Wellness

[Leeny]

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. 

[CalminHeart]

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. 

[SeaMaiden]

@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.

[PMG055]

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.

[Jacie]

@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!

[Jacie]

@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!

[PMG055]

@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!

[Lostandscared]

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 !

[Renata22]

@Lostandscared 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.

[PMG055]

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