Is 2nd knee replacement easier?

No, sorry there's no reason to think second one will be better or different however one can do whatever possible to improve chances. Lose weight if you're overweight, eat clean and well, drink lots of water, rest and do rehab exercises religiously. Think positive. Maybe you'll sail through it. Good luck!

It could go either way. I haven't had both knees done but I've had the same knee done 3 times completely and a bunch of other surgeries on it as well. The revision was much easier and faster than the original or 3rd. In all fairness, I have a rare tumor that works on the knee and the day after the revision I fell and broke the femur. I've also had 2 major run ins with staph th a t resulted in 2 surgeries and one of the revisions. Most of the people I've been in therapy with that have had both knees done, including two that had bilateral, have told me they were nothing alike. Good luck as you go through the process

Hi Neizie

I have had 2 partial knee replacements the first nine months ago the second two weeks ago. I was in exactly the same place as you not wanting surgery yet as the first one is not fully recovered, but for two months I couldn't walk at all, which in turn was ruining the first recovery.

I have found the first two weeks so far identical. The pain was just the same -awful think 10/10. My first physio visit at ten days the bend was worse, however the second physio visit yesterday my bend was slightly better than same time last year. This time less swelling on the lower leg (I had elephant ankles with the last one) however this time more bruising.

as for doing pre hab I think it is definitely worth it. Your muscles are in a better place for recovery. Although I couldn't weight bare and couldn't walk I did do lots of table strengthening exercises. Perhaps this has helped.

In an ideal world I would have waited as my other knee isn't strong enough when the new one collapses. But it was absolutely necessary.

Good luck.

I found my second one was way easier, just because I knew what to exoect. Had things in the house which I knew would help. Easy meals, extra ice packs, books, tv planner all sorted. Just found the overall process easier. Allowed a couple of montys to not do nuch at all, but rest, exercise, and in general let time pass. So yea for me, the recovery was as painful and as hard, but I knew it was going to be, so in a way sailed through it.

Hi Neizie

The truth is,  no one knows.  You can’t predict the outcome.  You might just sail through so I wouldn’t go “meeting trouble halfway” as the saying goes.  I had both mine done together so don’t really know from experience.  All I do know is, I was fat and lame☹️ Before the op.  Now I’m still fat but not lame lol.  First couple of weeks were iffy.  I wished I had done the preparation, like losing weight etc but alas......... anyway, things worked out eventually.  I’m glad I had them both done.  I don’t know if you’re male or female but I think you have to look at it like giving birth to your 2nd child.  No two labour’s are the same, no two operation are either.  At least you now know what to maybe expect and hopefully, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and it will be a doddle compared to the first one.  I hired a hospital chair, with high back and arms which was way easier to get out of and a over the toilet seat.  I’m in Australia and it was the Red Cross that I hired them from.  Whatever helps.  I’m sure a positive outlook can only help you.

i wish you the very best.

Sue. Xx

Every operation is different. It's a lottery really, either it will be easier or it won't!? You can only prepare as best you can! Pre op exercises won't necessarily help!

I couldn't do them before my 2nd op, but did before the 1st. The 1st was less painful but much harder to get rom back. The 2nd more painful early on, but easier to move & get rom! It's swings & roundabouts!

The only thing that is easier is you can prepare, knowing more or less what you are going to encounter. Forewarned is forearmed! As the saying goes.

Now at nearing 14 weeks po on left knee I can honestly say it is less painful than the right is now, which was done in Oct 2016! 

Good luck for when you do have 2nd op. You will be so glad you had it done once you get over the initial post op pain etc.

Marilyn 

XX

I am 5 weeks post 2nd knee replacement, I tried to do things far to quick. Make sure you do your excersises and Ice and plenty of rest. I know I did not do that and I am now paying the price for not listening.

My physio is really pleased with my bend and straightening. I did do the excersises. I have put myself back by at least a couple of weeks , I know how very silly I have been