Hi @vucci
For me, doing tkr 4+ months ago was a well thought out decision. I did my research. So many great and encouraging responses helped calm my fear. It’s not an easy surgery, so start preparing yourself mentally and physically. Do the pre-exercises and the post exercises. An ice machine is your best friend. Pain control is essential. I am grateful that my husband was my biggest help after I got home from the hospital. From day 1, use your walker to move. Baby steps every half hour. ( I was motivated) . Words cannot express how my quality of life has improved.
Best wishes!

Yes, there are many who have a positive experience with a TKR. Most people posting here are seeking solutions and possible suggestions when their outcomes were not what they hoped for. The people with good experiences have no need to hang around for very long, so you won't read too many positives here, which is a shame for those considering surgery. I had both knees done, one year apart and am very happy with the results. No more pain, and I can kneel using pads for gardening, full mobility otherwise, stairs no problem. I have 5 friends and/or family members that have had TKR's and none had problems so far.

I am 6 1/2 months out from TKR at 66 years old. Walking was good at two months, but struggled with going up steps until two weeks ago. My new knee was warm to the touch until then, but when the temperature went down my pain soon went away then climbing steps was easier. I’m pretty happy now. Hope you have a good experience. Good luck to you.

Hi Vucci,

I'm a 70 y/o male and very fit, in the gym everyday.

In my 30s and 40s I ran marathons, a lot of them. I also inherited osteoarthritis from my Mom. Anyway the combination of all that pavement pounding and deteriorating cartilage in my knee left me bone on bone at age 66.

The last time I ran was in 2003. From there, the OA just got worse. I saw an ortho surgeon in 2021. At that time, I was bone on bone. The surgeon recommended I hire a well-qualified trainer at my gym to get my leg muscles strong before a replacement.

I did that and in 2022 I had both knees replaced, 3 months apart. I did the recommended rehab exercises and PT with a lot of energy and dedication, 3x/day for about a month for each knee.

My knees have never felt better. Please keep in mind that this is a traumatic surgery. There will be some pain, especially when doing the rehab exercises for at least two weeks. But every day it will be less painful.

I recommend finding a surgeon is his or her mid 30s to mid 40s, with a good pedigree from a medical school, residency, or both. My surgeon also used the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant for much better accuracy.

All the best to you! I hope this helps.

Joe

I have had both knees replaced, three years apart. Both are a success. The second (right knee) was more painful, but not horrible. The second also needed a bit more effort to achieve full extension. My right knee (2nd replacement) was in quite bad shape. I had very little pain pre surgery with either knee, but more pain post surgery with the second knee. Now, 7 months post second surgery, I am walking daily, and climbing the hills in my yard. Happy, happy. I am so glad I had my knees replaced, and also so glad it's over.