Energy is declining

Hi Timespast. You don’t mention your age and that can be a huge factor - I’m 69 and, something as simple as extra long hours working outside yesterday left me sore and tired today. Wouldn’t have happened 5 years ago I think. You get the idea.

My recommendation, however, is to check in with your surgeon or primary care doctor. Be sure there isn’t something different with the second knee surgery that you should be aware of. That said, my two TKRs were in Jan ‘23 and Jan ‘24. As my surgeon/friend told me, I will always know that these aren’t my God-given knees. Not bad, just different and requiring new/different care.

I stretch them most every night as I go to bed. It’s mildly painful each night but I have range of motion that is the envy of my fellow TKR friends. I know I have to keep stretching and working/remain active.

Best of luck! Keep moving and be stubborn with your self-care. You can make a huge difference with the things you do.

@fwintracy I am 73 and each time I had TKR I met my range of motion within 4 weeks. My knees do not hurt they just have that rubber band feel. I do not overdo any outside work or inside for that matter. I do light work for about an hour and rest for 15 or 30 minutes. I feel great if only this rubber band feeling would just go away. When I do yard work I do not get sore or tired just try not to push it. It's like I feel fine from my head to my knees and below my knees to my feet. Thanks for your helpful information.

@timespast Welcome to Mayo Connect. Let's talk about what might be happening here.
Your description of "...tired, heavy..." legs sounds to me like there is something besides joint replacement going on her.
Are you taking heart, blood pressure or cholesterol medications? These as well as some other prescriptions can cause this sensation as well as fatigue. Also, if you have asthma, COPD or another lung problem, heavy legs and fatigue can be symptoms of low oxygen. Your symptoms may also indicate low hemoglobin.
Maybe a visit to your primary caregiver for a full assessment is in order.
Have you had a complete physical, with bloodwork, since the symptoms started?

@sueinmn no heart meds or cholesterol. Even though my numbers are good the have me on the lowest does of blood pressure due to a infarction which is 2.5 mg. The tiredness is just in my knee area if that makes sense otherwise I feel good all over. It's like they have a mind of their own. My doctor ran blood work and everything is good. I have had blood work and physical twice since last one in 2024. Everything looks great

@timespast Any imaging to see if there aore abnormalities to address?

All my imaging looks good. Evidently a lot of people have that rubber band feeling or tightness around knee. I am doing more leg exercises which seem to be helping.