Knee replacement

[Taran]

Anyone had a total knee replacement ?

[sunflower71]

not personally but father in law had both done.
This was about 2 years ago and he's got on fine, some bending angles he cannot do but other than that hes happy with it.

[Taran]

How long did it take for him to be more or less mobile again ?

[fbg40]

Hi Taran
Had a "TKR" in October 2005. Had the op on a Friday at 1100, back on ward at 1.30, up walking with a frame at 5..30 pm !! Sent home on the Monday afternoon. I was using crutches for a couple of weeks, one crutch for a week and then a stick when I felt I needed it. It has made a lot of difference. Although all the pains have gone that I had prior to the op, it still gets very sore and stiff if I try and do too much. Generally, though, I feel it was worth it.
Hope this helps.
FBG40

[Taran]

Thanks fbg , it doesnt seem quite so bad now reading what you have said .Only thing is a walking frame wouldnt do my street cred any good :-)

[fbg40]

Hi Taran

I'm almost 60 so street cred is not a worry !!! Seriously, the frame was only used for one day - I then went onto crutches.
Best of luck
FBG40

[sunflower71]

sorry i didnt reply straight away but seems fbg40 has replied and put your mind at ease.

[angussyung]

Hi,
Im a physio, and spent years working with TKR patients, from pre-op to out-patient discharge.
Ive seen good ones and bad ones, but the underlying factor seems to be the motivation and outlook of the patient.
Those that are more positive and work hard, especially pre surgery, tend to do very well, those patients who give up easily or are more pessimistic seem to fare badly. I guess like anything in life!
If you are going for one, work hard at your exercises, get your quads as strong as poss, follow your physio's advice and work hard in hospital. It can take 6 months or so to get good flexion (bend), and extension, along with stability and proper walking pattern.
Good luck!

[Taran]

Thanks angus for that info, i shall have to work as hard as i can with the physio afterwards ,because i will need to be back on my feet as soon as possible.I look after my daughter who is disabled and is in a wheelchair , so its a case of having a positive attitude, and trying to push a wheelchair while on crutches i think is a definate no no :-)