I had my first knee done at age 57 in 2012 when I was still working at the hospital. I had a good surgery experience and did my PT there as well. I healed well, and recovered my bend and flex measurements quickly, but the surgeon insisted I do all of the PT sessions approved by my insurance. I returned to my office job days shy of 3 full months. I have no pain or discomfort in that knee.
My second knee surgery was done in late 2017. I had a good hospital experience the 2nd time around as well; quite a few changes including group PT 2x a day the morning after surgery. Surgery was Wed. and I came home on Fri. Again, my insurance covered the home use of a CPM for 2 weeks, which is essential in helping achieve bend and flex measurements.
My first incision was closed with staples, and I expected that with the second surgery. However, my surgeon closed the upper layers with glue. When I saw my surgeon on day 15, the tape was pulled off to reveal a 4” gaping wound above my knee where the glue did not hold!
I was given 2 choices; have surgery to clean and close the wound, or come home and heal it on my own. I was on target with my bend and flex measurements after 9 PT sessions, so I stopped therapy and focused on healing my open wound. I did not leave my house from Nov. 21st until Feb. 15th, when my wound was totally closed. Both times I was using a cane after 2 weeks.
My knees feel, and work great; no pain or discomfort whatsoever. Wrap your head around the fact there will be 2-3 weeks of serious pain and discomfort, but the more you move, the more you realize those are healing pains, and each day gets a little better.
If you don't have raised or higher height toilets, get a seat adapter to make toileting easier. Make sure you can access your shower easily, as you will not be able to bend your knee easily until the second week. You will be taught how to lift your leg in the hospital with a length of gauze or rope, which is how you will get yourself in a car to go home. Someone will need to help you at home. If they help you get into bed, at night, or to exercise on the CPM, please be sure they understand that if they are helping lift your leg, they must hold it the entire time, until you are in position, and ready for it to be placed on the bed.
Do whatever you can to make life easier at home. No throw rugs on your floors. Easy to prepare foods. Have sturdy shoes and comfortable pull on capris or shorts for PT. I also suggest you have your iron, and Vit B12 and D checked before surgery; mine was not, my levels bottomed out after the first surgery which added a slight complication to my recovery. I was better prepared the 2nd time around.
I hope to never need either knee re-done, as I’m not sure I could or would repeat the experience!
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