Hi everyone, has anyone on here had a partial knee replacement on this forum, or is it only for total replacements. I would like to contact anyone who has had experience of a partial knee replacement on the outside of their knee. I was told that this is a more unusual op. I am now three months post op and I still can't walk that far without a crutch, I still can't walk down stairs without pain and if I do the squat exercise it makes my eyes water. Can anyone give me their experiences please.
I had a partial replacement on the inside of my right knee 8 months ago. It was a very quick recovery and although the scar is still sore and the knee hurts if I knock it I'm walking normally without pain have been since 6 weeks after the op. . The knee is still numb on the non-operated side but not bothered about that. No way could I squat! I think three months is still early days and I think things will slowly improve, we all seem to recover at different rates. I was 67 when I had the op., fairly healthy and not overweight.
Thanks Dimity67, nice to hear that you are OK now. Hope mine improves. I am 59 and I am due to start the easy class of circuits a week Monday and I am dreading it.
I'm sure it will. What are the circuits classes? I was given two physio sessions and then told to do exercises at home. I have to admit I didn't bother but just gradually increased my normal daily activities of gardening and housework. Kneeling is a different matter and only possible on an old cushion. At 12 weeks you are still healing, I would hang on to the crutch for as long as you feel you need it.
I had six sessions with a physiotherapist then she referred me to six sessions of circuit training which involves a series of exercises such as riding on a stationary bike, cross trainer and squats for 2 minutes each. She sent me to the intermediate class at first but after one session I found I was back on two crutches for four days so now she has referred me to the easy class which doesn't start until a week Monday. A lady at the class I attended had had two full knee replacements at the same time as me and she was doing so well, no crutches and no problems with the exercises, which makes me feel that there is something wrong. To be honest, there doesn't seem that much improvement at all as to how it was before I had the op.
That's so disheartening isn't it? Is it possible to see the consultant who did the op.? Looking back at comments on this forum might reassure you, lots of people seem to have similar problems and I think that a partial replacement can be just as traumatic as a full and the recovery times just as variable. When you think what has happened to your poor knee.........The lady at the class who had the two done and can do exercises etc is very lucky
Aso meant to say that there is a very knowledgeable chap on here whose forum name is Oldfatguy. Have a word with him and see what he says, he's full of useful information.
Oh great, thank you.
Hi Susan I had a PKR but to the inside of my right knee at the age of 52 13 weeks ago tomorrow.I am walking with a slight limp but no crutches now...can't ride a stationary bike unless they change the pedal length as it feels like my knee will split open and squats are something I don't like doing. I had to do all my own physio but have had one session in the past 2 week's which is when I did the bike etc and they want me to do this circuit class also which I don't think I will bother with. I went to Marwell zoo yesterday with my daughter and grandchildren...managed ok with the buggy...but funnily any slopes we came across I was useless with! However once home knee was painful and I slept for 2 hours and then all night. I must admit I cannot kneel yet or bend it up under me to sit on the sofa but it is almost straight now and bend is 115° and the pain from having bone on bone has now gone. This forum taught me to just listen to your own body and no 2 ops or recovery are the same...do what is right for you and don't listen to anyone that hasn't had it done themselves...take care Sarah
Thank you sarcee 50, your reply is very helpful. I am going to try the circuits but if I am not happy with it I will stop. Sometimes i think the physios push us too hard and end up making us feel inadequate
Hi Terri,
In terms of recovery time you haven’t given it nearly enough time.
For me it took well over a year before it started feeling normal again and even longer before there was no more pain at all.
If you don't your recovery time will take even longer and you may never regain your full range of motion. There is only a short window of opportunity you will have to get back your full range of motion back.
I know it hurts like hell but that what the pain meds are for.
If you take them just before your daily rehabilitation it will be a lot easier to deal with all the drama.
Don't be fooled by thinking a partial replacement should be more forgiving or not be as painful as a full replacement, nor should you measure your pain or recovery time to any one else’s
Be patient with yourself, give your body the time it needs to get over the trauma of the surgery.
Comparing time and pain only makes you feel like something has gone wrong or you’re not moving along fast enough.
You will get through this, be patient, laugh about how much it sucks and soon it will feel just like your real knee again.
Thanks Larry, that has cheered me up. I do think I listen too much to others. I now realise I should just let things take their course. Great help.