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Contributor
Posts: 61
Registered: ‎08-19-2010

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Had my right knee replaced end of March 2015.  Long pants didn't work for me cause they rubbed on my staples so in Nebraska I wore shorts....luckily we had a mild March and to my suprise several of the people in re-hab did wear shorts.....Comfort always comes before fashion around here..lol...

Having my other knee done is something I am looking forward to I know it is surgery but if it goes like the first one...I will be very happy.....was supposed to have 8 weeks re-hab I went 6 weeks but they told me that I could probably quit after 5 weeks.

Hope you have as good a surgery as I did.......

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,972
Registered: ‎02-20-2016

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

I had a knee replacement done the first week of February. I've been wearing pedal pushers ever since--they're excellent for therapy; in addition, they allow air to circulate in the surgical area.

 

I've been very diligent about doing my exercises at home. I've also had therapy for several weeks at a facility--all of which have immensely helped me.

 

That being said, it is still a challenge to bend my knee enough: I can do it enough to get in and out of the car, but not beyond that. It was suggested that I get a knee manipulation, but I did feel I was making progress, however slowly.

 

A therapist pointed out to me that the muscles near my knee were probably not strong enough before the surgery, and that's why it's taking a while to improve.

 

Nevertheless, I am so glad I had this done. Day by day, I will improve.

 

(Then it will be the other knee's turn!)

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,070
Registered: ‎03-23-2010

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

I am glad you mentioned about the muscles being weak.I was wonderiing if they would get stronger after the knee replacement. my legs are very weak. I have trouble getting up from a chair or doing stairs. The doctor said he wanted me to do therapy before the surgery to get as strong as possible before.

Also can anyone tell me how long until you can drive as I am alone.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,144
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

My knee replacement is next week and I plan to wear plenty of leisure loose fitting clothing since after the discharge they immediately start you on PT.  

Regular Contributor
Posts: 166
Registered: ‎08-27-2013

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

I had my right knee replaced on 4/2/15.  Like many have said loose comfortable clothing.  My recovery went well as I had excellent range ofmotion from the get go. My biggest complaint was getting comfortable while sitting and in bed.  I am having surgery this thursday on my left leg.  I have a rod and plate on/in my femur that has to be removed before they can do knee replacement so I been researching  and purchasing pillows for support.  Have you been told to get a bath bench and toilet seat riser?  Those items make all the diifference in your comfort and mobility.  Getting up from low seats can be difficult in the beginning.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,143
Registered: ‎04-18-2012

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!


@CLHS68 wrote:

I am glad you mentioned about the muscles being weak.I was wonderiing if they would get stronger after the knee replacement. my legs are very weak. I have trouble getting up from a chair or doing stairs. The doctor said he wanted me to do therapy before the surgery to get as strong as possible before.

Also can anyone tell me how long until you can drive as I am alone.


Are you getting both done or just one? My husband only had one done, but now I can't remember if it was the left or right LOL. You can probably drive sooner if you are justhaving your left one done and have an automatic transmission. I know my husband didn't drive for weeks. They will not send you home alone with no one to help care for you. Your Dr should have already discussed that with you though. 

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval
Regular Contributor
Posts: 166
Registered: ‎08-27-2013

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

I had my right knee replaced 4/2/15.  I did have very good rage of motion right after.  My PT had me do some strength tests before I got the go ahead to drive. If I recall correctly I was driving 4 weeks later. Listen to your body and don't try to push yourself too hard.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,033
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

Nana, thanks for starting this thread. i am getting my right knee replaced tomorrow. I am also really stressed out. I plan to take shorts and shirts, a new pair of pj's that are at least a size too big in the bottom, and I will wear Capri's into the hospital. I expect to be there only one or two nights, so anything else I need, I will have at home. I am taking a new pair of trainers and a pair of slip on shoes. i am definitely one who has worn my shoes to the outside. If I need more shorts, I will be able to order them. I saw some Denim and Co. that looked nice and people say they run big. That should work. Good luck with yours. 

 

Thanks to everyone who has replied. It is good information.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,144
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

I'm glad I stumbled across this topic because I live in NYC so I commute to work subway and I have to walk a lot; so I am looking forward to getting my life back and no more knee pain and not being able to stand or walk for long periods of time like I use to.  I hope to lose weight since I will be home recovering and working with the PT for three months.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎05-12-2012

Re: Need Your Help With Knee Replacement!

[ Edited ]

@natureluvr wrote:

I had my right knee replaced on 4/2/15.  Like many have said loose comfortable clothing.  My recovery went well as I had excellent range ofmotion from the get go. My biggest complaint was getting comfortable while sitting and in bed.  I am having surgery this thursday on my left leg.  I have a rod and plate on/in my femur that has to be removed before they can do knee replacement so I been researching  and purchasing pillows for support.  Have you been told to get a bath bench and toilet seat riser?  Those items make all the diifference in your comfort and mobility.  Getting up from low seats can be difficult in the beginning.


My daughter told me that a co-worker of hers recommended a bath bench and toilet seat riser....she said they were very helpful......