I am waiting for an appointment for a total knee replacement on my left knee followed by a total replacement on my right knee once the first is stable.
I would welcome hearing from anyone who has experienced these procedures.
I had TKR on my left knee 3 years ago. It has been a total success.
Also what has happened is that I have had osteo arthritis in my right ankle since I was in my teens when I fractured in a road accident.
Since my left knee has been replaced my right ankle is also quite a lot better. I think this is simply because I am distributing my weight differently.
I am not a doctor or a nurse but I was just thinking that if this has happened to me, it could be that once your left knee is replaced,(is this the one that is worst?) then your right knee may improve as well and you might not need the right one replaced.
I will not mislead you, it is a long hard road but well worth it in the end.
Take care and keep in touch
Praying for you
Love Sasrah xxx
Hi Margaret
You will get lots of help and support on here...and you will hear the truth too.
Some people have a good experience with one or both (and even both at the same time) and some of us have a harder time. You will also hear from people in different countries.
My consultant tried painkillers and a lubricant before going in to see why I was in so much pain. Having had both knees done, I now understand why the operation is the last resort.
I think recovery depends on maybe how fit/supple you are before...and how much work you put in afterwards.
when you wake up from the Op, your leg will be bandaged, you will probably be on a morphine drip and you won't be allowed out of bed until the following day. Then the fun starts...a walking frame and little steps, which will seem really frightening. The next day you will be on crutches. The physics will visit you a couple of times a day and get you running through some scary exercises. I was in hospital for 6 days for both of mine, but it does seem to vary. You will be given ice to put on the knee regularly to help with the swelling. Once at home, you will need to carry on with the exercises and gradually increase your walking with crutches. You should be able to drive at 6 weeks. Hopefully, you will get continued physio and focus will be on bend and straightening. Some people do better than others. I've had a hard time with both of mine, to be honest, and 8 months on I'm still struggling with my second one.
I wish you al the best though...and just ask if you want to know anything else.
Patsy
Hi I had my led eft knee done seventeen days ago, my rt knee done a few years ago, it is an uncomfortable operation but if you read the other people's comments we are all helping each other along, you get good days and not so good days, my advice is make sure you get the correct pain relief, you must get the pain under control to allow you to exercise, I wish you luck. Jackie x
Thank you, Sarah, for your encouraging reply. Yes, the left knee is the worst one but my consultant gave me the choice of which to do first as the ex-rays indicated that both needed replacement as they are so worn. I am 76 yrs and have had many very physical jobs and different sports. However, my fav sport is swimming which has kept me fit and supple so. I don't anticipate problems getting mobile again. Than you again and especially for your prayers. Blessings.
Do I understand you had both done at the same time ???? That's scary.
Kind of you to respond so quickly.
Swimming yes isn't it great? I could not swim for 6 weeks after TKR and kept nagging at physio to say I could swim again, could not wait to get back in the pool.
Consultant said I could swim again when I went for 6 week follow up provided I did not do breastroke for another 6 weeks.
Have just had to have another break from swimming as I have had gallstones and had my gallbladder removed 3 weeks ago. Feel a lot better and hope to be back to swimming next week.
Love Sarah xxx
Many thanks, Jackie , I'm amazed at how encouraging people are in these forums. Bless you.
Margaret, you came to the right place. Finding this site was a godsend. I'm a 51 year old American living in India and chose to have the surgery here - bilateral TKR, so both at the same time. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. And many on here have asked if they made a mistake. But I can honestly say, I'm at a much better place today than I was last year. I'm now 6 months out and can manuver up and down stairs. There is still swelling and sometimes even bruising. I have numbness, pain and stiffness, but none of it compared tow hat I had before. Yes, the surgery is painful and the sleepness nights can really feel like too much. But use this group of people for the support they want to share with you. There are no dumb questions. And it is so comforting to know that you aren't alone. There is almost always someone that has experienced something you are going through and can bring suggestions to you. Or tell you it's time to visit the doctor. We are not medical people, but real people who have actually gone through it and understand where you are coming from. Keep us posted and I'll pray for things to get set up quickly and for you to move right through this. - Mo
Thanks Mo - will certainly keep in touch.
Hope you can, Sarah. I had an hysterectomy last September and was out of the water for 8 weeks. Sheer bliss when I got back in again.
wish you well.
Hi Margaret, I am 4 days post op for my second knee. Had the first one 8 weeks ago. I am in Australia. Second one seemed much more painful on the first and second day, but it am catching up fast, and will be going home today. I am 70 years old. Well, I was 69 when I came into hospital. Spent my 70 here. The main advice I can give is to do as much strengthening of both legs before the ops. I was cycling short distances at 7 weeks post op. Due, I am sure, to the strong muscles in my legs. Good luck with everything, and keep checking this site, it is a life saver.
I have had the left done 15 weeks ago. I am waiting to have ther ight one done but do not feel ready yet. The right one has improved but is bone on bone. The first 6 weeks were painful but contorlled with rest ice and medicines. Physio is really important and being kind to yourself and accepting help. Everyone heals at different rates but this site is great as there are many things we have in common and it is full of people who really understand each other's experiences. Good luck and hope it is all straightforward - dont try to be too brave and dont do too much to soon, As the oldftguy says drink lots and lots of water. It really helped me.
Hi Margaret
No, I had my first one done Dec 2012, and the second one Sept 2014. I had to have manipulation son both too, as problems straightening them. The first one was successful...the second not, unfortunate, so I'm having a real problem walking comfortably at the moment.
Thank you Sue-oz and Caroline, I didn't realise the second op could be done so soon after the first. Yes, must work hard to strengthen before as you suggest.
Thank you for sharing that Patsyrose, hope you can improve soon.
Hi Margaret, I had my L tkr 15 weeks ago, with the understanding that my R would follow when I was ready, as according to my x-rays, they both looked the same. Since the op, I've had hardly a twinge in the R knee, because I'm not putting so much strain on it, so Sarah could be right. Early days, I know, but to walk pain free is wonderful! I've certainly not had a minute's regret, and even though it didn't feel like it at the time, i seem to have sailed through with very few problems. My husband is still telling people how proud he is of me.
Keep positive, pre-op excercise or physio is a must if you have the time (as Sueoz suggested), take your meds as advised, excercise, rest and excercise. The day after the op was the worst for me, but that afternoon I had the best shower of my life, and that was the beginning of feeling normal again.
There's loads of good advice in this forum, Margaret, so have a good look through and you'll find all kinds of tips, and remember, we're not all the same, so what might have been difficult for some, could have been much easier for others.
Best of luck
Denise from Oz
Thanks for your encouragement, Denise - for the most part this forum is very helpful.