Reply
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,911
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

I had one knee replaced in November of 2011 and the other in June of 2012.  My OS, who is the reconstruction specialist for their group (in other words, he fixes what other doctors have messed up) would not do both knees at the same time and considering the PT, pain, etc., I'm glad it was done this way.  The reason he would not do both at the same time is if for some reason you started to bleed and this happened in both knees, he felt you would lose too much blood and even with transfusions would not be in as good of health and recovery could take longer.  Yes, I know many who have had both done and they were just fortunate that things went well.

 

OK, this is what happened in my case.  For the first knee, you were required to attend a meeting where a social worker and a nurse was there.  The social worker helped you fill out advance directives for those who were interested and did not have them done already.  The nurse took us through what would happen and had models of the knee and different replacement brands.  She handed us a packet with ten exercises to do daily at least a week in advance, two weeks ideal.  She also explained that we needed to get plenty of rest and good nutrition for two weeks before the surgery.  Then it was off to have different tests done.  Blood work, EKG, etc.  Then I had to have a release from every doctor I saw, specialists included, and the family doctor was the last one as it really was his decision as to whether you were in good enough shape for the surgery.  My family doctor also gave me a protein rich diet to follow prior to surgery.  Then it was home to wait until the day of surgery.  

 

I took shorts that were above the knee to wear.  The doctor will look at your incision every day and the nurses look at it, and you have PT, so I did not want anything rubbing on it.  I had steri-strips for the incision, my friend had staples----depends upon the doctor.

 

I had my surgery late in the afternoon so the first day of surgery all I did was sit on the edge of the bed.  Had I had it earlier, I would have been assisted but would have walked to the recliner and sit there for a short period of time.  You will have PT (I had it twice a day).  They gave me exercises to do in the room, also.  

 

Biggest point----if you don't do all your PT (with them and then the ones you are to do in addition), you may as well not have the surgery, for it is the PT that gets all your knee area strong, so you can walk.

 

One point----take your pain medicine as it is offered.  You want to stay ahead of the pain and not let it get ahead of you.  I had my surgeries done on Tuesday and Friday was the day to either go home or go to skilled nursing floor.  I went to the skilled nursing floor, as we lived out in the country at that time and the PT would be there once a day.  On the skilled nursing floor, I had PT at least twice a day and sometimes 3 times.

 

Then, dismissal.  Followed by check up appointments, PT, Pt, Pt, and more PT.  I was given the approval to drive after another week, but was told to wait for 12 hours after taking my pain medicine (hydrocone) or if I was stopped by the police, I could be considered under the influence.

 

I took my pain medicine the first two weeks at home and then just took it at night so I could get a good night's sleep and after about another two weeks just took it at night if I felt pain.  BE SURE TO TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICINE ONE HOUR BEFORE PT.  That is so you are not in pain and can do the exercises they have planned and you won't have so much pain.  I had PT for six weeks, with three times a week at first and then two times a week toward the end.

 

Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat.  And, I have never met anyone who regretted having it done.  I only wish I had done it sooner, but I was having other health problems which delayed the first surgery for three years.  Bone on bone for three years.  I can be on my knees on the bed, and have fallen out of the bed on one occassion and had to weight bear on my knees.  At first it feels a little strange, because it is different than your own knees, but you soon get used to it.

 

After two weeks, you will start seeing daily changes and progress.  After six months, things should be humming right along.  After a year, your replacements will be like a regular part of your body.  In fact, I sometimes even forget that I have them because there is no pain and they function just like my original knees.

 

If your OS has a lot of experience in knee replacements, you will be fine.  The first two weeks after surgery are the toughest and then it is all fast progress after that.  \

 

Good luck and please let us know how you are doing.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” St.Teresa of Calcutta
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,911
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

If your OS does not give you pre-surgery exercises, ask him if it is OK to do some and you may want to print off these to get his approval.  They are similar to what I did two weeks every day before surgery.

 

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/exercises-before-knee-replacement-surgery.aspx

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” St.Teresa of Calcutta
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,538
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

[ Edited ]

Had both knees replaced..one in 2011 and the other in Dec. 2012.  Both knees were bone-on-bone.  Choose your OS wisely and carefully, making sure he/she has done many replacements with excellent results.   I chose a OS who was the chief director of knee surgery in Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC.   Surgery done at 8AM..up and walking a short distance by 5pm that same day.  Following day, walking the hallway and learning how to go up and down stairs.. If you have stairs in your home, especially to go to bedrooms, they want you to be able to do so when you get home.  

 

Released from hospital on day 3 (includes the day of surgery.)   PT from home for the first 3 weeks, then PT outside the home.  Do everything the Physical therapists tell you!   You won't be sorry you did.  Within 3 1/2 weeks I was driving short distances. To get some extra exercise besides the PT , I have a Costco and BJ's store about 2 miles from my house.  I would drive there, throw the cane in the regular shopping cart..(don't use the ride on one, walk using the regular cart..it's like a big walker).  I would walk up and down the isles until I felt my knees had enough exercise.. Then I would leave the store and drive the short distance home.

 

Surgery and recovery were excellent.  I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner.  I'm pain free and my new knees feel like my own when I was 20 years old!  

 

Good Luck... You will be just fine.  

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!
Super Contributor
Posts: 433
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

You got very good replies here. I just wanted to add I am 6 weeks post op. I did excellent, as was my surgeon. He came very highly recommended.  So I'm sure that helped me. 

 

To answer your questions, I will do the other one in a heartbeat.  I would do it sooner, then later, but we go to Florida for the winter. Hubby is fighting stage 4 melanoma right now, (I just posted a thread about that). He needs radiation and when that is over, we will go to Florida for the winter. Neither one of us wishes to stay up north for the winter, but as soon as we return in April, I will do the other. That is the plan, but, of course, God knows the plan better than us.  

 

I didn't find it's to be all that bad. Not at all. Yes, the first week or so there is pain, put between the pain meds, ice packs, and elevating the leg, the pain was very manageable. I slept like a baby at nite with no pain. And each day got better and better.   I was never really too restricted in what I could do, except driving.   I just did it slower. 

 

Having a good attitude works wonders. I literally couldn't walk so I was willing to go,thru anything just to have my knee fixed. I listened to everything I was told to do.  I did great. Now at 6 weeks, you would never know I had surgery. I can go up and down stairs the correct way, which I wasn't able to do in years.  Physical therapy is a must. They got me going really well. 

 

I went to a Halloween party this past Saturday and I did the electric,slide and a few dances. I didn't dance a lot because I didn't want to over do it.  

 

I also walked a lot in stores pushing a shopping cart. I hace very good ROM (range of motion) because I constantly did the exercises that bent the knee. I'm at 118 last measured. The goal, I think is 120. 

 

Good luck and I am confident you will do just fine. Hang in there, and better days will soon be in your future, I promise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,905
Registered: ‎06-23-2014

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

I have a friend that had both knees replaced (not at the same time). What she learned from the first surgery was to get in better physical shape and do lots of stretching before the surgery. Said her second one was so much easier.  Can be hard to do with bad knees I know. 

 

She also said to follow PT instructions to a tee, no cheating or slacking. Will pay off in the long run. Recovery will be much quicker. Good luck!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 584
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

I am so grateful for all the terrific responses.  Keep them coming.  I'm listening to all the advice and it is giving me so much confidence to have the surgery.  I appreciate all the great information and am looking forward to any and all suggestions you may have to make my surgery a success.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,378
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

Knee replacement gave me back my life.  I had a total knee 2 years ago and it changed my life.   I couldn't straighten my knee or walk without pain and a limp.  I retired from the corporate world in June and am working parttime at a grocery store where I'm standing/walking for up to 8 hours at a time without any pain!!!  I could never have done that before the total knee.

 

The first month after surgery was a little tough with physical therapy and getting my whole movement back.  But it wasn't horrible.  I was in physical therapy for 2 months and it really helped.  

 

My ortho surgeon said it could take up to a year for total recovery.  I wasn't sure about that but it was true.  Throughout that first year I noticed more changes, some pretty subtle.  

 

BEST ADVICE EVER:  Do the exercises your doctor or physical therapist tell you to do.  It will make a world of difference long-term.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 584
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

I've noticed on Bonesmart and here, as well, mostly everyone is encouraging to do PT and home exercises, etc. although many on Bonesmart advise against letting anyone touch you or force the leg to do something you're not ready to do.  Where did you draw the line?  And, how did you handle that with therapist?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement


@patticakes wrote:

I've noticed on Bonesmart and here, as well, mostly everyone is encouraging to do PT and home exercises, etc. although many on Bonesmart advise against letting anyone touch you or force the leg to do something you're not ready to do.  Where did you draw the line?  And, how did you handle that with therapist?


@patticakes   You have to go into PT with the feeling that YOU ARE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.   You do NOT have to do anything you  are not comfortable with.. If you do not like the temperament of the Physical Therapist...(  you will know if they are going to jive with you or not) change to someone else.  This is YOUR recovery not theirs.   You do have to go there knowing that some of the exercises are going to be uncomfortable... but NONE OF THE EXERCISES SHOULD BE PAINFUL TO THE POINT OF CRYING.  Do not be intimidated by  the Pt person saying you HAVE TO DO IT. . Stand up for yourself.

 

You are going to have a lot of swelling after surgery for months and this swelling inhibits your getting that bend that they want...  I found much of my bend came after PT  was overwhen the swelling was gone... about 8 to 10 weeks out.  Too much harsh demanding PT  and over stressing the knee just causes more swelling and inhibits the healing.  

 

I hope you get a physical therapist that is kind as well as encouraging.  That is the best combination. Not a boot camp style therapist putting the fear in you if you do not do exactly what they say.

 

  Best of luck to you!  Please read many of the journeys that people post on BoneSmart. You  will learn a lot from those stories. BoneSmart was my lifeline before and after surgery and I still go there everyday to encouage others on their joint journeys. 

Super Contributor
Posts: 433
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: I Need Advice From Those Who've Had Total Knee Replacement

Patticake, the therapist aren't going to stand there with a whip forcing you to do what you can't do. They will work with you and whatever level you are at. I love PT. They put heat to start, stretch and massage, then they work you up to do exercises that will strength the knee and muscles, always starting at the low end working your way up. Then they end with ice stim. Always encouraging you. Please don't read too much into this knee replacement. It isn't a bad experience. Gradual and consistent. Little by little. Try to relax and keep your attitude high. Good luck.