Knee Replacement......What the hell have I done!??

[huntingarcher]

I had my rt knee replaced last summer in May, then my left knee done 3 months later in August. The first week is what I call hell week mostly cause its very hard to get comfortable to sleep at night.I started my PT the next day after surgery on each knee going 3 times a week.After the first week things started getting better quickly.I bought one of those icing machines on Amazon and it made a big difference and is super easy to use.I would ice my knee about 6 times a day for 20 min each time.Keeping the swelling down makes a big difference in your recovery.I cut back on my pain meds after the first week to taking them right before PT and right before going to bed.I also think my quick recovery was also due to doing the exercises they give you to do at home.When I was told I needed my knees replaced the Doc said wait as long as you can before doing the surgery.I waited 5 long years on top of the 2 years I waited before ever going to the Doc the first time.The thought of that surgery scared the hell out of me.Knowing what I know now I should of done it 5 years ago.I could not wait to have my second knee done after I saw how easy the first one went.

[Bucknaked]

I had them both at the same time without any pain blocks! You are still early on , in a few days the pain will start to subside a bit! This is temporary ! Do every bit of therapy prescribed then do more ! This too shall pass

if I have to do it again I would do 1 in a heartbeat.

[PYBUCK]

Suck it up buttercup!!

Get the Surgeons OP report and note the one that says," Percussed the apparatus into position" That means they hammered it into the bone after they drilled the pilot hole. Lots of pores in the bones that have to heal so it will hurt like hell for about 2-3 weeks than it starts to heal and gets better. Best thing I have ever did was get mine replaced. NO pain whatsoever now 4 years later.

[rockyraider]

My dad had it done a couple years ago. He had a lot of pain with it. I also know several people who had it done and within a week they act like its not a big deal. I personally think people take pain differently and some peoples physiology just take it better. As others have said, do rehab sooner than later and don't wait. The worse thing that can happen is the loss of range of motion.

[solocam_aggie]

My dad is staring down amputation due to an infection setting in on his knee replacement. Feel terrible for him.

[HUNTNETIME]

My mother had both replaced within about 8 months of each other. It hurt...plenty of pain. But, it got better within a matter of weeks and within 3 months, it was like it never happened(except for no more pain). I likened it to replacing constant, chronic, 24x7x365 arthritic agony with several weeks of surgical pain. I call that a good trade! Hang in there. Ice(and pain meds) are your friends.

[HUNTNETIME]

My dad is staring down amputation due to an infection setting in on his knee replacement. Feel terrible for him.

This is the bad part about knee replacements. This does happen from time to time. I hope he doesn't have to have his leg amputated. So many success stories, but a few bad ones.

[eastover53]

I’ve seen a thousand of these in my hospital career. Today’s knee replacement surgery is light years ahead of what it was just ten years ago.

I tell patients that pain meds are like Oreos. If you’re starving and I throw you a Oreo…you’re still starving. But if your belly is full and I throw you a Oreo every now and then…you never starve.

Ice is important too. Keep the swelling down. I can’t emphasize this enough.

Keep ahead of the pain, do the PT, and you’ll be good for 100,000 miles before you know it.

[Beardedbuck]

My wife had both done on the same day. She can't use any drug that is derived from narcotics or opioids, so it was Tylenol for pain relief. It was rough, but she was a trooper and pushed through the pain. She was ready to go back to work in five weeks but the doctor made her stay home for six.

You better remember to not tick her off......you might be in too deep to get out! LOL. Just Tylenol.....unreal! I'm doing everything I'm being told and doing my best to stay ahead of the pain w/the meds......but after a little while the mind starts playing tricks on me somewhat. Yesterday and today (so far) I've been extremely groggy & jumpy to things that normally don't bother me.....such as someone knocking on the door. The UPS guy must've been a Pro linebacker or a WWE star and the dumpster truck felt like he was shaking the whole block when he dealt with the dumpster. I've had prior surgeries and had some of the same meds but this go'round is wayyyy different.

[Bucknaked]

I’ve seen a thousand of these in my hospital career. Today’s knee replacement surgery is light years ahead of what it was just ten years ago.

I tell patients that pain meds are like Oreos. If you’re starving and I throw you a Oreo…you’re still starving. But if your belly is full and I throw you a Oreo every now and then…you never starve.

Ice is important too. Keep the swelling down. I can’t emphasize this enough.

Keep ahead of the pain, do the PT, and you’ll be good for 100,000 miles before you know it.

And you just Had to use Oreo’s…I can eat a package of those in 15 minutes 😉

try another analogy … Please lol

[Beardedbuck]

My dad is staring down amputation due to an infection setting in on his knee replacement. Feel terrible for him.

Oh man, I hate to hear that for him. Can they not go in and clean it up?

[Beardedbuck]

Many thanks for the comments folks. They all really help to keep my mind on track and get on with this. Solocam......I will keep your father in my prayers.

[mossman500]

Had mine in June of last year, I promise it gets better.

[Monark]

Wife had two total replacements 6 months apart. Took her about 3-4 months each to fill like she made the right decision. Lots of difficulty sleeping comfortably.

[muddydog]

My 83 yo mother in law recently had knee replacement. Best advice is follow the orders and do the therapy as directed or you will have issues