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

[planomustang]

For those considering or just going through knee replacement, here is something to keep in mind. The pain you have before replacement will never get better, and it will probably get worse. The pain after replacement will be tough, but it will get better and better, assuming nothing went wrong with the surgery.

I had one done 12 years ago, and it has been great.

[ThisLadyHunts]

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.

I hadn’t remembered this until you mentioned the swelling, but I bought a therapeutic ice bucket before my knee surgery and it was a game changer. Itlooks like a small ice chest and has a two-channel hose coming out of it to which you connect a pad that looks like a cold pack. You fill the chest with the prescribed ratio of ice and water, wrap the cold pack around your knee, then sit and let the machine pump the frigid water over your and out again. Unlike an ice pack, this machine needs to be replenished only once every 24 hours.

For those of you who know knee (or elbow or shoulder) surgery is in your future, I highly recommend you check this out.

[Bill M]

My wife had been having knee problems since early last year and finally found a dr. with Baylor Scott and White in College Station who comes to Brenham once a week, Dr Wright. He is excellent in all phases. She ended up having her right knee replaced on April 29. She did rehab exercises 3 months before surgery, went through rehab, and continues with the rehab exercises at home. She was off a walker within days and a cane within 2 weeks. Except for sleep interruption, she is doing wonderful and is so glad she did it. Her left isn't as bad as the right, and we hope she doesn't have to go through another but knows how to handle it if she does.

It has been mentioned that one should stay ahead of the pain, which is a very true statement. She was continually told this. She has been off of the pain meds for a while now. Ice was her friend as well.

[Txhunter3000]

I hadn’t remembered this until you mentioned the swelling, but I bought a therapeutic ice bucket before my knee surgery and it was a game changer. Itlooks like a small ice chest and has a two-channel hose coming out of it to which you connect a pad that looks like a cold pack. You fill the chest with the prescribed ratio of ice and water, wrap the cold pack around your knee, then sit and let the machine pump the frigid water over your and out again. Unlike an ice pack, this machine needs to be replenished only once every 24 hours.

For those of you who know knee (or elbow or shoulder) surgery is in your future, I highly recommend you check this out.

My wife has had both knees replaced due to RA, and my dad had both of his replaced so I've got 2 or 3 of those ice machines laying around the house. Those are the ticket for less pain.

[Draco]

I had one done in March and it was a piece of cake. I only took 3 pain pills total, walked on the walker for one day, used a cane for a week and I was good to go. PT helped a tremendous amount as did ice packs and a pillow to put your leg over while you sleep. I stopped PT after a month and it's been perfect since.

Dena that's on here had the opposite story though. She has been through hell all the way around and I feel so bad for her as she is such an active person and it has certainly throttled her back badly.

[crxshooter]

Couple things to remember. First: DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY. 2nd: DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY. My son got me a ice thingy that circulates cold azz water around the knee to help with the swelling that decreased the pain. I b eyeballin' the other bad knee now.

[gekko man]

My BIL had both done at the same time!

It was holy hell for him but he doing great now. Back to work with zero knee issues.

[locolobo]

I've had both kneed replaced. When I ask the DR. when, he told me "You'll know". One @ a time a year apart. I can't really give any more advice than already given. Mine was better after a few days and completely off meds in a week. Still some pain but bearable. Keep up with the therapy and the exercises help even after recovery. I, too, wanted to go back to work @ 5 weeks but Dr. would not approve it.
Within You a speedy recovery!

[friscopaint]

Father in law just had second one done and he bought some contraption that circulates Ice cold water around his knee, said it's awesome.

[friscopaint]

Couple things to remember. First: DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY. 2nd: DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY. My son got me a ice thingy that circulates cold azz water around the knee to help with the swelling that decreased the pain. I b eyeballin' the other bad knee now.

I just posted the same on the ice water contraption

[doublearrow]

My dad had his hip replaced 3 years ago, 2 knuckles on his left hand 15 years ago and this January he had his right knee replaced. He needs the other hip and knee replaced. Said he will do 10 more hip replacements but would just assume have amputation on the other knee. He refuses to to have other knee replaced. It was rough.

[Beardedbuck]

My little sister brought an Ice Machine thing over today that belongs to her neighbor and it's the cat's meow! And boy, does that thing keep cold!

[jvgaroni]

Of every friend, family member and co-worker I know that have had a knee replacement in the last 10 years Just over a dozen folks have shown me 1 truth. PT the heck out of it. do not go easy on the PT. everyone that has suffered through it got better and praise that they were so glad they got it done.
I know 3 folks that have half assed the PT and every one of them still complain and don't walk right.

[klepdo]

I’m having both knees replaced on September 5th. My knees hurt every day and it’s hard to walk up stairs. I know it’s going to hurt like hell but that’s temporary, I’m ready to be pain free.

[Beardedbuck]

I’m having both knees replaced on September 5th. My knees hurt every day and it’s hard to walk up stairs. I know it’s going to hurt like hell but that’s temporary, I’m ready to be pain free.

Other than staying up on the meds, as everyone has said here......pushing the PT has been the number one thing. My PT guy did make the comment about being mindful of my step/stride, and to visualize inside my head, my heel hitting the floor and rolling all the way through the toes, and repeat while walking with the walker, don't just hobble and lean on the walker.

I still feel extremely tight/stiff once I've done all my PT exercises and I'm exhausted with the pain levels knocking at the door. But the best thing that has been brought forward is acquiring an ice bucket for a steady flow of cold. My PT guy did warn me not to use it too much though. So, I hook up to the bucket for 45minutes and then unhook for about 3 to 4 hours. After that, I usually hook up for the rest of the evening prior to bed. It is a wonderful thing to have vs. the constant change of iced gel bags.

My sleep schedule has be blown out of proportions and I'll be happy to start reducing the meds, cause the Hydro's are playing some real head games with me. Never been one to like relying on a bunch of pills to take care of things, but I guess it is what it is. I'm welcoming Week #2 with open arms and hopefully a lot of improvements.

Thanks again to each of you for your comments, as they give strength to carry on and push forward. I truly appreciate each one you folks!