new knee

loovechocolate
loovechocolate Member Posts: 77
edited 15. May 2012, 11:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have had a new knee does anyone have any advice to help me sleep, my op was only 2 weeks ago I still can't bend my knee and feel like I'm not progressing. I am so down at the moment and wish I hadn't had it done

Comments

  • diamond
    diamond Member Posts: 396
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there and welcome to the forum.I also had a new knee done two weeks ago,it is early days and i dont expect to sleep through night for a good few weeks yet.I had my other knee done six months ago so i have a good idea of what to expect.Are you getting physio as it is important to do exercises to help get a decent bend,it is difficult but you need to keep going,i use icepacks several times a day to help with pain and of course painkillers.Every knee is different my first knee i got to 90degree bend after several months,this new knee seems to be bending a bit easier but i have been feeling breathless been to doc going to do blood tests.Got half staples out today rest in a day or two.Your body needs to recover from trauma so rest exercise and try to remain positive,not easy at times.I hope you will be feeling a bit better soon.Kind Regards.xxx
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    I'm waiting to have a TKR on 24th July, :-)

    I was just about to say the same as diamond.....seems very early days and as i undwrstand it, excercise, mobility and rest are the name of the game just now

    Dont push yourself too hard

    best of luck xx
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    It is early days yet and I expect you shall soon start physio to get the knee moving well. The physio you saw in the hospital will have given your exercises to do and in the meantime these should be continued even if it does not feel that great to do them. The sooner you get the knee bending the better/easier it will become. The rule is RICE, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate with the exercises thrown in too, three times a day if possible.

    I used to put a pillow inbetween my knees at night so that I could sleep more comfortably on my side. I used to nap in the day too as sleeping was not that great for me in the early days after the TKR.

    I am sorry you feel down and wish you had not had it done. The consultant emphasised to me quite a few times, that it was a major operation and would take time to heal and so on. It most certainly took me time to make friends with my knees after both operations but it will happen. I am so pleased that I had both mine done.

    Chin up,

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    I just want to reiterate what the others have said and stress the importance of the exercises. I know it hurts but they have to be done to get the best movement from your new prosthesis. They will get easier with each day.

    I found after all my TKRs that the painkillers I was on helped me sleep, I wonder if you could be on some stronger meds to help you all round. You might be wise to give your GP a ring and let them know you're having difficulties.

    It will get better.

    Luv,
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I am pleased to hear that you have had a new knee fitted but as the others have said it is very, very early days as yet. Surgeons often give the impression that once the op is done gambolling like a lamb is the next natural progression: indeed it might be but it takes a deal of time, recuperation, exercise, patience and determination on the part of the patient to make it so. It takes years for knees to get to the stage where replacements are needed, and surgery - although commonplace - is an affront to the whole of the body, not just the 'tackled' bit. It's important to eat well, keep well-hydrated, do your exercises sensibly but above all get as much rest as you can as this will help your body heal. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • loovechocolate
    loovechocolate Member Posts: 77
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your help and kind words, I had a 60% bend when I left hospital and am doing my exercises but it hurts so much, last Wednesday I had a 70% bend with effort, but some people tell me they had a 80% bend by now and I should work harder, but if I work harder I am in so much pain I can't eat because I felt sick or sleep due to the pain it's a real catch 22. I feel so low and tearful some days my husband is fabulous and keeps me laughing. I am taking tramadole for the pain
    Again thank you
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Heck, I think you're doing fine! After my first synovectomy it took me months and months to reach a 90 degree bend and that was with my own joint! Anyhoo, who cares who managed what when? They aren't you, you're not them, you just carry on doing what you can when you can, with care, and I am sure you will soon be feeling the progress. It's very hard to see one's progress until a good stretch of time has passed - it's the whole wood-trees thing writ large. (()) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Loovechocolate,

    You sound as though you're doing exactly the right thing and to get 10 degrees more out of your new knee is brilliant! A 70deg bend is really good at this stage.

    When I read your first post I thought you couldn't bend it at all and that was a worry but that's not the case at all.

    Try to keep your pecker up your knee is going in exactly the right direction. It does hurt horribly still but it's had a lot of trauma and there's loads of soft tissue to heal. Give yourself time and don't expect too much too soon.

    Keep in touch and let us know how things progress.

    Luv,
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    When do you next see your physio? Do you have the option of ringing the ward to have a word with him/her? It is a fine balance between doing the exercises and wondering if the pain is excessive.

    We're all different. Legs gets a terrific bend on hers but mine is much less because my ligaments had all completely gone before I had the first TKRs. However, I don't find my lesser bend much of a problem.

    Exercise and rest are so important though. You shouldn't really be aiming to do anything else right now - exercise (about 10 repetitions at least 4 times a day) rest and elevation have seen me through every time. I try to time the exercises for when the pain relief is working best. Some soothing music helps.

    I think you're doing fine. Just keep plugging away at it and, if the pain levels on exercising worry you then just check it out with the physio or even your GP.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • babytiger
    babytiger Member Posts: 360
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I agree with all ,that everyone else has said.It is a major op and takes it out of tyour body.Take plenty of rest,have a nap in afternoon.That's what I used to do, also use a pillow between your knees a night.I still have to use one and that was 7 months ago.You really have quite a good bend for 2 weeks but everyone is different .
    All the best on your recovery
    Love Eileen xx

Categories