topic Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement! in Community Chat

Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

nana59 — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:13:59 GMT

I'm having a knee replacement on 6/2, and need your help with what type of clothing I will need after surgery and weeks following. Might sound silly, but I'm stressing out about what to buy......any suggestions about what brand and style was comfortable will be greatly appreciated.....what worked best for you.....thank you.....

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Kachina624 — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:22:26 GMT

I had mine in May and didn't wear anything special, just my usual crops and capris that I normally wear that time of year. You don't have much wrapping around your knee after the first few days and you want clothing in which you can be active and do your PT. Some people say they need new shoes as the bad knee threw their gait off and wore on their shoes abnormally, but I didnt. It was helpful to have some Ryka clogs I didn't have to tie. If you have and wear shorts, they would work well but I wouldn't rush out and buy a wardrobe of them.

What were you thinking you needed? Why are you stressing about it?

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

wismiss — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:24:53 GMT

I wore shorts. You will have the nurses and doctors looking at your incision. In addition, you will be having PT and it would be much easier to move without fabric over your incision. And, the best reason to have shorts is for going to the little girl's room. Sure a lot easier to pull up shorts than anything with a long leg. In fact, I had shorts with an elastic waist band so I didn't have stand trying to zip a zipper.

The nurses gave me extra blankets to keep me warm. The only advice I can give (even though you asked only about clothing) is do your exercises. If you don't do them you may as well not have the replacement done. I'm two years out and NO PAIN. The first two weeks are the toughest and then it seems like progress is made a little every day and by the end of a year you will not even think about it and the knee replacement will be thought of as part of your body.

Good luck to you. Hope everything goes well and keep us informed.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

circles — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:28:20 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I had mine in May and didn't wear anything special, just my usual crops and capris that I normally wear that time of year. You don't have much wrapping around your knee after the first few days and you want clothing in which you can be active and do your PT. Some people say they need new shoes as the bad knee threw their gait off and wore on their shoes abnormally, but I didnt. It was helpful to have some Ryka clogs I didn't have to tie. If you have and wear shorts, they would work well but I wouldn't rush out and buy a wardrobe of them.

What were you thinking you needed? Why are you stressing about it?

Thanks for the info....while i am not the OP...i may have to have surgery...going to the Ortho on Wednesday...knee has been real bad ...good to know I won't have to buy anything special...I have lots of peddle pushers...that should work....

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Sammycat1 — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:34:38 GMT

Get loose fitting shorts. I had significant swelling and crop pants or capris didn't cut it. Also, I didn't like the feel of anything over the incision ... it was irritating. Everyone reacts differently. Best wishes to you!

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

nana59 — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:35:37 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I had mine in May and didn't wear anything special, just my usual crops and capris that I normally wear that time of year. You don't have much wrapping around your knee after the first few days and you want clothing in which you can be active and do your PT. Some people say they need new shoes as the bad knee threw their gait off and wore on their shoes abnormally, but I didnt. It was helpful to have some Ryka clogs I didn't have to tie. If you have and wear shorts, they would work well but I wouldn't rush out and buy a wardrobe of them.

What were you thinking you needed? Why are you stressing about it?

hi kachina624--thanks for your reply......i was thinking i needed loungewear type pants...my daily routine has been denim&co pull-on denim pants/crop/capris....didn't know if they would be loose enough....didn't know there wasn't alot of bulky wrapping involved....that makes me feel alot better.....i have a half-empty glass personality...so everything stresses me out....i'm 66 with severe arthritis and thought i could avoid this replacement......but this last knee flare-up did me in.....can you tell me how long your recovery was...i know everyone is different..and thanks again for your help......maybe you could come to RI if i need a kick in the butt during this procedure!!

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

country gal — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:52:07 GMT

I was a little stressed about what pants to buy when I was getting ready to have TKR in Nov. 2014. I normally wear jeans or sweat pants and the ones I had I knew would be too snug. I went to Kohl's and found 2 styles of sweat pants that had looser fitting legs. I don't remember the brand name but I think they were a Kohl's brand, like Sonoma?? I wore these to PT till I was done and they worked out great.

Since you're having yours done in June, and depending what the temp. is like where you're at, sweat pants may be too warm. Maybe you could get some looser-fitting shorts, bermudas, or knee pants. You just have to have something with loose enough legs to get over your cast and to do your PT exercises without being restrictive. HTH

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Susan in California — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:55:47 GMT

I had mine in 2010 and then the second in 2011, seven months later. Right before my second knee replacement my doctor told me every surgery is different. For me, the first surgery was a lot more difficult; the second was really easy. A friend had the exact opposite experience.

Regarding clothing, I wore simple dresses, the pull over type. It made it easy for access. I used an ice machine a lot with the first surgery. It actually helped more than pain medication.

I did have PT for both surgeries, and after the first I stayed a week in a facility, which was very helpful.

I did find that walking as well as water classes really helped with recovery. I have had no issues, and I am glad I had the replacements. My best to you. I think you will be very pleased.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 03 May 2016 04:00:22 GMT

I had a left knee replacement last May. I stayed in my nightgown or wore some old shorts or wide leg pants for when the therapist came to my home. I had a big bulky dressing on my knee. I used a walker for several weeks and I had to use a ice machine which had a pad that I had to wrap around my leg adding addt bulk. So having loose clothing will help make it a bit easier. Hang in there, the outcome will be worth it, no more pain.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

tansy — Tue, 03 May 2016 04:18:45 GMT

Shorts with loose leg openings were my choice. You will want your knee to be easily accessible for PT, too. Good luck!

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Kachina624 — Tue, 03 May 2016 04:19:42 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
:
hi kachina624--thanks for your reply......i was thinking i needed loungewear type pants...my daily routine has been denim&co pull-on denim pants/crop/capris....didn't know if they would be loose enough....didn't know there wasn't alot of bulky wrapping involved....that makes me feel alot better.....i have a half-empty glass personality...so everything stresses me out....i'm 66 with severe arthritis and thought i could avoid this replacement......but this last knee flare-up did me in.....can you tell me how long your recovery was...i know everyone is different..and thanks again for your help......maybe you could come to RI if i need a kick in the butt during this procedure!!

About 3 weeks after my surgery I had an appointment with my doctor then decided to take a short turn through TJ Max. You can tell I was feeling pretty well. Then the next morning I awoke feeling as though there was a blow-torch on my knee. Worse pain I ever had. I finally got rid of it with hydrocodone and ice. Point is: don't overdo it though you may be feeling fine. Get some ice packs and keep in the freezer; you'll use a lot.

I spent my first 2 weeks in a rehab facility which was a smart thing since I live alone. Got waited on hand and foot. You should be walking like a pro after 6 weeks or less. I thought recovery was very rapid and not a lot of pain except for that one iincident. Take a pain pill before all PT.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

nana59 — Tue, 03 May 2016 04:44:54 GMT

Thanks for all your help.....you're the best.......i'm sure i'll be asking for more of your support with other questions about this procedure.....i've been dealing with pain since 2002 when i was first diagnosed with 2 types of arthritis....don't like the idea of having this surgery, but i know i have no choice...having you out there will certainly help me get through this.......thanks again....

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Drythe — Tue, 03 May 2016 04:54:24 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
Thanks for all your help.....you're the best.......i'm sure i'll be asking for more of your support with other questions about this procedure.....i've been dealing with pain since 2002 when i was first diagnosed with 2 types of arthritis....don't like the idea of having this surgery, but i know i have no choice...having you out there will certainly help me get through this.......thanks again....

It's good you're going ahead with the surgery. I waited too long - dumb, dumb. You/ve been in pain 14 years, don't push it - OK?

I wore loose sweat pants as it was winter. The only thing I had to buy was new sneakers. My feet were swollen for a few weeks and a size larger with Velcro closings helped.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Quiltlady — Tue, 03 May 2016 08:24:17 GMT

I had my right knee replaced six weeks ago. Had left knee done less than a year ago. I didn't have to buy anything special. My only suggestion is to be sure what ever pants you wear that you can pull the pant leg up over your knee so that when you have followup doctor appointments you won't have to remove your pants! Knee replacement hurts but it's SO worth it after it all heals and you do your physical therapy to have no more pain when standing and walking is wonderful. God bless you!

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Pook — Tue, 03 May 2016 09:36:06 GMT

My SO went through this twice and each time he was advised to wear shorts in the hospital and for pt so the knee would be exposed and it would be easier for the patient as well as the therapists and medical staff. While in the hospital, I attended all therapies with him and saw that those that didn't have shorts had a more difficult time and those that wore dusters were constantly pulling them around them to avoid showing too much. You can get cheap pull up shorts from Walmart. A good walking shoe was also recommended.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

qualitygal — Tue, 03 May 2016 11:40:55 GMT

I just found and got a pair of elastic waist pants A276081, since I have arthritis. I have a medical thing or two coming up too and these will help me out. I don't usually wear this type but I see that it's going to be good for the coming years for me. Easy, peasy.

@nana59

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

SeaMaiden — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:47:10 GMT

@nana59 The first few days home, I was most comfortable in a knee or above the knee dressing gown. That way your knees are exposed and do not have anything on top of them. No having to pull pants up and down. You will be pretty much in bed for about a week other than going to Physical Therapy( you want to wear shorts above the knee to that) and the kitchen and bathroom. After that just easy loose comfortable pants or shorts. With summer here the lighter and cooler the better.

I had bilateral total knee replacement on June 3th 2013. Almost three years ago! I am doing wonderfully! My knees work so well and I have absolutely NO PAIN. It is truely a blessing!

A very helpful website for asking any and all questions is: Bonesmart.org.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

151949 — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:57:28 GMT

Are you asking about while you are in the hospital or after you go home? I just took a robe to the hospital and when I came home I wore my usual shorts and pedal pushers.

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

RedTop — Tue, 03 May 2016 14:46:36 GMT

My knee replacement was done in early January. I wore t-shirt gowns in the hospital, and came home in pajamas and my robe. At home I wore shorts or my t-shirt gowns. My PT was done as an outpatient at the hospital, so I wore short sleeved shirts, lightweight comfy pants with elastic waists, and sturdy tennis shoes for my sessions.

The only thing I bought prior to surgery was new New Balance tennis shoes. PT usually suggests that patients buy new shoes for their new knee. No one told me this tidbit of information, but I learned it the painful way once I returned to work and started wearing my work shoes. My knee had deteriorated to the point it made my foot turn slightly outward, so the wear pattern in my shoes wore to fit my steps. My brand new knee keeps my foot straight, so there was pain in my knee when I tried to wear my old shoes, because of stress on the joint. I was allowed to wear my tennis shoes to work, and started buying new shoes.

Best wishes to you with your surgery and recovery!

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

jaxs mom — Tue, 03 May 2016 15:42:06 GMT

My husband just wore sweats after he had his. At least for the the first few weks after, then it was his usual clothes. The bigger issue was shoes, not pants. He couldn't wear his usual boots due to the heel for a long time. He wore tennis shoes and some oxford style shoes.