Total Knee Replacement - Your Experience

[Kim&Chris]

I am so sorry! My right implant came loose due to an infection in the tibia bone at 7 months post op. It was a 6 month ordeal, and I am finally recovered. The scar is pretty bad as they had to open that knee up 3 different times. I wish you lots of good luck and perfect healing.

WOW!!! Glad you're feeling better. Not looking forward to this by any measure but my walking has become so crooked and painful that my hips will surely be next. Wishing you continued improvement!

 

[leebee]

I have a little update regarding my knee journey. I went back to my ortho because, after more than one year, I still struggle to walk. I still have a lot of pain. He gave me a script for a 3-phase bone scan....and my implant is loose. So, now I have to get revision surgery. Here we go AGAIN

I am so sorry! My right implant came loose due to an infection in the tibia bone at 7 months post op. It was a 6 month ordeal, and I am finally recovered. The scar is pretty bad as they had to open that knee up 3 different times. I wish you lots of good luck and perfect healing.

I am so sorry to read of your struggles! I had TKR a week ago and I have to say, if I have to go through it again on the other knee (doc is saying she'll see me in 5 years), I'd need to be in a whole lot MORE pain than I was with this knee, to consider doing this again. Just reading what you have faced makes my stomach churn.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I am so sorry to read of your struggles! I had TKR a week ago and I have to say, if I have to go through it again on the other knee (doc is saying she'll see me in 5 years), I'd need to be in a whole lot MORE pain than I was with this knee, to consider doing this again. Just reading what you have faced makes my stomach churn.

Many healing thoughts headed your way @leebee! I hope your recovery goes perfectly. Stay on top of your pain meds, get more from the doctor if you need them, advocate for yourself! And do all of your PT exercises. They are so important for your total recovery.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am so sorry to read of your struggles! I had TKR a week ago and I have to say, if I have to go through it again on the other knee (doc is saying she'll see me in 5 years), I'd need to be in a whole lot MORE pain than I was with this knee, to consider doing this again. Just reading what you have faced makes my stomach churn.

It's been a week, leebee. I was still in the nursing home rehab for my first week and another 8 days more after that, 15 in total. They were pretty darn tough days, not kidding. Following that, 1 month of 3 times a week outpatient PT rehab and then another month of 2 times a week PT rehab. They were tough. But every week got better. I would say it was maybe 10-12 months where I didn't pay any attention to it, just like I used to never think about my knees when they were good, years ago. You just watch. But make sure you do the PT, tough as it can be at times. 's

 

[Kim&Chris]

I am so sorry to read of your struggles! I had TKR a week ago and I have to say, if I have to go through it again on the other knee (doc is saying she'll see me in 5 years), I'd need to be in a whole lot MORE pain than I was with this knee, to consider doing this again. Just reading what you have faced makes my stomach churn.

I have all my fingers crossed that you do well!! A friend of mine had TKR a few months after mine, and she is fully recovered with no issues whatsoever. Everyone is different. My 84 year old mother in law had TKR and she moves around 10000% better than I can!!!

Just do ALL the PT they want you to do, then more on your own. Bend, bend, bend that knee. If you are having struggles that need attention, don't ignore it. Yes, people will say "it takes a year" but listen to your body. I listened to everyone's advice and that's where I failed myself.

 

[leeniewdw]

Just do ALL the PT they want you to do, then more on your own. Bend, bend, bend that knee. If you are having struggles that need attention, don't ignore it. Yes, people will say "it takes a year" but listen to your body. I listened to everyone's advice and that's where I failed myself.

My DH has his 6 month appt with his surgeon next week. He is still having pinching pain (he says it feels like nerve because it's sudden) on the outside of his knee which he's had since his surgery and first mentioned at his 2 week post op appt. The PA (and Surgeon at subsequent appts) consistently said "we use big clamps to keep the surgery site open" but it seems like that should be gone by now. It will be interesting to see if his Surgeon is concerned about this pain or takes the "wait longer" approach (which is what he said at 3 months).

I think he and I are both surprised at how this recovery has gone. My DH is fit, less than 20lbs overweight, did 12 weeks of PT, continues to go to the gym and do bike, elliptical, walks and he is still wishing he'd not done the TKR yet.

As I was typing this he walked past and did his periodic "owww" because the pinching pain occurred. Generally speaking if he's walking in a straight line he's "okay", but anything that is like a plant or pivot is uncomfortable. At 6 months, he expected he'd be able to try pickleball (at minimum) but he thinks that's just not possible yet. Friends who are older, heavier, and less fit have been able to do that. I feel so bad for him.

If his surgeon is not responsive to his concerns, then I think it's time to see another ortho for a 2nd opinion. His surgeon was disappointed that he was not further along at 3 months, so he didn't dismiss him, but he didn't offer any other explanations or specific reasons why this was happening, just "wait and have patience".

 

[maxaroni]

I just got my date for my left total knee replacement, 7/17. It is expected to be same day surgery and no PT. If I do need to stay overnight, I can but it would only be until the next morning, unless something unexpected happens. It will be at the same facility and with the same surgeon I had for my left total hip replacement. No PT the first 2 weeks and will be reassessed at my 2 week post op. If necessary, will have PT but he said many don’t need it. He said, in his opinion, the best therapy is to just use it. Although, I will be given some exercises to do on my own, just no formal PT.
I will schedule my right knee for mid to end of October.

@leebee, glad to hear you are doing well.

 

[leebee]

@leebee, glad to hear you are doing well.

Thank you! I am 2 weeks post-op today. It's still pretty difficult. I've developed tendonitis in one of the hamstring tendons behind my knee, so that's adding to my issues, slowing down my PT.

You know, everyone says do the PT, do the PT, do the PT. I am, but I am also not sure that I need to have my PT come to the house 3 days a week. At this point I have all the exercises, she just watches me to make sure I'm doing things correctly, maintaining alignment, etc. Now that I know what to do and what to watch for, I can see not needing PT to keep coming in. Oh well... it's what my surgeon prescribes, so I'll do it. One thing I do wish I'd done, pre-surgery, was to build up my quads more. I've always had pretty strong thigh muscles, but I really think this would all be so much easier if I'd concentrated on really strengthening my quads and glutes.

 

[maxaroni]

Thank you! I am 2 weeks post-op today. It's still pretty difficult. I've developed tendonitis in one of the hamstring tendons behind my knee, so that's adding to my issues, slowing down my PT.

You know, everyone says do the PT, do the PT, do the PT. I am, but I am also not sure that I need to have my PT come to the house 3 days a week. At this point I have all the exercises, she just watches me to make sure I'm doing things correctly, maintaining alignment, etc. Now that I know what to do and what to watch for, I can see not needing PT to keep coming in. Oh well... it's what my surgeon prescribes, so I'll do it. One thing I do wish I'd done, pre-surgery, was to build up my quads more. I've always had pretty strong thigh muscles, but I really think this would all be so much easier if I'd concentrated on really strengthening my quads and glutes.

What I am finding out, all surgeons are different and all patients are different. I spoke with someone last night who had surgery done at the same facility that I am using, different surgeon, she was in the hospital 2 nights with 3 months of PT.

My neighbor was told 1 week in the hospital, with PT starting in the hospital.

I am wondering if I have tendonitis behind my left knee as that is what it feels like. It may hinder me as well but we shall see.
I had my left hip replaced in 2017 with the same surgeon I am using now. He told me that for the hip, no restrictions at all, just use it. This is his philosophy with the knee as well, but will have home exercises to do. I will get those instructions after surgery.

 

[leebee]

What I am finding out, all surgeons are different and all patients are different.

Absolutely. I was in the hospital for 11 hours, sent home on the same day as the surgery. Walked up 21 steps (5 to get in the house, 16 to get upstairs) and started bending/using my knee as much as possible that night. PT comes to the house 3X per week for the first 2 weeks, then 2X per week for the following two weeks. Continuing will be up to me, at an outpatient facility.

 

[leeniewdw]

What I am finding out, all surgeons are different and all patients are different. I spoke with someone last night who had surgery done at the same facility that I am using, different surgeon, she was in the hospital 2 nights with 3 months of PT.

My neighbor was told 1 week in the hospital, with PT starting in the hospital.

I am wondering if I have tendonitis behind my left knee as that is what it feels like. It may hinder me as well but we shall see.
I had my left hip replaced in 2017 with the same surgeon I am using now. He told me that for the hip, no restrictions at all, just use it. This is his philosophy with the knee as well, but will have home exercises to do. I will get those instructions after surgery.

Absolutely. I was in the hospital for 11 hours, sent home on the same day as the surgery. Walked up 21 steps (5 to get in the house, 16 to get upstairs) and started bending/using my knee as much as possible that night. PT comes to the house 3X per week for the first 2 weeks, then 2X per week for the following two weeks. Continuing will be up to me, at an outpatient facility.

My husband was at the day surgery unit at 6am and we were home by 12:30pm. His PT was 2x / week at the Ortho's PT, none at home.

The other thing we found was that everyone, the pre-op people, the surgeon's PA, the recovery nurses, the PT that we met before he was released all had different ideas about what he should do immediately after surgery. Some said "move as much as you can" others said "don't over do it", some said "ice 20 mins on, 20 mins off", others said "ice as much as you want". The only thing that was universal caution was DO NOT FALL.

 

[EllieJedi]

Does anyone have any experience having a TKR after a traumatic injury? I had a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture in addition to a fractured fibula in 2018. The tibia plateau healed with a malunion so I have developed traumatic arthritis in addition to existing osteoarthritis. My hardware from my ORIF was removed, and I am having arthroscopic surgery next week to remove scar tissue around the knee cap as my surgeon thinks that will need to be done first. He wants me to then undergo extensive PT for the next month or two. They are talking about having my TKR done at Mayo due to the complexity of the issues with the condition of my leg, and he said it will be more like a revision. I’m trying to understand from someone who might have been through a more complex surgery what to expect. The TKR will be surgery #8 on that knee since 2018.

 

[leebee]

Does anyone have any experience having a TKR after a traumatic injury? I had a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture in addition to a fractured fibula in 2018. The tibia plateau healed with a malunion so I have developed traumatic arthritis in addition to existing osteoarthritis. My hardware from my ORIF was removed, and I am having arthroscopic surgery next week to remove scar tissue around the knee cap as my surgeon thinks that will need to be done first. He wants me to then undergo extensive PT for the next month or two. They are talking about having my TKR done at Mayo due to the complexity of the issues with the condition of my leg, and he said it will be more like a revision. I’m trying to understand from someone who might have been through a more complex surgery what to expect. The TKR will be surgery #8 on that knee since 2018.

I have no experience with anything this complicated, but wanted to send you hugs and support. Sounds like you've been through the wringer already. I hope things go well and as painlessly as possible.

 

[EllieJedi]

I have no experience with anything this complicated, but wanted to send you hugs and support. Sounds like you've been through the wringer already. I hope things go well and as painlessly as possible.

Thank you for the good wishes. While my leg injury was severe, there has not been a day since my accident that I am not grateful. I know that I am lucky that it was only my leg. I’m optimistic about my surgery next week.

 

[maxaroni]

Had my left knee replaced yesterday. I as home last night, all went well. Two things that surprised me, my surgeon dues not believe in icing or elevating. I was all set with an ice machine and got my self a wedge pillow to go under my knees, to elevate above my heart. Nope, he wants nothing under my knees, a recliner is fine. No icing as he believes it shrinks the blood vessels and harder to get blood into the knee. We have already sent the ice machine back.
I am tired today but doing my exercises and walking. So far, so good.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Had my left knee replaced yesterday. I as home last night, all went well. Two things that surprised me, my surgeon dues not believe in icing or elevating. I was all set with an ice machine and got my self a wedge pillow to go under my knees, to elevate above my heart. Nope, he wants nothing under my knees, a recliner is fine. No icing as he believes it shrinks the blood vessels and harder to get blood into the knee. We have already sent the ice machine back.
I am tired today but doing my exercises and walking. So far, so good.

I've NEVER heard that before. Interesting concept.

I did get a wedge pillow for my 2nd replacement, and found I really hated it. Used it once or twice.

Best wishes with your healing!

 

[leeniewdw]

Had my left knee replaced yesterday. I as home last night, all went well. Two things that surprised me, my surgeon dues not believe in icing or elevating. I was all set with an ice machine and got my self a wedge pillow to go under my knees, to elevate above my heart. Nope, he wants nothing under my knees, a recliner is fine. No icing as he believes it shrinks the blood vessels and harder to get blood into the knee. We have already sent the ice machine back.
I am tired today but doing my exercises and walking. So far, so good.

Yes, very interesting! My DH loved the ice machine. We did all kinds of conflicting info about how long/often to use it, but never NOT to. He felt like it gave him the most relief from pain to be honest. Did the Dr say you could use ice packs on it occasionally?

My DH had his 6 month appt last week and was clear about his discomfort and pain/pinching on the outside of his knee. The Dr thinks it's IT Band irritation. I'm not sure why it took this many appointments for him to go from "it's due to the clamp during surgery" to this. We asked if he should go to PT to help with that and he said just to look at Youtube for stretching. Thinks it'll eventually go away. Not sure how I feel about this, I think the PT was very helpful for him early on and since we've met our OOP for the year (did so on 1/18, day of surgery), it would make sense to work with someone to evaluate how things help or don't. Oh well.

 

[EllieJedi]

Had my left knee replaced yesterday. I as home last night, all went well. Two things that surprised me, my surgeon dues not believe in icing or elevating. I was all set with an ice machine and got my self a wedge pillow to go under my knees, to elevate above my heart. Nope, he wants nothing under my knees, a recliner is fine. No icing as he believes it shrinks the blood vessels and harder to get blood into the knee. We have already sent the ice machine back.
I am tired today but doing my exercises and walking. So far, so good.

I’ve also never heard of no icing. I ordered a wedge pillow after my ORIF and wasn’t a fan. My surgeon also doesn’t want anything under the knee but a pillow under the calf is ok. Good luck with your recovery.

I had my arthroscopic surgeries this morning. Im using the ice machine today and start PT first thing tomorrow at 7:30. PT is 6 day a week for the next 2 weeks and then should gradually taper down after that. Once I’m mostly recovered from this round, the surgeon is still thinking I should schedule with Mayo to come up with the plan for the replacement.

 

[Dan Murphy]

it would make sense to work with someone to evaluate how things help or don't.

Absolutely! A professional should be working on this.

 

[kimmar067]

Glad you're feeling better. Not looking forward to this by any measure but my walking has become so crooked and painful that my hips will surely be next....

I'm in the same boat. However, because of the Pfizer covid shots, it affected my immune system, which began attacking my platelets. I have been under a doctor's care; it'll be 2 years September 1. I did IVIG infusions during my 3-day hospital stay and 6 weeks of 5-hour infusions following that and I had been on heavy doses of Predisone, BP meds [to counter-act the Prednisone], and meds to coat my stomach. [and now Promacta], which probably aided in the eventual detriment of my knees. Unfortunately I cannot opt for surgery until my platelets have completely stabilized.

Good luck!