Knee replacement recovery

The Aircast Cryo/Cuff Gravity Cooler helped my DH enormously. I just had to fill the cooler with ice a few times a day for him and hook it up to his knee strap. It cost a lot but what a relief !

Charleygirl5

I hate to say it but I felt like that for the first 6 weeks but once the pain subsided I never looked back.

Thanks Charleygirl
I keep having that song going through my head "Things can only get better" 🙂

I hate to say it but I felt like that for the first 6 weeks but once the pain subsided I never looked back.

Jaxjacky

Old thread Charleygirl from 2021

That's ok, I'm finding it helpful that this thread was bumped.

I hope everyone has fully recovered; at the moment I'm at the "I wish I'd never had this done" stage, six days post-op.

Old thread Charleygirl from 2021

After my first TKR in 2012 I could not see a kitchen cupboard as the physio jad covered each with diagrams and instructions for exercises. I did some but not a lot because I was in a lot of pain but after 6 weeks I could cope.

I had also said never again but in 2018 I had the other replaced and like Aveline did not exercise and my knee, although agony was fine.

Sleeping was a problem so I took a pillow to bed and eg if I slept on my left, rolled over and my operated knee was on the pillow. One is told not to do this but I was beyond caring and wanted a night's sleep which I got, my way. Jonnie you may want to lie on your back with the pillow lengthwise under your leg. Again, it helped me so everybody could take a run and a jump.

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I have had both my knees replaced quite a few years ago, both successfully. My advice would be firstly get pain under control, ice, medication regularly (it's easier to keep pain away rather than get rid of it), read the Bonesmart website from start to finish the information on there is invaluable, keep your knee moving but don't forget that your can't force a swollen knee and it needs time to repair itself - major surgery has taken place on those bones and finally don't compare yourself to anyone else - you recover at YOUR rate not other people's.

My husband had this. I hope you're doing OK. It looked so painful. I would definitely stay medicated as allowed even if you think you feel better.
You should definitely be allowed to rest and heal. Once he could get it wet I bought Epsom salts for a warm bath.

My OH had both knees done at the same time. He was operated on in the afternoon and around midnight he went missing. The nurse found him taking a shower. ?

I didn't do the exercises and had the same result! All fine.

I had both knees replaced about 15 years ago. I didn't have too much pain afterwards and only took paracetamol. The exercises did hurt though and I'm usually very bad at keeping up with things like that, but I did keep on with them and it made all the difference.

Don’t forget. The anaesthesia can make you feel terrible too! Pale & pasty, depressed? Yep, that’s the anaesthetic! Give it time. You’ll be fine. Could take two years for all the tenderness to go though.

Hmmm knee up and slightly bent is what I was told. I had three pillows at a gradual angle. Honestly check Bonesmart for excellent advice, diagrams info etc.

Sorry to be repeating what everyone is saying but exercise and rest is key, also whilst resting you must try to keep the knee up and straight as much as possible.

Forgot to say ice packs were a great help

Your daughter is right, exercise is the answer and to keep the knee moving so the scaring inside doesn’t stiffen up. Yes it’s hard when you are feeling tired but many of the exercises can be done lying on the bed. I had my knee replaced and can’t take any anti inflammatory due to a medical condition, ended up using morphine which I took at night so I could sleep. We went and stayed at a spa for 3 nights after my stitches came out and I spent a lot of time in the warm pool just walking and doing exercise and resting in between. Worked a great and was out cycling 7 weeks after the op. You will feel like sixth for a while, it’s a major operation so just rest and do gentle exercise. It does get better and is well worth it.

bonesmart.org/

Oh thank you so much - I've never even heard of bone smart is that part of gransnet? I have only just come on to this site today for the first time.
It's funny I know I am really lucky to have my husband at home who is helping me no end.. but to talk to others who have / are going through the same thing is what I need as only they can relate.
I can't take ibruprophen as it upsets my tummy so am using the codeine and paracetamol and have had morphine if needed ( I only used this for a day really)
But the ibruprophen would be a godsend I think as it's the only anti inflammatory one out of the bunch.
Well If you could guide me to the bonesmart I would be grateful.
Thank you
Dawn

What a shame. I've been there! However, the good news is that 'This too shall pass.' You truly won't always feel this bad. Nap during the day whenever you're tired and ice and elevate your leg. Give yourself time to heal. Don't try and force it. Good luck.
Try Bonesmart forum. It really got me through.

Hi,
I am reaching out to anyone who has had or is at the moment coming out of knee replacement surgery..I had mine last Thursday 28th October.
I have been trying so hard to do all exercises, icing moving round but today ... Well today I just feel b......d!
Last night I was up and down the bed so many times I think I did a full days exercise just trying to get comfortable to go to sleep.
Oh Blimey if anyone can support me through this ongoing saga I would be so grateful.
I feel a bit Mardy today and need a kick up the prervevial really.
All help gratefully received.
Thanks for listening to me moan
Dawn

Thank you once again everyone for your support and advice. Update on my progress. I’ve been taking orymorph at night since Wednesday, and continuing with codeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen and ice packs during the day, and tonight I can honestly say I think the pain is definitely not as persistent. I am moving about regularly but not putting too much pressure on myself to get a full bend on the knee. Physio on Wednesday so, no doubt, will hear then whether I am doing enough.

Another recommendation for ice packs and Bonesmart. It was my OH who had both knees replaced at the same time 2 years ago. I was continually getting gel ice packs from freezer, even in the middle of the night.

He only took paracetamol, but at max dose, and 4 times a day. It's important to continue taking it regularly for it to be effective.

Despite being wary of internet forums, he found the Bonesmart site very useful. He didn't over-exercise in first few weeks, just gentle walk to kitchen every hour. Later he used exercise bike, and had full movement - able to squat- after about 3 months

Two friends going through this at the moment one a month or down the line the other about 6 weeks both have said never again (maybe it’s like childbirth) both are adamant they won’t have the other done but it seems very individual some get a lot of pain others not so others
Good luck with your recovery