3 1/2 months since TKR

Megs

I to am at 3 months everytime I think I'm getting ahead I fall back. I'm so frustrated with pain.

Megs

3 months more bad days than good. I wondering if I did the right thing. starting to get depressed

MyNewKnee

I hope that your knee pain gets better. It can take up to a year for full recovery. Best of luck!

Kassytbag

hi it's 10 months since I had both knees replaced

I hit a plateau at around 20 weeks - wasn't seeing any progress began to think is this it? but I promise you that it does get better and better. the experts are so right when they say it can take up to 12 months!!

now at 10 months my left knee feels perfectly normal - no pain and I genuinely forget it's replaced. right one gets a little stiff sometimes but again no pain and I forget it's not my own!!! I do know how hard it is to be patient but please keep on going it's so worth it!!!

123

I agree with Mags, it feels like I'm never going to feel normal. It's depressing to depend on others all the time to drive me around. Tired of being "the patient " in pain since surgery 18 days ago.

Katinla

Same here. 3 months in and I am miserable. switched to water PT hoping it would change things. Now and old ankle injury on same leg has been acting up. pain every where.

Mandarella

My mom is 2 months post TKR. I don't know how to help her. She can't take NSAIDS and is also in severe pain and found out she's started mixing her pain meds with alcohol, which could be deadly. Trying to contact her surgeon at Mayo clinic, but feel she has given up already. I live 1000 miles away and ready to quit my job to be with her. This is devastating! I pray your pain ceases too...blessings to all going thru any pain and may they have a tolerant, yet quick recovery. Thank you for your story.

Mandarella

My mom is 2 months post TKR. I don't know how to help her. She can't take NSAIDS and is also in severe pain and found out she's started mixing her pain meds with alcohol, which could be deadly. Trying to contact her surgeon at Mayo clinic, but feel she has given up already. I live 1000 miles away and ready to quit my job to be with her. This is devastating! I pray your pain ceases too...blessings to all going thru any pain and may they have a tolerant, yet quick recovery. Thank you for your story.

patburke

Did you ever experience a rubber band feeling?

Tdalt

The rubber band feeling is very common. I find that "marching in place" loosens the band.

Ros

I'm 14 weeks p.o tkr. I still suffer pain and discomfort especially at night. I walk a lot but very uncomfortable afterwards. Getting a bit fed up!!

u573999

I'm almost 6 weeks after TKR, and I can honestly say, that's it's the worse pain that I've ever experienced.
I'm having physio, doing my exercises regularly and putting the ice on.
My mobility has definiyely improved, but the knee is still very stiff, and today, at physio I could only manage a bend of 63 degrees, which isn't very good.
I had a different physio today, and he did lots of very deep massage, but for the rest of the evening, it's been painful, and aching so much, which is what he told me would happen.
Even the most basic task, like putting on a sock, is virtually impossible, as I can't bend it very much!
I'm feeling quite depressed about it all, but reading other comments from you all, is keeping me going.
My other knee also needs doing, but there's no way that I would ever contemplate having it done.

karens427

I’m also 3 1/2 months post TKR. I have occasional pain below the knee especially if I have been on my feet a lot. The knee joint itself doesn’t hurt, but the soft tissue around it does and I feel like I still have swelling. I was wondering if this is normal. I’m waiting for that feeling of “I wish I would have done this sooner” feeling because right now I’m not there!

brendamboone

I am 7 weeks since surgery. physical therapist is not happy because not all the way straight and flexion is around 100. never seems like good enough. I am struggling with pain - more just aches from hip to toes. stiff feeling when trying to bend. not driving and hate being so dependent. I am so frustrated and feeling like I will never be back to normal.

brendamboone

I am now at 11 1/2 weeks post op and scheduled for a manipulation under anesthesia next Friday because we have hit a hard wall on the bend. 100 % isn’t really enough for normal day to day stuff. I still am not sleeping much, back at work 1/2 days, still in some pain but a lot of discomfort and nerve type pain down lower leg. tingling in the foot. can’t get knee straight either. So frustrated!

brendamboone

I am not 4 months post TKR and 4 1/2 weeks post MUA. I finally can bend to 123-124 but can’t get it straight for anything. PT can press, and after 30 mins or so can get it almost straight, then he lets go and it just bends right back to around 10 degrees. anyone else have this problem?

abed

after 3 months of knee replacement surgery, I feel approximately with no aches and less swelling
i walk without the aid of any tool or any support
I feel I am in a very good situation because I did 20 sessions of physiotherapy as doctor prescribed

your2smart

I am 3 months out of TKR and this burning sensation in the inside of my knee is driving me crazy. It feels like I am starting to loose more of my range of motion bending and straightening. I am still doing PT and working at home on the exercises. This pain is driving me bonkers especially at work and sitting. I know it gets better everyday but some days are worse than others. I sure hope the docs are right about the 6 months to a year to get back to normal.
Bea

skyhigh

I did 12 weeks of PT along with my daily exercises. After PT I joined a gym and continued my knee strengthening exercises. Yet, I still have pain on the inside right knee. I was told by my PT professional to expect pain for up to one year.
I am a very active person and this has certainly slowed me down. The pain is especially bad at night. I am determined to get off pain meds and sleeping meds.
The doctor was impressed with my flexibility and range of motion yet I still have pain. I am zero out on a straight leg and at 125 on the range.

debbykanoza

I’m three months and 14 weeks sense I had my TKR surgery I’m finally have straight leg at 0 degrees sense week ago bend 118 with therapist to 120. Plus I’m still using cane ( walking stick) is this normal? Plus I still pain pill for physical therapy or if my knee really hurts

Momilsom

I’m at 14 weeks post op from TKR. I’m getting quite depressed as still have pain mainly when bending knee and walking. sometimes every step hurts. My physio says range of movement is good but how long does pain and swelling go down? can’t say I’m glad I’ve had it done yet. Maureen

momof10poodles

I am 3 months out from TKR and my knee still hurts, keeps me awake at night, burns and feels like its coming out of place. Swelling and soreness still there. No pain pills in 3 weeks but how in the heck do we function? Tired of the pain.

madsvette

It’s been 8 weeks since TKR. Still can’t straighten leg off by 7 degrees. Dr said I have 4 weeks or he will manipulate my knee. I can bend to 118 degrees. I have the worse nerve pain down the outside of the calf and into the ankle. Can’t seem to find relief. Anyone else had this issue. Getting out of bed in the morning is horrible. So frustrated!

Slkroeger

I’m 7 weeks TKR and I’m just so fed up with the pain and lack of sleep. I’m doing well with PT. I’m at 110 flexion and -5 extension. I can’t take NSAIDS so still have some swelling. But it hurts ALL THE TIME. Its getting depressing. Hard to imagine I will be glad I did this.

LiL

In a few days it will be 4 weeks since my knee replacement surgery. I don’t even have 80 bend yet, but working on it. I stopped taking my pain meds bc it messes up my stomach. I’ve decided that I’m gonna go to a church in my state, Ga for prayer to heal my other knee bc I don’t want to go through all this pain & discomfort again. It is hard to depend on others, but God has blessed me with family members and a sweet friend who have stepped up to help me. Something about me is that I am a prayer warrior or use to be. Having a lot of time on my hands I’ve been trying to spend more time w God & He has been answering some prayers. That’s why I’m gonna go to Him to heal the other knee bc He is the great Physician. I feel ALL your pain and will be adding you all to my prayers for supernatural healing. Hold on, it WILL get better. Glad I found this community who understands what we are going through. Bless you all and adding you to my prayer list. Much love, peace and healing.❤️

flasvegas@aol.com

Just reached my 3 mos mark. Have good days and bad days. Seems I've made progress and then suddenly stiffness and pain returns. Very frustrating. Wondering if I'll ever get to the place where I can say I'm glad I had this done.

Sandi357

I'm 8 weeks post op of tkr, I had been doing great, had reached 125° range of motion barely ant pain, the last week I have lost range of motion to 105° lots of stiffness and pain in the kneecap when walking, I go to pt 3 times a week and do exercises at home 2 times each day, therapist said he doesn't know but sometimes people will lose some range, I don't go back to my surgeon for another month, I don't know if I should call my surgeon or just go with what the therapist said. I just feel like giving up

Beck4

10.5 weeks in and I’m only at 110 (115 when PT pushes me) ROM Dr wants to manipulate. Not sure I can stand more intense medications after another semi surgery. However this current intermittent swelling, stiffness and pain is so uncomfortable every day, mostly at night. I’m still working on trying to get to 120 this week.
Does anyone know about this manipulation under anesthesia postop? thank you for all of your posts. Helping me hang in here with hope that this too shall pass.

Mjames2161

Hi I’m 7 weeks since I had both knees replaced . It hasn’t been easy although my walking got better but the knees pain is overwhelming at times. Reading other stories is very helpful . Now I’m taking it one day at a time and looking forward to the day of full recovery. But in the mean time I’m continue to do pt and tried not to focus on my knees so much.

tonyobringer

I am 52 and 3 months out from tkr. The first 2 months were quite painful and I even had to get a knee manipulation done to improve my bend. I am a very active person and this procedure really threw me for a loop. At the 2 month mark I really started to see improvement. Now at 3 months I was released from physical therapy and I am walking normal with no pain. The only pain I get is when I do therapy on my own in the gym or at home. I am almost to the point where I am glad I had the replacement done. I anticipate I will be there soon.

ajsjrj1259@yahoo.com

Had both knees for TKR. Been 4 and 2 months. Both knees really hurt when I first get up in the morning and late in the evening. During the day hasn't been too bad. When the cold weather hit, both knees suffered all day long for a few days. Both knees still fell like a lot of pressure on the fatty deposit area (front outside of the knee). Feels like tight rubber bands around the knees. I know I need to be patient, it just gets a little frustrating dealing with pain all the time.

Vickie

Its been 14 weeks and I am still in pain, can't get it straight, ans cam only bend to about 90 degrees. I had a manipulation at 9 weeks and that helped for a bit but now back where I started. Been sick for past 2 weeks so havent done any therapy and I know that isnt helping. Really have trouble sleepong at night and still mainly sleep in the recliner cuz I cant get comfy in bed. I am so over this. Anybwords of encouragement/advice?

mswildkat@gmail.com

I'm so thankful I found this site. Now I know my issues are not unique. I'm 10 weeks out from my right TKR. I struggle with depression and not being able to do things for my self. I had to stop PT because of Covid19.u husband has a pacemaker and heart issues. I scared I would bring something home. I do excersise they taught me. Thank each of you for your comments you don't know how much better they have made me feel

Gregp

3 1/2 months in for my right TKR , seems like everyone has minor setbacks , I’ll feel really good and do too much , whether it’s too much hiking or exercising in my gym . But after it starts to feel better I’m back at it . It seems every time I go through this it’s a little better each time . Anyone else feel like this ?

Datapopp

I am 4 months post-op for a right tkr. I start out in the morning at about 5 degree extension and 117 flexion. After doing painful morning stretches I get to 0 degree extension and 135 flexion. I do static stretches in order to attain this. The first 3.5 months I was in extreme pain and lots of swelling. I began wondering if I had made a huge mistake. Then one morning I woke up and the pain and swelling has dramatically decreased. I just happen to have a higher inflammation tendency than many. But, I think I have finally made it over the hump. So if you are experiencing difficuties and doubt don’t give up hope and for those struggling with ROM - you can gain ROM after 3 months if you continue to do static stretches daily - even though painful.

Hmclamp

I am 10 wks postop from bilateral TKR. I can take the knee pain. Had good ROM and 0 on straight until the muscle spasms started in full force. The pain from that is intense and i am beyond my wits end of living in pain. Tylenol doesnt work, state of oklahoma is useless in trying to manage pain now and muscle relaxers do nothing but knock me out. Heat helps but i never get away from it except the couple hrs of sleep i get. Has anyone else experienced severe muscle spasms this far out?

Conmarjo

Today marks 15 weeks since my total knee replacement and I can finally say I’m happy I had surgery. I’m still trying to work up my walking time and I’m still not comfortable going down stairs. It was a rough recovery and needed to be readmitted but all worked out and it’s great to be pain free.

Diparker70

So I had my knee replacement in August . Weeks of pt. I am still in a lot of pain I had better rom in the beginning ? My question is many but when I wake in morn my leg feels asleep. It takes awhile to get up and walk ? I have tried giving my knee a two week rest and still pain? My knee dr is not sure why I can not get a good bend. I am so frustrated with this knee and want to know if any one else has had there knee manipulative done. Did it help. ? It seems I have pain all the time on this knee. I have fibro so does anyone else think it is because of my fibro and nerve endings. My husband having heart surgery soon . He is my priority right now. Any suggestions. Thank

Colesgramma

Just found this group and it really helps to see that others are doing the same. I’m an active 70 yrs old that had bilateral knee replacements 2 months ago. . Walking without help but occasionally holding on to walls?. I do exercises 3 Xs a day and 2 weeks ago started recumbent bike and up to 20 min 3 s a week. Right leg is better, left leg wants to stiffen up after a few steps. Can’t seem to walk longer than 5 minutes at a time. I take a Tylenol pm at night but wake up every hour or so having to move to a different position, pm pill at least helps me get back to sleep most times. Doc says I’m on track but pain is getting old. Will be glad w(en warmer weather comes to Indiana so I can try to walk more.

1justice@comcast.net

6 weeks post double knee replacement and progress is slow but steady. I've been able to get a ROM of 97R / 92L - but still getting some pretty good swelling. Pain is manageable - but how are others seeing the swelling 6 weeks out?

Bn2346

I am at 3 months replacement today 2 weeks ago being stuck at 96 bend Surgeon did manipulation under anesthesia. Quad pain is really bad after any therapy. Knee pain off and on. Wish I could see light at end of tunnel

dlm74dolphins@yahoo.com

Hi,
I am 3 months post of after a left knee replacement. I am very frustrated at this point because I feel like I am stuck and not able to move forward. I already had a manipulation and it only worked partly. I am just now starting out patient therapy after doing in home since surgery. My pt suggested I used the pool as it may help. I just feel like my knee is going to bust out of my skin when I flex it!!!! And the pain. I get achey as well. Does anyone else get this? I did notice that if I keep my knee warmer it seems to not be in so much pain. I ordered battery operated heated socks and that helps.

dlbrown1229

I will be week 10 on Tuesday. I am getting very frustrated. I have done Pt with the app from surgeon and I try to not miss much. The stiffness and being able to twist and bend to do normal stuff like shoes and clothes is still hard. I wake up every other hour moving to try to get comfortable. I sure hope things turn around. Anyone have the back of knee weak and hurting as well. Steps going down back of both knees not so well. Good luck to all.

Bsd67

I’m 4 weeks post op.. knee isn’t too painful but my backs been out a year from walking with a limp. Had the other knee don’t 2 years ago, that one took full year.. don’t get discouraged but it does take everyone different times to recover. In the mornings I feel like I can barely walk like I’ve been run over but I figured I went 5-7 hours without pain meds.. very Important to take pain meds to get through it.. I also take 600 ibuprofen and 3,000 Tylenol a day taking pills every 2 hours.. my PT suggested this to get through pain and it has worked. I hope everyone heals well and realizes this surgery is one of the most painful but once healed you will feel great! Stick to pain management and physical therapy 3 times a day and elevated as much as possible!

tanilove

I’m 53 yo female, 10 weeks post TKR and I’m finally starting to feel better. I’m sleeping much better and am able to navigate the steps much easier than before, but I still have significant stiffness in the morning and throughout the day if I stay still too long, which is hard because I have a desk job. I’ve been very committed to my PT regimen which has helped me reach 130 degrees flexion and -2 extension. I have a lot of pain behind my knee but it is getting better. This recovery has been hell but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

sierra7857@gmail.com

I am about 3 and a half months post tkr on my second surgery. Right knee was done Sept. 2019 and left knee done Feb. 2021. Different experiences with both of them.

I came here to see if all the pain I am in is normal. A friend suggested I may be overdoing. I found out a couple days ago, I could have a clot. Great. Now I have to go have an ultrasound done.

Suzettefrese1947

It’s been 14 weeks since I have my surgery my leg is a little stiff but I can get up and walk and do a lot of things I’m now just getting ready to start driving I wanted to be careful because my right knee is when I had my surgical me replacement my leg was very crooked and out of joint my doctor made a very straight it is a painful procedure we’re actually recovery the first month I will agree is literally pain All the time uncomfortable feeling I try not to take very many pain pills so I know my limitations I feel I am doing great I am very stiff and still unable to walk long periods of walk or stand but I know if you do your PT faithfully every day at home don’t give up my doctor say I’m doing good My PT says I’m doing good I keep up with my exercises at home even after 14 weeks I’m still doing them all the time I believe that’s the key I hope this helps some people but I know doing my PT faithfully 2 to 3 times a day my first 12 weeks of recovery is what help me

Eaglegrant

I am 70 yeats old and 14 weeks past TKR. My scar is disappearing, I have a 120 degree bend, am cycling on my road bike 15 miles 3 times weekly and while not yet fully healed feel good. One needs to make a real effort with assigned exercises. The first month my regimen was 3 sessions daily that took with icing 2+ hours a day. Stick with it folks.

Rubi

Hi! I am from Canada , I had a replacement of the knee on may 27t
Yeh pain was terrible ,now it’s almost 8 weeks I do my exercises every days . But now I have ilio tibiale band syndrome, this burn me on the outside of the kneecap when I walk . I have a enough , having a hard time sleeping , I hope very soon I will be ok

Turk

I am at 6 weeks, 124 flex and straight.
Still have some swelling and tightness, but not much pain, just soreness.Been driving since week 4.

MP

I am 3 mos post tkr. Rom 128. Knee feels great. A little numb on the outside but otherwise all is good with my knee. Problem is I believe I waited to long before having surgery. I walked for probably 2 years crooked to compensate for my knee pain - nice look, huh? Now I am having problems getting muscles to stretch in the top front of my hips - yep, both hips and my lower back on the side of surgery. I feel like my progress is regressing due to the other 2 issues. Doing lots of stretching exercises and going to extend therapy a little longer. Anyone else having these issues? Does it really get any better? I’ve done this alone, after the first 2 weeks after surgery, which is something I would highly suggest people think about before having this done. Not the ideal situation. No one here to motivate and I’m so afraid of falling, I’m apprehensive on attempting things. I am 67 and feel 90. Ugh. TIA

Cjannie

Glad I found this site! I'm at 11 weeks since total knee replacement and still having more bad days than good. The nerve zingers are the worst. Feeling so depressed some days, but keep pushing thru. Does make me feel better knowing I'm not alone in these feelings.

Barbs

I had TRKR 3 months ago and still get jabbing pain and aches.

Riversprite

I wish I had stumbled across this page sooner! I had (2) total knee replacements. My right was 7 mos ago, and the left just a little over 4 mos ago. It's crazy, my left knee (the 4 mo old one) feels much less pain and swelling than the right (the older one) Both are still stiff.

Coming here and reading all of you comments has helped my mind set some. I've made it this far, hoping by the 1 yr mark, this will all have been worth it and the pain and stiffness clears up. !

SFpatient49

9 weeks Post TKR. I am having antagonizing spasms all night long. No sleep. Flexeril made it worse, perhaps because it is dehydrating. Using magnesium lotion, does not do much. Taking Valium tonight. So hoping to get some sleep tonight. Should I take magnesium capsules? When I decided to have TKR, I never pictured that I would lose all control since I could not drive before this week, that I would have no time, energy or interest in anything but feeling normal, that my normal low-level depression would explode. Despite my general blues, every day while I try to go to sleep, I hope that the morning will bring improvement. It has got to get better, right?

Lindy

I am 12 weeks out after TKR, and I still have pain and having difficulty sleeping. I got approved for medical marijuana and I used it before I go to bed, and it has definitely helped. I am still in PT 3x a week and have a bend on my own 110, with a push to 123. I have tenderness, numbness and exhaustion. I do wish I did not get this done, but doctor said I will be thankful. I hope it gets better each month! I am very impatient!
Best of Luck to all! ☘️

robm

I'm 4 months TKR and my knee is still swollen or larger than the other. My flexion is -8 and 116. I'm walking without any devices to assist me. I can pedal a bike and no pain. My knee won't get straight during PT they can push it straight but it bounces back. I'm not worrying about the numbers any more. I joined the gym and will continue PT there. I'm retired now and pray I will continue to improve over time. As long as you can function and live a pain free life don't worry about the numbers.

Stories - How my life changed after knee replacement:

3 1/2 months since TKR