Knee Replacement

[smudge]

One of my old school friends (58) is having a knee replacement operation tomorrow.

I know everyone's different, but I'm wondering if you or anyone you know has had this op & how long did it take to get back on your/their feet & walking without discomfort. Ta.

[smudge]

Incidentally, my friend was told by her Consultant, that the waiting list would be approx 6 months, but as she's been in so much pain decided to go private.

The same Consultant said he would do the op within a week of her deciding to 'go private'.! Amazing what money can buy!

[Clanad]

My mother had one replaced as did her sister, my Aunt. The recovery time is about 2 weeks of tentative movement and perhaps 2 to 3 months of physical therapy. The overall recovery was dependant on their willingness to invest the physical activity in therapy. My Aunt did better than my Mom, but both did well in comparison to their previous condition. Of course, this is based on both of them being over 75 years of age at the time. My father had his hip replaced and his comment was that he wished he had consented to the operation years earlier.
One thing the Drs. insisted on, though, for the rest of the ladies lives was never to cross their legs, especailly like a man does with the ankle resting on the opposite knee... apparently puts a lot of stress on the new knee...Best of Luck!

[Big Jenny]

My Mum had a knee replacement, and it took her a good three months to get back to "normal". Unfortunately, less than a year later, she stumbled over a raised doorstep, and though she didn't fall, she twisted her leg and did something to her new knee which meant having the whole operation done again.
She could do with having the other knee done, but her experience has put her off completely. She also said it was very, VERY painful for a time afterwards.

[alijangra]

I work in orthopaedic surgery and we do loads of knee replacements. Everyone recovers differently and alot depends on their own commitment to physio and exercise which commences on the second post-op day.

Of course there will be some discomfort but if she is in a great deal of pain then that is an utmost failing of the people involved in her care.

[smudge]

Thank you for your very helpful answers & I'm sorry to hear of the mishaps some of your relatives faced after their knee op's.

As I mentioned in my Q, everyone's different, but your answers have reassured m friend that she'll be fine in the long run (hopefully).

My friend is due in theatre for her op this afternoon, so I hope all goes well for her.

[fbg40]

Hi Smudge

I had a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) at the end of October last year and haven't looked back. I had the op on a Friday at 11 am, back on the ward at 1.30 pm, up walking at 5 pm !! I was discharged on the Monday. The only thing I was advised to NOT FORGET was to do exercises every day. I have done this, with some pushing from the wife I might add, and feel much better. I'm 58 this year by the way. Hope this helps and reassures.

FBG40

[smudge]

Hi FBG40 - I'm so glad you made a good recovery after your knee replacement & wish you all the best in the future too.

This is just part of an e-mail I rec'd this morning from my friend's husband:

"J is already feeling a little better this morning. She has had a much better night and whilst she has some pain, it is nothing like as bad as before.

I am making her stay in bed and rest, she has been told only to walk when she needs the loo, and to do light exercise whilst laying or sitting. Her main enemy at this time is swelling of the knee so it's ice packs at the ready! She should be a lot more mobile after the weekend.

She has been extremely brave with the pain all this time and my only regret is that we did not go private sooner."

So you can see my friend came through the op okay & will soon be up & about in time to enjoy spring/summer!