Recovery time for knee replacement
Posted , 21 users are following.
i need to have knee replacement. My concern is how long it will take me to be able to be back up on my feet. I live alone in an apartment, and have a dog which needs to go outside several times a day. I don't have anyone to help me afterwards. I can board my dog for a week or so, but will I be able to take him out regularly after that? Believe it or not, that's the only thing keeping me from scheduling the surgery. Any advice appreciated!
0 likes, 37 replies
Eizie sumarie
Posted
Sumarie, look up chicomarx on this site. He has this down pat. I wouldn't be surprised if he answers you on this one.
clive45466 sumarie
Posted
You will need help between 6 and 10 weeks if you are lucky for most.
Good healing
johnny17592 sumarie
Posted
Hi sumarie
It looks as though you haven't read into the seriousness of a TKR and i dont mean that in a patronising way the recovery is quite severe not just the fact your on your own but to manage a dog as well you will find it very difficult
F or your own sake and wellbeing you need someone to help you and it wo t be the dog im sure you will get lots of replies and helpful advice here i hope you get along ok
good luck .
E1960 sumarie
Posted
I think it's time to let go of you're dog, what's more important you're dog or you're health? I have three dogs & even though I have a knee & other issues going on as also I plan on leaving the area one day my dogs are not whats going to determine my lively hood regardless of how much I like animals...animals should never be put before yourself period....God bless
CHICO_MARX sumarie
Posted
Here ya go...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-recovery-bell-curve--563756
Really want to know how long? Throw a dart at a dartboard. Beforehand, no one knows. Going through it, you still don't know. You could be one of the lucky ones who's back to mountain climbing in 13 weeks or you can still have pain at 18. No one knows...there are no predictors.
Most of us are off the heavy opioids between 30 and 60 days. PT usually starts 3-4 weeks post-op and will last for 8-12 weeks. Here's where the PT cranks your knee until you scream...guaranteed. Gotta break down all the scar tissue...then you start your gym work to rebuild your atrophied quads glutes and core. Most people get back to work in the 6-9 month range. Three months is pushing it; anything before that is delusional. You can't drive while on the opioids; if it's your right leg and don't drive stick, then driving is possible after the drugs. If it's the left and you have a clutch, it will take longer. Need flexibility and strength for that motion. Get MD clearance.
This whole recovery takes a year...period. Stiffness, clunking sounds, a tight "band" feeling and more around the knee can last up to 18 months. Think you can push it? Sorry...no. Do that and the knee swells up, setting you back. Not a good idea.
Get ready for this physically, mentally and spiritually. People on here, call it "brutal". Take their word for it.
Mkhp CHICO_MARX
Posted
CHICO_MARX Mkhp
Posted
March 24th...5am for a 9am op. Doc promises in and out, immediate pain relief, one night stay, no rehab. If he's lying to me, I got Carmine and Paulie idling in the '68 Caddie out back. They'll leave the gun and take the cannoli...
yasmin66402 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Hi Chico
I'm due to have this total knee op next month. I'm dreading it..pain of pin and plate in 78 was excruciating on my broken fib tib and the nerves in my shin are damaged to this day, so going through this , living on my own and no help is freakery. I dont know if I am mentally strong enough to do it ..yet if I postpone it I may not get another chance at the specialist hospital. I am thinking they want to progress it due to my age and not being overweight .however , I cant bend my knee now or squat or bear weight on the left leg. . The surgeon said I would be able to post surgery / exercise PT. I'm lop sided with it and limp when the knee is in damp weather .i don't get much pain from my knee. It strains my back, sciatica and leg is shorter due to being unable to bend it .what say you ?
CHICO_MARX yasmin66402
Posted
I say ya gotta do the op. If you read my links above, they will give you some idea what you're looking at. But you've made it this far and have survived a lot of pain. They first 30-60 days are intense but you've been living with the pain for years...what's another 6 weeks. Then you will be past it and be able to walk without pain. Focus on your recovery and the work you have to do...don't focus on the pain. Everyone's here for you...start your own thread...
yasmin66402 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Yes , I've read everything you've posted up..You spell it out ! Thank you ..also swelling. .I'm a shorts person in the summer..I have slim legs and narrow ankles ..and I love to sunbathe...I was also fit and always walked everywhere ..running up stairs two at a time ..now i have to hold on to the banisters.
The mri shows tricompartmental osteoarthritis. .multiple loose bodies ..not good .thanks for replying Chico !
Mkhp CHICO_MARX
Posted
I'll b think of u 👍👍👍
martinarvelo yasmin66402
Posted
I think you have to be careful with the sunb thing for a certain length of time on the scar. . but I'm sure the hospital will explain that. . .
sumarie CHICO_MARX
Posted
Hey there Chico,
Thanks for answering my question. After reading your response and the others who answered I don't think the TKR is in my future. i am already disabled due to back problems which cannot be fixed at my elder age (severe scoliosis and spinal stenosis). As I can't walk or stand up for more than 5 minutes at this point not sure how much knee replacements (I need both) would help. Orthopaedic doctors I have been to specialize and only address one issue (either back or knees) so no one's ever talked to me about how the two impact each other. My exercise/walking abilities consist of taking my dog about 10 feet outside my front door and standing while he does his business. I'm in a motorized cart at the grocery. I never thought a TKR was a piece of cake but such a possible long recovery with living alone seems unsurmountable. Thanks again.
Mkhp sumarie
Posted
HI Sumarie, try to research this surgery as best u can. Some get away with a faster healing recovery process. Could take up to 6 - 18 months. Exercise is key. Mr Chico Marx knows his stuff concerning this surgery. I think u definitely will need some help. I too had no one to help me out, had to stay in a rehab center, no fun. If I only knew then what I know now, I would have spoke up much more. Was in bed most of the time, once a day 45 minutes pt, should have demanded more. Got to have lots of questions in your hands when talking to your doctor before surgery. Lots of knowledgeable people in the Tkr group. We're all here to support u. I think it's very important to exercise n get your leg/ thighs strong before goin into this surgery. I wasn't quite in the best of shape... Now total reverse. Try to remember we all heal differently so it is hard to say what your recovery period will be. Best of luck n good fast healing prayers going your way 🌬🌬🍀🍀👼👼🚴🚴
sumarie Mkhp
Posted
Hi Mkhp,
Thanks so much for taking time to answer. I am going to dig in and research all I can and will talk to my Dr. more. I am already disabled due to back problems that can't be fixed, so I don't know if or how much the TKRs would help. The orthopaedic drs. I have been to only specialize in one area (either back or knees) so none have ever talked to me about how one area impacts the other. Right now I can only walk or stand about 5 minutes. My exercise consist of taking my dog 10 feet outside my front door and standing while he does his business. I'm in a motorized cart at the grocery. I am glad I found this message board with so many folk that have been through TKR and are willling to share and help! Thanks again for answering!