TKR after 2 weeks

2 weeks is not a realistic timeline to determine if you made a good decision on your TKR. I discovered after having a TKR my expectation was unrealistic. My issue was that I found out that I really wasn’t given a good picture of what a TKR entails. I’m four months out now, I do have total range of motion and my strength is improving. I do have some stair issues yet but working through that issue with my therapist . I would say give yourself some time and see how you feel. I also said I think I made a mistake, which really turned out to be not true. I just didn’t realize what a lengthy process recovery is.

Deep breath! TKR is really tough and has a very long rehabilitation period, like up to a year. The incisions in the leg (usually 2) will take 12 weeks to heal. In that time the body will defend itself with swelling and inflammation as it sends extra cells and fluids to try to heal the wounds. It also has to cope with a foreign object, the knee replacement. That's a lot. The main things to do are to keep circulation going, but gently, and keep the swelling under control. Not everyone gets scar tissue that gets out of control, but everyone does get scar tissue. That's normal. Now, if you are all swollen up and stiff from not moving, then you will be in constant pain and unable to bend or straighten your knee completely. But you have 12 weeks to get there so don't panic. Don't push hard on the therapy exercises because you can damage things, but DO the exercises to your limit, not quickly, not hard, but gently and at least four times a day. Keep that leg moving or it will stiffen up. When you aren't exercising, get your surgical leg elevated above the level of your heart. That helps reduce swelling and improve circulation while you're resting, and you do need frequent rest periods to heal. Use ice packs for pain, but no longer than 20 minutes at a time. So that's how you spend the days for 12 weeks: move, elevate, ice, rest, over and over and over and over. Walk as often as you can, but don't overdo it. Use a walker or a cane, anything that keeps you from falling because that would be disastrous. Don't worry. It will get better, but it's SLOW. Do everything frequently in little bits and you should be just fine. Let your coach drive. Let your family feed you. Eat nutritious food. Forget chores. Don't try stairs in the first 12 weeks. That's what elevators are for. Give yourself time to heal. This is a long process and all of us who have been through it are rooting for you to have a successful recovery. We know how hard and long it is. Best wishes to you.

I struggled with stiffness too. At three months I couldn't get past 70 despite PT and doing my home exercises.
I had to keep reminding myself that it takes a full year to start feeling some confidence with my mobility.
If you have a previous knee surgery, it affects your recovery. My surgeon said they don't know why some people have more trouble with the stiffness. After 4 months my surgeon did do a manipulation. I think they usually like to do that sooner. During the procedure the surgeon was able to get 120 degrees of motion in my knee. The next day in PT I was able to do 90 degrees on my own. Now about 8 months later I am able to do just over 100 degrees on my own. Ortho here is happy with 120 and on my own I continue to keep motion in it with hopes to still improve. I am 59 and had knee surgery at 16. I have only had about 45 degrees of motion in my knee for decades, so I am pleased but haven't given up. Be kind to yourself and try to keep in mind that this is a journey that takes time. For me the manipulation was worth it.

Nearly everyone who had a TKA or knew someone told me that they were doing so much better after having the surgery. But no one mentions how much pain you have to get through in the first few weeks. Maybe it's better not to know but for me it made me worry more that something wasn't right. Hang in there because wherever you are today, tomorrow will be better and the next day better than that.

thanks for your comments. I am realizing everyone is different. Several folks told me they expect me to be up and walking in a month. Only one person suggested it would be a long recovery. I am taking it one step or day at a time.

Thanks for your comments. The doctor is finally taking me seriously. They said I had "aggressive scar tissue" and they scheduled a manipulation surgery in a few weeks. So they are going to manipulate my knee within 4 weeks of TKR and start out patient PT immediately after. In the meantime, I am doing my exercises. And I am going to incorporate some of your suggestions in my daily schedule.

I listened to a lot of people before deciding on surgery. My expectations were unrealistic. I just got released from my doctor who advised me I will continue to get better, so yes it can be a long process. My knee was pretty messed up so I wonder sometimes if it just depends on how much knee damage all these people had; might make a difference. I’m glad I had the surgery but I still have some healing to do. Hang in there!