How should I prepare for my knee replacements?

Did the surgeon give you exercises to do before surgery? The stronger your legs are, the better you will be able to do the necessary therapy, and the safer you will be - fall risk will be less. Here is a good summary of the usually suggested exercises: https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/health-library/patient-education/total-knee-replacement/preparing-for-surgery/before-surgery-knee-exercises

Also, ask for an ice machine - rent or borrow - to use 24/7 the first week or two after surgery! If you have swelling or pain, this can also be used overnight to help you rest better. (See picture.) Then get a good supply of refreezeable ice packs and some kind of pouch or device to hold them in place, and plan to use a few times a day for as long as it helps.

Deep breath, think about feeling better!
Sue

Another key aspect is the psychology in the days before the surgery. Try to meditate and stay calm and relaxed. That includes not catastrophising if possible - do not forecast outcomes, but just take it one day at a time.

Just one question that I have not had one response on? Has anyone had a issue with their leg not straighten, 6 months out from TKR, And in pain. I have been in thearpy most of that 6 months. I am not seeing any hope of it getting straight and am using a caneand limping. Very disappointed.

I agree that people only seem to post the bad results. How often do you see a good restaurant review??? Always how bad the food or service was, right?? I had TKR of my left knee in early July and already walking often without a cane. The pre and post exercises you will do are VERY important to get the ROM of that knee working. My PT person is impressed that my ROM is already at 112 at just 4 weeks. Yes, there is discomfort, but nothing like some would have you believe. Stay positive and think of why you are doing this in the first place. Ice and elevate, especially after exercise. Good luck and quit reading all the negative posts -- here and elsewhere.

Here’s how I prepared. Go to excellent physical therapist (just as important as a good surgeon) before surgery. I did for 6 weeks to strengthen muscles in leg. Went to seamstress had long zipper placed in seam on side capris so therapist could get to where he needed. It opened up to my hip. You can also buy a pair of pants from rebound wear that already has zipper in. Also had sweats that snapped all way up and down. Had a walker, a cane ( did not use it though), a commode with handles that go over your toilet (a godsend)
I had a bolster that I purchased that was recommended by my pt, an ice machine, and a strap that foot goes in and can use your hand to slide foot up and down. Get to therapy right away I was at office the day I got out of hospital! Lots of hard work . Been a year and I still have exercise regimen to do for life. My new knee I s awesome!!!! Didn’t get much sleep for 3 months had a setback with pain but pt said that was normal didn’t last long. Only took maybe 5 total narcotic pills they didn’t do much very constipating. Your feelings of anxiety are normal! Best of luck. Also surgeon gave me a handicap placard for a year which I really didn’t need very much.

Thank you for that.I really wish more folks would post Positive things re any surgeries .I know for definite I will have to have TKR on both knees so reading good reviews makes it far less stressful.

Definitely think positive. I put off surgery and tried cortisone shots and exercise for 3 years before giving in. Thus far I know the right decision was made to go ahead with surgery. I have no pain now (4 weeks out) and can walk with a cane. I keep doing my exercises -- I will be honest and say the heel slides are not fun -- but they are the ones that get the ROM going. Yes, there is some discomfort for sure, but" pain" is not a word in my vocabulary. Please do all the pre-operative exercises you can to strengthen your knees/legs. I did lots of that on a daily basis and I think it helps tremendously. Each person is different I know, but with an ortho. Dr. you trust, I'm sure you will have good results. Good luck!

There is some pain in recovery but doing the exercises and walking daily will help tremendously.
I can say this before my TKR my mobility was minimal and there was pain walking.
Not any more! It was worth having the surgery hands down.
Doing exercise ahead of time helps!

I was just wondering if anyone has had any side effects or allergic reactions to Monovisc injections? I have been suffering from nausea, muscle aches and headaches ever since I had three injections in my knee. I read online that this is possible, yet rare. My doctor said he doesn’t think it is possible. I have tested negative for Covid so just thought I would ask.

Yeah when you come to these sites, you're mostly going to see comments from the people who didn't do exercises before the surgery, and/or who didn't do the required PT after surgery. There are cases where it's not the patient's fault, but TKR has been around for almost 50 years. It's still a complicated and invasive surgery. But I exercised for a year before I had my knees done, and was rigorous in following post-op therapy. For both knees, I was in a good place quickly - no assistive devices by week three, virtually no pain or swelling by weeks 6-7.