Knee Replacement 3 weeks in

You’re going through what we all have so please know you’re not alone, but I found no solace in comparing my slow recuperation to others who healed quicker. I am very disappointed with both Mayo and PTs lack of support. Their attitude of “it takes time” without having prepared me with information about the possible outcomes is quite aggravating. I would not hesitate to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion on how to improve your outcomes. Best wishes!

I wonder how your revision went? I had TKR on my right knee in September 2024 and a MUA in November 2024. I went into cardiac arrest with MUA so didn’t have PT for 5 days.

By May 2025 I’m still only 100 degree bend and -14 on my extension. 2 surgeons have told me I could have a revision but because I develop scar tissue so quickly they said I could end up worse than I am.

I’m interested in hearing how other people’s revisions have gone before I make any decisions. Thank you in advance.

The scar tissue is the big issue! I have 73 flex maybe after TKR and Revision. If you have 100 flex be satisfied and wait to see if it stays. Scar tissue seems to be organic 🙂 in some people, like me.

I totally agree with the lack of information presurgery from doctors. I did not have my surgery at Mayo but it appears that this is a huge problem elsewhere too. And also would like to say that I am forced to compare my recovery with others only because family and friends make comments like "I never knew anyone to take so long to recover, or I knew someone who was fine in 6 weeks". These comments are so discouraging and force me to defend my recovery. I wish I had a snappy comeback but all I can say is that it is a 3-6 month recovery and my doctor said I am fine.

I am sorry to hear about your swelling and flexion issues post surgery. I Just wanted to say that I had swelling for months after both of my knee replacements. From what I've read mild swelling is normal for up to six months. For my most recent knee replacement I had extreme swelling at first, which subsided gradually over 6 months. My sweet husband purchased lots of ice bags for me in a variety of styles, including jell packs. Plus, I had a wrap provided by the surgeon's office for my knee. It had two long jell packs which fit inside. I alternated frozen jell packs (in the knee wrap) which I could wear even while walking and when sitting. When sitting the wrap was augmented by another ice pack plunked on top. So, I iced just about round the clock. What helped me most for swelling was ice and elevation. I also did take anti-inflammatories, especially at night. Whenever I sat, I elevated my leg and kept the knee straight when elevated. My flexion was good from the start, which I know is different from your situation, but extension was not good. Even after three months of PT, I did not have full extension, and I'm not positive it's at full extension now, but it is functional. I can walk and climb hills and my leg is straight, unlike the bowed leg (from advanced arthritis in the knee), and arthritic knee I had before. For this 78 year old, it's good enough. Good luck to you. I hope, as in my case, swelling continues to subside. Give it some time and as others have said, don't force it.

You’re not alone. I’m seeking sscond opinions at this point.

I had a total hip replacement two years ago at the age of 75. I had met up with several people who said that they had also had thr and that it went very well for them. They said they came home from surgery and were able to walk right up the stairs - easy peasy. That was NOT my experience. I was not allowed to go up the stairs as my house is 250 years old with wonky stairs. The downstairs bathroom does not have a shower so I had to buy lots of different wipes in order to keep clean. My main base of operations was a tiny little bathroom on the ground floor of my very old house. Anyway, I did that for six weeks. When I had my 6 week checkup I came home and went right up the stairs to take a shower. Everyone's situation is different. My surgery was a little more complicated as I have a screw and a cable in the mix. I was told that my good hip will have to be done in 3-4 years. Well, at that time I will be 81. Not sure I will be able to handle it as well as that time. Doing what I can to avoid another surgery. I had to have a THR because I could not even walk up a very tiny incline. Couldn't even manage going up the driveway. Doing very much better now as my surgeon was excellent and the hospital was rated #4 in the country. I got lucky. Good luck to you and remember as you said everyone's experience is different.

I am 5 weeks post-op on my second knee. Was in exact same boat, with swelling that remains persistent. At week 4, could not get past 90s ROM, and extension -7. A neighbor recommended I see her acupuncturist. She also had TKR last year. I have seen this Chinese acupuncturist 3 times now. Needles, grafting, herbal supplements. Two days after first visit, my swelling significantly decreased and ROM increased by 10 degrees. Now at 110. Extension still a bit of a problem. Problem was my surgeon keeps saying work harder. Have to get through the pain. My PT was saying I was working too hard and creating more swelling. So far, I’m a believer in the acupuncture.

Totally agree on not overworking it too soon. 5 weeks post- op and my surgeon says I have to try harder. My PT is great and just told me to consider rest days with no work. Ice and elevate! Finally just got to 110. And the depression is real. Hang in there! Also, consider seeing a legit acupuncturist. I just started going last week. He reduced my swelling significantly in 2 days, increasing my ROM by 10 degrees after a single visit. Needles, scraping, and herbal treatments. I’m a believer.

Hey Thankyou so much for your message. Really needed to read something positive. I feel like the tightness snd swelling is preventing me. I don’t get regular contact with my surgeon or PT. It’s pretty woeful when on a public system.
So I’m trying to push through as much as I can. I’ve got a high pain tolerance, but then get scared I’m
Going to go too far and will damage something.
I do ice a lot. And will certainly have a look at acupuncture.
I’m
About to go into my 5th week. I’d say when swelling is down my ROM is at 85 which is an improvement. I’m hoping to get to 100 by the end of my 6th.
Are you still On pain medication ?