Like Sally, I am going to Physio at least three times a week. On the days I don't have Physio I make sure I use my stationery bike and do the exercises. I always ice after exercising. At six weeks post op I can drive, walk unassisted ( but slowly and carefully), do grocery shopping and laundry, etc. My leg straightens out well and the Physiotherapist is happy with my flexibility. I would be estatic with my progress, if it weren't for the ever-present pain! At this stage, so many people are pain free.

I always thought I was a tough little cookie, which makes me so frustrated that I'm still in pain and on Meds. After arthroscopic surgery on both knees, I hardly needed pain Meds at all. With this TNR, I find I am always in pain, even with Meds. The first few weeks, the pain was a 8 or 9 out of 10, which made sleeping almost impossible. The pain has now decreased to around a 5, more when they do Physio and break through scar tissue. I do not like taking strong Meds, of course, who does! On the days I have Physio, my Surgeon told me to take a double dose prior to the adjustments. Of course that means I can't drive myself to Physio. You said that Sally is taking Aleve to help with inflammation, and I'm sure that would improve things. But unfortunately I can't take Naproxen or anything that thins the blood.

For anyone that has had a TNR and suffered chronic pain, does it ever end?

Oh Bare, so sorry I am just reading about you now.
What a time you have had with pain control. If I didn't know better I'd say you must be a nurse, they have tough experiences as a rule.
I think it will improve in time but must be so frustrating.
Good job Fireboy!!
Love P

I hope I didn't scare anyone away from having a TNR because of all my whining and complaining about pain. Some people have very little pain. I guess I just wasn't prepared for the impact of the surgery. I thought I'd bounce back much faster.

A month after surgery I could walk slowly without support, and also drive, so that wasn't a problem. But the pain was unrelenting, and I took strong prescription pain meds for two months. I needed them. But I hated taking them because they made my brain muzzy. I stopped taking them two weeks ago. As a result, my Physio is less aggressive, but I'm still getting a good range of motion.

So I guess I do recommend a TNR if you've tried all other options. The doctor tells me it will probably take six months before I'm completely comfortable. So as long as the patient understands it's no walk in the park, hopefully the final result will be well worth it!

I'm contemplating knee surgery as well. Going to have my toes moved to my knees so when I exercise they will be easier to reach.

Everyone is different, Barefoot. Take care of yourself and get through this one day at a time. (((HUGS)))

Thanks BKC ... See you on the golf course!

It is a date.
And put me on your dance card and I will put you on mine.

Bare, please give us an update. Thanks

Thanks for asking Maureen. It's now three months after my TNR. Everything is good, the surgeon and the physiotherapist are pleased with my progress. I stopped taking pain Meds after two months, even Tylenol. I am now able to be reasonably active, but some days my knee feels stiff. Not painful, just uncomfortable. I'm planning to golf when we return to TV in November. I massaged Vitamin E into the scar every night, and that made a big difference in the smoothness of the scar tissue. I'm still icing my knee often, it tends to swell up when I overdo it. Some days my knee looks normal, and some days it blows up like a balloon.

The one thing that I've learned is that everyone is different. It's certainly a more complex surgery than I was expecting. But I see now that I was way too impatient with my progress. Some people sail through the process, some are still struggling six months after the surgery. Physiotherapy is key for most of us!

Maureen, I think you had your robot-assisted surgery in April. How are you doing? Does your knee feel 100% "real" by now?

After 6 mos my knee is great. Going down stairs is a bit stiff especially in the morning, although so is the rest of my body. If I don't keep it moving it tightens up. Walking every day sure helps and if you golf, walk the course.

Hi Bare
 

Just now reading that you had TNR and struggled a little with pain. Glad to read that you are now fairly pain free. When you return to TV, consider going to a pool where there is a hot tub. You can alternate between the two and get some real good PT that way.

Glad to read you are doing better now.

I am now almost four months after TNR. After two months I was able to stop taking pain meds. But after three months, it was like a light switch clicked! Of course I had one heck of a lot of Physio. But suddenly I could do things I couldn't do before, without even thinking about my new knee. It's very gratifying. Of course my knee is still stiff and sore after sitting ... I'm not looking forward to our 26 hour car ride to TV next week. Sometimes my knee swells up and needs to be iced. But I now totally get why people have this surgery done!

I am stoked, and can hardly wait to return to The Villages and golf. I will be going for more Physio to a Hot Tub .. I've done that for the past two years and it's helped a lot. Thanks for the suggestions Jersey Girl ... I haven't seen you posting for a while, and haven't seen you in person for ages! I hope things are well with you!

Dr. Duke did an amazing job on my hubby and YES, CPM is used and Ron used his for several times a day. When resting, his leg is elevated and doing something.
He also likes us to be home to avoid infection. Dr. Duke has done well lover 7K REPLACEMENTS and is the guru. Ron will have his other knee done and play ball again. Try him. great guy and oh, what a scalpel he wields!!!!
all the best... Roni

I've heard nothing but great comments about Dr. Duke! When did Ron have his surgery? How many degrees of flex does he have?