Doing Disney 2 Months After Knee Replacement?

[cbreg1]

after the excitement of booking a Disney vacation earlier this year for mid September- I found out that I need my left knee replaced. Surgery is first week of July. I have no idea what to expect- does it seem an impossible feat for mid September? I would be going with my adult son and DIL and my grandson. Thanks for any input.

 

[NeuroCindy]

Not necessarily. You may need to take more breaks, but I don't think it's impossible by any means. I've watched people with knee replacements come and go out of my PT and their recovery doesn't seem to take that long.

 

[cbreg1]

Not necessarily. You may need to take more breaks, but I don't think it's impossible by any means. I've watched people with knee replacements come and go out of my PT and their recovery doesn't seem to take that long.

TY.

 

[gap2368]

I think it is doable as neuro said you may need to take breaks or you may need to use something like a roller or a wheel chair so you have some where to site and something to take a little presser off your knee. I would tell your dr or PT about your trip and see what they say or what tips they can give you. have fun at disney and I hope your surgery is a success

 

[powellrj]

I have had both knees replaced and there is no way I would have gone to WDW 2 months after the surgery. I did very well and was able to leave PT early, I went back to work full-time at 5 weeks, but there is no way I could have enjoyed a trip like WDW.

For one thing, you still tire easily. I would work and come home and go to bed. September is still hot and its not comfortable to be out in the heat. Even in a ECV, the park is crowded anymore in September and you will have to dodge people that will bang into you, run into you, jump over you and you will still be in pain.

Other people may feel differently, but I was in my 40's, came home 3 days after the surgery and did great in PT and there is still no way I would have taken a trip like that.

Can you do the surgery after the trip? I know you are in pain now, but it would be easier to go to the parks in an ECV before your surgery, than that soon after.

 

[Selket]

after the excitement of booking a Disney vacation earlier this year for mid September- I found out that I need my left knee replaced. Surgery is first week of July. I have no idea what to expect- does it seem an impossible feat for mid September? I would be going with my adult son and DIL and my grandson. Thanks for any input.

I can't offer any input - I still need both of mine replaced - but there's a great knee replacement forum at http://www.bonesmart.org. Check out their pre-op forum and you may want to start a thread there on this topic. Lots of great info there - best of luck!

 

[Pawpsicle]

Personally, I'd say no. I had a tougher recovery than most, but at 6 weeks I couldn't even make it through the grocery store. I didn't make my next WDW trip until 7 months post op.

 

[minnie mum]

I wouldn't have lasted a day if I'd gone that soon after my replacement. I sailed through the surgery and impressed both my PT and surgeon with my progress, but at that point I still needed prescription pain relievers, still had problems with swelling if I over did my exercises, and still tired very easily. I went at 6 months post op and even then needed a wheelchair for part of every day and still had occasional problems getting into or out of some of the rides.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I wouldn't have lasted a day if I'd gone that soon after my replacement. I sailed through the surgery and impressed both my PT and surgeon with my progress, but at that point I still needed prescription pain relievers, still had problems with swelling if I over did my exercises, and still tired very easily. I went at 6 months post op and even then needed a wheelchair for part of every day and still had occasional problems getting into or out of some of the rides.

As someone who has had both knees replaced, I definitely agree with this. Although I was no longer on pain medication at that point, I would never have scheduled a trip 2 months out, even with a wheel chair or scooter.

 

[dreiwhit]

Talk with your Doctor and see what he recommends. My mom has had both hers replaced, and her Doctor wanted her up as soon as possible after the surgery walking as much as she possibly could.

 

[powellrj]

Talk with your Doctor and see what he recommends. My mom has had both hers replaced, and her Doctor wanted her up as soon as possible after the surgery walking as much as she possibly could.

Up and walking is totally different than going to WDW on vacation. I was up and walking the next day, but there is still no way I would have been able to take a trip to WDW. You are up and walking short distances with a walker or a cane and able to rest. Going to WDW is nothing like being up and walking at your home or PT which is what the doctor means.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I always say where there's a will there's a way! I'd rent a wheelchair or an ECV. September the crowds will be "lower" but still nice and warm. (I don't know about you but the cold does a number on my joints). Plan maybe only half days at parks. Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[asta]

I wouldn't have lasted a day if I'd gone that soon after my replacement. I sailed through the surgery and impressed both my PT and surgeon with my progress, but at that point I still needed prescription pain relievers, still had problems with swelling if I over did my exercises, and still tired very easily. I went at 6 months post op and even then needed a wheelchair for part of every day and still had occasional problems getting into or out of some of the rides.

Sorry but I agree with this poster. Minnie mum's experience sounds like my progress at two months post op. I went to WDW 7 months after my knee replacement and still had a very rough time. A big issue going to WDW vs just walking around is the amount of bending of the new joint. Getting in and out of ride vehicles is not something you normally do and will challenge that new joint. Another major issue is the risk of falling and injuring tissue that has not fully healed. That was my surgeons number one concern post op.

If you have no other choice I think you will have to have a wheelchair or ECV. I would also think you will have to be more of a spectator than a full participant in some of the activities since you may have stamina problems that close to the surgery. I needed much more rest that close to my surgery. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Being with my family is always great so just being there might be what you want.

 

[cbreg1]

Sorry but I agree with this poster. Minnie mum's experience sounds like my progress at two months post op. I went to WDW 7 months after my knee replacement and still had a very rough time. A big issue going to WDW vs just walking around is the amount of bending of the new joint. Getting in and out of ride vehicles is not something you normally do and will challenge that new joint. Another major issue is the risk of falling and injuring tissue that has not fully healed. That was my surgeons number one concern post op.

If you have no other choice I think you will have to have a wheelchair or ECV. I would also think you will have to be more of a spectator than a full participant in some of the activities since you may have stamina problems that close to the surgery. I needed much more rest that close to my surgery. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Being with my family is always great so just being there might be what you want.

Thank you for all your advice and input. I appreciate it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow, all sorts of experiences are described here!

I was 68 last year when I had both knees replaced April 24th. My doctor gave me the OK to travel, and I was at Typhoon Lagoon, having my knees photographed by July 9!

I used an ECV, and I finished PT in August, but we had a fun trip to celebrate my new knees as soon as we could!

I would not give up this trip you want to go one too far in advance! I hope you can make it!

 

[asta]

Wow, all sorts of experiences are described here!

I was 68 last year when I had both knees replaced April 24th. My doctor gave me the OK to travel, and I was at Typhoon Lagoon, having my knees photographed by July 9!View attachment 175969

I used an ECV, and I finished PT in August, but we had a fun trip to celebrate my new knees as soon as we could!

I would not give up this trip you want to go one too far in advance! I hope you can make it!

Forget WDW, I am jealous that your photo doesn't even show scars. At that stage the 7 inch scar I have running down the front of my leg was still red. It took over a year for that scar to fade and become normal flesh color.

 

[Sur]

I used a rolling walker this past trip, with cabled hand breaks- best purchase prior to Disney EVER! I was able to walk longer times, sit on the attached seat when I needed a break, and apply the brakes when I had to stop short. It did not fail me once in two weeks! I was fearful of ever hitting anyone, but was thrilled at the control I had with this walker. It completely made the trip manageable, but I admit, I was tired by the end.

 

[minnie mum]

I used a rolling walker this past trip, with cabled hand breaks- best purchase prior to Disney EVER! I was able to walk longer times, sit on the attached seat when I needed a break, and apply the brakes when I had to stop short. It did not fail me once in two weeks! I was fearful of ever hitting anyone, but was thrilled at the control I had with this walker. It completely made the trip manageable, but I admit, I was tired by the end.

Can I ask how long after your knee replacement this trip was?

 

[Sur]

Can I ask how long after your knee replacement this trip was?

Achilles tendon surgery- 2 weeks, with a boot. My ankle was completely immobilized, but the rest of my body got a good workout with this situation.