Knee Relacement. 1 Year On

[joycen60]

I had a TKR over a year ago but it is nowhere near right. Just wondering if anyone else has similar problems.

I had problems with my knee from when I was 18 (am now nearly 70). Two years ago I was diagnosed with RA as I could hardly walk. Between diagnosis and the meds kicking in I had a scan and was told I needed a new knee.By this time I had no pain but couldn't still walk up stairs one foot after the other.

Had the knee replacement, went back in for a manipulation as wasn't bending. During this time I didn't really have any pain but still not walking too well. I went to Physio for nearly a year when I was discharged as not really helping.

My knee is still a bit dead down the side- How long does it take for the nerves to heal? There is also a bit of a bulge at the back of the knee.

I find that I can only walk for about 10 to 15 mins before I have to rest but I can walk upstairs properly! I just feel really uncomfortable when walking.

This may be a stupid question but can RA still affect my new knee? Has anybody else taken so long to recover fully or do I have to accept this is as good as it will get?

Hope that all makes sense.

Joyce

[charisma]

Hi Joyce

Sorry, not had a knee replacement but RA affects much more than just the joint. Have you had an ultrasound scan to determine what might be going on? Very much worth requesting as it shows RA and OA activity clearly. Or your docs might have a better suggestion if you are calmly assertive. Not easy; I am nearly 66 and feel pushed aside at times by GP whose budget is no doubt stretched by my needs. Makes me feel a bit guilty for needing what I do but he is very understanding of the huge amounts of pain etc that his RA patients endure.

Perhaps others will chip in with good suggestions as so many do here; such a support!

[joycen60 in reply to charisma]

Thank You for your reply. To be honest the problem feels more muscular/ ligament. I keep saying that I will book a private physio appointment to see if they can suggest anything different. I have been fortunate with my RA in that it was controlled quite quickly and have had very little pain for nearly a year. I do have another appointment with them in about 8 weeks so will mention it to them just to check while I am there.

[stbernhard]

Hello Joyce, my TKR was in January this year and I think I know what you are experiencing. The numbness will never really go away I think, but that doesn't bother me at all. I still have a lot of pain in the tendons and ligaments around the knee and struggle to get over 105 degrees bend, but still do my exercises and I am sure I will get to 110 or 115 eventually. It hurts, but it is worth it. When I walk long distances without a good rest (8 miles without a pub in the middle), I get a bakers cyst at the back of the knee and also synovial fluid at the front around the knee cap. This goes away after a good rest of a day or two. RA plays a role in all of this, I'm sure but don't accept that this is as good as it gets. Carry on with exercises, see a Physio if you need to. Every little thing will help and there is always room for improvement. It WILL get better. All the best.

[joycen60 in reply to stbernhard]

Thank you for your reply. Wow 8 miles! Like you I am a very positive person I just wanted to see if anyone was taking as long as me to recover as most people I know seem to be fully recovered after 6-9 months. I do play badminton but have to make sure I get a fit partner who will do most of the running about. Table tennis is a bit easier and I can still give most people a good game. I go to an over 50s activity group at our local leisure centre , the oldest Badminton player is over 90 but I still cant beat him! thank You for your words of encouragement.