Appropriate time in between TKR

Posted , 12 users are following.

i was wondering about the time between the 2 TKR.  I am almost 5 weeks post op and doing very well.  My bend is 135 and I am walking really good but since this was such a major surgery I wonder if there should be time to let your body fully recover before I have the second knee done.

any thoughts on this?

i have gotten a lot of help from this forum especially early on.

thanks

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • Posted

    Yes wait for full recovery. Then you will have healed physically and emotionally to cope with the second keen.

    many blessings sent ur way🙏🏽

    Hope.

  • Posted

    Hi, it is not exactly the same I know - I had abdominal kehole surgery recently and am also awaiting TKR, the nurse said 6 weeks is OK between surgeries. However, I don't feel any where near another surgery now at 6 weeks post op.  I have a date which would put me at 10 weeks post op, so I will see how things go, but I have only just started to feel anything like my former self. It depends on the person of course, fitness and other health conditions if any, but from what I have read the TKR takes a big toll on the body and all those painkillers could be hard on the liver if not given a chance to recover between. Have a word with your provider to discuss - I don't know if you have a date planned. I'm sure there will be many who have 2 knees done who can answer more specifically though. Good luck to you!

  • Posted

    My doctor advised 3 months, first tkr was Nov 4, second one scheduled on FEB 17I think it depends on what kind of shape you are in. My bend is 125 but at this point the unopperated knee is so painful it is hampering my activity.
  • Posted

    I've heard of people doing them one right after the other.  I've heard of people taking 12-18 months to make sure they are fully healed.

    Recommendation:  If the pain in the second knee isn't so bad, complete a full recovery on knee #1.  Docs may even be able to put it off a while with some Synvisc if you need the time.  However, if there is some exigent circumstance that demands #2 be done immediately, then you may have no choice.  I'm waiting at least 18 months for #2.

    Then again, there are people who get both done at the same time.  Bravest souls on the planet...

  • Posted

    You are a brave soul to be considering a second tkr! I am 4 weeks into my first and it has been a nightmare for me. The bend is only 113 and although I have PT. 3  times a week, I feel like such a failure...
    • Posted

      I felt exactly the same way. still not up to par but seems 12 weeks feels like a bit of a turning point. If you asked me at four weeks

      if I would be doing this again soon, I would have said no way, but here I am grain up for thus Friday's surgery.

    • Posted

      I understand.  At 2 weeks I told my husband I would never do it again but it must be like childbirth you forget the pain.  So far my left knee doesn't seem to bad so after this summer if it gets progressively worse I would do next  January.  We live in Ohio so if I have to be stuck in the during recovery I don't feel like I am missing much. 😀

  • Posted

    Hi

    I had one knee done last July, was planning the second for this year. Have decided to put it off, as I am an engineer working on systems, at least I have one knee I can kneel on, until I am almost finished working.

    Good healing

  • Posted

    I would wait a few months. So the repairs knee is healthy & strong enough to support the other knee.

  • Posted

    Hello. Im scheduled to have both of my knees replaced in April. They are doing one on a Monday then the other two days later. A lot depends on your health age and condition of your knees. Best of luck 
    • Posted

      Wow, you are one grave soul.  Could I ask your age?

      good luck

      robin

    • Posted

      Wow why not get them both done same day? A lot get both done the same day. That's going under twice. Best of luck & prayers for a speedy recovery

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