Hi there,
I have been lurking around on this site because I am suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. I know that I will have lots of different answers to this question but how many months was it before you were fairly pain free and felt glad that you had the operation
.Also how does the pain compare to the arthritic pain before the op and how long before you could walk a mile comfortably without crutches.
Thanks for your replies
My knee seems to have taken over my life at the moment and I feel that I have to go through with this op as soon as possible.Chrissie
I'm at 7 months and I'm still not completely pain free. And there are things I might not every be able to do...I can't kneel on my knees, which can complicate the little things like grabbing something off the middle of a queen size bed. But, I will say that a little after 6 weeks there was a noticable difference in the things I could do that I couldn't do before...walking further, standing in the kitchen or out with friends.
I had waiting 9 years and was bone on bone (I had a bilateral TKR at 50 years).
The pain is completely different and I have to say I am glad I had the surgery. Though, initially (weeks 1 - 3) I was sure I'd made the biggest mistake of my life.
I never used crutches. I had a walker for my 6 days in the hospital and maybe two weeks after. Then I used a cane - just one. By 6 weeks I didn't need that any more either. But if I was unsure of the terrain (I currently live in India) or knew there were steps and the possibility of no handrails, I used the cane. And if I had to travel, because people could see that I might not be as spry as they would guess.
Lets see what others have to say.
Im 8 months & get twinges but I go to the gym and use the cycle to bend my knee. Its amazing how the pain comes on whenever my husband needs things doing, I cant understand that LOL
Every person is different with pain and movement as you will have seen. I have no problems sleeping or walking.
Your surgeon should be doing check xrays to see if it is needed sooner Good luck
By 6 months you will be thrilled you had it done.
the most important things to remember is to check out the surgeon. See if you can talk to patients who have had it done, ask around.
once the knee is done, make sure you have enough pain meds so you can do the exercises, exercise is the key to a good recovery, so you need physio,a standing cycle, and if possible hydrotherapy. Get into a group and share experiences, this is priceless as fellow TKR's know what you are going through. Don't be a matyre you need someone to take over hook line and sinker for many weeks after surgery.
good luck
Hi Chrissie
I am three months post op now and I am thrilled with it. I am almost pain free, but that can be alleviated with painkillers (am now on a much reduced amount). I was walking without crutches after two weeks and after six weeks I was back to walking my dogs fairly long distances. I still get days when I am more tired than normal and after long periods on my feet I feel a bit more achy. I know have a straight leg and, compared to my pre op pain, am relatively pain free. My only regret is that I didn't have the op sooner.
I had my tkr 11 weeks ago and have no regrets it still gets a little achy and stiff but I find if I do the exercises and massage it after it is fine I use my exercise bike twice a day I have osteoarthritis in my other knee and have more pain with that one I am having it done later this year at least with the op there is light at the end of the tunnel
hi i agree with sheila make sure you check out surgeons i live in ireland and i must say i made a big mistake with my bi lateral tkr he made a mess with one the next time i went to a fantastic surgeon and wish i had him the first time ask around your ares people will only be too pleased to tell you if he is good because if like me he makes a mess of it nobody wants to fix a messed up knee im 9mths post op after my revision and still recovering and still some pain but im nearly there im so glad to have got such a great surgeon this time he gave me my life back so make sure he is good
I had tkr 10 weeks ago, and currently have more pain from the osteaathritis in the other knee. I still have swelling and stiffness but largely have discomfort rather than pain in the operated knee.The first 6 weeks were grim but ther was a big improvement around that time.I only use one crutch outdoors and have not used them indoors from around 5 weeks. I can walk a good distance without pain, but still tire very quickly, I think if you are realistic about what the op will acheive and be kind to yourself you will be fine good luck
I had both done at the same time & within a week was walking slowly but without the terrible pain I had had for the last 2 years. With good pain meds, I really only had what I would call discomfort. At times when exercising, you have to work hard at these, I would feel some pain but soon learnt to take pain relief half hour before starting. It is now 12 weeks & I can walk well. Spent 3 - 4 hours shopping with my daughter last week with only one stop for coffee. I never had crutches but a frame for the first few days, then on to a wheelie walker for 2 weeks. After that a stick if I went outside, but only till 6 weeks PO. The important thing to remember is to rest between exercises, ice frequently & drink lots of water. You will also have good days & you will have bad days, but it is worth it in the long run. I have no regrets whatsoever. Good luck, it is so wonderful to get your life back.
Very wise words, Sheila. I agree completely.
Jen (10 months+ post op)