TKR

All excellent advice, but remember this is your journey and will be as unique as you are. So some things will apply but others won't. Stay positive. Stay ahead of the pain by taking them as scheduled, not after you hurt. Good luck you have the members of this forum pulling for you

I have had both knees replaced, the first with a general anaesthetic and the other with a spinal block. The spinal block was much better and I suggest you go for that. You can be sedated so that you are not really aware what is happening, and the recovery is usually much better. Do your physio and exercise as often as you can, but don't over do it. Take your medication to control your pain, don't try to be brave and put up with pain you wont do yourself any favours. Remember recovery is a journey, not a race, it takes as long as it takes. Read the many posts by Chico Marx, they will help you understand what is going on. Every recovery is different don't worry about where you should be at anytime after your op. You will get there in the end although there may be times when you think you wont. It's almost 20 years since my first and 18½ since the other. 20 years of pain free knee is worth the time it takes to recover. If I had to do it again I would.

1st rule....exhale. You will survive even though at time you'll wonder how. Not to scare you but I've had 11 surgeries, 30 rounds of radiation and 5 complete rehab due to a rare tumor, which can't be totally removed. I started my journey at age 66 and now heading toward 82. One premise to stay with..this surgery is and rehab is a marathon and not a sprint. Patience is the guiding word. This is a process that must be worked through but don't put undue pressure on yourself. Get help when you need it and never turn down a helping hand when offered. Set your own pace and don't let anyone pressure you into setting some unrealistic recovery schedule because we are all different and that means we heal differently. You will have every emotion going both pre and post surgery.....again, you will heal and given time, back enjoying life. You are with a very knowledgeable group that will be patient and nurturing.

One final comment on my part, during the last several surgeries I also had to take care of my wife who was in failing health with progressive form of Parkinson's. She is now in a skilled care facility.