8 weeks post TKR issues

Yes I can relate to regretting the decision to do TKR as I still feel that on really bad days. Literally for the first 8 weeks I said that to my husband every day. I also have out of the blue breakdowns with crying for no real reason. Then it lifts after awhile. I think the hormones get effected with this surgery. Unfortunately my knee was so bad before I had no quality of life. Have you considered increasing your protein as that is supposed to help with energy. My knee is still very stiff and still having pain. I do a lot of icing which helps a bit.
My ROM is still only 105 so I got a way to go. Let’s hope for better days ahead 😊
Take care

I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I can relate. I also have pain& stiffness after 10 weeks, though my orthopedist says I’m doing fine. However, I’m also having pain in my right SI joint, which I never had before surgery. It really hurts to walk, which complicates everything. I have been trying to take in more protein, usually one Ensure every day. For a while, I had no appetite, and lost 13 pounds, but my appetite is coming back. I just wish the lightheadedness, weakness, pain and stiffness would resolve.
With regard to increasing ROM, I found it helpful to use a strap, and pull my lower leg as far in and close to my thigh as possible. I do this 20x, three times a day.
I’m sure you’re doing PT also, it’s definitely a slow process, I’ve found.
And yes, I also have these unexpected, crying jags, which I never did before, very uncharacteristic for me, but I can’t seem to stop it, just too depressed, I guess.

Flexion at 105 isn't ideal at 8 weeks but also isn't very dar off. I'd work on flexion exercises with pain as a guide. I'll be interested to see what your GP and PT say.

The flexion exercise you describe is very good. Another way to do this is to put on a pair of socks and sit straight up in a frame chair. Put your non-operated door/leg over the top of the foot on the TKR leg. Pull the TKR leg in as far as possible, until you feel the strain of resistance. Held for a bit, release and repeat 10 times, 3 times a day or as you can tolerate. If pain isn't bad, doing more of these can help.

Hey, Joe - You're a terrific help in these discussions. Nothing like someone who has just been through the experience coaching others. That's what Mayo Connect is all about!
Thanks,
Sue

After my TKR I was unable to do some of the flexion exercises because they triggered sciatic pain. The most helpful exercise I learned (that didn't hurt) was to lie on my back and put my feet up against a wall or door, then slowly let the foot on my surgical leg slide down. Do not force it, but let gravity pull it down as far as possible. I did this over and over for at least 10 minutes. You'll find it gets easier and easier for your foot to slide lower. Let your pain level be your guide. Really helped my flexion, I now have the same range of motion in my surgical knee as I do in my nonsurgical knee. Don't give up!

I am 5 1=2 months out bilateral knee replacement. Two weeks ago I had sharp pain lateral side of one knee. It was as bad as the pain that I had before surgery and I was starting to limp again. At the time I had increased my efforts to build strength. The physical therapist taped it. The pain was gone in an hour. I left the tape on for 4 days. So far it has not returned.

This sounds like the same pain I am having 9 weeks post op. My PT said I have to build my quad strength to eliminate this pain which is painful doing the exercises. I will ask him to show me how to tape as I used to use KT tape prior to surgery but not sure if the placement will be the same now with the new knee. Thanks for sharing this tip😊

Physical therapist said that if the tapping worked if it happens again I should get a knee sleeve that has the donut support around the patella. Ask your PT to place it. Definitely one of those might help won’t hurt therapies

I am 5 months post TKR. While going through PT with a lot of pain I asked about taping and a knee brace. He said no to both; not during the healing post TKR! He is a therapist with 45 years of experience. Ask your surgeon!