Have it looked at asap--I have known three people who had replacement knees become infected. Knee replacements can be a godsend if all goes well, but ...
I had total knee replacement the First of Dec. also. I am still in a great deal of pain due to also having a Baker's cyst. Sure wish there was something to do about that. I am 64 1/2 . Any help would be appreciated. It is hard to take care of my 89 year old Mother with Alzheimer's , who has been living with us for almost seven years.
Make sure he does PT EVERY DAY. That's right they give you homework, but nobody ever does it. No pain No gain. It took me 4 months to fully recover, but I did the PT EVERY DAY. I'm 63, no Spring chicken.
Go back to the surgeon and let him/her know about the pain. Seniors get talked into surgery because they do not know there are doable alternatives. I had 3 injections of hyaluronic acid into my video-placed knee pocket and my knee feels good. As we age, the lubricant between the bones decreases and rubbing will occur. Having too much weight will also make the joints hurt more. Again, go back to the surgeon and address his concerns. Do not self-medicate as he will impede the healing process even more. It takes a long time to recover from knee surgery. My surgeon will not recommend surgery for me ever.
From what I've seen, it does take time, physical therapy is very important to regain function. Check with his dr. to see if there's any meds he can take. My dad uses voltaren 1% gel he rubs it on his knees and he says it helps.
FF is absolutely correct. The older you get the longer it takes to recover from any type of hospitalization especially including major surgery. it is very important to continue the exercises he was taught in rehab and if necessary get a few more sessions of physical therapy prescribed. It is only eight plus weeks since the surgery and really too early to be totally pain free. it should continue to decrease over the next few months. it the Dr is willing he can be given stronger medications at night so he rests well over night. During the day he should be encouraged to move around as much as possible even though it is uncomfortable. he can use a cane ot walker as long as he moves. Don't wait on him, he certainly can come to the table for meals and make himself a drink. iI the pain increases or the knee becomes hot or swollen that is an emergency. When he is sitting he can be in a recliner or with his legs on a footstool to lessen the chance of blood clots. no harm in daytime naps if he gets tired as long as he is exercising. You know your Dad the best so you can jugde if he usually complains of any little ache and pain or is stoic. The usual rules apply. eat healthy, exercise, plenty of fluids if allowed, no smoking or alcohol. if Dad is really elderly or has other serious diseases relax the rules as necessary but keep that knee moving. don't overdose on the tylenol based OTCs and check with the Dr for use of things like Advil and Aleve and Asprin especially if on blood thiners. It just takes time but you have to do the work and don't expect to be restored to your younger years but can become very functional again.
It's my understanding the older you get the more difficult it is to recover from knee replacement surgery.... for someone very elderly, it could take over a year. Is your Dad doing physical therapy, that is the only way to eventually cut down on the pain?
My Dad went to a knee doctor hoping to get some type of shot to help him, but the doctor wanted to surgery. Thank goodness my Dad said no, as he is 93 years old, and recovery would have been long and painful. Dad uses over the counter pain pills such as Tylenol Maximum Strength with his primary doctor's approval.
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You know your Dad the best so you can jugde if he usually complains of any little ache and pain or is stoic.
The usual rules apply. eat healthy, exercise, plenty of fluids if allowed, no smoking or alcohol. if Dad is really elderly or has other serious diseases relax the rules as necessary but keep that knee moving. don't overdose on the tylenol based OTCs and check with the Dr for use of things like Advil and Aleve and Asprin especially if on blood thiners. It just takes time but you have to do the work and don't expect to be restored to your younger years but can become very functional again.
My Dad went to a knee doctor hoping to get some type of shot to help him, but the doctor wanted to surgery. Thank goodness my Dad said no, as he is 93 years old, and recovery would have been long and painful. Dad uses over the counter pain pills such as Tylenol Maximum Strength with his primary doctor's approval.