Knee Replacement

[suenmike32]

I had a total K.R. about 5 weeks ago, and recuperation is not progressing as well as I had hoped. I've been in P/T for the past three weeks (3 times per week), but I don't feel that my range of motion (especially being able to push the back of my leg down flat to the floor). I'm working at it at home too.
My whole leg seems to be swollen about 15% more than the other leg, and I feel that the pressure of the swelling is preventing me from bending my knee to the 120 degree point that the therapist wants.
Does anyone know what a realistic time frame for getting mobility back is?
One therapist mentioned that if it doesn't start progressing, the doc might sedate me and "manipulate" the leg in the hospital. Any one ever had this done?
I'm in my late sixties and don't expect to run marathons or slalom ski anymore...but I'd also like to be reasonably active (golf) also.
Anyone got any experience in this?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[jimbosee]

"Knee Replacement".!!!

Suenmike32.

jimbosee,Melbourne,Australia.My wife was an Orthopaedic nurse for 28 years,and recovery times vary,depending on,age,healing of your body,mental process,rehab.As a rule of thumb,it was almost back to normal,within 3 months,and back to normal,within 6 months.The secret is not to expect too much,too soon.Don't become over anxious,stay positive, keep up the rehab Mike,and all should be well.Best of luck.Regards Jim Seedsman.

jimbosee

 

[Lawlar]

6 Months, At Least

I've had two ACLs, which are far less drastic surgeries. Neither were totally successful.

But it took at least 6 months before all swelling was gone and I was getting results that were somewhat normal. And it was at least two years before it was at its best.

It takes a long time for the body to heal from something like that. Do your best and don't give up. It will get better.

Good luck!

 

[derb]

I had a knee replacement five years ago. For the first 3 months I cursed myself for having it done. After 6 months I began to think it was a good idea. After 1 year I thank God I had it done.

Now its time to have my other knee done, damn, but I will do it soon.

I did have to go back and have my knee remanipulated. You will be put under so there is no pain, but it is an outpatient proceedure.

Hang in there.

BTY-I play handball with total mobility

 

[AwayWeGo]

If I Can Cut Through The Denial, I'll Be Facing Something Similar.

Osteoarthritis has pretty much ruined my left knee. (The right 1 is OK.)

I've had my bad knee shot up with cortisone a couple of times -- great relief while it lasted, but it didn't last long.

I've also had my left knee scoped -- to clean out debris & smooth out torn cartilage. That helped lots, but now after 10 years or so the knee is hurting again.

The only reason the left knee doesn't hurt more is that I've learned not to overdo it -- i.e., no long walks, nothing very strenuous for very long, etc. As a result of that, I've become a worse couch slug than I already was, making it harder than it ought to be to reach & keep a healthy weight. (It's always something.)

Instead of complete knee replacement, the orthopod who scoped me suggested getting an implant -- basically (if I understand correctly) an artificial top end for my shin bone, covered in some nice, smooth, long-lasting material that can flex smoothly & comfortably in place of what's there now, with most of the cartilage gone & the rest pretty much worn out. The doctor described the implant as roughly analogous to a dental implant & crown.

I'm just getting over prostate surgery, so the prospect of going back for more cutting has less appeal than it already had. But my knee won't be getting any better by itself, & in the years ahead surgical recovery will only take longer as I grow older & more decrepit.

So my head tells me I should get the knee implant operation pretty soon -- maybe after we get back from Florida next month. But I'm too squeamish & pain-averse to be willing to face up to another operation right now.

Any experience out there with knee implant surgery ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[dwsupt]

Hope your on the mend

Alan- I hope the prostrate surgery went well and your on the mend. Just a late well wisher hoping the best for ya!

 

[suenmike32]

Jim (from Melbourne), and all other responders,
Thanks for the input and encouragement. Perhaps I am a bit over-expectant,
(based on several consensus') that 3 months is reasonable "to start" getting back to normal.
There's just a lot of pain, sleepless nights, cabin fever and depression. However, I'm sure I'll get over it.
Mike

 

[bslag]

Don't want to be discouraging but my Mom had double knee replacement last January. She is in her early 70's and has significant arthritis. Only recently has her pain NOT been bad enough to wake her up at night. She still occassionally puts ice on her knees. She was told 18 months for total recovery and only recently is she glad she had the surgery. Hopefully, you will heal much faster being younger and in better shape.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery!

 

[Joyce]

I had both 1/2 knees replaced 6 years ago. I was only 59 at the time. It took at least 6 months before I felt good about it, and almost a full year before I felt glad I did it. Now, I can walk at least 3 -4 miles with no pain, just a little discomfort. The nagging pain I felt before is gone and I thank the Dr. every time I am able to go for a walk. I still can't kneel and the knees will never be quite the same but I am still thankful. Try to be patient. It always takes longer than the Dr says.

 

[vacationhopeful]

My ex-BF had both knees replaced 5+ years ago at 55 by the top doc/hospital in Philadelphia. He is just finishing a scuba 3 week dive trip.

8 months after surgery we went on a 2 week trip to Eastern Europe. His knees would swell and hurt if he walked on "cobblestones". He iced his knees a couple of times, but really enjoyed soaking in the mineral spas.

Last year his hip was greatly hurting him and limiting his mobility even MORE than the bad knees before surgery. He was sent back to PT for his knees as the "range" was very bad (he had blown off almost all PT after the replacements). I had notice his gait was strange, but figured it was just his oversized butt wiggle. He had resigned himself to needing a hip replacement (NOT). But he does need a shoulder replacement due to dead bone from dive bubbles ....

Do the Physical Therapy. It will take more time than you like, but getting that range of montion will improve/starve off other problems.

 

[falmouth3]

Best wishes for all of you who have had recent surgery. Isn't it the pits to get old(er).

Sue

 

[AwayWeGo]

Not For Sissies.

Isn't it the pits to get old(er).

It beats the alternative.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​