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Time for a Knee replacement

(11 Posts)
susytish Mon 07-Mar-22 17:37:49

Having now had 2 injections and several osteopath sessions, I think it is time to think about a knee replacement for arthritic knee. Would appreciate other's experiences.

MrsJamJam Mon 07-Mar-22 18:36:56

DH had one four years ago. Takes longer than a new hip to be fully functional, about a year, but if you follow all the advice from doctor and especially physio it will get rid of most or all of the pain.

Barmeyoldbat Mon 07-Mar-22 19:17:24

I had mine done 3 years ago at a time when I could hardly walk but could cycle. Sounds funny but cycling isn’t weight bearing so I reckon that’s why it was ok. Anyway I was told by my physio to build up the muscles around the knee before my operation as it would help recovery, which I did. I had 2 nights in hospital and had to show that I could walk up stairs before I went home. Did all my exercises and more, would sit at night watching tv while I used one of the little cycle things. Keep the knee moving as much as possible after the op to stop the scarring inside stiffening up. I was out cycling about 7 or 8 weeks after, I can kneel and I do yoga, though I am behind everyone because it takes me so long to get up and down, good luck with the op it will give you a new lease of life.

henetha Mon 07-Mar-22 19:22:45

I've had two knee replacements, both very successful, which transformed my life. I would highly recommend it, and providing you do the physio properly, it hopefully would be highly successful for you too.
Good luck.

JenniferEccles Tue 08-Mar-22 12:56:32

I have added to this to ‘bump’ your thread’susietish*!

I haven’t had a knee replacement but I did have my hip done just before Christmas and I am now virtually back to normal.
I do believe that knees, being complex joints, take a little bit longer to recover from, but like hip replacements, the success rate is extremely high, well over 90%.

It might help you to look back on here a few months as there have been other threads where people have added tips, advice and encouragement!

Visgir1 Tue 08-Mar-22 13:21:43

I had my TKR on Dec 17th 21.. Had "Robot assisted" op
Prior to having it done had a CT scan so kit used, gets it spot on.
Apparently, operation less time, scar perfect with fit spot on? Mine seems good.
Discharge in 72 hrs, after I climbed the stairs and passed Physio assignment.
Was given cold compress wrap thingy to reduce swelling that you just pop into fridge and use about x3 times a each day.
I have had a previous Hip replacement and this is more painful! You still need painkillers for a while.
But... Managed the stairs & shower with the help of cling film wrapped around bandage and a plastic seat inside of the shower, foot /leg propped between the door gap and a ready bathrobe to put on. Did need help for a few weeks to make sure I was OK but not a big problem.

Slowly it all improves, keep doing the exercises. I the used the crutches for about 2 weeks, then you find your moving without them, and thinking where did I leave them?
By 6 weeks I was crunch free.
Had my post op assessment by consultant all went to plan, I'm now on waiting list for other Hip..
Had my post op Physio again going to plan.
I'm thrilled it's done, yes painful at first and sleeping was not brilliant, especially with those bloody Ted stocking but now truck loads better.

Like everything be patient we all get there in the end and it's so worth it.
Best of luck you will be Dancing pain free very soon.

BlueBelle Tue 08-Mar-22 14:56:16

I think this is an operation that takes quite a bit of getting over I have one family member and two friends had it and all have said never again but they are 6 months down the line maybe after a year they ll think differently

NfkDumpling Tue 08-Mar-22 17:36:52

I think, Bluebell your friends will change their minds in the next few months.

I've had both knees replaced with eighteen months between.
I could hardly walk more than 500 yards with a stick before having them done and my knees were decidedly deformed so my feet pointed at quarter to three!

Although the first stage of recovery is comparatively speedy and the exercises literally a pain - I was down to one crutch after a couple of weeks and none in six. (Although I still used a stick for balance as my knees were both pointing forwards for the first time in years.) But - it wasn't until six months that I really felt the difference and felt I was definitely better than before the operation. Five years on since the second op and I can kneel (although it still feels as if I'm kneeling on a pebble beach), ride a bike, sail, ride a horse, walk ten miles (at a push, I'm not a great one for walking).

My surgeon didn't believe in physiotherapy and told me to just keep pottering and moving. Not to stay still for too long.

Pammie1 Tue 08-Mar-22 17:50:46

Can I ask the OP, do you have osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. I have rheumatoid, diagnosed about two years ago and have had my knee drained twice and steroids injected into the joint, but the swelling always comes back. I was told that I could have it drained up to three times in twelve months but then I may be looking at a knee replacement.

Aveline Tue 08-Mar-22 18:21:36

I've had two knee replacements. Recovery took longer than my hip replacement but very well worthwhile. I suggest you join the Bonesmart knee replacement forum for info and to share others' experiences. It's much more detailed.

susytish Tue 08-Mar-22 21:11:15

Thank you to all of you. Really helpful. Am having treatment from osteopath at the minute, helping a bit. Also looking at CBD oil and aromatherapy.