Ability to lift leg

I walked! Walk, walk, walk. It strengthens all your tendons and muscles and my ortho said I was in great shape and would recover quickly. I'm 8 weeks out and back to walking. Now up to 2 miles a day, but I do do my PT exercises on days I don't walk.
Hope you have a great surgery and recovery.

@emb123 walking is always a great exercise, but many of us have to avoid the impact from regular walking. My PT advised me that even the treadmill is better if impact is a problem.
JK

@emb123 It's funny how we are all so different. I'm 8 weeks PO and I JUST got on a cane from a walker and have little stamina although I was fit and healthy prior to surgery. I'll be happy to first just get through Publix. Can't wait to get back to walking at least a few miles a day. The healing, for me, is going to drag out despite my therapy diligence. Glad you had a speedy recovery! Sounds like you're doing wonderful.

Adding my 2 cent’s worth: definitely everybody is sooooo different! I was also very fit (though not young), and it took me 4 months (!!!) to get full extension. On the other hand, roughly 125 degrees ROM after about 6 weeks, now about 132 at 6 months. Off walker in 4 days, off cane in another 4 days,, off oxycodone within 8 days. I was so frustrated as well when I saw posts from people who got their knee straight right away - my PT basically told me not to walk for exercise until it had full extension since it would probably lead to hip or back pain. That was really annoying, since I used to walk every morning. Started water exercises and swimming instead. Continued good luck with your recovery!

@kawi33 Hi Katherine, Welcome to Connect! So glad you joined this group. I agree with the others - the more strength and flexibility you develop beforehand, the easier your life will be post-op. The physical therapist in the hospital told me that he could tell in 5 minutes the people who had prepared vs. those that didn't. I did the stationery bike, some strength training and some balance exercises. Not sure what your situation is, but my ortho surgeon at Mayo will happily write a prescription for "pre-hab" so that you are getting direction on specific exercises you need. If I were you, I would ask my orthopedic surgeon or his medical assistant if that is an option. If so, the insurance should pay for it. Can I ask where you are now in terms of mobility? On my first TKR, my knee was in such bad shape that I was literally on crutches prior to the surgery. That made exercise a bit more difficult.

Hi Katherine @kawi33 - Here is a great video that one of our Mayo mentors, @johnbishop shared. This is a terrific resource that outlines the 5 biggest problems physical therapist identify with their knee replacement patients. From my experience, it is right on point.

@kawi33 Katherine - Here is a second video that might be helpful. Again, my fellow mentor @johnbishop shared this so we can thank him for great information! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ-JspTqrHE

Hi I understand where you are coming from, I too have difficulties sleeping at night, as you stated can't find a comfortable position. I had TKR on Jan.8,2019 had stiff knee. I then had MUA on Feb.27th still having problem with the knee. I have a fullness on my knee that feels like a tight rubber-band. This whole process has been very aggravating to me. I have an appointment with my surgeon on this week and I hope I get some answers for some relief.