'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by berriepatch @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

berriepatch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:16:32 -0000

I had the knee replacement surgery back in 2008 and have to do the right knee soon. It has made so much difference as the pain was just awful especially with both knees out.....I could hardly walk or get up from a sitting position. I would not hesitate to do it again but while I dread doing the other knee I think it is just because I am not in as much pain as I was before the first surgery. The surgery knee is still sore and my PCP says it will be sore for a very long time but that is only when I bend the knee doing my daily therapy. I must say the worse for me was the physical therapy....be sure to take pain meds as prescribed before going as that helps tremendously. Hope this helps I really had very little problems and surprised everyone by walking 4 days later without my walker. I just didn't have that much pain but I was lucky I guess and hope yours will be the same. Sincerely Barbara

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by MarciaMSPT @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

MarciaMSPT — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:53:03 -0000

Hi Missy,

To answer your direct question, no, none of my loved ones has had gone through this however, I do have 16 years of home health care physical therapy experience under my belt.

I have seen hundred's of total knee replacement patients, and, they all generally do well. Some do better than others, though. Why? I have seen that those who are predisposed to a sedentary, take it easy sort of life in the past have a mindset the expects a total knee replacement to fix everything. For this particular mindset they are lucky to get to full recovery from the pain. This in part due to their sedentary life.

Now, that being said, runners and cyclists and those who have suffered from sporting injuries also need total joint replacements as well... The big difference here, again, is mindset. This group lived a very active life and most see a knee replacement as just a blip on the screen of life... surgery, rehab and back out playing golf again. Activity is who they ARE.

So... again, encourage your loved one to get active and remain that way after their knee replacement. Incorporate various activities that will allow more activity and at the same time help your loved one feel useful, like standing to dry the dishes or peel the carrots. Maybe "no mail" unless you both walk to the box and get it! There are ways to include activity into the mix without calling it exercise!

Good luck and Godspeed!

Marcia Oliver MSPT, CPT

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by t-knee @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

t-knee — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:40:35 -0000

Well...guess what I am going to the store for tomorrow! I sure wish I had discovered this site and you wonderful people sooner.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:38:53 -0000

Thank you for your encouraging words. It is a week until my surgery, but I will do some walking starting tomorrow. (It is already passed midnight here). Some is better than none, right.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

SarahS — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:54:15 -0000

Mary, I am so happy that you are doing so well with your knee replacement. Please keep me informed on your continued progress and when you have the right knee done. Sounds like you're an extraordinary lady!! Thank you so very much for your encouragement. I feel a lot more optimistic after reading your post. I had been doing some knee exercises before the foot surgery, but I can really tell the difference in just the 6 weeks without doing them on the right. I tried straightening my knee out lying in bed last night and it was like starting all over again, so I really appreciate your reinforcement of the exercise. I have a goal in mind for next September to be able to walk on the beach. I couldn't go on the beach this vacation with my 4 yr old twin grandchildren--so--that's my goal for next year. I think that I will put a picture on the fridge of them playing on the beach without me this year to keep me motivated.
God Bless you, Sarah

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Wild Mary @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Wild Mary — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:18:03 -0000

I weighed about 265 when I had the surgery. The exercises before and after are the key. I really don't think my weight had as much to do with it as my determination to get my life back. I believed in the exercises and all the therapy. I did everything the P.T.'s told me to do and I'm walking great - even though I still need my right knee done next year. I couldn't be happier with the results. Ice packs make a big difference with the pain. Use them immediately following exercise. Also, the hardest and best exercise ( and most painful) helped the most and required no "work" at all. Put your foot on a footrest, or do it in bed. Place a rolled bath towel under your ankle. Place a 5 pound bad of rice over your knee. It forces it straight and hurts! Hold it there for 20 minutes if you can stand it. I had a hand=held solitaire game I played to keep me distracted. It really gets your knee ready and requires no panting :-). Best of luck. Mary

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

SarahS — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:00:27 -0000

lisa m, Thank you so much. I have given that idea alot of thought, but I hace ulcerative colitis. (since I was 19) So I was told it was a no no. I thought about eating like that but then my body goes into starvation mode and I gain. I had a metobalic card done once and I only burn 1000 calories a day. But under that it's the starvation thing again. Low carb worked once for a while, then without changing what I was eating I gained it all back. I was told that with all the meds it would be very hard if not impossible. BUT I'm going to keep trying and hope that something clicks. I am so happy for your husband though, that is just AWESOME!!!! Please keep me posted on his progress. God Bless, Sarah

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by lisa m @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

lisa m — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:39:37 -0000

try gastric by pass surgery to get rid of the excess weight. it worked wonders for my hubby. i fought him tooth and nail; i didn't want him to have this surgery. but, i'm happy to say it worked wonders for him. he is down about 200 pounds in about 14 months. he says he can walk/move so much better. his energy level is fantastic again, too. my thoughts & prayers are with you.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by lisa m @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

lisa m — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:39:37 -0000

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

SarahS — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:17:22 -0000

I am 55 years old and will be having a complete right knee replacement Oct 15. I had othroscopic surgery last Aug (2008)on my right knee (torn miniscus)and on my left Feb 2007. The left knee went great the right never did feel right. Now is has tears on both sides of the knee, a piece between the joint and avascular necrosis in the knee. About the size of a silver dollar (the bone is dying). So knee replacement. August 10 I had foot surgery (on the right foot)to remove a broken bone that had been moving and tearing up the tendons for over 2 years (that another Dr did not find) also had a cyst on top removed and tarsl tunnel. I was not alowed to let my foot hit the floor for the first week, then had a hard cast for the next 3 wee4ks, now I have a walking boot that I have to wear for another 3 weeks and then can be weaned off of it for the next 3 with physical therapy. My problem (besides being extremely overweight and not very active--because of the pain in my feet -- planters facitus, fallen arches, etc) the therapy runs into the knee replacement, so I won't have much time to try and strengthen the muscles in the right leg. Does anyone have ANY suggestions? I've been trying my best to loose some weight, but.... Also doing leg exercises on my left leg (can't get the right one to move much) but I try. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. To all of the posts that I have read you and you family will be in my prayers. Thank you and God Bless.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by CT Granny @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

CT Granny — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:35:23 -0000

Keep yourself in the best walking shape you can before surgery so that your muscles don't atrophy. The replaced joint will not hurt because it is artificial. The ligaments, tendons and to some extent the muscles will do some aching. This discomfort is relieved by walking. The more you walk, the better you feel. If you sit too long, you will be stiff and sore. You must move to relieve the pain.

I'm overweight but also determined. I see no reason for you to not do well.

Barbara

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Missy @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Missy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:13:50 -0000

I'll be thinking about you and your upcoming surgery! May it go smoothly, the recovery be consistent and complete and you feel relief once it's all done.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:00:46 -0000

I am grateful that I found this sight. I 51 years old and will be having a total knee replacment on my left knee in a couple of weeks. I have read books, internet articles, etc., but reading the posts has been most helpful. I am a bit nervous about the surgery. I am especially concerned because of my weight. I am, however, very determined to make this work. I understand that the therapy is very painful. Some advice has been posted for dealing with this...attitude of the utmost importance. If there happens to be anyone out there who might have weight issues and has sucessfully made it through the therapy, please share your advice with me. I don't want my doctor to have any regrets about having done surgery on me despite my weight. I want very much for this to be a sucess. Thank you.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by octoman @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

octoman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:48:54 -0000

Kirtsch You have done well my wife is 70 she had two knee's done but she is obese so the exercise was awkward she was one of the unfortunate people. Exercise is the key. as you say Your attitude is great I have had to fight physical problems,giving up is not an option. It is amazing you can achieve even at my age 79.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Kirtsch @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Kirtsch — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:15:09 -0000

To ReneeLease:

I had arthroscopic knee surgery two years ago for a torn meniscus. I was 58 at the time. I did knee exercises prescribed by a physical therapist for several weeks before surgery in order to strengthen the muscles surrounding my knee. Doing them probably made recovery easier. I chose to have local (spinal block), rather than general anesthesia because I hate the aftereffects of a "general". This means I was awake during the procedure, but was mildly sedated, so I felt very sleepy - dosing part of the time. A large percentage of the remaining cartilage in my knee was removed. I was in the recovery suite for a couple of hours - until I was able to support my own weight and make a trip to the bathroom. I went home on crutches with my knee wrapped, ice, and pain medication. My husband waited on me for a few days. :-) In my case, the pain I experienced post surgery was tolerable - I used Tyl/w Codeine for about 2 days. (Obviously this will vary with the individual and the extent of the surgery.) Initially, my pain was similar to what it was before surgery, but gradually, over the next few months the level decreased to the point where I now manage on 1000mg of Tylenol twice a day. (I am looking forward to getting a new knee in the next year or two!) The real key has been continuing to exercise - at first daily, now every other day. The more mobile you are - you have to push yourself a little bit - the better the outcome. Also, I can't stress the importance of attitude enough! 1) Make it your goal to be doing your favorite things as soon as possible. Give yourself something to work for. 2) Realize that your level of participation might decrease, accept that and adjust accordingly. 3) Fight discouragement - progress may seem slow at first. Keep a journal of your experience and review it periodically. That will help you see the progress you've made. Hope this wasn't too lengthy and helps a little. All the best!

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Wild Mary @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Wild Mary — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:37:34 -0000

Hi, I had knee surgery in January. It was a very positive experience. My mom had the surgery years ago and it is much simpler now. I did learn that if you do your exercises before the surgery, you do much better afterwards. The post-surgery exercises don't hurt as much. All the exercises make you feel better afterwards, but ache while you are doing them. The healing is so rapid that you can see the advancement day to day. Have your Mother keep a record of what she can do and she will get excited about the quick results. My pain level was lower two days after surgery, then the knee pain before the surgery. I was thrilled. I had a good doctor who was very careful about infection (which was my biggest fear). I think that is an important thing to be concerned about. My surgery started with a MRI several weeks before. They made a knee with my name on it, to fit perfectly in my joint. Because of this the surgery is not nearly as invasive as it used to be and the healing is quicker. I had home therapy 3 days a week, but did my own work on the other days. Good luck to your Mom.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by ReneeLease @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

ReneeLease — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:11:27 -0000

Can anyone give me information about their experience with orthscopic knee surgery. I am going to have this done this month and do not know really what to expect.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Missy @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Missy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:06:14 -0000

I'm happy to hear your golfing buddy's hip replacement went okay, though I'm sorry to hear about his heart issues! Hopefully the stint will be doing its job and he can get back to swinging a club!

Darlene, thanks for sharing your experience! I'm glad it went well for you. And interesting that you experience pain now if you DON'T exercise. I'll be sure to pass that on to Mom.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by dagaro @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

dagaro — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:57:07 -0000

I had a knee replacement in January and am back to work with no restrictions. I was on a walker for 1 week and then 3 weeks with a cane. Physical therapy for 6 weeks. I still have occassional muscle discomfort if I don't exercise. I am not sorry I had it done. Good Luck. Darlene dagaro_1@yahoo.com

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by octoman @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

octoman — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:42:53 -0000

Well I reported lack of success with my wifes knee replacements. and I also reported about a golfer who had been unable to play since his hip and knee replacements . Low and behold I met him today.he explained it was not the hip or knee ,but he had to have stint in a heart valve,that is what is preventing him playing golf.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by CT Granny @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

CT Granny — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:11:58 -0000

Heat and humidity seem to make scar tissue painful. You will probably notice improvement with the pain issue now that summer is almost over. I did maintain my walking regimen right up until the day of my surgery. I've started to slack off with my home therapy so far, with no ill affects.

You summed up the most important advice in your last sentence: " Being Positive and doing the therapy, no matter how much it hurts, is the key to success."

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:56:30 -0000

I had a total knee replacement on 7/7/09 and still go to physical therapy 2 x week, plus do twice a day at home. The one thing I wish I had done before the surgery was to have Physical Therapy at professional location before the surgery. My leg was extremely weak from limited use for 8 months before the surgery. Had my leg muscles been stronger, I don't think I would have had so much pain after the surgery. It is the most painful thing I have ever experienced and my doctor does not like giving pain medication. Check out your doctors after care as well as his surgical skills. I am now 8 weeks into recovery and my knee is beginning to look like a knee again. They say I should continue home therapy for a year. Breaking up the scar tissue every day is necessary, but painful, and this is done with the physical therapy at home. Being Positive and doing the therapy, no matter how much it hurts, is the key to success.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by livinlife1953 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

livinlife1953 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:09:30 -0000

I HAD A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT IN 2005, AND IT WAS THE BEST THING I COULD HAVE DONE...I COULD HARDLY WALK BEFORE THE SURGERY AND NOW I GET AROUND REALLY WELL. THE SURGERY IS TOUGH AND IT DOES REQUIRE ALOT OF PHYSICAAL THERAPY AND ALOT OF DETERMINATION TO REGAIN THE USE OF YOUR LEG....THE HOURS SPENT WERE THE BEST EVER AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT I AM SO GLAD I DECIDED TO HAVE THE SURGERY. I AM 56 NOW AND GOING STRONG.

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by livinlife1953 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

livinlife1953 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:09:30 -0000

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by demeleen @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

demeleen — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:35:17 -0000

My mom had both knees replaced 7 years ago (age 75). Was in hospital 3 days, rehab 11 days. She then had a physical therapist come to her home 3 times a week for 8 weeks. I was blown away by her determination and courage. She was fantastic. My mom is now 81 years old and knees still going strong. I have a hard time keeping up. She tells everyone who needs knee replacement, just do it. You won't be sorry. It is alot of hard work but you get back what you put into it!

Recent Posts in 'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' | Caring.com

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by berriepatch @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by MarciaMSPT @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by t-knee @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Wild Mary @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by lisa m @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by lisa m @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by SarahS @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by CT Granny @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Missy @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by octoman @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Kirtsch @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Wild Mary @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by ReneeLease @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Missy @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by dagaro @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by octoman @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by CT Granny @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by livinlife1953 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by livinlife1953 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

'What is to be expected with a knee replacement?' posted by demeleen @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}