January 3rd TKR. How are you Molly and anyone else with a new tkr?

[Mitidai]

I had my left knee tkr January 3rd.   Although it wasn't easy it hasn't been as bad as I
thought.  They've got me on pain medication so I sleep a lot.  I'm walking with a cane
and start out patient physical therapy tomorrow.   I was released from the hospital
Friday.  I'm 50 and my os said my knee was worse then he thought.  "He said, "No
wonder you've been in so much pain".  I told him I've tried to tell him that for a year
now.  Anyway, now he certainly believes me.  Up to this point I'm very happy I
went through with it.  Tuesday and Wed. were kind of tough but each day is getting
better. 

Molly, how did yours go?  Anyone else too with a recent tkr it would be nice to
keep each other updated and support each other through our recovery.

Take care
JAN

[mollyCT]

Hi Jan and all,
My first time up to the computer.  I should get my son's laptop tonight which will be alot easier.  I've been dying to get to the computer and wondering about you Jan.  I don't think I'll last here too long and will write later.  I came home yesterday, I had a bad week and wanted to go somewhere for 3-5 days so I could at least get to the toilet myself.  My insurance covers this. I feel it would have been appropriate for me and my family.  Anyway, going forward... I didn't make it to the commode two times from my bed and the second time soaked my incision.  I called the answering service and a covering doc said it was OK cause urine is sterile. I had a covering Home care nurse and PT today.  The PT said I was very swollen about to burst.  My numbers were 60 and -15.  Gotta ly down but I'll be back on the laptop asap.
Thanks

[rozzzie]

Jan and Molly, Good to hear from both of you!

The first week or so can be really rough; hang in there   it will get better.  I’m about 4 weeks ahead of you, and every day is better than the last. 

Jan,  Why is it that Drs as a whole seem to think we are exaggerating our pain levels??   Take your pain pill about 1 hour before PT, and work hard; it’s a magic key to recovery.

Molly,  Don’t get discouraged, things will get better faster than you think at this time.  Your ROM is good for 5 days post-op.  Remember Elevation and Ice Many times a day.  I think at first I spent hours and hours with ice and my foot above my head.

Sending HUGs and Good Wishes for a speedy recovery.

Rozzzie

[mollyCT]

Thanks for the encouragment.  I know it will be hard and I'm ready for it.  Today the PT I'll be working with came and I like her.  She's been doing this for a while and seems very competent.  She's coming back on Weds and Fri.  I have lots of 'homework' and she was very motivating.  The ice felt good at the end.  A home health aide will come on Weds to help me with my first shower. 

Jan, your staples are in till Friday?  Mine came out on post op day #3.  I didn't count them.  I just have steri strips now.  I'm hoping I don't have a urinary infection.  Gotta make some calls.  I've had chills since Sat.

Froggy's journal was good to read.  Jan, there are a few sites we're both posting on.  Got any ideas?

[Mitidai]

Hi Molly and Froggy,

I think this is a good site right here to keep in contact.

Friday morning at 8:15 I get rid of these staples.  Molly, you're lucky yours are gone.  They pull a lot.  I guess all these doctors do things
differently don't they? 

I started my pt today and it was tough but I think they'll move
me right along.  I came home and took a nap.

Froggy, how long was it until you could drive?  My husband goes back
to work next week so I hope they'll at least let me drive to pt.
I'm sure all the doctor's are different on that too.  They set a date
of possibly my going back to work at February 13th.  I know I
won't be ready anytime before that.  I'ts just not worth pushing
oneself and getting back to work and then having to be off again.

Keep in touch and I hope you are both doing well.  Froggy, your
posts are really helpful for myself and I'm sure Molly too.  We can
see how we might be doing in four weeks.  It's very encouraging.

JAN

[Mitidai]

Molly,

I've had chills since I got out of the hospital Friday.  I just can't get
warm.  You say you've had them too.  I wonder if it's from sitting and being inactive or the shock of surgery?

JAN

[Teresa_S]

Please notify the surgeon of chills, especially if you have fever,drainage from the incision site, or redness, and extreme swelling at the knee. I believe you said you had lots of swelling, this can be indicative of infection. Would not hurt to make sure none exists. Please call the OS. Teresa

[mollyCT]

Good morning,
The chills, swelling, heat, redness and pain med not working any more were just too much.  When my husband got home Monday night, I called the OS office.  The covering doc said to go to the ER sooner rather than later to get checked out.  So when I got there I had the following which were all OK:  urine culture, bld cultures, bld work, x-rays of my knee, ultrasound/doppler of my leg to rule out a blood clot.

They admitted me about 2am to the floor and the plan was to keep me NPO for ? surgery. My OS was going to see me in the am when he came in before a day of surgery.  However, I didn't see him until 4:30pm when he came up to the floor.  The resident said the possibilities were to have the wound open, flushed really well and the lining changed or to come in for some IV antibiotics, have some fluid withdrawn from the wound and cultured. I was very apprehensive about having the wound opened and staring all over again. I was started on IV antibiotics. I had a restless night with no sleep.

In the afternoon my OS's APRN came in and looked. She was encouraging and thought it would not be reopened. After a couple doses of the antibiotic, the redness had gotten much lighter and the swelling went down.  The IV pain med helped alot.  While I was there I had a session with the inpatient PT.

At 4:30pm, the OS said it's OK, everything is negative do you want to go home today or tomorrow?  I wanted to go home to sleep on my latex mattress with my husband and we left about 9pm.

Better to be sure than sorry.  My homecare referral had to be redone because of the admission. So the PT coming at 9am and the home health aide coming at 1pm to help me with my first shower today were cancelled.  They'll have to be rescheduled.

I have to go focus on my bowels since I have'nt really gone in the 1 week post op. I've got to go lie down. PS, the diagnosis was ?cellulitis
Be in touch later.
One week marker passed Jan, congratulations.

[rozzzie]

Molly,  I’m so glad you had that checked out.  Cellulites could have been quite serious.  I’m really glad that things are looking better. Are you still taking antibiotics?  I had cellulites just before I was scheduled for a TKR in’04,  ended up on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks,  the cellulites was over my fused ankle and my GP (who is also an ID (infectious disease Dr.)) did not want to take any chances since it was progressing quite quickly.

How’s your pain level now that the infection and swelling are doing better?  Hope you’re more comfortable.  Boy that was a bummer that you have to reschedule the PT and home health.  When are you supposed to go out for outpatient PT?

Good luck.  If you see ANY redness around the wound again, please call ASAP.

HUGs

Rozzzie

[Mitidai]

Molly,

Sorry to hear about your setback.  At least you got to the er and
stopped it before it got serious.  I had chills for a couple of days after
coming home, now they are gone.  I see my os Friday for staple removal.  Can't wait to get rid of them.

I went to pt today and they really worked me.  I can't get over
how much I sleep I need, especially after pt.

Hope you start feeling better.  I'm glad to hear they didn't reopen
your incision.  That would be awful. 

Rozzie, How long before they let you drive?  I'm hoping soon as
my husband goes back to work tomorrow and getting rides to pt
is going to be a pain, because of everyone working.

Take care,
JAN

[mollyCT]

Thank you for your responses.  I had a total of 3 doses of IV antibiotic during my over night stay. I was discharged on no antibiotics.  Everything was negative, cultures and doppler.  My OS does not see it as an infection.  They admitted me as a precautionary step.  When OS saw me after everything was done, he told me, you're going to have swelling and redness and pain. I did not have a documented temp and also there was no drainage.  The chills were not fun. The swelling and redness are much better.  It still hurts.

My home PT is for 2 or 3 weeks and then PT will say what's next.  The book from OS before the surgery says I can't drive until 6 week post op visit and clearance.

I'm still trying to get to the bathroom on time so haven't focused beyond that point.  Still waiting for my new home health aide and PT appointment.  I purchased some light housekeeping services from the home care agency to clean up the place here.  It's amazing how dusty everything gets when Mom is recovering.

The staples out will be great for you Jan.

Time to elevate my leg.  My best to you.

[froggy]

Hello everybody,


Glad to hear from you.  Hang on it will get better.  I think it takes about 4 weeks to feel a difference and you will have ups and downs.

to answer your question on driving . I drove during the fourth week of my operation BUT my car is automatic so I did not have to use my leg.. it felt great though because I was getting my independance back. I went back to work 6 weeks later but I have a desk job and I did short days for 2/3 weeks as I was very tired and I had to go to physio.

How are you doing on physio?

Good luck Froggy   

[Mitidai]

Hi everybody,

Tomorrow I'm two weeks post surgery.  I can't believe how worn
out I get.  I do have to say every day is getting better with walking
though.  It feels different where I got my new knee, like if I bend
it to far I can feel something in there, like it's crowded.  Maybe that's
because so much of it was gone (deteriorated)  before with arthritis I don't know. It's just wierd feeling.

My doctor did say I could drive at four weeks.  So that isn't too bad.
He said it's more of a liability issue should I get in an accident, they
could say I didin't have control of my car because of the knee.

Physical therapy is going well.  They do push me but that is good.
I go at 1:30 today for an hour and I'm sure I'll need a nap when
I get home.  It is just good to even get out for that.

How are you doing Molly?

JAN

[Mitidai]

I asked my physical therapist about the wierd crowded feeling in my
new knee.  She said it's because it's foreign to my body right now.  She told me this feeling is common and it takes about three months
for your body to get used to it and it becomes "your knee".

JAN

[indian_mom]

hi there!

firstly congrats that u have got ur tkr and u are going gr8. i had a tkr on my left leg on the 6th jan. i am having horrible pain throughout my leg right from thighs till the ankles. dono y. i am 62. got a smith-nephew in me. undergoing physical therapy.but still i am not able to stand up on my legs leave alone taking a few steps. 

i posted a msg in this regard last nite. i didnt get any reply from anyone in this regard.

i wanted to know whether this thing happens with others or need  hit the panic button.

dono what to do.

i have had a gastric ulcer recently so i cant take heavy pain killers or NSAIDs. i dono what to do, though i have not stopped my physical therapy, i am so worried about me getting back to normal life or walking a few steps at a time.

please enlighten me, am i going wrong with anything anywhere??

[rozzzie]

Indian mom,

Sorry you're having such a hard time.  Is your leg more swollen than it was at first?  There is a chance of a DVT behind the knee or higher in the groin.  Have you told you OS that you are having this much pain?  He may want to have a Doppler scan to check for DVT.  He also may be able to offer pain control options. The recent ulcer if it's healed should not prevent you from adequate pain control.  I found Ice helped with pain control.  You need to get the pain under control to really do your PT including walking.

Good Luck  Stay in touch and let us know how you're doing.

Rozzzie

[pooch120]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site.  I am a 55 year old woman and I had total knee replacement and new kneecap done 5 and a half months ago.  I found it to be a quite painful surgery and it actually took five weeks before I considered the pain manageable.  I live in Canada and maybe our physio is different here but I was in p.t. immediately.  I still go to massage therapy 2 times a week because of excessive stiffness and lack of bend.  My bend is still only around 90 degrees, more if they push me.  I saw my surgeon last week and she wants to do manipulation on the leg.  They put you to sleep then force your knee to bend.  I am very scared to have this done,  the pain of the original surgery is too fresh in my mind I guess.
I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through any of this.
             Thanks to all, Margaret

[Mitidai]

Hi Margaret,

I had my tkr January 3rd.  I too started pt immediately.  I'm having
problems with extension (straightening my knee).  They are really
working on it in pt.  It is just so painful to straighten.    For some
reason I have awful pain at night.  I think it is because I'm laying
still.  I'll be glad when that quits so I can get a good nights sleep
without the pain meds.

Hang in there and keep us up to date on your progress.

JAN

[chalkie]

To Indian Mom

Quick reply

Pain is normal after TKR no need to panic,but your DR should provide at least some relief.

How about Paracodal for example anyways ur very early days since your op,it will improve for sure week by week Best wishes David

[chalkie]

To Pooch 120

Go for the manipulation it is totally pain free.

I had the same doubts but was amazed how easy it was Good luck Margaret from David.

[Jan_L.]

Hello Margaret,

At five and a half months post op I would NEVER agree to a manipulation!!  I have had this procedure (MUA) done twice.  I have been told by two OS that the cut off period for doing a MUA is normally 3 months.  I would get a second opinion before agreeing to this.  Scar tissue can actually become stronger than bones, ligaments and tendons so that as your doctor is forcing your knee to bend instead of the scar tissue breaking free your bone, tendons ligaments and/or the implant could break.  Do you homework on this procedure.  A MUA can be very helpful after a TKR if it is done early.  There have been a couple of people that have posted here that had a MUA done late and had complications.  BE CAREFUL!  PLEASE GET A SECOND OPINION!

Part of the reason I think you ended with limited ROM ( range of motion) is because your doctor did not control your post-op pain.  It is so important to get that knee bending right away.  In order to do that your pain has to be controlled.  When a doctor doesn't control their patients pain he is setting them up for a poor outcome.  If it hurts too much to do PT people stop doing their therapy.  Pain management is necessary.

This procedure (MUA)  was NOT pain free for me by any means.

A 90 degree bend is not very good, what are your other options?   You  might want to see a doctor that specializes in joint replacements.


Good luck,

Jan

[Jan_L.]

Hello Iindian_mom,

It is normal to have pain after a TKR, but your pain should be controlled by meds.  If the pain is severe then CALL YOUR DOCTOR!   You could have a DVT like Rozzie mentioned.  Or you could have an infection or the implant could have come loose.  All of these could cause severe pain.  If your doctor is unavailable then go to the ER.  If everything is fine with your knee then at the very least you need different meds.  If your pain is not kept under control it can interfere with doing your PT which is important to having a good outcome.

Good luck,

Jan

[indian_mom]

Thankyou Jan, David and Rozzie!

Know what, I went and saw my doc who performed the TKR. He saw everything and also as it was 14th day POD, he removed the sutchers. He gave me some painkillers and muscle relaxants which were stomach-friendly  and also rabaprozol to control any possible trouble that might happen to my stomach... so, it is extra safety for my tummy!   

He said that there is no problem and that the wound is healing gr8 and no complications like DVT, etc., but just that my PT was coming over at 7a.m. and as it is too early, I was not taking any medicines, painkillers, etc., to take care of the pain associated with the PT. Now he has strictly warned me to have my breakfast, take my painkillers and muscle relaxants at least 1 hour before I start my PT. He also gave me the TED anti-embolysim stalkings to wear.

And I had a nice sleep last nite after I started taking my new and improved medicines and also the pain has subsided by tons! Also, my sutchers are gone and have healed pretty much. The only thing now for me is that I gotta do PT regularly and also I feel very weak for which I better start eating in right proportions and stop skipping my meals 

Would keep you all posted, but any suggestions to get back to normalcy fast? I still am not confident and unable to stand or walk or even go to the toilet all by myself!

[pooch120]

Thanks for all the info everyone.
You'll all have to bear with me for a while, I'm not good at knowing where and how to post on here.  I'll figure it out eventually.
David,  I wonder if you could tell me if you had a TKR or some other surgery before your manipulation and how long after the surgery you had it done?
Jan,  I wonder if you could let me know your info as well.  Your words of warning seem to be the most common things I hear and I need to know for sure.
I'm booked for my MUA next thursday and I'm so tempted to cancel.  When I mention it to my PT or anyone else with experience they think it's a bad idea but when I voice my opinion to the surgeon she asked me how many TKR's they have done.  I hope I'm not just being caught up in her ego trip.  I think it will be too high a price to pay for me.
Thanks to all, and any info between now and thursday will be greatly appreciated.
          Take care, Margaret

[Jan_L.]

Hello Margaret,

Here is a copy of a post under this section.

The thread is titled 'Manipulation after TKR & Broken Femur"

3.5 months after my TKR I had manipulation under anaesthesia to improve flexion in my knee.  I suffered a broken femur during the manipulation and then had ORIF surgery to insert a rod in the femur.  Doing ok, still not as much flexion as I need but it's coming along slowly.  Questions: Dr. does not know why femur broke - no osteoporosis or other problem seen.  Can some types of knee prosthesis tend to cause this outcome?  Should I ever consider manipulation again (I will be getting a TKR for the other knee at some point)?
[/quote

Your doctor is right, none of us are doctors.  Did your doctor offer to help you get an second opinion?  I really think you should talk to another doctor.   A MUA can be a really helpful procedure.  And it could have helped correct the problem you are having if it had been done a couple of months ago.  I don't understand why your doctor didn't offer to do this sooner.  I have been told the cut off is 3 months because after that the risk of complications goes up dramatically.  If your doctor was very gentle then you might be alright.  But your choices at this point probably come down to living with the problem as it is, having the MUA or having a complete revision.  None of these are great options.  I would definitely call my doctor and ask her to help arrange a second opinion prior to the date of your surgery.  Is your doctor planning on keeping you overnight.  I hope so.  A MUA can be a very painful procedure for the first 24 hours and it is nice to be able to get morphine for pain.  My two MUA went done as out patients and now I would insist on being kept over night or at least have the option to stay if I felt I needed it. 

Last year after my TKR revision my current doctor was thinking of doing this procedure which would have been my 3rd MUA, he said he would keep me overnight going home the same day wasn't an option.

There have been several people that have posted here that have really been helped by having a MUA.   This is a difficult decision and I only think that another doctor is qualified in helping you decide if YOU would be safe in having a MUA at 5 and 1/2 months post-op.

Should you ever need another TKR, I suggest you talk to another Doctor about how they would handle your post-op care.   It doesn't sound like your doctor managed your post-op pain and when that happens it is no surprised that someone ends up with a stiff knee.  If it hurts to move then you don't move and you don't work as hard as you need to to get the knee bending. 

I live in Michigan and here we have doctor's that specialize in joint replacements.  When my first TKR did not go well I tracked down a specialist for my revision.  THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE MADE! 

Good luck!

Jan

[Mitidai]

Hi everyone,

It seems we have two Jan's posting so I'll finish all mine with Jan Y.
Jan L. you really offer a lot of insight to everything and I don't want
to take credit for it because you really do seem to know what you
are talking about.  All of this is new to me since I had my tkr Jan.
3rd.  My question to any of you is when your tkr is new is it normal
for it to feel crowded and wierd?  I swear when I bend my knee I
can feel the new knee in there and it's creepy feeling.  My pt said
it's because of swelling and also my body perceives it as a foreign
object so I'm more aware of it.  She said it takes about three
months for this feeling to go away and your body to perceive
it as "Your own knee".  It just kind of worries me (and I know
this sounds goofy) that they put too big of a knee in.  I can't
even describe how strange it feels when I bend my knee too much.

Any insight would be good.
JAN Y

[mollyCT]

Hi Jan and friends,
I had a death in my family last Monday and immediately travelled to Boston.  I went with a walker, wheelchair and cane and a bottle of Dilaudid, iron, ecotrin etc.   My home health aide etc and PT was cancelled for the week. I had to make arrangements with and be there to support my sister.  I'm so glad I could be there with her. The funeral was yesterday and I returned home about an hour ago. My PT is coming in the morning to close me out and transfer my case to an outpatient facility.  I'm anxious to get back online this evening when I can read and catch up with how you all are doing. My knee feels tight but I'm walking pretty good and can walk on my own in the house.  I feel good.  Sorry to not read your updates and post.  Just wanted to take a minute.  I hope things are OK for everybody.

[Mitidai]

Molly,

Sorry to hear about the death in your family.  It seems that things
can have a tendency to pile up.  When it rains it pours. 

I'm getting around my house really well now too but I'm getting
stir crazy.  I have gotten out to church and the grocery store and
out to eat.  I just want to get back to a normal routine.  Just have
to be patient I guess.  My knee feels tight too.  Like it's all crowded
in there.  The pt said that will get better but it really bugs me
sometimes.

Hope you continue to do okay and that things settle down for
you.

JAN

[chalkie]

Hi all

Margaret have to be quick 2 posts gone into thin air already

Jan L,s advice is worth noting she is usually spot on with it,however I would remind your OS of your fears if you decide to go ahead.

Had my TKR 20th April 2005 MUA 2 months later gained 15% on flexion up to 90% now at 95% still not happy and will persivere.

Hope you have satisfaction whatever you decide to do David.

[chalkie]

Hi Indian Mom

delighted to see that ur having good pain relief,I included u on 2 other posts but i lost both .

they were quite lenthy posts,so i am keeping this short.Good luck keep posting David.

[pooch120]

Hi everyone,
Thanks to all of you for the responses and helpful info.  I plan on calling my surgeon tomorrow to tell her of all my fears before surgery.  It's so tough to spend the time with a surgeon that you feel you need before any of these surgeries, isn't it?  They all seem to be so busy and rushing you through the appointments that the only outlet is coming to these sites.  At least here you get to speak to others going through the same things.  I find it very helpful.
In response to Jan- the feeling that your knee is too big.  I thought the same thing and even now- 6 months later, I'm not convinced that it isn't.  If I keep having problems I may ask them to check that.  As for it feeling like your own mine has gotten better but I don't think it will ever feel like my other one just because it doesn't bend right.  I also had the problem with straightening it out, but that did improve a lot, I can get it almost totally straight now.
    Thank you all, keep in touch, Margaret

[Jan_L.]

Hello Margaret,

I erased my earlier post in which I listed a link to an article in an orthopedic journal that mentioned doing a MUA within 3 months.

I spoke with my OS today and I asked him what is the cut off for doing a MUA.  He said that normally they like to do them within 3 months but he has personally has done one as late as 7 months and had a good outcome.  He said that the risk factor goes up the longer you wait.   Several people here have been helped by having a MUA after their TKR. 

What is your ROM?

Jan

[Mitidai]

Margaret,

Thanks for your input about the knee being too big.  I guess I
wiill have to get used to that feeling, but like you I think I'm
going to mention it.  It just really feels wierd and sometimes it
gets on my nerves.  Especially when I bend my knee.  I'm
supposed to work on bending my knee but when it feels like somethings going to pop out because there's no room in there
 it's hard to do.

Hope everybody keeps "coming along".  It's a long uphill
battle in physical therapy but I'm sure it will be worth it.

JAN Y

[Jan_L.]

Hello Jan Y,

I have had limited time to post lately so I just responded to Margaret because her posts needed a timely response.  To answer your question, yes implants come in a variety of sizes and therefore it is possible (but not likely)  that your OS could have  put the wrong size implant in your knee. 

One of the reasons a person can end up with a stiff knee is because the wrong size implant was used.  I have seen post from a couple people that indicated that they had a poor outcome and had to have a revision and their new OS told them that the implant used was the wrong size.  If you search medical journals articles regarding "stiff knee" and "arthrofibrosis" it  often list having the wrong size implant as one of the possible causes.

I think you would have to be examined by an OS to find out for sure if you have the wrong size implant in your knee. 

 What is your ROM? 

It is normal for your post-op knee to feel very tight.


Jan

[mollyCT]

Yikes!  Indian Mom and Margaret sure have issues.  Sounds like Indian Mom is on the right path now.  Jan L you are so helpful to so many people. 

Sounds like Jan Y is on the same path as me.  Whenever I'd see a person's knee who had a TKR before I had mine, I always thought their knee looked oversized.  At 3 weeks post op, mine is still swollen and looks bigger than the left but Jan Y, it doesn't  FEEL big inside the way you describe yours feeling. . I wondered about size right before I had the surgery cause I'm 5 ' tall and I realized of course they must come in a multitude of sizes.  Surely I wouldn't have the same as someone who's 6' tall .  I feel confident my OS is the best person that could have done my TKR. That's a blessed feeling.

My knee is feeling less tight.  The home PT showed me how to do this massage thing with the incision and to the patella that seems to loosen up the skin and help how it feels.  The bottom half of the incision is still pretty tight.  I started putting Vit E oil on it to help the healing process. 

I start outpatient PT at 8 tomorrow morning.  I'm going at this time so my husband can drive me before he goes into work at 9:30.  I hope the PT is kind and encouraging and motivating.  I know it has to come from me but I think a good PT is key also.  Jan Y, how are you making out with transportation to your PT?

My home PT said my degrees went from 10 to 95.  The goal is to get them to be 0 to 110.  Can others share their #'s?  My PT said it has to be 110 to drive safely.

I'm using tylenol arthritis for pain and it seems to be OK.  I could use something stronger before I do my exercise.  Maybe I'll call OS tomorrow.  I have to do 1/2 hour of exercise on my own 3x a day.  I've been slacking but I know I can't. 

I feel very fortunate when I read of the problems some of you are  having.  My best to everyone.  One day at a time.

[Mitidai]

Hi Molly,

Haven't been on this site for a few days.  Glad to know you are doing well.

My knee is feeling less tight so I'm hopeful the tightness will go away.
I do have a numb spot in one area and my pt said that is because they
have to cut through nerves to replace your knee and sometimes that
happens.  Hopefully that too will improve.

My knee bends now at 120 which my pt said is really good.  When they
measure me they really have me bend though until it is quite painful.
120 is pretty painful but that too should get better.  I return to work
Monday.  After six weeks off that will certainly be a change.  I was
kind of enjoying being home.

Take care everyone.
JAN

[cathy53]

Hi Jan, I'm 11 weeks post-op TKR and the thing that has bothered me the most is that I also can feel the replacement.  Like you say it is a terrible and creepy feeling. I mostly feel it right below my knee cap and a little bit to the right of center of the knee cap. The good news is that at 11 weeks I don't feel it quite as often as in the earlier days. When my knee is swollen more than normal is when that feeling gets worse. PT says it if from the swelling my OS says because of my prior sugery of medical meniscectomy and double chondroplasty performed in 2002 it might just be feeling of fullness taking up space of areas of degeneration.

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone with this uncomfortable feeling.

[mollyCT]

Hi Jan Y and all,

I have a large numb area of the skin on the right side of my knee too and assumed it was normal from the knee being cut during surgery.

I did have a scare the last two days because I over used my knee.  I had significant increased pain and swelling.  I had not had this since right after my surgery Jan 3.  My spirits were crushed because I felt the miracle of my successful TKR had ended and I was again doomed to a life of pain, immobility and deformity.  (like I had before my TKR)  Read my posts on "Feb 13 having TKR". 

I'm on Paradise Island in the Bahamas very unexpectedly for a dream vacation week and had been walking on the beach alot since Saturday and rode a bike into the town.  Since I've had this episode, I'm pampering my knee, icing it, taking tylenol arthritis, not going for walks, biking or overusing it.  It was like a dream to be able to be normal again.  I'm feeling better tonight and will continue to give TLC to my precious new knee.

I fly home on Saturday and see my OS on Monday for my first visit with him since surgery (6 week post op visit)  I'll also go to PT after a week off.

Cathy53, it helps to hear from you and how you are at 11 weeks.  Me and Jan Y are at 5.5 weeks.   Just youngsters on this journey.

Jan, I have two more weeks till I go back to work Feb 28 and I agree it is nice to have been home. I hope your return to work goes well.  Last Friday at my last PT appointment I think I could get to 100 and she could push me to 110. 

God bless you all on your journey for pain free lives and good mobility.    

[Mitidai]

Molly,

I envy you being in the Bahamas.  I'm in cold snowy Iowa right now.  We've had a mild winter but it's turning colder and snowier again. 

My os today told me the numb spot on my knee will go away with time and that the knee is tight feeling becusae it's like a new car and has to be broken in.  None the less the numbness and tight feeling are so much better then arthritis pain.

I finished up pt today and they switched me to a home program.  Got my note to go back to work Monday but he put restrictions on standing for two weeks which will help alot.

Hope everyone is doing okay and will be ready to go by spring and enjoy our new knees.

JAN Y

[mollyCT]

Got home to CT from the Bahamas at midnight last night.  Today at noon there is 24.5 " snow on the deck.  I guess that's how it is in snowy Iowa also.  Good luck tomorrow at work Jan Y.  I'm anxious to get my flexion and extension #'s at PT tomorrow and see my OS.  Night to all.

[judyjfla]

Hi!
  I had my right TKR on 1/10/2006 and wondered if anyone else had a "pinching" feeling when bending it around 20-30 degrees?  It feels like a slipping and pince each time it bends.  Id this something that will go away when everything around it muscle and ligament wise tightens up from exercise?  Also, does antone else have a very tight muscle above one the outside of their knee? I feel it the most when driving an trying to get relief is a bear!

JudyJFLA

[rozzzie]

Judy,  Yes I had the pinching feeling mine started at about 45^o, and went to the end. Mine felt like the new joint was pinching the hamstring tendons. It took 5 or 6 weeks to go completely away, though it did get better little by little. My PT said that it was common and would go away.  If you feel it most when driving maybe you have your knee twisted just a tad and it does not like that yet.

Hope you continue to improve and the pinching goes away.  If you're still in PT ask him/her about it.

HUGs

Rozzzie

[Mitidai]

Hi everyone,

I don't have the pinching feeling.  I still have the tight feeling which just drives me nuts.  But the good news is that I went two days without and now it's back.  That gives me hope that it will eventually go away.  I'm now 8 weeks post op today.  Had my tkr January 3rd and it has been one long recovery.  Sometimes I get a little discouraged but my pt told me it takes a long time to get back to normal so just have to keep remind myself of that.  Hope everybody else is coming along.

Take care,
JAN Y

[rozzzie]

Jan Y,  It is a long recovery. I'm 12 weeks post op and feel great, but I do tire easily when i do to much.  It ca take 6 -12 months to get back to 100%. 8 weeks is not a long time for  TKR, or any surgery.

Hang in there.  It will get better.

Rozzzie

[mollyCT]

Hi Rozzie, Jan Y and Judyjfla,

Today was my first day back at work (8 weeks since Jan 3).  It felt good to be able to go up and down stairs with my peers.  Before my tkr I couldn't do that and would always be the only one to use the elevator. 

I don't have a pinching feeling like you all mention.  I wish my flexsion and extension were a little bit more than they were.  My operative knee looks bigger than my 'good' knee.  I have little bumps under my skin in the back of my knee that drive me crazy.

All in all, I am so grateful for my good outcome thusfar.  My continued best to you all.

[mollyCT]

Hi Jan,

Catching up with kneeguru tonight.  I hope you are very well.

[Mitidai]

Hi Molly,

I'm catching up too.  Been off the computer because of computer problems but am back now.

I'm doing good.  Still pain some days, but overall very happy I've done this.

Because of buckling and increasing pain in right knee my os is thinking a tkr on the other knee by fall.  I need to build up sick leave at work so I can afford to take off.  While I'm not looking forward to giong through it again, I will be happy to have two new knees.

Hope to be in better contact now.
JAN

[mollyCT]

Jan, Sorry you still have pain some days and hope that resolves soon for you.  What kind of pain do you have?

I haven't had buckling in my other knee but it does seem to be taking the same route as my TKR knee.  I love so much that I can walk now that I don't want to think about another TKR.  I certainly will when I know it's time and I have the sick time.  It was good to have my paycheck keep coming in January and February.

How far are you able to walk? I walked 3 miles again this weekend in the reservoir and felt like I had been a prisoner and was set free, I was so happy.  I keep my fingers crossed and pray this continues.  I'm fearful that one mistep and bang, it could all be over and I'd be back to where I'd been for the last five years, unable to walk and in pain. Enough of that kind of thinking, one day at a time...

I like to read the 'TKR- March 2005' thread.  So much great information and support happens there.  I'm sure glad I'm on this side of the surgery.

[mollyCT]

This is for Gimpy to read.  Things are good.