I am having knee replacement surgery. Any advice from others?
01-15-2012, 06:30 PM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Royse City Texas
Posts: 2,870
I had one done and will need the other done one day - maybe sooner than I want. The Doctors will give you lots of information, but the thing I advise most is to DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY religiously! This will make all the difference in the future.
The other advise is to prepare you home (if you plan to go home right away) so you are comfortable. Remove loose rugs from the area, set up your room for the things you will want to do. TV, magazines, place for phone, drinks, food, books, etc. If you have a 2 story think about making a sleeping area downstairs for a few weeks.
I took over our den for a month or so and it was great. I put a single bed in there and set up a new home for a bit...I didn't go upstairs except to shower. I put my clothes in a closet downstairs and it made life much easier. If I couldn't sleep I could watch TV or read and not disturb my husband.
The other advise is to prepare you home (if you plan to go home right away) so you are comfortable. Remove loose rugs from the area, set up your room for the things you will want to do. TV, magazines, place for phone, drinks, food, books, etc. If you have a 2 story think about making a sleeping area downstairs for a few weeks.
I took over our den for a month or so and it was great. I put a single bed in there and set up a new home for a bit...I didn't go upstairs except to shower. I put my clothes in a closet downstairs and it made life much easier. If I couldn't sleep I could watch TV or read and not disturb my husband.
01-16-2012, 05:53 AM
#23
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 21
Originally Posted by jeank
I had both of my knees replaced at the same time in May 2010. I am so glad I did. I never even think of my knees anymore and do anything I want, except kneel. I still do not like the pressure on them.
I was walking with a cane at 3 weeks, driving myself at 4 weeks. Before surgery, I could not walk. Right leg was bent and bowed out. I used the scooter in Walmart.
The best advise I can give you is DO EVERYTHING they tell you to do and more. Every exercise!!! If you don't, you will not bounce back and regain flex and extension.
The only thing they didnt tell me was my skin on the outer side would feel numb after. The nerve gets cut so now it has a funny sensation. I only notice this if my skin is touched like shaving my legs or putting on lotion.
Some doctors do not like doing both legs at the same time. You have to be in good health otherwise and under 70. I was 68. He told me he would do the right one first in case he had to bail out.
I was walking with a cane at 3 weeks, driving myself at 4 weeks. Before surgery, I could not walk. Right leg was bent and bowed out. I used the scooter in Walmart.
The best advise I can give you is DO EVERYTHING they tell you to do and more. Every exercise!!! If you don't, you will not bounce back and regain flex and extension.
The only thing they didnt tell me was my skin on the outer side would feel numb after. The nerve gets cut so now it has a funny sensation. I only notice this if my skin is touched like shaving my legs or putting on lotion.
Some doctors do not like doing both legs at the same time. You have to be in good health otherwise and under 70. I was 68. He told me he would do the right one first in case he had to bail out.
I also had both of my knees done in 2008. I was back at work right at 6 weeks, slow but was there. I went up and down steps, 4 days after surgury. The important thing is to do your rehab....
01-16-2012, 06:17 AM
#25
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 20
I have had both knees replaced 18 months apart. My advise is the theraphy. I was walking without assist at 4 weeks. But it is very necessary to do the therapy. Good Luck. And remember it is going to be painful but it will be ok in about 3-5 weeks and never have the pain you have now.
01-16-2012, 06:43 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Toronto Ontario Canada
Posts: 50
My hubby just had one knee done this past fall. He made sure he did a lot of exercises before going in. He did really well. Was in and out in 4 days. Started physio immediately and worked really hard every day doing the exercises he was told. It was amazing to watch him heal. Tough at times as he made that leg do things it didn't want to do but he did. Now, 4 months later he is pretty much back to the same flexiblity as the other knee. He is so glad he did it. We can walk together again, etc. Lots of horror stories out there but there are just as many good stories. If you trust your doctor and follow what you are told, generally you should be good. But you do need to work thru the pain that will be there in the beginning.
01-16-2012, 07:24 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: washington
Posts: 1,150
I had my left knee replaced about 5 years ago, glad I did. Make sure you have no infections anywhere. Doctor I had also did professional sports people, other words, he did a lot of knees, etc. Follow the physical therapy, gets you back on your feet faster. You will have pain the first 2 weeks or so, but keep reminding yourself, "this too shall pass". I'll add you to my prayer list. big hugs,
01-16-2012, 08:09 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
I had my knee done in August (I am 71) and it is such a blessing. I was in such constant pain before the surgery, and now I am pain free. The first week I said never again, but after a week or so, I began to heal and now I can walk without a cane and have no problems at all. I am so glad I had it done and would not hesitate to do the other knee if I need to. Good advice about the rehab exercises, it really helps, also, the tall toilet is a must, you can get the kind that just sits on top of the seat to make it taller. I was up and walking (with a walker) two days after surgery and now I just came back from a day at Disneyland and walked all day. Amazing. Love being pain free. Do not hesitate to do it, it is so worth it.
01-16-2012, 08:10 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 835
You know when it's time to have your knee done. I've had one done and have another to do,though it's not ready yet. It is a painful surgery but if you go in knowing that you have to move that knee , exercise as soon as possible. take the meds they give you so you can exercise you should do fine. I was riding the bike the first week because I was determined to get back on my feet. I walked into rehab 1 week after the surgery 4 weeks ahead of everyone else.
I will keep you in my prayers. Mia
I will keep you in my prayers. Mia
01-16-2012, 08:49 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 326
I have had total replacement on both knees. The pain medicine was the worst of all, I can't take vicodin. Just make sure you do all of your exercises. I am very happy with the outcome. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery.
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