Hi everyone.....I'm 64, I've had a total hip replacement 12 months ago and I'm now awaiting a total knee replacement, (on same side), but having read the forums on here, it appears to be all doom and gloom! Has ANYONE got a good thing to say about their experience of TKR?
It does look like it's all doom and gloom but I think that's because no one is properly prepared for the extent of the op. It's a long and hard road to recovery. It really does take at least a year to feel anywhere near normal and totally pain free. I had my trk back in February 2015 and even now still have days when it can be uncomfortable but not painful. I was told by my surgeon who does both hip and knee replacements that knees are far harder to recover from than hips so don't be tempted to compare the two.
The best advice I received was managing my pain meds. I was in paracetamol ibuprofen and codeine and my plan was to take each one at 2 hourly intervals - for example - paracetamol followed 2 hours later by ibuprofen and then 2 hours later codeine. I followed that plan reliously along with elevation and icing and had no problems with pain which in turn helped when exercising.
You will need to be determined and there will be days when you probably will question why you had it done but in the long run its worth it in the end!!!
Good luck and hopefully you'll sail through the op and the recovery!
It is worth it. 😉
Hi Linda,
Remember, most people use these forums to get help for their issues. The people who don't have problems or questions, wouldn't be looking for forums in the first place. I'm sure there are alot of them out there but this is a great place to come if you just want to vent or you need some support that you don't get from your doctor's office or family (sometimes!). There is a slow process of healing that goes along with TKR but I think most people have a good ending result. I am almost 8 months from my first knee, which is fantastic, and 4 months from my second knee, and that one is so much better than before I had surgery but still needs a little more time before its as good as the first one. You will get there, but it takes time, and there will be times when little questions come up that you hate to call your doctor about. This is a great forum and lots of people who have been through it, have some great advice! Good luck with your surgery and keep a positive attitude!!!!
You are quite right, Linda. Many people dwell on their unpleasant experiences after TKR. I had a right TKR almost 6 weeks ago and, having had both hips replaced 10 years ago, agree that recovery is much longer than after a hip replacement. I still cannot flex my affected knee more than 80 degrees. However, there has been a definite improvement over the weeks. I now sleep reasonably soundly with a pillow between my legs, although I awake to turn over every hour or so. I have an allotment garden and spend 5 hours a week there. My walking is slow and still painful but is improving and I can now ascend stairs with my bad leg leading first. I think the important message is not to focus on pain but on function and on maintaining exercises. This is difficult at first because these are painful but it is essential to flex and extend the affected knee three times a day in whatever is feasible or comfortable.
It may appear doom and gloom because you are on a site that deals with pain and the need for empathy. This is,believe it or not, the minority. You will not get people who have sailed through their operations on a site like this. Why would they
??
Doom and gloom is a bit harsh!
LINDA
I am sorry if some of us sound negative but we are just being honest with our experience from a patient perspective.
I think if I had known a lot more before the op I would have been mentally prepared but the pain n very slow recovery was a huge shock.patients need more info beforehand n more support after!
At 7 weeks post op I am finally making some progress. Still a little painful and if I am up doing more things the swelling still is there. I am only 52 and thought I would recover faster but you can do this. Don't over due. Do your exercises and rest quite a bit the first few weeks (but still to exercises). It is rough, but you can do it. Good luck to you.
I totally agree Hilary ... the information given is very sparse and I think we are given unrealistic expectations by surgeons and physios!!
I've loved this site because not only does it offer support when things are happening that you don't know if they should of not but you can also have a laugh with like minded people going through the same situations as yourself!!
You are right. If I had known more, I think it would have gone a little better mentally. It isn't easy but neither is life sometimes. This site has helped me so much. I am 7 weeks post op and have seen improvement. Still bad days, and one side of the knee gets sharp stabs. But ice helps.
Someone tried to tell me they sailed through this, I thought I could to. Boy was I wrong. It isn't easy but it is possible.
Hi Linda im sure their is more people out there that had no problems. It's the not knowing and after care for me. There should be more input before the op so you are more aware and explanation about after the op.. To me it has helped a great deal knowing its not just me. I feel happier now I know what to maybe expect and not worry as much. Onwards and upwards.
They most probably could, but..... If we were all the same, life would be boring. Medicate up, feet up (how many times in the past have you ever been able to do that, without feeling guilty!!!!). If you can keep keep on top of your meds, you most probably WILL sail through (hence the but). It may be a haul for you, but you will get there. Make Patience your new best friend and when you want to rant and rage.....
We are all here
Hi Linda, i am very happy with my TKR. I am 50 and I am 9 weeks post op today and it is one of the best things I have done. I was as many people on here were, total bone on bone, absoloute agony, on two morphine drugs, amitriptyline, anti- inflammatorys and two other pain meds, my life was horrible and i was getting further deressed through lack of being able to do anything.
From i came round the pain was totally different, sore but a different sore. Yes it has been hard from day 1 to today but so worth it. Noone really prepares you for what will happen, you don't hear about the swelling, the scar really hurting and becoming inflammed, needing to ice it, elevate it, lack of sleep but thats what everyone on here has helped me with and helped me get this far. I was so glad I found this site as so many people here are brilliant.
One thing I was told by my physio and anesthetist was to keep on top of pain relief, dont get sore, in hospital ask for pain relief and at home take it regularly.
I still have bad days but am having good days too now, pottering round and tidying which I have not wanted to do for so long. I hope it goes well for you. My other knee is starting to go same way so I know eventually I will need it done too but am now aware what is infront of me.
Let us know how you get on. Have you got a date yet?
S xx
Hi Linda!
I, too, am 64. My left knee was replaced last June, and my right knee was replaced last October. Both were total knee replacements.
Prior to surgery my x-rays showed BONE-ON-BONE with no cartilage left. I was in a lot of pain. I had reached the point of wondering if AMPUTATION might be the best recourse for me! ( I have seen amputees with those amazing Cheetah Leg prostheses running MARATHONS.)
I expected more run-arounds from my insurance company, but was pleasantly surprised when my doctor said I FINALLY was a candidate for Total Knee Replacements! I booked my first one before I left the office that day!
My surgery went well with no complications. The nerve block took care of the PAIN at the incision site, and the pain shots of Toradol took care of the rest while I was in the hospital. I was up by the evening to stand briefly. Was dizzy and faint but DID IT. Was calling the nurse for the bedpan every twenty minutes or so because I was drinking water to flush out toxins s from the medications and from the anesthesia.
I had LOTS of swelling with my first leg but minimal with my second. Each KNEE is different with different healing patterns, I guess.
My physical therapy began the next morning. Standing, walking a few feet with the walker, sitting in the chair, etc. were the first "exercises". My right leg experience was MUCH EASIER all the way around for some reason. I was surprised at this because my right leg had ALWAYS been my most painful of the two.
Maybe I am the odd one out here, but I can honestly say that my pain BEFORE surgery was LOTS WORSE than my pain AFTER surgery. Yes, there was discomfort, but actual pain FOR ME was much less than I had been enduring for the first five years prior to surgery.
As for visiting this site, I have found it EXTREMELY helpful to hear everyone's stories about their experiences. Although some have had HORRENDOUS complications and I have felt SO BAD for them, I have also found the whole gamut of experiences, too, which has been very interesting.
I have appreciated the time that everyone has taken to explain how things went for them. I have also enjoyed telling MY STORY in holes that it may help others.
I am VERY pleased that I had my knees replaced! I have some pain from time-to-time, but it is NOTHING compared to what I endured for the five years prior to surgery! I can shop for hours without pain. I worked in my yard for six hours a couple days ago getting my grass cut and trimmed and preparing soil for planting my garden. I stood talking to my neighbor for an hour. Prior to surgery I would have had to cut short each of these activities due to pain. No more!
This is my take on things.
I hope it gives yet another perspective to help you.
Wishing you much success as you move forward in your journey!
Hi Linda I am 18 months after tkr and it has changed my life. Yes it is a very painful operation and they don't prepare you for the sleeplessness, pain in the early days. Once you start reaping the rewards. ie not walking bone on bone, able to walk like you never have before you will realise it was worth it. I for one am very glad I had it done,
Omg Susan hope I can say that months down the line. X
Hi Cheryl, I agree with you, I am only 9 weeks and can see the differences, things I have not been able to do for nearly five years too. I am just looking forward to walking again which I have missed with my wee dog for so long, at the moment ill not risk taking her but very soon.
Post op I was not up thankfully till next morning (24 hrs post op) and walked 6 steps with walker...slept 2 hours after ha ha. I luckly had a catheder in so did not need bed pan, just as well as nurse said she had never sen someone drink so much water.
A hard road but a very wothwhile one, not with out its bumps but they are getting there. I too know I will need my other one done but thankfully at the moment is holding its own. Consultant says he will check it at my one year check for other knee.
Take care xx
I promise you, you will. Those first six months are the hardest though. After that things settle down and get easier. I can walk 10 miles without resting now. I couldn't walk 50 yards without sitting down before. It's lovely to be pain free and to be able to go things you haven't been able to do before. I also lost weight which helped. I'm healthier and happier than before.
Hi Linda I am 14 months post op with left knee am very pleased with it took a while to get there and I had my right knee done 7 weeks ago so going through it all again hopefully be saying the same about this one when I reach 14 months but just so happy to get rid of the bone on bone pain that I have suffered good luck with your op you will get plenty of good advice and support on this site
Glad you are doing well!
Yes, there are good days and some not-so-good days with this procedure, but I am SO THANKFUL I did have my surgeries!
We have our first grandchild now, and I can stand and hold her CONFIDENTLY. I would not have been able to do that before my surgeries. I was just in too much pain BEFORE and VERY UNSTABLE, too.
Also, our youngest son is getting married in September. I feel confident that I will be able to stand in the receiving line, walk around outside, and DANCE without worrying about PAIN.
I listened to my body. I listened to my PT. I got off narcotics after just two weeks because they made me LOOPY. I prayed A LOT. I tried to stay positive and calm.
It was ALL very worth it to me!
Wishing you continued success in your recovery! Stay positive, and look for small improvements that add up to BIG joys!