Both knees and hips have been replaced

Hi, John. I have had six joints replaced- both knees, both hips, and a month ago yesterday my second shoulder. Five of them have been since 12/ 18. Between my mother, brother and me we have had 11 joints replaced. My mother (who would be 105 if still living) remembers her grandmother having swollen painful knees in the time before replacements. Seems like genetics plays a large role in my family. I am grateful for modern science.

I am having my fourth joint replacement in a few days. You are not alone.

After the physio is completed you should feel much better and be more mobile. Just remember no twisting especially on uneven surfaces. Had 2 knees replaced twice, latest 2022, 2023, right hip 2024 & left hip 2025. Enjoy life.

Hi John, I too have had both hips and knees replaced. My last surgery was in 2016. I still have a few aches and pains, but I am glad that I had the surgeries done. I do not walk as gracefully as I would like, but part of the reason being due to leg discrepancy due to my first hip surgery. I think exercise can be very beneficial and I have even trying to find some safe exercise routines online that I can do, but I have not been very successful.

In the past 11 years I have had my left knee replaced, my right knee replaced twice, my left and right hips both replaced, my right shoulder replaced twice, an S1-L3 lamenectomy and recently had surgery number 55, a C2-C7 ladder lamenectomy. Just wondering if there were peers out there, who understand that one doesn't necessarily feel as brand new as the actual artificial joints. People ask me if it feels better.?.? Well yes, I'm walking, however every single step is taken on fake wheels. It doesn't take all the pain away, however, it has greatly diminished that pain. At soon to be 63, I'm an active father, husband and grandfather. I just believed I was sort of alone in this aspect of my life. I've read all posts I can see. It is difficult at times to get those around to understand that literally taking inventory on what's working pretty good every single morning, is an actual thing. Then my Norwegian Elkhound reminds me she's 4, feels great and would love a 5 mile walk. I do my level best to not be too ornery and get up a go go go as best I can can can...
Thanks for listening.
Peace.

Hi John, I have had both hips and both knees replaced also. I know what you mean about still having aches and pains, but at least we are still able to walk. For me, not so gracefully either. 😂. Like you, I have been looking for online exercise videos and I am not sure what i can, and cannot do. If you find something doable, please post.

Hi ladybug, and John,

Adding to your 2022 posts.
Regarding why multiple joints wear down, genetics versus wear and tear from an active life, I imagine that is hard to sort out, and I believe most agree being active is consistent with health as we age. As for walking a certain number of miles, perhaps that is variable, and hours per week might be considered alternatively, reference https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking
Before hip surgery I enjoyed a 3 mile hike over boulder fields, but flat trails may be safer now. 1 to 2 miles may be enough, plus I don't want to wear out the hip replacement components and need revision surgery in 10 years!

With your 4 joints replaced, have you been given any lifetime things to avoid? Have you been advised not to bend at the waist to touch the ground (i.e., greater than 120 degrees), avoid kneeling for more than 15 minutes, avoid low chairs, tennis or basketball? I have an acquaintance with multiple joints replaced who plays occasional tennis which I am surprised at. If I anticipate 20 or 30 years life expectancy I'd rather not wear out replacement components.

Best wishes, hope all is well in 2025!

It gets better-be patient.
I have had both knees replaced twice and both hips replaced in the last year.
All recovery doing great until I tripped and fell in the kitchen 2 weeks ago. I was fortune, received x-rays & a good report from my surgeon before he went on vacation. No damages to replacement parts & no broken bones. But did tear tendons. I am recovering and very happy not needing more surgery.
Keeping active & positive outlook is as good as a pain prescription.

I am 64. I have also had all 4 joints replaced. First knee in 2016, other knee and hip in 2021, and finally the second hip above the first knee done 4 months ago.
The first knee had 6 previous surgeries and did not respond well. 2 revisions to tear scar tissue due to arthrofibrosis. I ended up with about 100 degrees of flexion.
My first hip was direct anterior and was kitty corner that knee. That hip had ZERO pain or discomfort after 5 weeks and I felt it was a miracle. The second knee also responded very well with 125 degrees flexion and zero problems, short post op pain windows.
But this last hip is something else. Lots of discomfort. Lots of pain. The limp won't go away. Everything I sit down the leg gets lazy and I need many steps before it activates. Mornings take longer... however, if I go out for a walk then I can walk 2 miles/ 3k without any problems, limp disappears, and zero pain. However I am then fatigued for 2 days before I can walk again.
Am being told it is because it is the 4th joint and also because it is above the bad knee. Came here to see if any similar stories.