topic Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions in Wellness

For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Jacie — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:38:25 GMT

I am 7 weeks past a total knee replacement and my MD says I am on track. I am back at the gym, albeit VERY gently and only on the equipment and plan my MD has prescribed. I have even been up on my horse for a few minutes! The dismount was not pretty, but I did it and it was pain free. My goal was always to get back on my horse, the doctor was aware and recommended I try it.

I know pain is subjective, but in your experience, when does that dull ache leave? Seems to come and go, it's very annoying and at times, very wearing. I take a med for it but only on occasion. I still ice it if I feel I have done too much.

Any thought or suggestions?

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

pdlinda — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:46:52 GMT

I had my right knee replaced in 2019 and used pain meds for about 2 weeks afterward, then Tylenol when needed. There is definitely some healing pain after such a major surgery, but I did the exercises assigned to me daily and iced my knee frequently for at least a month or two for pain (more like you're describing...discomfort).

That was about it. I haven't had any problems with pain or discomfort on that knee since that time.

I'll also mention that I had my hip replaced on that side in 2017 and have had no residual pain from that surgery either.

You sound like you're doing great!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Winkk — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:46:46 GMT

As you said everyone is different but it can take 3 to 6 months for it to get back to normal. I'm at 8 weeks and there are days where it aches. No major pain just an achy feeling. It will go away. You are doing good.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

tansy — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:52:24 GMT

It took close to six months for my first knee to be totally pain free. The second one was much quicker. It sounds like you are doing very well, @Jacie.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Bookplate — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:53:31 GMT

You are doing much better than I did; I suspect you are younger. With me the pain lasted a full three months, and it was usually more than a dull ache. I think I graduated to a dull ache in month four! Everybody has a different pain threshold; apparently mine is low.

I swallowed many a pain killer for a quarter of a year. Now I feel it was all worth it, but it seemed a long road at the time. You will be fine, but just remember that everbody's recovery is a little different, and it takes as long as it needs to. Congratulations on being over the worst of it!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

BlueFinch — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:04:47 GMT

I've not had knee surgery, but have known many who have. I'd say if you could get up on your horse within 7 weeks time and it wasn't painful, that you're doing great. Even with that less than 'pretty' dismount :-).

Just keep up the good work and follow your plan. The intermittent pain will probably still be a problem for awhile. But, you're ahead of many I've seen at 7 weeks. Remember, you're still healing.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

RedTop — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:10:19 GMT

I had a constant dull ache sensation for years prior to surgery on my first knee; it was gone when I woke up in recovery. I did experience pain in my first knee when I returned to work and started wearing my office suitable work shoes. All of those shoes were broken in before surgery, my knee alignment was different after surgery, and the shoes were the cause of that pain. I got rid of all the old shoes.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Thats Me — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:28:41 GMT

@RedTop @I had a similar experience after my knee replacements. Had to get rid my beloved Birkenstocks, of which I had many pairs. They were THE BEST but they were broken in pre-surgery when my alignment was different. It broke my heart for about 10 minutes!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

chrystaltree — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:47:48 GMT

I had my left knee done 5 years ago. At 7 weeks, I was receiving physical therapy three times a week. I wasn't allowed to do anything like you describe for 3, maybe 4 months. I never had the ache you describe. I had some pain the first week or two but I was prescribed Tylenol with Codeine and Ibuprofen. After 2 weeks, I only took pain mrfs an hour before my PT sessions so I wouldn't experience pain. You are still in your 12 week post op period, you should ask your surgeon about your pain.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Goodie2shoes — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:42:01 GMT

Sounds like you are doing pretty good! Back on your horse ? awesome job ! as others have said everyone's healing is different so follow your MD's recommendations for sure. My left knee was done in 2013 and it's fine no pain, no problems. My right knee was done in 2019 but I ended up with a staph infection, knee had to be redone in 2020 so I do have residual swelling still but not to bad and I have occasional pain and can't walk up steps as one normally does, I take one step at a time using my left leg, can't bare to much wt on my rt knee but I'm still doing well so I just keep going and don't let it hold me back. Best wishes for a full recovery, you can do it !!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Leeny — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:44:01 GMT

I had a total knee replacement on my right knee in 2014. Like someone said here, everyone is different. I was on pain pills for 2 months and I was told I have a high pain tolerance. Maybe so, but the pain I had I couldn't go without medication. The best advise I can say is keep doing your exercises at least for 6 months. I didn't drive for 8 weeks either. If it hurts when you are doing something stop doing what you are doing and ice your knee and elevate it and do this frequently:.especially if you have done a lot of walking.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

CalminHeart — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 11:43:04 GMT

I had a knee replacement in 2015. The first 3 weeks were rough but things quickly improved after that.

I remember a dull ache for the first 3 months. It was tolerable and reminded me not to overdo. It gradually became less often and then disappeared.

I had surgery on my other knee 4 days ago to fix 2 tears in my meniscus and a tear in the muscle. The surgery itself is fine and pain is minimal.

Funny story. While I was in the post-op and pain pill stupor after last week's surgery, I apparently ordered some groceries. I was surprised when I received a text the next morning telling me when they'd be delivered. I still don't remember ordering. Luckily, it was just $30 but I ordered a couple of things I never buy.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

SeaMaiden — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:11:12 GMT

@Jacie I had both knees replaced in 2013. At 8 weeks I was feeling pretty darn great. That dull ache does continue for about the first year... your knee heals from the inside out... there was some pretty intensive surgery on that knee and the tissues and nerves take longer to totally heal... just know that it is part of the healing process... and enjoy that wonderful new knee! It was the best thing I ever did replacing my two bum knee.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

PMG055 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:48:57 GMT

2012 was my knee replacement. The more I moved, the more the aching went away.
Inflammation can last a long time, but check with your doctor if you have more than occasional aching past 3 months.

Tell me about your horse! I was riding a show hunter at the time, but sadly, my 40 + year interest in jumping waned after my knee replacement and I stopped riding in about 2018. I still follow equestrian sports though. The FEI world championships in dressage and jumping just wrapped up and the eventing WC are in September.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Jacie — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:13:21 GMT

@CalminHeart Ok that's funny! My husband told me that I was texting my hairdresser about an appointment, had no clue. He took my phone from me! My hair stylist and I had a great chuckle over that! I was pretty loopy!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Jacie — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:22:23 GMT

@PMG055 I have ridden all my life. Showing western pleasure and equitation as a kid. Husband I owned them for years then I wrecked a shoulder and sold out,it took years to heal. We moved to the desert, bought more horses and now ride trails only, he ropes on occasion with another friend. I often go to a cousins ranch in CO. for round-up and spring turn out. I ride with a great group of ladies that range from their 20's to 80+ Many have joint replacements of all kinds! It's amazing when you see 50 women and their horses snaking up a mountain! A great sisterhood!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

PMG055 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:38:02 GMT

@Jacie yes I know about injuries. I've had a couple vertebrae compression fractures, a broken Hand, and a broken foot all from falling off over the years, but none of that could stop me from riding. It was the knee replacement that finally convinced me about my mortality. Your riding group sounds wonderful. So glad for you!

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Daludog — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:47:38 GMT

I am waitng for my total left knee replacement surgery, I am very nervous. Do you have to use crutches ? Do i need any special stuff, and how do you shower? Waiting for call from dr, said it takes about 2 months, they are behind and booked up. I may change my mind by the time i hear from them !

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

Renata22 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:58:16 GMT

@Daludog That totally sounds like something I would do. I am an avoider and I'm good at it.

But I hope your surgery and healing go very well. I've been needing to do it for years but have not had the nerve yet. Good for you getting the process started.

Re: For Those Who Have a Knee Replacement....Questions

PMG055 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:12:53 GMT

I wrapped my leg really well in food plastic wrap and used a portable shower bench to shower.