Good evening @chicagolinda, you have been on Connect for a long time. I am glad to be able to shout encouragement for your May 11, TKR. Here on Connect, we tend to receive requests for help when something doesn't seem to go right with a TKR. To ensure that you have every chance to come out of this experience with a knee that will perform well without pain or discomfort I am including the most important issues that I have learned from both of my TKRs.

In order for that to happen you are responsible for some important factors.
1. Choose an excellent surgeon. Do your research.
2. Take advantage of the availability of robotic surgery. This technique and current technology ensure that your surgeon will be able to have accurate visible support for your surgery. That means that your surgery can be minimally invasive which provides less damage to surrounding tissues and structures.
3. Complete at least 6 weeks of pre-surgery exercises with an authorized PT. That ensures that your muscles and surrounding tissues are totally in shape for the recovery phase.
4. Make sure you do not overuse your knee during the recovery period.
5. Begin your post-surgery PT immediately after the surgery and keep it going until you are released.
6. Use ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart when lying down to rest.
7. Expect the pain you mention and use medication prescribed by your surgeon.
8. Celebrate when you reach the 120 ROM and 0 fusion.

.......and finally. Let me know how you are doing and share your experience with other Connect members. Remember that by sharing we expand our knowledge greatly.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering..
Chris

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