KNEE ARTHRITIS - Total Knee Replacement :

TKR Post-Op Question - - Posted by di23456 (di23456), 27 November 2004

Hi ...

Just found this place today as I was searching for answers.  My question to all of you who have had TKR - if your knee seems to be recovering at an OK rate, how is the rest of you doing?  How is your stamina and energy (and are you depressed because of lack of it)?  

I've read some stories here that have shown me how  extremely lucky I've been that my recovery has overall gone extremely well.  I am not quite 6 weeks post-op and I am walking on my own (have been for 3 weeks),  am driving on my own (not long distances though, leg just doesn't want to sit that long), have pretty good flex (110-115) so far, can almost straighten the leg too, am doing the exercises and the PT and managing to stand the pain most days, have returned to work part-time and am trying to get out and do limited errands as needed.  I live alone and also have my own business so I had to be able to do that fairly quickly.  I have to limit everything, as I can't do anything too long, especially sitting in some chairs for some reason.   But I'm able to do almost everything for a period of time.  My leg lets me know when it's had enough, believe me, and then I elevate and ice.  And I do still use pain meds - the combo of Vicodin and Ibuprofin is working really well for me.

I don't expect to be able to do what I could do before yet (and am thrilled that my pain is much less than prior to surgery).  But it's almost as though my leg is strengthening before the rest of my body.  My energy level and overall strength and endurance are all SO low that it keeps me from doing as much as I feel I should do and some days keeps me from exercising (usually after a day when I've done a lot) - all I want to do is sleep sometimes.
Is this normal for 6 weeks post-op?  Am I expecting too much?  Do you find you have to push yourself more or is it better to just go with what the body seems to tell you?  I'm fighting a small amount of depression because of this and just want to know whether to just go with it or try to fight the urge to rest.

Thanks for any help you can give (and sorry for the length of this)!
Posted by Teresa_S (Teresa_S), 28 November 2004

Hi, I would , from my experience , state that this is normal, and common.You may or may not have lost alot of blood postop and could have had transfusions even.They don't ususally replace this volumne unless it is extremely low, and some use the cell save to give back some of it that is lost. For the first few weeks, I found my self falling asleep, during tv, the computer, or about anything. I could fall asleep sitting up. My stamina and energy were at an all time low. Icould not believe it. I can force my self to do things and be up on it, but certainly pay for it the next couple of days, and wish for crutches, and sometimes have to use my hands to lift and move the operated knee. I guess we just don't realize until we gett the strength back. also, themeds tend to make you a little sleepy if you are not accustomed to them. TAKE IT EASY, I am glad your recovery is going well, Teresa
Posted by di23456 (di23456), 28 November 2004

Thank you Teresa - your response makes me feel like this is a normal thing and I need to just be more patient.  You've certainly had more than your share of knee "experiences" - I hope you are doing well now.
Diana
Posted by kath (kath), 28 November 2004

Hi Diana...I totally agree with Teresa that the tiredness is totally normal.  Though I haven't had a TKR, I am just over 3 weeks PTR in both knees.  I am exhausted!  

All of us have dealt with pain prior to surgery and now are also dealing with the pain of recuperation...and pain is definitely an energy burner!  

I fully believe that when your body is telling you to rest, we should listen!  Take it easy and best of luck with your recovery!

Kath
Posted by knitterbetty (knitterbetty), 29 November 2004

There is a wonderful forum just for people who have had TKRs. Here's how to get to it: Type the following into your search box:  On Our Feet  Joint Replacement, then click on the site that says :Robin's Total Knee replacement, then click on Visit our Message Board. You will be amazed at the wealth of information, and you can ask and get quick answers. Hope this helps.
Posted by knitterbetty (knitterbetty), 29 November 2004

Sorry, I gave you the incorrect first seach thing . Type this:  On Our Feet: Total Knee Replacement., then click on the other sites.  
Posted by Sandy_F (Sandy_F), 14 December 2004

I had the spacer replaced in my knee 6 weeks ago.  My leg is doing ok but my energy level is not great either.  I am only 51 but it seems like it is taking forever for my energy to come back.  Today is my first day back to work and I am already exhausted and its only noon.
Posted by Teresa_S (Teresa_S), 5 January 2005

Sandy, I too had the spacer replaced inmy tkr recently. Mine was  because the prosthesis had a screw break off and lodge in the spacer. Why was yours, and how long after the tkr? thanks, Teresa
Posted by Sandy_F (Sandy_F), 5 January 2005

I had the spacer replaced because they used a too small spacer.  My knee was really unstable and I was told I was lucky it did not dislocate.  I had the surgery 3 years after the TKR.  
Posted by froggy (froggy), 6 January 2005

Hi,

Just read your message.  it helps me a lot.  I am 7 weeks after my TKR and feels very much as you described.  over the last 3 days, my knee feels a bit more stiff and I cannot straighten it as well as I did last week.  I was told that I probably stood and walkes too much.  I would love to hear from you.  How are you doing now ? Has your leg improved?  Do you do a lot of excercises ?

Cheers
Froggy

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