After knee replacement surgery

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Jun 16, 2016

Had left knee replaced 9 days ago. Right knee two years ago. Having a problem with inflammation so hard to bend knee and exercise. Trying to ice and raise knee above heart. Doctor suggested getting compression hose. Anybody have this experience and can offer suggestions. So tired all the time from pain interrupting my sleep and painkillers. My insurance refused to pay for the painkiller recommended by surgeon so have to take one with more opiates. That's frustrating. Two years ago it was covered but now too expensive for me to use. Seems the drug companies, not our doctors are determining what we use.

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@ronnie3716

I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with
"The first two weeks are the worst, filled with pain" . Nice of them to share : /
Those of you who've had it, are those first two weeks really so bad?
Thank you for the video with legs raised against wall, super helpful.

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Hi. My knees are now 10 and 12 years old. And I had it back when they used the passive motion machine so that made it easy, but if you can get to a gym and sit on a stationary bike, and adjust the seat (low) so when you peddle is stretches (bends) the knee a wee bit, then keep lowing the seat as you can. That works as your passive machine. Do it several times a day if you can. for 10-15 minutes at a time. I ended up with 132 degrees of bend, !!!!!!!! , and walked without pain almost from the start. Best wishes. @gailfaith

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Hi gailfaith, niazumbanut, ronnie3716,
Good luck to ronnie3716 on your upcoming knee replacement. Keep us up to date on your progress. Thanks to gailfaith and niazumbanut for your support and good suggestions. I'm now doing home health PT but want to start out patient PT next week. I'm trying to decrease pain meds but sleeping through the night is still challenging. I know I have to give it time. beatricefay

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Hi ronnie3716,
The first two weeks are the hardest and most painful. Don't hesitate to use pain meds on a regular schedule to keep the pain in control. Very important to use a stool softener at the same time. Good luck and wish you a speedy and easy recovery. beatricefay

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Ice, Ice, Ice. I had bilateral knee replacement. Started PT within 3 days. Yes swelling but it takes time. Was back at work 8 weeks after surgery. Dr said it will take a year to fully recover. At 9 months I awoke to no pain, didn't feel like I had something in my leg. All felt normal. 2 years later, broke my pella. DON'T do that! Worse than bilateral replacement ever could be. Just remember you have to give it time and do your PT! and again, ICE. And stay ahead of the pain with your meds. Don't wait until you hurt. Take as directed.

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Hi @blswilliams,
I'm icing as I write this. It does make my knee feel better. Did you have both knees done at the same time? I can't imagine that. Sorry to read about the break. Are you okay now? I try to keep ahead of the pain with the meds but they cause so much tiredness. I'll just focus on the future benefits.
@beatricefay

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I agree with you,can't imagine having two knees done at once. I wonder do they do two at a time at Mayo. Beatricefay be sure to move as much as possible, its painful but will help the healing.

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@beatricefay

Hi @blswilliams,
I'm icing as I write this. It does make my knee feel better. Did you have both knees done at the same time? I can't imagine that. Sorry to read about the break. Are you okay now? I try to keep ahead of the pain with the meds but they cause so much tiredness. I'll just focus on the future benefits.
@beatricefay

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Yes I did have both done at same time. Actually Bilateral was not so bad. I figured if I was going to have to have them both done and be out of work, so I'd see if it were possible. My doctor did extensive testing to be sure as he put it, "not going to be the one to put the nail in your coffin." But I was healthy otherwise with no problems so he agreed under the condition if there were any problems at all during the first leg then he stopped and didn't do the second. It also saved me with my co-pay (one, not two)! It hurt like, well you know how it hurts....But, it was a different pain and I knew it was going to go away. Sometimes it's your mind that can keep you up (or down) without even realizing it. I say this knowing I am not you and I don't know your circumstances. I did very well. I told my PT folks that I was going to have the best shaped legs in the county, I did so much PT. LOL. Hang in there. It will get better. It just takes time. Don't get discouraged. You will be so happy later when you walk with no pain in your knee.

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@ronnie3716

I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with
"The first two weeks are the worst, filled with pain" . Nice of them to share : /
Those of you who've had it, are those first two weeks really so bad?
Thank you for the video with legs raised against wall, super helpful.

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Well we should never lie to anyone about the pain. It aint no picnic. BUT, mine was a completely different pain. It was from the actual surgery and you have to remember, that does get well. Good luck ronnie3716. You'll be on your feet again soon.

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@beatricefay

Hi @blswilliams,
I'm icing as I write this. It does make my knee feel better. Did you have both knees done at the same time? I can't imagine that. Sorry to read about the break. Are you okay now? I try to keep ahead of the pain with the meds but they cause so much tiredness. I'll just focus on the future benefits.
@beatricefay

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You're one tough person, hats off to you!

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