5 months post TKR

I kept same process from physical therapy. 15-20 minutes. If I’m able to elevate after exercising. Elevate 30 minutes to hour.

Hi. I’m also five months out and still have swelling and my knee area is always warm. I do feel some tightness and stinging pain a couple times a day on the lateral side of my knee.
I may start a discussion thread as I’m beginning to think I should be farther along now. And I also was told a year.
Wish you the best and a pain free future!

Hi @zoobird1, I think I was still icing some at 4 months. I think it depends on how well your recovery is going with swelling, pain and range of motion. It was at my first follow up with my surgeon which I think was 4 to 6 weeks that he scolded me for not icing and elevating enough when he saw that I still had a lot of swelling. Before I was doing it 2 to 3 times a day and he said I needed to be doing icing and/or elevating when I wasn't walking or exercising.

How is your swelling and range of motion doing?

Thank you. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I meant months.☺️

Thank you.
My knee is still a bit swollen and always warm. I’m back to taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed (daily) for the tightness. Leg area under knee is still tender and I get several pain stabs daily. It’s been five months this week.

I had a change last week, which was 22 weeks post op for me. I had some pain and stiffness the week before, but then last week no pain and the swelling wasn’t as bad and I walked so much better. This week the stiffness started again but after several steps it improves.
Usually after exercise and grocery store my knee gets really stiff. I carry ice with me whenever I travel and strap it to my knee while I’m the car.
Also, my knee is more on the cooler side. So, I’m starting to have less swelling.

I’m glad to hear you’re improving. It gives me some hope. I’m 15 weeks out, & very depressed. My PT says my right TKR is “perfect” with excellent ROM, but it is very stiff & hurts to stand or walk, & so I limp. I also have pain in right SI joint. I also continue to have severe exhaustion, lightheadedness & nausea, which began within a week after TKR. All scans & labs are WNL, & my doctors don’t know what the problem is. This has been the worst experience of my life, unfortunately. I need to have a left TKR as well, but never will.

Brava! I also travel with ice bags strapped to my knee as well as one under my knee. I am happy for you. Keep up the good work. My surgery was May 3rd. I know I have a long way to go, but hints like your's are a God Send!

I'm with you! I will never do it again. I was not prepared pre surgery by education or counseling of what I was getting into. In the beginning of post surgery was a mess. I overdosed on meds, I went on oxygen, my after care bailed on me, and I had panic attacks plus lightening bolt cramps in the tendons at night. I soon came into contact with my brother and sister that left in different states by text and daily calls that helped me through the worst part. I opened up my curtains and let the sun shine in. I have a porch that I visit often. My niece and her daughter started taking me for walks in the evening and I find being in contact with people helped me immensely with the depression. And for me, I renewed my relationship with Jesus. I know I have a long way to go, but I am stronger for taking the steps I have. Ice and elevating is key. My surgery was May 3rd. I try to exercise twice a day and PT 3 times a week, which is more contact with people! I could go on and on. Every patient I have come in contact with said 'It will get better." I am counting on it and I pass it it on to you. It will get better

Thank you! Hope you also continue to improve.