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Getting both knees done...

Posted by amytro @amytro, Mar 27, 2019

Hello fellow brave people. I had my first TKR 7 weeks ago and am having the second one done in 6 weeks. Right now, I am still using the cane, am not able to get upstairs foot over foot yet, and I still am building stamina (trying to get to the end of the street and back without being wiped out for the rest of the day!). Has anyone else had both knees done in a short period of time like this? Would you expect that another 6 weeks will leaving me healed enough to be my main support once the other knee is done? Doctors and PT people are reluctant to answer this question-- and I understand that it does depend on the person-- but I am looking for other people's stories. Thank you!!

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harley105 | @harley105 | Mar 27, 2019

I applaud your courage, but that seems too soon for me. I haven't recovered my stamina from the first one and it's such a Herculean endeavor to get through the first 4 weeks, I don't feel I'm ready to do that again. I had my first one on Jan 8 and have resumed a somewhat normal life, but with limitation and pain and fatigue. I think the soonest to do the other would be June or July. I'm just too tired now. I get out shopping and after 1 hour I suddenly have to leave. No stamina for walking-related stuff. Think I'll go walk in the pool, as was recommended to my by several people.

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amytro | @amytro | Mar 27, 2019
In reply to @doodles418 "I am 11 weeks out from bilateral (double)TKR . Yep! I did them both at the..." + (show)
@doodles418

I am 11 weeks out from bilateral (double)TKR . Yep! I did them both at the same time. I was told initially that the first few weeks are tough and at 4 weeks the recovery would be much like having one done. I've had my ups and downs these past months, hardly any energy to do what I want. Still working on walking "naturally" and there is still pain and that tight band feeling. Everyone is different, you need to listen to your body, not what others tell you where you should be. I'm learning to be patient with my recovery. I thought I should be so much better at this time since I'm 62, good health and weight plus I prepared for 2 months before surgery, went above and beyond with PT at home and at the clinic. Just met with my surgeon and he said to actually back off the PT because I'M keeping them inflamed and they need to heal. He said my PASSIVE numbers reflect a good bend at 125 R 122 L and 0 on extension. My ACTIVE #'s are lower and not to worry. I wish you the best, I also thought to get it done so I could get on with my active life. I know this will all be better in a year and I hope to be chasing my grand kids all over the place!

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Thank you for your inspirational story! Your numbers are amazing and your courage to do both at once is admirable. I was in great shape nearly all of my adult like and am making great progress in PT. I am optimistic about my recovery and I hope realistic about my recuperation. Thank you for sharing your story with me/is.

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amytro | @amytro | Mar 27, 2019
In reply to @harley105 "I applaud your courage, but that seems too soon for me. I haven't recovered my stamina..." + (show)
@harley105

I applaud your courage, but that seems too soon for me. I haven't recovered my stamina from the first one and it's such a Herculean endeavor to get through the first 4 weeks, I don't feel I'm ready to do that again. I had my first one on Jan 8 and have resumed a somewhat normal life, but with limitation and pain and fatigue. I think the soonest to do the other would be June or July. I'm just too tired now. I get out shopping and after 1 hour I suddenly have to leave. No stamina for walking-related stuff. Think I'll go walk in the pool, as was recommended to my by several people.

Jump to this post

I totally understand! I found a big improvement about week 6- hope you do too. The fatigue part has passed for me too so it’s going to get better for you!

I booked a very cool vacation for myself as an incentive to get through this. Having just retired, I want to travel a lot and the knees were a limiting factor. I am doing very well in PT so I think I can make it all work! I have given myself the option to cancel the trip, of course, but it’s a real “carrot” at the end of this ordeal!

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