Truth about Total Knee Replacements

I had the same experience as you @anncgrl. I was actually working on the pre-op exercises before I was able to schedule my right TKR. And during the recovery my surgeon got on my case because I wasn't icing and elevating my leg like he told me too. I was doing it, just not enough and he wanted me doing it if I wasn't exercising or walking. I was fortunate in that I didn't need the meds that were prescribed. I was able to get by with extra strength Tylenol when I had some minor pain.

Hi,
I did not have any scar tissue on either knee. You will have nerve sensitivity for months down your calf that goes away. Pains meds before physical therapy and do as much physical therapy as your insurance allows. I had home health come in and he pushed me in the early days but the doctor was surprised what range I had. Ice, ice, ice ! Love my pack with sleeve and velcro wrap. Better than pain medications.
My doctor explained all surgery risk but fortunately or unfortunately 😆, my brother does hospital accreditation. He literally scares me to death about what can happen and ALL the risks of infection. He has me ask about their rates of infection!

In fairness, most posts here are from folks who have had problems with knee and other replacements. People who have had good replacements aren't motivated to post.

The most important ingredient in successful joint replacement is a great surgeon! I had a hip replacement over 20 years ago by an outstanding surgeon and it's still pain free, both legs exactly the same length... he was an engineer before becoming a surgeon and guaranteed me my legs would be even. I moved away,and had a knee replacement by supposedly the best surgeon in my area. Unfortunately when he did my surgery he was in severe back pain, could hardly stand, and should never have been operating. Immediately after he had major spine surgery. So my knee is messed up, he says it's fine, nothing I can prove but the pain and weakness is still there. I need back surgery and I'm fighting with my advantage plan primary to let me go out of area to have it done by my hip surgeon, because he now does backs instead of hips and knees. I will win this fight!!!

IK3xs- - Sadly 2 years ago I lost a dear friend, age 76, who had a single hip replacement procedure in St. Louis by a highly reputable doctor. She wanted this surgery because her passion for gardening was being restricted. She picked up an infection in the hospital and battled it for over a year and was in and out of hospitals. In her last 6 months she made frequent trips to the Mayo hospital in Rochester, MN, who treated her infection with everything they had and then for brief periods of time she would feel better and even with pain she tried to resume her activities. Doctor's simply couldn't kill her infectious strain. She passes away at the Mayo. She was a retired profession and in her retirement she was involved in charity work, neighborhood volunteer and an officer in clubs of her interest. Loosing her was a real loss to our community.

As bad as my old left knee was I still had more lateral movement. So the old athlete in me still could do pickleball and other full movement even with pain. With my TLR I just don't have the mobility left to right with both knees replaced and my hip. If I go down both knees are so sensitive I can hardly get up. It wasn't the case with one. Just commit yourself to PT and doesn't mean to overdo it. Patience and time. Listen to the therapist and try to get extended time. Your body needs to heal they know what you need to be doing and when.

Two TKR '18 & '19 and no clicking issues

Two TKR '18 & '19 and no clicking issues

I had right TKR almost 3 years ago. No major problems, except permanent clicking noise with some motions. Had Arthritis, bone spur, torn Meniscus a year prior to TKR. Repair surgery with intense PT and exercise regimen after that did not change the pain. Would have been ok if I did not plan on living an active life, but every time I walked down an incline, or steps, intense pain. So TKR. After the usual course of pain/rehab/continued exercises the knee works very well. For me the surgery was worth it. Well, except for the well known kneeling issue. As in don’t do it.

I think gait training is essential for an individual who has been compensating for years due to worn knee or hip joints.