Hi,
I am still trying to pluck up the courage to go through with knee surgery in the next few weeks. Just wondering whether I would be in a fit state to go to a wedding 7 or 8 weeks after surgery. There would be a drive of about an hour to get to the wedding venue.
Any feedback would be welcome
Christine, based on my experience, I would say yes. But there are always variables that go into this. I was 50 when I had my bilateral knee replacement. I went on a 4.5 hour train ride 6 weeks after my surgery to visit friends for the weekend. And was able to make it up several flights of stairs to get to their flat. Being able to flex your legs during the ride will be helpful. As well as having shoes that are flat and allow for any swelling that may remain. You probably won't be ready to shake your booty on the dance floor, but I think everything else ought to be manageable. You will even notice that the original knee pain isn't there, just all of the "after surgery stuff" that you know will eventually go away.
Hi Christine. I'm 6 week post op and could manage wedding as long as I could sit as when I needed . I think main thing is to get yourself in as good a condition as poss before op by eating healthy and doing knee strengthening exercises . I did this and nirse said it def helped me heal as well as I have. After the op make sure you do your exercises. Elevate and ice your knee. Do regular little walks round house/garden followed by rest and take your painkillers. I'm sure by the end oif 7-8 weeks you will be ready to go and enjoy your wedding. Keep positive and look forward xx best of luck x
i supose it would depend if everything goes exactly as you would hope it would then why not but if there are complications then it would not be advisable as you would not be comfortable if on meds you might not be able to drink or if pain in knee was persistant you maybe not able to sit at a table for a few hours ,these things must be considered i myself have missed nurmerous weddings because of my knees but to be honest ive never regretted it as i know i wouldnt have enjoyed it plus i probably would have ruined my husbands day as well because he couldnt enjoy it either as a wedding is a long day ,at the end of the day its up to you i hope your surgery goes well good luck with it x
I'm the opposite Christine, no way I could of managed it but then I'm almost 19 weeks post and having further surgery in 4 weeks to straighten. I could probably just about manage it now but mine was never going to be a straight-forward TKR (I'm 36 and my leg was in a horrific state needing all extra bits to hold the knee up).
I would just say from my experience to just plan to go but prepare yourself in case you can't. My world felt like it was ending when I had to repeatedly cancel events I'd planned. There is every chance you'll recover well and enjoy the day.
Good luck x
Hi Christine,
I went to a wedding 4 hours away by car when I was 8 weeks post op a bilateral TKR's. It was hard hand to stop every hour to get out an walk. I was very stiff. I am glad I did it...wod have felt bad if I missed it. It was hard though, I'm not going to lie. Good luck!
It's hard to call, we are all different. I am 5weeks post TKR and would be fine to go with a stick to lean on but I'm not so sure about dancing! Be positive- in my case I had far less pain than I anticipated but I worked really hard beforehand building up my quads. Good luck
Go for it !
Just take breaks when you need them
Try to avoid dancing on the table just in case
Treat yourself to something new for the occasion even if it is only a lipstick !
You never know you might even get a good nights sleep
Judging by my own experience, you should be OK. I was walking well at six weeks. Sitting for a long time in a car was still uncomfortable, but possible. Maybe not ready for high heels though! I went to an eightieth birthday party which involved sitting around for ages, and while it wasn't really enjoyable, it was OK.
Hi Christine. I have had two tkrs in 14 weeks. Second one 6 weeks ago. Do all the excersizes and rest and ice when needed and you will be fine. I cycled on road week 5/6. Totalled 21klms. I think I would be one of the lucky ones, but even if you don't do quite as well, you should still be able to make the wedding. I would suggest that you need to have a small stool or something to raise your leg whilst you are sitting. Also move around as much as possible. Good luck. You won't look back once you have recovered.
Hi,
thanks for all of the replies and I feel fairly positive about attending the wedding now. Next step is to book a date for the operation. Still feeliung terrified about this but the constant nagging pain whenever I walk is now having a serious effect on my quality of life so I really need to do something. I feel reassured after reading the posts on here as nearly everyone seems to get there in the end although there may be a few bumps along the road.
Hi Christine. I replied to you yest saying I was 6 week post op and I thought you would be able to attend . Well just letting you know. Iv been physio this morn and he says I can ditch the crutch indoors and use one outside . I was like you. Constant pain and in last few week leading up to op could barely put weight on bad knee ! I can honestly say the actual knee is pain free. The pain I have had is the healing around the knee . Get your op luv. Think positive. Do your exercises and after a few week you will reap the benefits. Good luck x
Yes, to begin with I wished I hadn't gone for the operation, as to tell the truth my knee wasn't THAT bad. . . but now I am glad I had it done, as it's so nice to be able to walk without pain, not be forever looking for somewhere to sit down, dragging myself up stairs one at a time. . . no, it's not a lot of fun for the first few weeks, but it is the long term which makes it worthwhile. Just be prepared. i wasn't prepared in that I didn't have things in place to make life easier, like an extra toilet seat to make it higher . .a huge help, as getting up and down is quite a struggle!) Also a bag which you can wear with the strap across your body . .useful for carrying little things from one place to another, like books, ice packs etc . .really difficult with both hands being used on crutches! Also ready made meals in the freezer, plastic glasses and plates to cut down on washing up or dishwasher loading. . .lots of things I didn't think of and would have been very helpful. I never tried the leg lifter either, but people who have say it is a great help lifting the leg up on to the bed, which is pretty darned uncomfortable to begin with! But if it's affecting your life, have it done now!
Thanks Linda. Your words have cheered me and bought tears to my eyes as I am hobbling around shops looking for an outfit for wedding. It is lovely to have positive feedback. I know what surgical pain feels like as I have had foot and hip surgery. Knee surgery seems scary though and some people look at me as if I am about to jump off Everest and life will never be the same again. I do not know too many people who have had knee replacement surgery so I find this forum invaluable.
Hi Christine, I am in Australia and belong to a bowls club. Just had both knees done in eight weeks. I know dozens of people who have had tkrs and every one of them is glad they had it done. Go for it. I am 6 weeks post op for second knee and very happy that I had them done so close together.
Thanks Sue. Your reply is very reassuring.
I had a baptism 6 week post op and managed ok, I did spend most of my time sitting , but had a good time, It is good to have something to motivate and to look forward to, as long as you are realistic and avoid the dance floor I reckon you will be ok HOWEVER you will only really know when the time comes , the recovery is not predictable in any way. Hope all goes well for you
I lost a dear friend when I was at 9 weeks post op. I HAD to go to the funeral to say goodbye. It was a 6 hour journey, with 3 stops - I was worried I would have to stand, (we were late, & there were so many people there), but I managed to get a seat. It was a "show-biz" affair, & lasted about an hour & a half, then we all went to a pub for a very lively wake. Barbara (my friend who succumbed to the dreadful Big C) would be pleased to know that it did me the world of good & I'm so very glad we went. Do it.