Knee replacement

I had mine done in 2013 and not looked back. Before I could hardly walk the high street after about 2-3 weeks I could do almost anything including kneeling!

Gosh. Maybe the nerve block hadn't worn off and he'd be in big trouble back home when it did?
One knee at a time was fine for me!

Esspee I take my hat off to him. For many reasons I would not have the same surgery done on joints at the same time. The day after my second knee replacement a man came into my ward and was arguing with the staff- he wanted to go home there and then having had bil, knee replacements done at the same time as myself. I was in agony- he was pain free and waltzing around. No two people are the same.

OH had both knees done at the same time. (Last time I wrote that on Gransnet another member PM’d me to say that as that was not possible had I perhaps misremembered.) ?
Anyway, he can now do many things that had caused extreme pain before the operation with the exception of kneeling (which explains why he is my OH and not my husband.) ?
He was operated on in the afternoon and around midnight the nurses couldn’t find him. He was having a shower!
I can honestly say that apart from kneeling he is fitter than many 50 year olds. He can climb hills, walk for miles, sail singlehandedly, in fact he is far fitter than me.
Parky you will be fine.
I hope you have your op. soon.

I've had both mine done. Its usual to gave a spiral blockhead in Spain, but I have spinal stenosis so had to have a GA. One of mine was infected and took a while to heal but its definitely the best thing ever. No pain and more range of movement. Took a good 9 months for full recovery but so worth it. Best tip from me is wet towel in freezer to wrap round knee....better than gel packs.

Put your name down for a cancellation?

Thank you so much for your stories. Consultant says bone on bone and knee cap a mess, so am on the list. Told it would be a few months before I'm operated on. Fingers crossed.

I had the spinal anaesthetic for my hip replacement. It doesn't 'hurt like hell'! They give a local anaesthetic before the spinal goes in. You also have a sedative which didn't put me completely to sleep but I couldn't feel a thing. What's more, because I didn't have a general anaesthetic I didn't spend the next 24 hours being as sick as a dog. The main regret I have is that I couldn't have a spinal anaesthetic when I had my shoulder replaced! However, the kind anaesthetist gave me a 24 hour nerve block which meant I had little or no post operative pain.

I had both knees done, TKRs 10 & 11 years ago, when I was 64 & 65.
The first with a full GA, the second with a spinal epidural.
I was advised to have the SE, only on the morning of my op, (if I had thought about it, I would have said "no-way!").
May have been a fluke, but my recovery was much quicker & better the second time around.

I have osteoarthritis, but my knees are almost pain free & I'm pleased I had those ops.,
( the rest of me is creaky!)

Good Luck.

Seriously it wasn't a problem at all. I'm hoping for the same at my forthcoming hip replacement

Just the thought of the needle in the spine, must hurt like hell. Terrified of the outcome too, had a look at bonesmart site, seems to be a horror story of American surgery.

I had that both times. Was great. The sedative sent me off into a lovely sleep and when I woke up it was all over. Really nothing to fear.

Anyone had knee replacement with spinal block I stead of GA? Thought horrifies me but surgeon recommends

Take it veeeeery easy with the exercising!!
Also be aware that others will tell you how their friend or neighbour were back dancing after two weeks and similar stories. As previously stated check out the Bonesmart website for info and updates from people as they recover. It's a lifesaver and I met lots of nice people (virtually) on it.

Some really inspirational comments in particular Nonogran and Deeda I will work hard at my exercises if and when I have op. I'm lucky my husband will be able to help. Here's hoping I don't experience avveline's problems. Feeling much happier after reading your success stories.

I had one knee replaced about 4 years ago and I can do everything, even yoga, In fact I cycled 8 miles 7 weeks after having it done, its the best thing I have ever had done.

Another oldie here.
I was 79 when I had my TKR with great success and 83 when I had my hip replaced , again, total success.
I was walking the length of the corridor within 36 hours and home less than 48 hours after the op.
Just get it done as soon as it can be, may be a wait now though.
I doubt you will regret it.

I've had both knees replaced with great success. The second one was done when I was 78 and I can do almost anything now, -except get out of the bath. But that's not just down to my knees.
Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

I had my right knee replaced 7 years ago it was so good to get rid of the pain.Well worth having done.

Yet again I agree with Aveline for various reasons I did not do 95% of the exercises either time postoperatively and my knees are fine. My knees were horrendously swollen post-op and I spent a lot of time elevating the leg to reduce the swelling.
Good luck.

I've had two knee replacements. The first one I did the exercises and ended up with inflammation leading to adhesions and I needed manipulation under anaesthetic to get the joint to bend at all. Next time I refused physio, iced and elevated and walked about regularly. I took over my own rehab and all went well. My surgeon agreed with me. NICE guidance research studies found no difference in outcome between those who did physio exercises and those who didn't. Don't be bullied after the op. Remember, you can't bend a hosepipe full of water so how can you expect to bend a post operatively swollen knee.
Check the Bonesmart website for first person stories and practical advice.

I had both knees replaced 15 years ago (I'm 75 now) I agree with Nonogran you must persevere with the excercises it makes all the difference. The only thing I really have difficulty with is getting up off the floor but that is partly down to my frozen shoulder which means I can't pull myself up. We were taught how to get up and down stairs before we were allowed home and occupational therapy provided any aids we needed at home.

I had my knee joint very successfully replaced 11 years ago. It worked a treat but you must do the post operative exercises! It's not fair to get it done and not follow through with the sometimes painful exercises? You will reap the benefit big time. In my experience, it took a year or so to fully recover but in my world, at the time, it was mind over matter & I just got on with it. Feel the pain & do it anyway! Good luck & I wish you a speedy recovery.

Parky you could always say you would accept a cancellation but you would have to be organised at home.

Thank you for advice. Will tell the consultant to add me to his list. Heavens knows how long it is