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Total knee replacement problems

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Sep 28 10:41pm | Replies (80)

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@lj1952

Thank you for your reply! I'm very sorry about your experience 4 months post-op. I had a bit of a hard time adjusting to the idea of the knee not being natural--also, worrying about trusting it. While I *think* it's OK, at this point, I'm not sure what's normal. It's been over 3 years now, and I can't message my surgeon, since they consider me a new patient now. I would just like to know whether there's anything wrong with the knee, post-falls. Also, I'm not sure how to sleep--I need to prop my feet up or over a pillow for comfort (otherwise my heels are in terrible pain--no fat pad left after 72 years of walking around), and I'm not sure where my knee should be. Probably not on top of the pillow, maybe angled over it? Well, that's what the Internet's for, I think. I hear you about not wanting the other knee done! And it's so sad to lose yoga, isn't it? Especially at this stage of life when it would be so beneficial for balance and other aspects of daily life. Oh well. Right now, I'm dealing with the 2nd shoulder fracture in less than a year. (You can see why preventing falls is very important to me! Both occurred as a result of trip-and-fall accidents. Bad luck.) So I'm doing all that PT. We'll just have to carry on as best we can. You have all my empathy!! Good luck with the ROM and all. And I hope your knee starts to feel less stiff and unnatural ASAP...

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Replies to "Thank you for your reply! I'm very sorry about your experience 4 months post-op. I had..."

Hello lj1952,
Thank you for your thoughts. This is one heck of a journey for many of us. The posts here keep me going and keep me from near depression.
I caught something in your note. I think I might help with one matter. It is your complaint of heel pain.
I needed to sleep on my back for many months, and still have to spend much time in that position.
My heels would wake me in immense pain from the rubbing of the sheets.
I found a cure! 🙂 Buy (aprox.) 1" painters tape. Apply one or two short pieces to your heals at night. It protects the skin and the tape removes easily in the morning.
Caveat. This is assuming you do not have visible sores existing which I hope you are trying to get healed.
As for sleeping position's, I currently use two boudoir (16x12) sized pillows and three normal pillows. The smaller pillows move nicely around to any place needed. I use the third normal pillow to my side so I can practice sleeping in that direction. (Top leg on the side pillow). The last two normal pillows are for my head :).
Please use ice packs (still) as needed to calm down any hot spots. I am still getting up in the night to grab a pack bc something is 'on the flare'.
Best to you.