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Recovery time for knee replacement

Posted , 21 users are following.

sumarie
sumarie

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

37 Replies

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  • Mkhp
    Mkhp sumarie

    Posted

    Hi summarie, it's me again. I hear you about your pup. I'll pray you can get some help for him/her. I love them too. Really think you'll need help for yourself as well as your puppy, hope all goes well for both of you, I'm sure it will!!!

    • Iamhere
      Iamhere Mkhp

      Posted

      I know you are quite concerned with your dog. Would you have a neighbor or friend who could let your dog out several times a day. That would definitely help you. Also either a neighbor or friend who could look in on you would be ideal. Hope you find help so you can get on with fixing your knee.
    • sumarie
      sumarie Iamhere

      Posted

      Hi Iamhere!

      I do have one friend who I know would be happy to help but it would be nights and weekends and she works duirng the day. I do have neighbors I could call on but they are elderly (late 80s) - I'm in a senior complex, so I'm scared to put too much responsibility on them. I'm going to have to do a lot more research and figuring out the best way to go. I'm very glad I found this message board with so many who have gone through this willing to give me much-needed advice!

  • serena44792
    serena44792 sumarie

    Posted

    Hi. As everyone says it's generally a long story process. As we're all kicked out of hospital in a few days you think recovery won't take long! Look on here at everyons experiences. As for your dog --- I so understand --- for some of us they are part of the family! You need to find a dog walker cos you won't be doing that for a while. I'm lucky cos my husband walks the dogs! Good luck!

    • Mkhp
      Mkhp serena44792

      Posted

      Yes, I hear you Serena, they r our family once we decide to adopt.
  • mike_57190
    mike_57190 sumarie

    Posted

    What kind of dog and how old?
    • sumarie
      sumarie mike_57190

      Posted

      He's a Heinz 57 - part chichuahua and part Jack Russell. He's 14 lbs and will be 2 in May.

  • ellen57898
    ellen57898 sumarie

    Posted

    Sumarie, a lot depends on which knee. I had my right knee replaced and could not drive for eight weeks. You should be able to get up and down stairs, slowly and carefully by a week. Now, about the pup. My dog is 83 pounds and I cannot walk him yet ( at 11 weeks post op). He is a young, very energetic Golden Retriever. Many boarding facilities have dog walking services ( not cheap). If your dog is small, older and does not pull you should be able to walk him after about 4-6 weeks. You won't be able to walk him while using a walker or a cane. I don't know where you are, but perhaps you can contact a local school and see if you can hire some kid to walk him. I am sorry and understand your problem. I worried about my dog, too. My son is able to take him out a couple of times a week otherwise he just has the backyard. Now that I am driving he goes to doggie daycare 2X week.

    • sumarie
      sumarie ellen57898

      Posted

      Hi ellen57898!

      Thanks for taking time to answer. My dog is 14 lbs. I don't have any steps, I live on the ground floor and only have to walk about 10 feet outside my front door to let him potty. I have back issues in addition to my knees so can't walk for any length of time. I do try to take him to the dog park every week or so - they have benches so I can sit and let him.run around for exercise. I am so glad to have found this message board and all you guys so willing to give me advice and information!

  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 sumarie

    Posted

    Where do you live sumarie. In Australia you can pay folks to come and help you (and the pup). You might not feel like getting up (except for toilet yourself) and letting out the dog for perhaps a couple of weeks. I had a little help but managed to look after myself for the first month which was the worst of it. Neighbours, friends, colleagues? Most people will help out if asked. Can you board the pup for a month? You'll both be better off, I reckon. Hugs from Sydney. x

    • sumarie
      sumarie lyn32416

      Posted

      Hi lyn32416,

      Thanks so much for anwering! I live in a small town about 30 miles outside of Nashville, Tennessee. I am on disability already because of back problems so would not be able to afford to hire help. I do have a lady who keeps my dog on occasion - I might be able to swing a couple of weeks boarding but probably not much longer than that. I live in a senior complex so all my neighbors are elderly - most older than me - my two closest are in their late 80s. I'm going to have to do a lot of creative thinking to work all of this out for sure! I ao so glad I found this message board to learn from everyone who has already been through this!

       

    • lyn32416
      lyn32416 sumarie

      Posted

      Hi again sumarie. I was trying to remember how I copied most days alone, and I believe where there is a will there is a way. I got up perhaps three times a day and hobbled around. The more you move the better. Try to have a support person if you need them but I reckon you might just surprise yourself. My sister reminded me I was hanging the washing out at 2 weeks post op. Still in pain but coping. Getting the medication right is a big thing. So many good wishes heading your way. xxx
  • chris00938
    chris00938 sumarie

    Posted

    Sumarie, is there a local charity organisation, or maybe friends or family, who will come and take the dog out for a couple of months or so?
    • sumarie
      sumarie chris00938

      Posted

      That's a good idea. I am going to check and see. Will call my church too.

  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 sumarie

    Posted

    Hi Sumarie, yep it deffo seems you need to get the TKR done. If you take it carefully you'll be ok.

    But I know when I went for pre op assessment they wanted to make sure there was someone with me when I was discharged, for the 1st week if poss. It's not impossible to do it all alone but will be lonely & you will get the blues. Something to be aware of, but do your research & get any arrangements you can in hand before you go in.

    As for your doggy family member, we have dog walkers over here. For a small fee they'll walk your dog. You can get your groceries delivered, so won't need to struggle to the shops & back with shopping.

    Good luck with everything.

    Oh and do read Chico Marx's threads on TKR. Invaluable help! He is THE man.

    Take care.

    Marilyn

    XX

    • sumarie
      sumarie marilyn10235

      Posted

      Hi marilyn10235,

      Thanks for answering. I am so glad I found this message board and am able to learn from what you guys have been through. I'll have to to an awful lot of preplanning to get through this!

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