Knee Replacement 3 weeks in

Hey Thankyou so much for your message. Really needed to read something positive. I feel like the tightness snd swelling is preventing me. I don’t get regular contact with my surgeon or PT. It’s pretty woeful when on a public system.
So I’m trying to push through as much as I can. I’ve got a high pain tolerance, but then get scared I’m
Going to go too far and will damage something.
I do ice a lot. And will certainly have a look at acupuncture.
I’m
About to go into my 5th week. I’d say when swelling is down my ROM is at 85 which is an improvement. I’m hoping to get to 100 by the end of my 6th.
Are you still On pain medication ?

Glad you found my response helpful. It’s always good to hear others’ perspectives, but I’ve also been told, each knee for each patient is totally different. This is not a competition. And I went off pain meds earlier this week. Still hurts and very achy, but got doc to give me meloxicam for swelling, and I supplement with Tylenol. I wanted off the oxy.

Totally agree on not overworking it too soon. 5 weeks post- op and my surgeon says I have to try harder. My PT is great and just told me to consider rest days with no work. Ice and elevate! Finally just got to 110. And the depression is real. Hang in there! Also, consider seeing a legit acupuncturist. I just started going last week. He reduced my swelling significantly in 2 days, increasing my ROM by 10 degrees after a single visit. Needles, scraping, and herbal treatments. I’m a believer.

Thanks. It means a lot to get encouragement and validation on this interminable journey. Sounds like you're making quick progress.

Everyone is different, sometimes dramatically so. Stop making yourself miserable by comparing yourself to others and focus on small steps of progress.

Hey everyone,
Well I just wanted to thank all of those who commented here. For all your wisdom and reassurance. I hope you are all doing well.
I’m now in my 7th week I believe.
Swelling has gone way down. Still a little stiff and sore, but no complaints.
I’ve gone from 65 ROM at the time I originally set up this post at 3 weeks, I’m now at 105 ROM which is fantastic. Still some improvement to go but I’m very happy and confident.
The knee has healed really well.
Strength has gone from 3/5 to 5/5.
Surgeon and Physio really pleased with progress.
I just wanted to share with you all.
Thanks again. Keep safe and healthy.

You are quite welcome. I’m so impatient, but careful, slow, and steady is definitely the way to go with TKR. It’s a very big deal. The good news is, that to a person, I have only heard it was the best decision they ever made regarding their knees. We’ll see. Hopeful.

It's a tough surgery. I'm 18 days in on my second. Barely holding on to 90 degrees! Shooting for 100 by the end of next week. Keep icing to keep the swelling down and walk as much as you can that also help dissipate the swelling. And of course keep bending it throughout the day. You will get there. You are still early but keep on it!