on!