Knee surgery

squeaks · ‎03-11-2010

I thought I saw a post on this site about outpatient knee surgery. If anyone has had it, I would love to hear from you. I will be having surgery in April for my left knee . Sometimes later the right knee.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

I cared for a family member after knee surgery, not TKR. You absolutely need some one until you see how it goes.

When my foot was cut upon and casted for about 14 weeks, I learned to crawl like a pro, including stairs. Could push things along the floor too.

We soon found that knees are different. Think of carrying a tray while on two crutches. No crawling upstairs either.

Plan well and best wishes.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

I had mine replaced 3 years ago. Only the right knee. The pain was the worst on day two after the nerve block wore off. Make sure you keep on top of the meds and do your physical therapy and you will do fine. You will notice improvements every week. Each week you will be able to do something you had a hard time doing the week before. My husband took care of me the first week and he worked from home the second week so on the third week I was on my own. It wasn't that bad. I didn't have a raised toilet seat, or shower seat. I only bought a cane. I did not prepare meals either. I was in the hospital only overnight. It can be slow going but you will notice improvement.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@squeaks wrote:
I thought I saw a post on this site about outpatient knee surgery. If anyone has had it, I would love to hear from you. I will be having surgery in April for my left knee . Sometimes later the right knee.

@squeaks

What type of knee surgery are you having done?

hckynut(john)

hckynut(john)

squeaks · ‎03-11-2010

I'm having a complete knee replacement.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@squeaks

My wife had her Right knee replaced in late October of 2019. She told me after the surgery the pain was much less than she expected. We set up the bathroom and bedroom to make it easier for her to use her Walker when having to get around the first few days. Always a good idea to plan how you will maneuver a walker while you need to use it.

She went to Physical Therapy twice a week, sometimes 3 days. Because of her leg structure it took a little longer for her to reach the degree of angle of the bend of the knee that her Therapist likes to see before releasing his patients.

Of course with the Right knee, it pretty much prohibits driving for a longer period of time, than with the Left knee. Needless to say she didn't drive our little gas mizer 5-speed manual transmission for a much longer time.

I am an exercise nut, she is not. You might consider between now, and your April surgery, to work on strengthening both of your upper leg muscles "quadriceps" which will certainly be beneficial to you during your recovery.

A TKR is a pretty common surgery now, and the techniques make recovery much easier and over less time than in past decades. I wish you the best with your surgery and a smooth recovery. You have to be patient during the recovery time.

hckynut(john)

chlema · ‎05-22-2010

@squeaks Had both knees replaced, 4 months apart. I did outpatient PT at the hospital, started on week 1 - 3x and then 4 more weeks 2x. PT is very important - just remember to take your pain med. about an hour before and it will help. I was very lucky because I felt almost no pain with the first knee, second knee, some pain but bearable. Used a walker for first 2 days, then a cane. I wish you well with your upcoming surgery - you will be so happy you had it done after you heal. I put mine off for 4 years and that was stupid on my part knowing what I know now.

marzi 1 · ‎07-13-2010

I had first knee replaced the beginning of September and the second replaced in December both were outpatient surgery and i was home the same afternoon. Had physical therapy twice a week for six weeks. After first surgery i did not need pain pills after three weeks,the second time around i still need a half of tablet in the morning and in the evening.. I am eight weeks out,does anyone know the "average" time for pain meds? Not sure if i should ask for refill when needed...