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Has anyone had a successful TKR and a THR (what were the differences)

Posted , 7 users are following.

Kebra
Kebra

FIRST please no horror stories.

Second, I've already had two total hip replacements (THR) the most recent in Oct 2018, therefore I already know how those go and both went off without a hitch.

Now I am looking for accurate information on what to expect from a total knee replacement (TKR) and any helpful information for before (7 weeks away from surgery now) and tips / tricks at home.

I have heard the recovery time and effort for a knee are harder but I don't know WHAT that means.

Thanks

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Er79in
    Er79in Kebra

    Posted

    I'm 39 and had my TKR 3 years ago. I truly feel like there can be no sugar coating it... the recovery was horrible. Worse than I could have ever expected but on top of that the recovery takes way longer than I ever expected. It was my right knee so it was a good 2 1/2 months til I was even driving. Now the good news... 3 years later and I'm SO glad I did it. It honestly took 3 years for all the swelling to go completely down but I really happy with the results now. My advise to you is be patient. Know it will be a marathon and not a sprint and one day you will be happy you did it. I just barely had a mid foot fusion on my right foot and I'm so happy my new knee hasn't given my any problems with that recovery. One last piece of advise. Even though it will be the hardest thing ever start your physical therapy as soon as you can. Mine didn't start for a full week until after my surgery and it was an uphill battle to get it bending and straightening. You can do this. It's okay to feel discouraged during the recovery but keep the end goal in sight. A functioning knee in the years to come.

    • Kebra
      Kebra Er79in

      Posted

      Thanks Er79 this is what I was looking for "the facts, just the facts" I had heard it would be much harder than the hips (driving 2 weeks after left and 4 weeks after right hip). I guess I will become quite familiar with the Uber drivers LOL Luckily I only live 3 miles from the gym (even though I know it will be awhile for my normal workouts I like being around healthy people so maybe upper workouts to begin).

      I workout regularly so hopefully that will help with my recovery.

      Happy New Year

  • jenny61596
    jenny61596 Kebra

    Posted

    okay i have had two, one seven years ago and one a year ago. From what i understand it is a lot more painful than hips . So be prepared for two months of pain at least , I had a lot of pain but it did go quite suddenly at the two month point, and really after about three I havent needed any painkillers . I didnt do a huge amount of physio to start with because of pain , but I did keep pushing leg flat and bending knee in bed and once pain levels less went to water aerobics . I was able to walk around shops with a crutch after a week , I was lucky never much swelling either but i didnt push it . A year later my bend is as good as it gets and i can straighten it fully. Walk no limp for 4-8 kms still not keen coming down stairs , doesnt hurt just cautious . I recommend you go at your own pace , keep the pain killers up, concentrate in bending and stretching . Good luck, where are you having it done?

    • Kebra
      Kebra jenny61596

      Posted

      Thanks Jenny,

      I am in North Carolina, USA. The same surgeon who did my hips is doing my knee. The medical center is smaller than a BIG hospital and the care is wonderful and as quiet as possible.

      K

    • martha08360
      martha08360 Kebra

      Posted

      Kebra, I live in NC also. Just wondering if you mind telling me who is doing your TKR and your THP's. ?

  • roma5763
    roma5763 Kebra

    Posted

    Hi Kebra

    In March 2016 at 59 yrs old I had bilateral knee replacements. it was a big decision to do both at the same time but I am glad I did. i had a good surgeon and my surgery went well. I had at home p.t.for 2 week's then to a wellness center for p.t. I had great therapists and I tried to do all the exercises I was given. I was told I was doing better than some of the single tkr patients. stairsare a bit tough sometimes yet but I also have fibromyalgia. something i was told to do to help is doing leg strengthening exercises prior to surgery. you can go on YouTube and find lots of tips. look under knee replacement. it is tough couple of weeks at first but gets better. I waited 6 weeks instead of 4 to drive but that was just me. Just remember in the beginning pain meds and ice are your best friends😁. I wish you well and speedy recovery. it did take almost 24 months for me to "own it" as they say but I did have to double the effort. and yes...i would do it that way again. i do have days when im a bit achy but never swollen. i also have almost full range of motion in both knees. good luck!👍

    • Kebra
      Kebra roma5763

      Posted

      Roma

      Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging words.

      K

  • brent77382
    brent77382 Kebra

    Posted

    Hi Kebra, i had my first TKR 16 months ago and my second 7 weeks ago, for me both times sleep was the problem for the first six weeks, then its like a switch you seem to sleep well make massive improvements. Couple of things physio very important deep massage was a massive help also see if you can get a cryo cuff cooler for icing your knee handy bit of kit.patience is important too it a slow haul, over do it and your knee will balloon so steady listen to your body.Last thing my first TKR fantastic, second one is heading the same way,no pain, little stiffness first thing but all in all happy days .

    • Kebra
      Kebra brent77382

      Posted

      Thanks Brent,

      I've noticed several people mention sleep, is this due to pain, sciatic issues or something else?

    • jenny61596
      jenny61596 Kebra

      Posted

      pain with me , used to watch netflix , would sleep when could , during day , found if i couldnt sleep at night i would get a cup of tea or whatever , watch tv in bed and sleep when i could

    • Kebra
      Kebra jenny61596

      Posted

      Thanks Jenny

      That makes perfect sense to me

    • brent77382
      brent77382 Kebra

      Posted

      Hi Kebra,i had very little pain whilst trying to sleep,just discomfort probably stiffness and a sensitive scar and the need to reposition my leg constantly,bear in mind for the first three weeks i was sleeping on my back which is not my sleeping position, now im passed the dreaded six week mark my sleep is up to six hours a night now i wasnt getting that in three nights before.

    • patty62273
      patty62273 Kebra

      Posted

      The lack of sleep is due to long bone surgery. IT's just a side effect. my surgeon told me 90% of his tkr patients complain about not being able to sleep. i would save a pain pill to take at night just to sleep. My surgeon also gave me a perscription sleeping pill that really helped. As you heal, your sleeping improves. You might also experience uncontrollable crying for no reason. That goes away also as you heal. Those are two things they dont tell you....trouble sleeping and weepiness.

  • patty62273
    patty62273 Kebra

    Posted

    Hello, i had bilateral tkr at High Point Hospital in NC 18 months ago. It really wasnt as bad as i expected. Honestly the worst part was not being able to sleep and being very weepy. I actually went back to teaching nine weeks after the surgery. of course i was exhausted when i got home and did nothing but elevate and ice. it took about ten months to get my complete stamina back. i still have good days and bad days because on knee healed better than the other. Although there have been some tough days the past 1 1/2 years, im still glad i did it and the surgery never slowed me down. wishing you the best. Patty

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