At long last my TKR surgery is planned for later this month. I couldn’t be happier, I’m not exactly looking forward to the procedure but I will be glad to get it done and hopefully make a good recovery. It will be nice to go on walks again, to sit comfortably in theatres and stadiums and hopefully swim and ride a bike again, but more than anything I’m looking forward to a good nights sleep.
Like I said I am a bit anxious about the procedure as I am told I will have an epidural not a general anaesthetic and I was wondering what to expect and any tips on getting through this and the recovery.
I have been told that my other knee will need replacing but I am unsure when. At the moment it’s getting lumpy, misshapen and mildly painful but I don’t want to get to this point again where I can barely walk and I’m on a long list waiting for surgery, but at the same time I would love to have at least a couple of years between operations so I can enjoy my life a bit. I suppose they will go through the same process anyway with physiotherapy, cortisone etc before putting me on a waiting list.
Any tips or advice to get me through the operation and recovery would be much appreciated.
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Wolf68
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I had an epidural for my knee replacement … and whilst it’s a bit disconcerting being ‘aware’ of what’s going on [even though you listen to music and have light sedation] the immediate post operation recovery is much easier than a general.
Do make sure you do the exercises afterwards even though it is quite painful at the beginning… but don’t overdo them. I got reprimanded by the district nurse [who had had hers done a few months before] for pushing too hard..😏
Re anaesthesia....I had spinal anaesthesia for hip replacement and said at the outset that I didn't want to be aware of what was going on! I was quite adamant ! I have no memory of it at all . It really is the way to go. You will be given sedation as well unless you want to follow the procedure!😱
Hi Wolf68, you know the secret to recovery is exercise from day one . Epidural means no tiredness etc from general aneathsetic . THe physio told me off too for showing off he said . I have been left with one leg shorter than other but I have learnt to live with it and its got to be better than so much pain you cannot walk or stand. it will take time and watch out for constipation due to strong drugs for pain. I had some liquid laxative but still went for over a week then had to use some herbal ones that worked well. Every best wish for a nice mobile new year.
Thanks for the reply. I have been taking Zapain since January so unfortunately I’m used to the constipation and just keep taking the laxatives and hoping for the best.
The common theme from these replies seems to be following the exercise program but not overdoing it and I will, thanks for the valuable advice from you guys I really appreciate it.
I'm also having total knee replacement surgery at the end of this month, opting for spinal anesthesia rather than general anesthesia (I had GA for something else 20 years ago and was horrible sick and groggy). A nerve block for the operated leg is also done and is beneficial because it helps reduce the need for additional pain medications immediately following surgery. I’ve also discussed my preferences with the anesthesiologist, and asked for minimal sedation so that I remain alert rather than sleepy or asleep. (For those who prefer to sleep through it, the sedation dose can be adjusted.)
I worked as a ward sister in orthopaedics for many many years. 99% of replacement surgery is done with spinal and sedation. Very few patients have any recall re the surgery. My best bit of advice, is to start strengthening the quads prior to surgery, it will make recovery easier. I’d also ensure you have some ice packs for after surgery, although frozen peas can be useful, just don’t eat them when your constantly re freezing them 😂. It may also help practising stairs, so you’re not over thinking post-op. I remember which leg by the “good leg to heaven, bad leg to hell”, so good going up, bad leg coming down. It’s also imperative not to put pillows or rolled up towels under your knee. The most important task in the early days is getting the knee straight, if not you’ll have a permanent limp. The bend will come. Not sure if they’ve instructed you to purchase a helping hand, to help get lower garments on, and a sock puller up, if you’re used to socks or tights. The trick is to do little and often, re exercises, rather than just one or two long sessions. I’m sure everything will go well. Good luck 👍
I’m due for a TKR as my first partial replacement is finally giving up after 17 years. I’m really scared as the surgeon said the operation takes longer and has a longer recovery time. I will be 75 when it’s done. Reading other experiences is reassuring but this is a replacement replacement. Any advice would be very welcome
Your surgeon is correct revision surgery, is more complex, but the recovery is much the same. It’s mainly due to having to remove the cement, which holds your current replacement in situ. I would just make sure your doing the strengthening exercises for your quadriceps, as they will make post op easier. Also ensure you have ice packs at home, as the swelling results in you getting the most out of your flexion. Keep it elevated when resting, but no towels or pillows under the knee, or you will have a permanent limp. Helping hand gadgets help with getting your lower half dressed. I’m sure you will do fine, good luck 🤗
Thank you so much for replying. I’m so nervous as I had GA last time. Where can I find the exercises please, if you don’t mind letting me know. I do keep quite active as I look after my husband who has mobility problems. Thank you again
I’m coming up to three weeks on Tuesday after my first knee replacement. Yes there’s still pain and swelling but 8 to even 10 hours between painkillers so certainly bearable and comparable to pre op pain.. I’m also walking round the house mostly without crutches unless it gets painful. I do need one crutch for stairs still.
They certainly give you lots of pain control after op and I was up briejkthe next day . I know before the op I had worries about the length of time recovery as there seemed to be a tendency to emphasise that it can take months!
At my 2 week check the physio was pleased with my progress and said to keep up the exercises and in 6 weeks to live my life! Hope that helps!
I’ve had both knees and both hips replaced and both ankles fused…while the knee recovery was harder then the hip, as someone who had all 4 joints replaced before age 46 I’m now 58 and continue to enjoy the pain free days as we speak! It’s an intense surgery as far as joint replacements go but worth the pain free lifestyle afterwards…my best to you!
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