Post Knee Replacement Surgery Experiences

[asta]

I am 3 and 1/2 weeks after knee replacement surgery and I am finally beginning to feel like living again. This has been a very tough surgery. I would describe it as brutal. The pain and rehab have been worse than I expected (and I expected it to be bad).

What has really surprised me was my mother's reaction. She is 85 and is convinced that I am over reacting to the surgery. I spent Thanksgiving with her and it was a constant stream of so and so had their knee replaced and were out shopping and resuming normal activities within two weeks. My doctor and physical therapists have me on very restricted activities until 6 weeks post op. I am still dealing with swelling and have been told to limit the amount of time on my feet. I am working hard at PT and doing everything expected. I was going to scream if I heard one more story about someone she knew shopping at Costco or shopping Black Friday soon after their replacement.

Sorry for the vent. I just needed to get that off my chest.

 

[tnmt]

what your mom might not know is maybe they just had a partial knee replacement versus total knee replacement which are 2 totally different surgeries, partial is much easier than total.

 

[asta]

what your mom might not know is maybe they just had a partial knee replacement versus total knee replacement which are 2 totally different surgeries, partial is much easier than total.

That is what I am thinking. I know my mother is elderly but it would have been nice to get a little understanding from her. It is sad but it is almost like no one else is allowed to hurt worse than her. I know that everyone's joints hurt as they age but that is not the same as almost having your leg cut off and reattaching it. Honestly she was not always like this. I think it must be due to aging. She is now even thinking that maybe she needs her knees replaced. Her primary doctor has said she isn't a candidate but she is going to check with another doctor. This surgery has been so tough for me that I am afraid for someone in her shape to go through it.

 

[minkydog]

I'm sorry your mom wasn't more understanding. I haven't had a knee replacement, just a thumb joint replacement and that was bad enough! Everyone has a different experience with PT. If they want you to limit activity for 6 weeks, then that's what you have to do. I know that I treated my recovery period as a JOB--I was very serious about doing the PT and following the rules.

I think you are wise to follow your doctor's instructions. I don't know if your mom's friends were told it was okay to go to Costco or if they just struck out on their own. But I"m very glad you didn't let yourself be bullied into doing something you know wouldn't be good for you.

 

[GeorgeG]

I've had one knee replaced several years ago and my wife had two done this year. 3 1/2 weeks is still too soon to be back to normal. 6-8 weeks will get you to where you're getting around pretty well, but give yourself 6 months for recovery. It sounds like you're doing well at this stage so you're doing just fine. It takes time.

 

[Sabeking]

I personally have not been through it but experienced it with my dad 3 times! The first knee had to be opened up again due to complictions. Helping him with therapy he almost came to tears and this was a tough man when I was growing up. From what I hear people have different experiences based on where they are physically and mentally before the surgery. You will recover at your own rate and it doesn't sound abnormal where you are at in this stage of the game. My Dad's recovery time was extensive and he definately had to learn some patience. Lots of self reflection time..LOL!

As far as your mother is concerned I'm kind of tickled not because she hurt your feelings but I have noticed with my own parents and my in-laws the older they get that part in them inside that should say; "Hmmm...maybe I shouldn't say that" has left the brain! Try to have patience with her.

 

[GusGus77]

I haven't had knee surgery but I am a week and a half post-op from a hip arthroscopy. I know people who have had it who were back to normal everything in 2 weeks and that is what a lot of the info says online. I am not allowed to do more than toe touch for 4 weeks and then crutches for 2 weeks more. I am allowed limited movement of my hip. Even though people have had the same surgery, what is done can be more or less extensive. They did A LOT with my hip scope that most people don't have and that is part of the reason for the longer recovery. Most people just think that just because the surgery is called the same thing that it is the same for everyone which just isn't true. Hang in there, op! I understand your frustration!