I would like to tap into the knowledge and experience of the people on this forum just to check how my own personal progress is going please. You guys have been very helpful and informative and sometimes it’s nice to check if I am worrying prematurely before bothering doctors because appointments are not easy to get these days.
It’s been just over 6 weeks since I had my surgery, I have been able to do most of the exercises given to me by the physio ok although getting out of certain lower chairs I still find difficult and bending the knee is still restricted, slightly painful and tight.
I am walking around the house without any walking aids but I do still use a walking stick up the stairs, however I still have a very pronounced limp and after a while walking begins to feel painful so I still use my walking stick if I’m going to walk very far outside. Whenever I try to increase the amount of walking the pain and swelling in the knee gets worse and similarly with most of the exercises I try to do but especially walking. I have got a little pedalling machine I can pedal from a chair but when I even bend the knee to get my foot in the pedals it feels very restricted so actually pedalling it is difficult although I am persevering with this.
The knee is still very swollen, it is hard and warm to the touch on the outside of the knee and again this seems to get worse as I increase my activity level.
I have reduced the amount of pain killers I have been taking but I get waves of intense pain lasting for a minute or two that stops me doing anything but this does go. I am still regularly elevating the leg and icing it throughout the day but if anything the swelling has gotten worse in recent days. I am also still having trouble getting comfortable at night and change positions from sleeping on my back to side sleeping with a pillow between the knees, but whichever way I sleep my knee feels quite uncomfortable after a short while and I end up constantly moving positions. I usually end up having pain killers (zapain) in the early hours just to get some sleep.
Is all this normal for 6-7 weeks post surgery or is something not right?
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Wolf68
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You usually see your consultant around 6 weeks after surgery, havd you seen him yet. Normally you continue using sticks till your seen at that point. It may be your putting to much strain on the joint, from mobilising without sticks. When you say your elevating your leg, is that quite high, so your legs higher than your heart, this is where it needs to be, rather than just on a low footstool. Slightly concerning that you say it’s red and hot to touch, it maybe there’s an infection, so I would see your gp. The important thing is that you should be able to get your leg straight, otherwise you can have a permanent limp. Your consultant would rather hear from you sooner, you could akways ring his/her secretary
As Runrig01 asks have you had your follow appointment with surgeon yet? If not, then mention it then.. or as also suggested speak to GP… don’t think you should be having that much swelling still.
My follow up with the surgeon is on the 30th January, I have had physio where they have measured the movement and even though they have mentioned the amount of swelling they didn’t seem that concerned.
I am elevating the leg fairly high, on the bed I have it on lots of pillows and I have a wedge pillow and folded throws for the sofa.
At one of the physio sessions they showed us the artificial knee they have put in and it is quite big so I guess the knee will always look bigger than it was but it gets even bigger after exercise so I am guessing there’s a build up of fluid.
I can straighten the leg perfectly when I am lying down but not when I raise my legs in front of me and when I walk it sometimes feels like the knee cap isn’t moving with the knee when I try to straighten my leg, sometimes this seems to ease up after walking a little while but other times it continues, it’s not particularly painful but it is an irritating sensation.
Looks like trying to get a a GP appointment I think.
Okay…my physios seemed to be more interested in how quickly I could bend the knee…at lot more that most apparently -didn’t have a problem with straightening either. Maybe the difference between male and female anatomy..
I’m approaching 7 weeks post-surgery, just about 5 days away. Like you, I’m doing my daily exercises and seeing my physiotherapist twice a week. My physio says I'm making good progress overall, but swelling in my knee has been the main factor limiting my movement. I still rely on a walker when going outside because without it, I limp significantly. Inside, I can manage without mobility aids, but by the end of the day, as the swelling increases, I find myself needing a cane again. It’s frustrating, but my physiotherapist assures me it’s a normal part of the recovery process for many people at this stage. It's great to hear here him say that, but this TKR journey has me worried on occasion about the worst, ie infection, lymphedema, cellulitis, allergic reaction to the implant... you name it I've thought of it. Watching Youtube videos of those who recover and out walking for blocks without any aid at 3 weeks doesn't help!
But the swelling has improved though slowly since the two-week mark, when my staples were removed, though it still flares up, especially in the evening. In the mornings, it’s better, but by the end of the day, it tends to worsen. This seems to be a common experience. Like you, I’ve noticed that pushing myself to walk more can increase the pain and swelling, which my physiotherapist says is normal as the knee continues to heal. As long as we stay consistent with our exercise, elevation, and cold therapy, this is part of the healing process.
I’ve been using a stationary bike, and I can relate to how uncomfortable the first few pedals feel. It gets easier as I go, but I know that it can be tough at first. My physiotherapist, who has treated hundreds of TKR patients over his 25 years, reminds me that everyone’s recovery is different. He encourages patience and consistency with the rehabilitation routine. Regarding the swelling and warmth on the outside of your knee, that’s a typical part of the healing process too, and it’s to be expected as your knee adapts to the increased activity. I’m also seeing my orthopedic surgeon at the end of the month for a check-up and x-ray, and I definitely have a lot of questions ready for him about my knee and my recovery progress.
Thank you so much for the reply, the way you described your progress almost mirrors my own experience. It’s good to hear and gives me a bit more confidence. Good luck with your recovery.
Agree on YouTube videos.. I had shoulder replaced just before first UK covid lockdown - so no physio F2F.. watching a youngish [obviously athlete] male demonstrating exercises was a tad disheartening. .. but did get there in the end.
if I’m honest I don’t think there’s enough follow up appointments after surgery. I saw my consultant the next day after my op, he said x-rays were fine and the physio and nurses said I was getting about well so I could go home. I returned 2 days later to have my catheter removed but there was no real check on the knee, 1 week later I saw a physio who told me I had Lymphedema and should have gone to A&E and I’ve had a further 2 physio appointments since where they have commented on the swelling but not been unduly concerned. I could bend my knee 110 degrees at a push, they did say they would like 120 degrees but were happy enough to say there’s no need for any further physio. My next appointment with my surgeon is the end of this month, I compare that to my father in law who had the same operation 20 years ago and he had visits from a district nurse, had more frequent doctors appointments and more physiotherapy. I guess it’s just the state of the NHS at the moment and I am just grateful to finally get the operation done and I can begin to get my health, wellbeing and mobility back it’s just a bigger battle to get there than I was expecting but I am determined to get there.
I think you are probably right… and all hospitals are really struggling.
I had all my replacements pre covid - spent longer on ward for knee [3 nights], for hip and shoulder only spent one night. Did have one visit from District Nurse re knee, but not others. …
No issues with any, so sounds as if your surgery was more problematic - sorry to hear that. Hope you soon get back to tiptop condition.
I agree with you about not enough follow up appointments. If it wasn't for the physiotherapist I now have who is very informative I would feel like I'm in a "wasteland" of unconcerned medical care with no appts until the end of this month. Sorry to be so dramatic but unfortunately it seems to be the way of the current system. My swelling the first weeks was dramatic and had me very concerned and I couldn't even make it to 110 degrees because of it, but the last few weeks it has started to come down though still definitely there.
You're right; it's a bigger battle to get there than expected, and determination is key.
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