hi there, I've just had 2 new knees on dec 3rd and came out of hospital 6 days later. Both my knees are still swollen and still quite numb over the old knee cap area and on the sides,the swelling is hindering my flexing/ bending exercises and I just don't know how I should be doing, because a double knee replacement is a lot rarer than the normal single procedure. I am going between slight euphoria and periods of being quite down cos' I just don't have anyone or anything to compare myself against. How long does the swelling,numbness last is the main concern for me at this point. If anyone is able to provide some support or advice I would be very grateful. I am a 52 year old male. Thank you in advance.
What a hero!! but its early days yet Crispin,I think you have done so well to get both done at the same time. You probably wont manage much bend at this stage because of the swelling but it will get easier so dont go expecting too much too soon, you have had an enormous operation. Every day will get that bit easier to move and regain your mobility, in the meantime do take your meds and before the pain kicks in too and they will help with physio, keep the ice packs near they are wonderful. Stick with this forum it is the best and you will get lots of solid advice and support the people here are brilliant. Good luck love.
Oh my Bless your heart. There is no way I could do that. YA have more guts than me. They told me swelling last 6-8 weeks. I use lots ice and cold therapy. My Ẹxcerise kills me. May God bless yA.
I so admire you. I had one done and that is bad enough. You are so brave. Mine was 27th November. I too have lots of numbness and it does hinder exercising but the icing helps and all the meds, as others have said, take on time. We all have the down moments so no need to worry, completely normal. Stick with us, we are all in it together.👍
You've done so well to TKRs- one is enough for me! I do know a woman who was in her 70's who had two TKRs done at the same time last year and her advice to me was to take the pain killers & do the exercises regularly, ice and rst! She had her operation in April and was back teaching ballroom dancing by August-a very feisty lady!
I'm 57 and I've just had an awful 7th week (pain, depression and lack of progress) but that seems to be the way it all goes for some of us. The best support and advice I've found is from the folks on this site which I found when I was waking up every hour during my first few weeks, so stick around and I'm sure that you too will find help and friendship in the TKR club!
Glenda
wow , well ive had 2 done but not together 20 weeks apart ,but both knees have been the same , take it easy ,rest and ice ,do the exercises as well as you can , your young ,im 53 so not much difference ,and i do think its an advantage ,im now back at work and have been for the last 6 weeks onlt 12 weeks after my tkr . i lernt from the first to take it slower and not to push too much but keep at it nice and slow ,and try to strech while you sit down a little more each time ,and every day you will feel you can do a little more each day , good luck
Oh my goodness - I never thought I would receive such wonderful replies so soon. You have put my mind at ease over some of the questions I had,I certainly will be using this site.So from a very chilly Scotland thank you for now.
Just reiterating what the others have said; good pain relief so that you can exercise and, hopefully sleep. Rest, exercise, ice and elevate. Two naps during the day - proper lying on the bed rests to help the bruising disperse.
You have my admiration. One knee was traumatic, let alone two!
Good luck with your physio - a vital element of this whole process.
Keep in touch. We are a friendly bunch from all over the World.
Lynn 24.3 weeks post op
Thank you so much
thank you - it is great having people who have gone through the same thing
thank you for your kind words
thank you
thank you - the response on here is amazing and support
Well done from someone needing two new knees some time in the not too distant future! Can I ask if it was your choice to have both done at the same time or your surgeon's?
I think you're very brave, don't know if I could do that. Best wishes for your continued recovery.
Although i haven't had a TKR (yet) I find this forum really interesting and useful even if some days I have 40+ new posts to read!
Kind regards,
Gill (age 59 new knees still to come)
Hi Crispin! Wow! You're brave getting both don. At the same time! But at this early stage it all sounds perfectly normal!
I'm on week 5 of just one TKR and still stiff and sore.
No pain to speak of and getting around with a cane.
The numbness is normal and is where they cut the nerves (i still have it) but it will improve over time.
The swelling is best helped with ice packs and later on - about 4 weeks - you can massage gently with baby oil.
I'm told although improvements come in 6 weeks its 3-6 months to be 'normal'
you're pretty young to have double TKR so i hope you can use your youth to get better soon!
We're all warned about the pain but not the depression and lows - its quite normal. I've shed a few tears along the way. The forums on here are very good have a look through and good luck 
I completely had the option but decided that if I had to go through the pain of both getting done I may as well get both done together to ensure both had similar recovery whilst not favouring one over the other
thank you - yeah the support on here is immensely encouraging and helpful
Never looked at it that way. But I'm sure the decision was right for you. I don't have much streanth in my legs. So there is no way I would have did it. I admire u.
It is. And when u don't have a friend makes it better. Have my hub ans 2 kids mom that's lives like 1hr away who is 82 and cat. That's all. My kitty is pure dark grey with green eyes. She usually lays on me. I guess she is trying help me. 😄 but u know it gets so heart breaking that we think we are doing well and boom. Gets stiff or pain. I'm setting here propes up wigh ice pack. Leg swollen. Had to go and help my mom today. And ouch getting in our car. Such mess lol. My hub or kids don't understand it. I said be in my knees.
Wow you are brave, although, you didn't really know what you are in for! I don't know if I would ever have a second one. Still, when you need it, you have to do it.
This operation is like a roller-coaster. I am 12 weeks post op and yesterday I though I had really turned a corner, only to find myself in tears again today.
As everyone on here said, painkillers, exercise, ice, elevation and rest. Oh, and a box of tissues.
Caz-12 weeks post TKR Australia