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Knee Replacement 3 weeks in
Hi everyone,
So I recently had a knee replacement. On the day after surgery my ROM was at around 85. The physio was happy enough and and Docs to send me home. On the next day my knee blew up. Swollen as anything.
I literally had very little ROM for the first 12 days after surgery.
I just had my first Physio appointment and I’m sitting at 65. She was reasonably happy but I’m still getting swelling which seems to prevent me from bending more.
I think atm with exercises I’m at the 80 mark but still having difficulty.
Everywhere I read the expectations are 90-100. This gets me worried.
I’m pushing hard but can only budge as far as the knee wants to go.
Any feedback or advice?
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So good to hear!! Congratulations on your recovery!
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1 ReactionI had both my knees done at Mayo AZ. Much respect, but I hear you. It is a tough surgery and I know that when I had to tell my friends who were facing the same surgery, it was hard for me to be completely honest because I knew they might decide not to have it if they knew how painful the recovery could be. I don't think there is an 'easy' way. Keep pushing, you will get there! I am a huge hiker and I'm an RN working 3 12 hr shits a week. I was able to return to work at three months and begin hiking. It was tough, still painful after 12 hrs on my feet, and I had to learn to be patient. As you have been told, at one year you will be amazed!! I am 16 months on my right and 18 days on my left (I am hating life right now!!), and my right knee is flawless! It feels like I'm 20 years old again and ready to hike. Good luck! You will get there! Wishing you the best.
Fantastic news and it brings me hope. First knee done in January. Second knee is 8 weeks post-op. Got pushed to 132 this week in PT. Extension is still 5 off though and it seems like it just refuses to straighten out no matter hard we work at it. Doc wants to manipulate and only wants to give me two more weeks to get it to where it needs to be. Ugh!
Kind thanks! Good luck with it all. Patience.... ugh.
I find it interesting to hear about how different every doctor is regarding PT and recovery. Some seem genuinely open to working with patients, while others seem to be stuck in a routine manner of addressing post-op issues. I learned long ago that as a patient I had every right to fight for answers.
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1 Reactionyour flexion is outstanding! Better than mine! Talk to your doc it sound like he wants to make sure you stay on track with the extension. I have heard the manipulation is usually easy and can give great results. I assume you've been doing all the 'straightening' exercises. My right knee had been off by 8 on extension for years, if not decades. It was tough but eventually I got to where I need to be. But it took months and months before it finally eased up completely and I got to near zero easily. As you know the process is slow. This time around I realize that I'll get there, just telling myself to do what I know I need to do and trust the process. Good luck to both of us!! LOL
I tell you that the internet and YouTube has been a fantastic tool I use when I feel my doctor or PT is being a little wooden or lazy.
I’ll always bring things I read or see to their attention so they know I’m not some idiot who lives on everything they do or say.
You have every right to ask as many questions as you like and get answers. You are their responsibility.
Yes! Good luck to both of us…and anyone else going through this!