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← Return to Total Knee Replacement
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All of my very best wishes to all of you as you recover from knee replacement. I have posted here quite a while ago, but want to encourage you to keep up with in home and outside physical therapy. Unfortunately, for me, I could not take the pain medication that was prescribed. My doctor at the New England Baptist Hospital tried four different medications and I had an allergic reaction to all of them. I was “stuck” only taking Tylenol Extra Strength and my recovery was horrible, painful, and very long. This was three years ago. My TKR is just “okay”…….still can’t kneel down on it or do all of the exercises that I used to do. My other knee (the left one) is not good, but I go to my surgeon every three or four months and get a cortisone shot. It helps! I will never go through another knee replacement again…..I will just “live with it” the way that it is now. Like “heyjoe415 “ recommends, before you have the surgery, get in shape, strenthing your quads. I have to say that I did that, but after the surgery, I was told that those muscles were weak………even after all of the leg strengthening exercises that I did ahead of time!!! However, strengthening those muscles before surgery does help many people and that is very good advice! Waiting for stem cells to be the answer for knees and hips!!!! Best wishes to all who have to have TKR!
Replies to "All of my very best wishes to all of you as you recover from knee replacement...."
I can't imagine doing my other knee! I never thought I'd be so long in rehabilitation mode...12 weeks out, right knee. Hoping to walk without cane, but so afraid, although did at pt last week! Will practice driving today around neighborhood, but, yes nervous! Hate all this psychological fear! Have noticed improvements like graduating from walker to cane, some walking without cane! Hate step up/down at pt, so afraid of hyperextension even though has not happened for a few weeks now! It's been a few years that I've avoided stairs, doing one at a time, and not walking much...hard to break those habits. Also hesitate reading here, some good, some BAD!
Thank you for your honest post. I had LTKR in September 2023 .. today was told my knee cap is not centered but left …still having pain .. believe me I will never do this ever again. My visit with the surgeon was not productive today. But I know someone will provide helpful guidance.
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Thanks Mab. Interesting comment on post op quad strength. I had a friend who did exactly what I did and got his quads and hamstrings as strong as possible pre surgery. After surgery, the quads on the operated leg looked like they had atrophied - I mean there was nothing, no muscle to see. And it happened quickly and this guy is a gym rat.
This happens to some people. I didn't experience it. If it does happen, patience is required and slow, steady work to rebuild the quads.
The surgeon has to make a small incision into one of the quad muscles to release the patella so it can be moved aside during surgery. I'm guessing it's possible this weakens the quad to the point that it can't be exercised for a while post op. I don't know what else could cause it.
Finally I hope you reconsider getting your other knee replaced. My suggestion - if it affects your gait and is painful everyday, get the surgery. Cortisone only works so well and for so long when the bones are touching. And stem cell solutions are promising to regrow cartilage, but probably a long way from reality.
All the best to you!