TKR swelling 9 weeks post-op

I will be following your recovery, as I too had an MUA after 11 weeks post-op. But that was for my first knee. I need the other one done and am reluctant as from what I went through.

It is most interesting that you experienced a normal recovery for the first one, and this occurred for the second. What was different? What were the variables:
Components used?
Surgeon?
Pain Control?
Technique?
Physical therapy?
Your physical health?

After my MUA, my Dr. showed me a picture of my knee bent at 135* and almost 0*. I had been pretty bent and reached 90* with much PT work prior.
I had daily PT for 2 weeks. It was like starting over without an incision to deal with. Then I was back down to 3x/week... I loved my ice machine for sure (highly recommend). It gradually got better. I now maintain at 125* and stay at 0* with stretching/upright bicycle/exercises every morning. Going down stairs is still a pain. Almost a year later, I give it a "C+".

My other knee keeps me awake night and it is getting worse during the daytime. I really need to do something...

I am most interested in your outcomes. Please keep me posted.
Thank you and best wishes.

Thank you!
My first TKR was seven years ago. Same hospital, different surgeon (now retired). For the first surgery, they kept me in the hospital for five days and also used a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine, which I had to take home and use for a second week. This time they only kept me overnight (which was fine with me) and they no longer use the CPM's. I do wonder if not using the CPM contributed to my swelling, stiffness, and excessive scar tissue. They said not.
I have been doing my PT several times a day for ten weeks and attend an excellent PT clinic three times a week. I also use an upright bicycle. There has been little improvement in how my knee feels; it's still stiff, swollen, hot, and painful. And I'm still using a crutch. I do have full extension, but my flexion is 90 on my own and 110 with painful help. I have an appointment this week to see a therapist for myofascial release therapy. I'm looking forward to that because I've heard good things about MFR.

A few variables different for sure. Surgical techniques have changed I’m sure.
Evidence has shown the CPMs don’t increase improvement. Did your surgeon show you evidence of how far he/she moved your leg during the MUA? Doesn’t sound like you had any improvement. So sorry!

Thank you for your responses. Best wishes. Keep us posted.

Yes, I was told the CPM's aren't thought to help with range of motion. I can only speak for myself, and in my case I believe the CPM worked well. I was fully recovered and back to my normal routines in less than eight weeks. I had scar tissue tightness for a couple of weeks but no joint stiffness and very little pain.
Yes, my surgeon gave me a photo of my MUA to keep as an encouragement. 😊
Have you thought anymore about a second TKR?

I had the traditional knee replacement 10 1/2 years ago and yes, I really believe that my passive machine helped. They say they do not use it any because you can get the same results with PT. However, this may be true. The machine definitely helped. I think it’s because the insurance companies are too cheap and do not want to pay extra for this machine rental.
My left knee replacement was so painful and I cried so much while in the hospital and rehab and home that I swore I would never go through that again! I just had the Nano Knee on my right knee one month ago and I am out about 120° or more I can get my leg straight, doing well walking the dog Doing some activity. Nano Knee replacement is less invasive less PT and less healing time. However, it is still painful but not near as much as a traditional knee replacement. The only time I ache is at night and I bought an ice cooling machine and now I can sleep all night. Please look into the Nano Knee or Jiffy Knee. It might be the answer to the traditional knee replacement.

I had a partial knee replacement on my left knee in 2010. A CPM was used on my knee for the first two weeks. I think the CPM machine was of significant benefit in my healing after surgery. I was able to start physical therapy three days after the surgery . My knee healed quickly and my range of motion was 130° and 0° within 10 weeks after the surgery. That knee is rarely painful. My right knee is now bone on bone and has frequently been painful. I am not a candidate for TKR surgery due to heart problems. I find that if I do frequent gentle exercise ( 5-10 minutes each hour) the pain is minimized.

I have been researching the second knee. Locally I read with dismay the lack of good pain control measures. I will want a team that works with me as part of the team.
I had that but am reluctant to travel the +4h for the surgery all over again. I believe the disconnect of my care came after I was discharged.
My second knee is quite problematic. Perhaps a year from now? I can't imagine healing in the winter. I hated anything touching my incision (clothing, covers...). It will take awhile to work up the courage knowing what lies ahead.

I'm sorry you went through so much pain and I hope you're doing better now. I've not heard of Nano Knee and it wasn't something that was mentioned or offered to me.

Yes, I'm absolutely convinced the use of a CPM was what made all the difference between my surgeries. I'm sorry to hear you're not a candidate for surgery now. Do you get cortisone shots in your knee? They worked wonders for me up until my PA said enough was enough because my knee was too far gone.

A good support team, both medically and at home, is essential. I believe we must be our own advocates and only settle for the best when it comes to surgery. I asked so many questions and my surgeon was very patient explaining everything to me. In my discharge papers, it said to notify the surgeon if I notice any changes or problems, or if I have questions or concerns about my condition or care, so I took them at their word and did that. I figured that's what they are there for.