Knee Replacement Recovery Tips

[Panik]

Hey folks, figured this would be a good place to post as I know from reading here for a 10+years that there are some people that muscle through recovering from surgeries and find work arounds to getting things accomplished despite impediments.

I'm 47 years old and am happily staring down the barrel of a total right knee replacement the Friday before Christmas. Between 3rd grade and age 26 I dislocated my knee 19 times before finding someone to do the corrective surgery necessary to stabilize my knee. (Was brought up in the era of waiting as long as possible for joint surgery). Causality was lax ligaments - likely genetic as my dad had similar issues.

In any case, I've had constant arthritic pain in that knee all my life and this summer it finally progressed enough that the pain moved passed being just background pain and started interfering with my ability to lead my life the way I want... instability on stairs/inclines, being barely able to walk when getting out of bed in the mornings due to swelling, severe daily limp simply walking, etc. Went and got evaluated by a local top surgeon and basically the prognosis was - bandaid the problem with cortisone injections with no guarantee if or for how long they would help or just but the bullet and get it done. Doc described the head of my femur as more resembling a mountain range than a joint..... So Santa is bringing me good drugs, a new knee for the holidays and a much needed 4 week break from work. Thankfully, while I don't actively work out, I lead a very active life and am not truly overweight (could probably drop 20lbs)

Having had knee surgery before and having been in and out of at least 20 full legs casts in my life I fully understand the need for re-hab & physical therapy - that's something I am fully committed to tackling with gusto. I've got too much stuff I want to accomplish to risk any issues. What I was hoping for is folks tips and tricks to manage recovery.... Things like:

- Thoughts on crutches/walker/cane/forearm braces for support in the first week or so?

- How long did the nerve block work after surgery? I'm a big believer in staying ahead in pain management after breaking bone in my foot in college and white knuckling the pain for 48hrs.

- Actual recovery time needed prior to returning to driving (right knee, automatic trans). I've driven many times with a full right leg cast before, but it was before big center consoles in vehicles became a standard thing. On the other hand that was also before cruise control really was a standard thing.

- Thoughts on which is better for getting into and out of vehicles - Higher entry vs lower entry? We have a Subaru forester, an outback and a 'yoga Sequoia with higher entry.

- Icing tips (should have a ice machine rented)

- Tricks for showering?

- Recovery time needed before being able to walk without a support device?

- Getting in and out of bed without assistance? (have a slightly raised bed)

- Brand/style recommendations for easy on/off sweat pants or PJ bottoms?

- Is it worth investing in a dedicated leg elevation pillow?

- Additional purchases that might be helpful? We don't have a recliner, but did just purchase one of those zero gravity padded beach chairs so that I can visit more comfortably with family.

- Brand/style recommendations for comfortable pj bottom/sweat pants that are easy on, easy off?

Thankfully, my wife is actually off for two weeks this Christmas and can help as necessary for that time, but I tend to be pretty independent in doing things & for the first week we will be at her mom's for the holidays.

 

[Mi-Troll]

Hey folks, figured this would be a good place to post as I know from reading here for a 10+years that there are some people that muscle through recovering from surgeries and find work arounds to getting things accomplished despite impediments.

I'm 47 years old and am happily staring down the barrel of a total right knee replacement the Friday before Christmas. Between 3rd grade and age 26 I dislocated my knee 19 times before finding someone to do the corrective surgery necessary to stabilize my knee. (Was brought up in the era of waiting as long as possible for joint surgery). Causality was lax ligaments - likely genetic as my dad had similar issues.

In any case, I've had constant arthritic pain in that knee all my life and this summer it finally progressed enough that the pain moved passed being just background pain and started interfering with my ability to lead my life the way I want... instability on stairs/inclines, being barely able to walk when getting out of bed in the mornings due to swelling, severe daily limp simply walking, etc. Went and got evaluated by a local top surgeon and basically the prognosis was - bandaid the problem with cortisone injections with no guarantee if or for how long they would help or just but the bullet and get it done. Doc described the head of my femur as more resembling a mountain range than a joint..... So Santa is bringing me good drugs, a new knee for the holidays and a much needed 4 week break from work. Thankfully, while I don't actively work out, I lead a very active life and am not truly overweight (could probably drop 20lbs)

Having had knee surgery before and having been in and out of at least 20 full legs casts in my life I fully understand the need for re-hab & physical therapy - that's something I am fully committed to tackling with gusto. I've got too much stuff I want to accomplish to risk any issues. What I was hoping for is folks tips and tricks to manage recovery.... Things like:

- Thoughts on crutches/walker/cane/forearm braces for support in the first week or so?

- How long did the nerve block work after surgery? I'm a big believer in staying ahead in pain management after breaking bone in my foot in college and white knuckling the pain for 48hrs.

- Actual recovery time needed prior to returning to driving (right knee, automatic trans). I've driven many times with a full right leg cast before, but it was before big center consoles in vehicles became a standard thing. On the other hand that was also before cruise control really was a standard thing.

- Thoughts on which is better for getting into and out of vehicles - Higher entry vs lower entry? We have a Subaru forester, an outback and a 'yoga Sequoia with higher entry.

- Icing tips (should have a ice machine rented)

- Tricks for showering?

- Recovery time needed before being able to walk without a support device?

- Getting in and out of bed without assistance? (have a slightly raised bed)

- Brand/style recommendations for easy on/off sweat pants or PJ bottoms?

- Is it worth investing in a dedicated leg elevation pillow?
View attachment 1930137

- Additional purchases that might be helpful? We don't have a recliner, but did just purchase one of those zero gravity padded beach chairs so that I can visit more comfortably with family.

View attachment 1930140

- Brand/style recommendations for comfortable pj bottom/sweat pants that are easy on, easy off?

Thankfully, my wife is actually off for two weeks this Christmas and can help as necessary for that time, but I tend to be pretty independent in doing things & for the first week we will be at her mom's for the holidays.

I'm looking to have a total knee replacement soon as well, looking forward to answers myself.

 

[Gee Ray]

My wife had to have knee surgery. They gave her one of those pumps to pump ice water around her knee thank goodness it was a godsend for her. It was a mess for me until I realized I could freeze water bottles and swap them out a few at a time and keep the water in the pump cold. It worked well for her and several of her friends as we haven’t seen the Pump back to us for three or four years it keeps getting used. you can buy them relatively inexpensively on Amazon.

 

[WM75Guy]

I wish you good luck. My experience wasn't bad when I had my knee replaced. I used a walker for 2 weeks, a cane for 2 weeks, and then carried the cane occasionally, especially when walking across the yard to the barn or shop. Elevation is your friend, along with ice packs. Get some re-usable gel ice packs that go in the freezer. I experienced occasional swelling for about a year after surgery. Also forget about getting down on that knee after surgery, it is painful even with knee pads or cushioning.

Physical therapy is important. Keeping ahead of pain is good. Take pain meds one hour ahead of physical therapy or going to bed. I learned that in nursing school and it helps a lot.

You can get toilet rails relatively cheap. I bought these for mine off Amazon. Also get a second inexpensive walker without wheels to leave in the shower. It won't slip and you don't have water dripping everywhere. Afterwards keep everything in a closet, you never know when you might need them again.

 

[Panik]

I'm looking to have a total knee replacement soon as well, looking forward to answers myself.

Do you have a date yet? I was surprised when we went in for the consult about how quickly arrangements could be made. Given that its the end of the year my wife and I figured that all surgery slots between now and the end of the year would be taken due to people taking advantage of having met their deductible. Surgeon actually had a bunch of dates available and we were able to snag one that fit our schedule perfectly. With kids and work if we hadn't been able to sneak it in over the holiday the next time-frame that would work for us would have been at the end of the school year and over the summer.

I'd much rather be laid up after surgery during the cooler months than in the middle of summer heat.

 

[Panik]

My wife had to have knee surgery. They gave her one of those pumps to pump ice water around her knee thank goodness it was a godsend for her. It was a mess for me until I realized I could freeze water bottles and swap them out a few at a time and keep the water in the pump cold. It worked well for her and several of her friends as we haven’t seen the Pump back to us for three or four years it keeps getting used. you can buy them relatively inexpensively on Amazon.

Those things are amazing! I still have the old one from my first knee surgery back in 2006. Like you it's been used pretty extensively by friends and family. I'd just plan on using it for this surgery, but I'm unsure if the cooling pad configuration will suit this surgery. Plus, the one my wife rented after her hip surgery was much much more advanced.

I wish you good luck. My experience wasn't bad when I had my knee replaced. I used a walker for 2 weeks, a cane for 2 weeks, and then carried the cane occasionally, especially when walking across the yard to the barn or shop. Elevation is your friend, along with ice packs. Get some re-usable gel ice packs that go in the freezer. I experienced occasional swelling for about a year after surgery. Also forget about getting down on that knee after surgery, it is painful even with knee pads or cushioning.

Physical therapy is important. Keeping ahead of pain is good. Take pain meds one hour ahead of physical therapy or going to bed. I learned that in nursing school and it helps a lot.

You can get toilet rails relatively cheap. I bought these for mine off Amazon. Also get a second inexpensive walker without wheels to leave in the shower. It won't slip and you don't have water dripping everywhere. Afterwards keep everything in a closet, you never know when you might need them again.

View attachment 1930180

Thanks for the data point regarding assistive devices. I've normally used crutches in the past, but hate how they bruise up my armpits no matter how I pad/modify them. Out of curiosity at the start of recovery - how much of your walker use was to bear weight vs using it for stability? I've heard that you should try and be weight bearing on the affected leg as much as you are capable.

And I'm definitely with you regarding pain management. I've been witness to the swings in the medical community regarding over and under medicating for pain. I'm a firm believer in better living through chemistry within reason... and have had to get on my wife about pain management a number of times during her hip surgeries and c-sections.

I am a little concerned about getting on and off the toiled - especially for the first week because where we are staying have those stupid, midget height toilets. That toilet safety frame looks perfect for both the toilet and a stable support device for showering. Mom has mobility issues so it would get additional use after I'm done.

 

[ponytug]

Those things are amazing! I still have the old one from my first knee surgery back in 2006. Like you it's been used pretty extensively by friends and family. I'd just plan on using it for this surgery, but I'm unsure if the cooling pad configuration will suit this surgery. Plus, the one my wife rented after her hip surgery was much much more advanced.



Thanks for the data point regarding assistive devices. I've normally used crutches in the past, but hate how they bruise up my armpits no matter how I pad/modify them. Out of curiosity at the start of recovery - how much of your walker use was to bear weight vs using it for stability? I've heard that you should try and be weight bearing on the affected leg as much as you are capable.

And I'm definitely with you regarding pain management. I've been witness to the swings in the medical community regarding over and under medicating for pain. I'm a firm believer in better living through chemistry within reason... and have had to get on my wife about pain management a number of times during her hip surgeries and c-sections.

I am a little concerned about getting on and off the toiled - especially for the first week because where we are staying have those stupid, midget height toilets. That toilet safety frame looks perfect for both the toilet and a stable support device for showering. Mom has mobility issues so it would get additional use after I'm done.

Good luck! I hope that your surgery and recovery go well.

If you have a genetic predisposition toward loose/lax ligaments, I think that you can expect rehabilitation to take longer than average, but it sounds like you are up to speed on that already. Not that it will speed your recovery, but you might want to look into connective tissue disorders, e.g. Ehlers-Danlos as it is now known to cover a wide range of symptoms, not just "double-jointed" that may be helpful.

The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK

Our vision is that nobody should be left to fight on their own. Every person with EDS or HSD should have access to the appropriate medical services and care.

www.ehlers-danlos.org

In addition to toilet seat frames, you can get toilet lift rings as an alternative and it both.

If you have upper body strength, I highly recommend forearm grip style crutches (aka Lofstran / elbow / forearm support crutches). No underarm issues and I think it gives one much better mobility. If you want to go down the walker path, there are hands free version and upright versions; e.g. LifeGlider - LifeGlider
But I would check with your doctor about them.

I would also vote for an icing machine.

Have you looked at lift recliners that support you to near vertical?

All the best,

Peter

 

[Panik]

Good luck! I hope that your surgery and recovery go well.

If you have a genetic predisposition toward loose/lax ligaments, I think that you can expect rehabilitation to take longer than average, but it sounds like you are up to speed on that already. Not that it will speed your recovery, but you might want to look into connective tissue disorders, e.g. Ehlers-Danlos as it is now known to cover a wide range of symptoms, not just "double-jointed" that may be helpful.

The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK

Our vision is that nobody should be left to fight on their own. Every person with EDS or HSD should have access to the appropriate medical services and care.

www.ehlers-danlos.org

In addition to toilet seat frames, you can get toilet lift rings as an alternative and it both.

If you have upper body strength, I highly recommend forearm grip style crutches (aka Lofstran / elbow / forearm support crutches). No underarm issues and I think it gives one much better mobility. If you want to go down the walker path, there are hands free version and upright versions; e.g. LifeGlider - LifeGlider
But I would check with your doctor about them.

I would also vote for an icing machine.

Have you looked at lift recliners that support you to near vertical?

All the best,

Peter

Funny you mention looking into connective tissue disorders… well not funny but interesting coincidence…..

I’d be willing to bet I don’t have Ehilers Danlos - that knee has been the only thing that’s ever been an issue and I don’t seem to have any of the other associated symptoms. That said I have an appointment with my primary care physician and I’ll bring it up for conversation and see where it goes.

On the other hand we’ve been in the slow train with my wife’s care team to diagnose her issues - ankylosing spondylitis (autoimmune degenerative joint disease) and in the last month we’ve been trying to get a differential diagnosis between myasthenia gravis and although less likely - possibly multiple sclerosis. Your comment about forearm crutches brought the comparison up because she has a pretty slick pair of purple forearm braces she used from time to time.

I had been already thinking about it - with your suggestion I am going to go ahead and get a pair for myself. I really hate the old school style crutches and would rather the increased weight bearing and balance required of the forearm crutches.

The other thing I’ve been contemplating is getting a cheap stationary mount for my bicycle. bike mount. It’s a nicer single track bike that’s very comfortable. It seems like it would be an easy way to get in more passive joint flexibility work initially and then more active muscle rehab at home. I haven’t used it much in the last 10 years but my orthopedist as a kid was always big on getting me on a bike for rehab and I seem to remember it being a huge benefit.

Out of curiosity… I understand Ehlers Danlos often has a chronic pain component. Have you tried CBD & its related compounds for pain relief? (If it’s something that you don’t ethically endorse or don’t feel comfortable sharing about I completely understand & respect that… if that’s the case please ignore this part of my post with apologies)

My wife’s been dealing with at times debilitating pain and we’ve been searching for non-prescription non-narcotic solutions - she doesn’t tolerate the side effects of prescription narcotics very well. NSAIDS, muscle relaxers, curcumin, CBD and the like don’t really provide any relief.

On the other hand the stronger relative compounds of CBD really DO provide her significant relief from both pain and inflammation. However, while she tolerates the side effects of those compounds MUCH better than prescription narcotic pain relievers, she is still very sensitive to the side effects.

It’s been very difficult finding something that provided her relief with minimal negative impacts.

Back on track to the conversation at hand… I think I’ll pass on the life glider for my recovery but it’s an excellent idea. Mom lives with us and has significant mobility issues (neuropathy, arthritis and a severe case of not exercising/stretching) I do think your recommendation would be a great next step for her in terms of assistive devices.

I’m any case Peter, sincere thanks for sharing and helping with some decisions!

 

[Mi-Troll]

Do you have a date yet? I was surprised when we went in for the consult about how quickly arrangements could be made. Given that its the end of the year my wife and I figured that all surgery slots between now and the end of the year would be taken due to people taking advantage of having met their deductible. Surgeon actually had a bunch of dates available and we were able to snag one that fit our schedule perfectly. With kids and work if we hadn't been able to sneak it in over the holiday the next time-frame that would work for us would have been at the end of the school year and over the summer.

I'd much rather be laid up after surgery during the cooler months than in the middle of summer heat.

I retired last year but still working, If I retire now my wife will be uninsured until next March when she can get insurance, just waiting until then. You're correct, the Dr said he can schedule me right away.

 

[ponytug]

Funny you mention looking into connective tissue disorders… well not funny but interesting coincidence…..

I’d be willing to bet I don’t have Ehilers Danlos - that knee has been the only thing that’s ever been an issue and I don’t seem to have any of the other associated symptoms. That said I have an appointment with my primary care physician and I’ll bring it up for conversation and see where it goes.

On the other hand we’ve been in the slow train with my wife’s care team to diagnose her issues - ankylosing spondylitis (autoimmune degenerative joint disease) and in the last month we’ve been trying to get a differential diagnosis between myasthenia gravis and although less likely - possibly multiple sclerosis. Your comment about forearm crutches brought the comparison up because she has a pretty slick pair of purple forearm braces she used from time to time.

I had been already thinking about it - with your suggestion I am going to go ahead and get a pair for myself. I really hate the old school style crutches and would rather the increased weight bearing and balance required of the forearm crutches.

The other thing I’ve been contemplating is getting a cheap stationary mount for my bicycle. bike mount. It’s a nicer single track bike that’s very comfortable. It seems like it would be an easy way to get in more passive joint flexibility work initially and then more active muscle rehab at home. I haven’t used it much in the last 10 years but my orthopedist as a kid was always big on getting me on a bike for rehab and I seem to remember it being a huge benefit.

Out of curiosity… I understand Ehlers Danlos often has a chronic pain component. Have you tried CBD & its related compounds for pain relief? (If it’s something that you don’t ethically endorse or don’t feel comfortable sharing about I completely understand & respect that… if that’s the case please ignore this part of my post with apologies)

My wife’s been dealing with at times debilitating pain and we’ve been searching for non-prescription non-narcotic solutions - she doesn’t tolerate the side effects of prescription narcotics very well. NSAIDS, muscle relaxers, curcumin, CBD and the like don’t really provide any relief.

On the other hand the stronger relative compounds of CBD really DO provide her significant relief from both pain and inflammation. However, while she tolerates the side effects of those compounds MUCH better than prescription narcotic pain relievers, she is still very sensitive to the side effects.

It’s been very difficult finding something that provided her relief with minimal negative impacts.

Back on track to the conversation at hand… I think I’ll pass on the life glider for my recovery but it’s an excellent idea. Mom lives with us and has significant mobility issues (neuropathy, arthritis and a severe case of not exercising/stretching) I do think your recommendation would be a great next step for her in terms of assistive devices.

I’m any case Peter, sincere thanks for sharing and helping with some decisions!

Good luck with your wife and I do hope that whatever she has responds to treatment sooner rather than later. Finding effective therapies for chronic pain is, in my opinion, very challenging, and often takes longer than anyone would like. My sympathies to her. I suspect that there is a much higher diversity of causes than most folks consider. Vis-à-vis CBD, I'm on the page that there are lots of medically active chemicals out there, some approved by the FDA, some not, but if someone finds a therapy that works for them, that's fine by me. I think that many chemicals can, and do, have effects in many ways in the body. That makes many treatments not universal treatments, but treatments for certain groups of individuals. It is my experience that the current method to find effective treatments is often largely trial and error.

I don't have Ehler-Delos myself, either. The British seem to be farther along in understand the web of diseases that have similarities, which is why I posted that website. I brought it up because I think more doctors are starting to see Ehler-Danlos as one particular point on a spectrum of related and associated connective tissue disorders, but that also strongly associated with with things like migraines, chronic pain, orthostatic hypotension, hives, mast cell activation and more. As I understand it, connective tissue disorders aren't treatable yet, but many of the associated diseases have therapies, e.g. antihistamines.

I agree that stationary bikes certainly have lots of advantages for sure. Personally, I do try to always include my doctors in those sorts of conversations. I had some extremity pain many moons ago, and while under going treatment for it, I double checked that continuing to swim over lunch time would be ok. They said yes. Many, many months of treatment went by, without much of any improvement, before I thought to double checked with them that the actual amount of swimming I was doing (3,000 plus meters) was ok. Their response was "gosh no! We thought you were just paddling around in the shallow end." With that misunderstanding cleared up, I got better. As they say, "the dose makes the poison..."

On the LifeGlider, I bought one for an older relative, who loved it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[QRTRHRS]

I will be two years out on my left knee replacement on Dec 12. I can work on my knees with good pads but I do better getting up with something handy to grab onto to help lift myself up.

I had a spinal block. I don't recall how long it worked? Perhaps due to the block they had to cath me a couple of times in order to urinate. I did not have much pain afterwards. I only took maybe two oxi pills.

I did have alot of stiffness so it took longer than I wild have liked to drive my full sized van due to a lack of leg room for my left leg.

The frozen water bottle trick for the chiller is a definate. The leg cushion would have been nice to have. I used pillows to elevate my leg. Very uncomfortable.

A higher hopper would be a good investment. Rather than just the supports, I would get a portable hopper with the funnel to direct your waste into the hopper below. That way you are elevated and have the arms to help you get up.

Additional to my therapy my workout started with what I could do on or from my bed. One I was able to, I added a stationary bike though I could not go over center right away. By the way, one of the worst exercises at therapy was the "wall crawl".

I added a power cage to my multi station gym in my garage. I used that cage in conjunction with a step that is normally used for step aerobics to maintain my balance and to strive for good form.

In April of 2023, i changed out the solid endwall on my 20 foot wide bath into two sliding doors. It took one strep at a time but that workout did help with my therapy.

Along with all of that, from Feb to May of 2023. I had angioplasty on both legs.

I did eventually change out my hopper for a 17 inch tall one (Danville from Lowes but I don't recommend that brand). I already had a verticle grab bar on one side of my toilet. That's all that I really need after recovery. If you are really tall, there are toilets up to about 23 inches tall online.

My stationary bike bothers my back. It would have been nice to have a recumbent with back support but there were others priorities.

I tell people that my knee is not as good as OEM but better than it was. I would have to go have it measured to see where I can bend it to? I do not believe that you get what you once had?

I would do it again in a heart beat. Good luck with your journey.

 

[Fladogman]

They'll cover everything with you prior to surgery. Had both of mine done 4 months apart.

Nerve block works for 3 days

Range of motion is paramount so keep doing the exercises

I used a small pedal thing off Amazon and a porch swing to keep it stretched out

Everyday you start back at ground zero but you get more range after stretching it out each day.

Ice is your friend

 

[jyoutz]

My wife has mobility issues. Three shower musts: grab bars, shower chair, and a hand held shower head.

 

[RSKY]

They will give you meds for pain, TAKE THEM!!

After being home a week or so I decided I could sleep thru the night without any pain meds and I woke my wife up screaming about 3AM. I've never felt such pain. Once the meds completely wear off it takes an hour or so after taking them to stop the pain. After that I set the timer on my phone to wake me up every four hours to take the meds. Then I slowly added fifteen minutes to the time every few days until I weaned myself off them.

Before the surgery make a trial run thru your house using your walker from the door you will come in after surgery to the bed. Then from the bed to the commode. We had to move a couch a foot or so for me to get thru the house.

Ice is your friend. Use one of the ice machines or ice packs, that helps more than anything.

Be careful. A friend had one of his knees replaced, decided he could walk out to get the mail, walked out of the house, tripped and fell on that knee on the sidewalk. The wound busted open all the way exposing the joint. His very small wife drug him to their car, wrapped the knee in towels and drove 90mph forty miles to the hospital. The friend was on the hospital board and had the surgeon's personal number. Called him and by the time they reached the hospital the surgeon had an operating room and crew waiting.

Use common sense and follow the surgeon's instructions and everything will work out good for you. They know what they are doing!!

RSKY

 

[EddieWalker]

I haven't had mine replaced, but my dad had both of his, my mom had both of hers, and then they redid one of them, and my wife had hers done last year. She'll get the other one done fairly soon.

The pain blockers work great for the first day or so, then they pain is horrible.

Therepy is the most important part for recovery. If you don't push it, make it hurt really bad, scar tissue will build up and it will be worse then before the surgery. That's why my mom had to have hers done twice!!

They all used a walking cane that stands on it's own. It has a rubber foot that spreads out with legs. This was really useful when adjusting yourself.

We tried a few things for the toilet. Adding a big plastic spacer between the seat and the bowl seemed to work the best. I think it's about 3 or 4 inches thick.

Showers got grab bars added to the walls and a seat was put in them. I also replaced the shower head with a hand held shower so they could bath while sitting down.

Have somebody around you to help that can ignore all the complaining. They all whined constantly about the pain, how uncomfortable they where, and how they would never do it again.

One day the pain goes away, movement gets better, then even better, and they all say how glad they are that they did it.

I hope I never have to get mine replaced!!!!

 

[RustyA]

Wife had right knee replaced 10-19-24. All our toilets are ADA height now. Added the armchair setup and she said it was a godsend for the first few weeks. Removed sliding glass doors from shower and installed a temporary shower bench so she could slide across and sit in tub to use hand held shower head. Mayo clinic required 4 legged walker with no wheels for discharge. It was also useful for entering and exiting vehicle and climbing stairs after a few weeks. Cane we bought has a larger foot that swivels for unlevel surfaces and stands on it's own. Walker was needed bad for two weeks, cane for three weeks. Now she only only brings the cane along just in case if we go somewhere. Ice machine was a blessing for the first week, we've used freezer gel packs since after exercising what physical therapist suggested. She's been religiously following DR and PT directions and it's amazing after 5 weeks no pain and no cane.

 

[duffer]

After reading all of the previous posts, its evident that everyone, and every doctor is different, as is the recovery.

I had my rt knee replaced in 2018. Still hurts on occasion to this day. Did the PT, took the meds, and it took a year to get 70%'ish range of motion. I still cannot squat at all. And my Dr told me I would never enjoy "kneeling" again...and he was right.

The numbing medicine they gave me during the surgery paralyzed my foot. I gave the Dr hell when he did his rounds the next day. Told me they probably got too close to a nerve and it would wear off. Thankfully it did about 16 hours later.

During my surgery they put a tourniquet around my thigh and exerted 350 lbs psi to minimize bleeding during surgery. My thigh, groin and most of my leg was black and blue for a couple of months.

For me, the first 2 weeks after surgery was hell. Especially the first 5 days after numbing medicine wore off.

Contrary to many of you guys Dr's, mine told me NOT to use a pillow or other device to elevate the leg when at home, but do exercises to try to straighten it. I did sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees however, or I would not gave gotten any sleep. (if a pillow is too big for you, get a piece of foam and cut it to a size that works for you)

Don't be surprised if your knee "pops" with every step you take. Mine did for months, and still does on occasion. Others in my PT sessions had the same issue.

A friend had both of her knees done a year apart. After the first surgery, she was riding horses in 5-6 weeks. After the 2nd surgery she had a very difficult recovery. Several months. Same procedure, same doctor. Go figure. Guess each surgery has its own unique issues.

Good luck to you. Hope yours goes as smooth as silk and a quick recovery!

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

- Thoughts on crutches/walker/cane/forearm braces for support in the first week or so?

everyone recovery is different. For me both knees. A walker I would say is a must! so is a toilet seat riser and walker and canes in short term. Especially if your toilets are low or you be a big boy.

- How long did the nerve block work after surgery? I'm a big believer in staying ahead in pain management after breaking bone in my foot in college and white knuckling the pain for 48hrs.

I was in the recovery room and pain block free first time after a few hours, went very well and pain was non issue.

second time almost within minutes I was moved out of surgery area to recovery. Pain free withing minutes. BUT I was very very wrong to rush wanting to get into the recovery room. The second time at about hour 2 my pain went from 0 to 10++ and raging beyond my widest expectations. By the time they got a pain management crew to me out of the surgery room that could admin. liquid pain med's it was many hours surrounded by 3+ people trying to get it under control. Was told if I stayed in surgical area they could of handled it better and quicker versus recovery area teams. Lesson learned not to rush wanting to get out of surgery area into recovery. i will always choose to stay with the high priced help in the surgical area before wanting to go to recovery ever again.

- Actual recovery time needed prior to returning to driving (right knee, automatic trans). I've driven many times with a full right leg cast before, but it was before big center consoles in vehicles became a standard thing. On the other hand that was also before cruise control really was a standard thing.

couple of weeks for me

- Thoughts on which is better for getting into and out of vehicles - Higher entry vs lower entry? We have a Subaru forester, an outback and a 'yoga Sequoia with higher entry.

I would not have been able to get into my F150 for first couple of weeks. Buick SUV/mini van was ideal. i am average height.

- Icing tips (should have a ice machine rented)

I own an icing machine. Never used it either time once I got home. In the hospital used it regularly.

- Tricks for showering?

sponge baths for first two weeks.

- Recovery time needed before being able to walk without a support device?

2 weeks for me. used the walker. Felt better safe than sorry.

- Getting in and out of bed without assistance? (have a slightly raised bed)

day 1. Hospital wouldn't release until I could show I could do some minor stairs and get in/out of bed and off a raised toilet.

- Brand/style recommendations for easy on/off sweat pants or PJ bottoms?

old fashioned night shirt / no bottoms for me. When you gotta go and you be moving slower than normal didn't want to worry about bottoms getting in the way.

- Is it worth investing in a dedicated leg elevation pillow?

not for me. too much fidgeting to settle in one position too long. A couple pillows and a quilt and I could adjust plenty good.



its a common surgery and care and all should be fine. Worst I hear is people who refuse to move afterwards cause they say it hurts. Not getting up / not moving / being sedentary afterwards I am told can lead to problems.

Endeavour to persevere and in short order you will be better off.

cheers

 

[QRTRHRS]

My cane was adjustable. My therapist commented that I had it at the right height and was positioning it correctly as I walked. Just a guess on my part but something to discuss.

I used plastic wrap to protect my leg so I could shower.

I am not vain but I decided to use one of the over the counter scar reducing treatments. It worked. You have to look close to see most of the scar.

 

[txdon]

I had both knees replaced in the last 4 years.
My block lasted from 24 to 36 hours.
No crutches are needed only a slide walker the first week and wheeled walker after that. MAKE SURE THE WHEELED WALKER HAS A TRAY SO YOU CAN CARRY THINGS, like food and clothes.
(I ordered a 3 wheeled walker with a tray that fit on top of the basket from Amazon.)
An adjustable cane is used for about a month for stabilization. Get one that stands by itself.
Install hand rails by the commode.
A recumbent stationary bike is best for PT afterwards. Adjust the seat as close to the pedals as possible so your new knee bends the most.
My Dr. prescribed a knee machine that flexed the knee while in bed, the first two weeks. It is not covered by insurance but was well worth it in the recovery process.
your leg from the hip to the ankle will turn blue black (bruise), don't be shocked.
Get some laxatives to counter the pain meds.
The ice pacs they use now stay colder longer and I did not need the ice water flow machine.
A leg baggie was used for sit-down showers with a hand wand the first two weeks.
You will be evaluated by a PT after surgery, if you are stable you can go home the day of surgery if not you will have to spend the night. First knee surgery was after noon and the knee was too numb and I had to spend the night, The second knee surgery I was able to go home, the surgery was early in the day and I was home by 3pm.
At home PT starts the day after you get home from surgery, last about 2 weeks then you start out patient PT.

i