How should I prepare for my knee replacements?

Hey @mercuryrose,
We have lots of newer members that have recently had a knee replacement like @doodles418, @ezas123, @dismaydee, @ellie125, and @ggst so perhaps they can contribute some advice.

Here is another discussion that mentions supplements prior to surgery. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/taking-supplements-before-tkr-surgery/

Have you had your first meeting with Dr. Bingham yet?

Hi @mercuryrose, One of the best things that helped me with my knee replacement a few years ago was the pre-surgery exercises recommended by my surgeon. I think it made my rehab go much smoother and helped with the exercises after the surgery. Here's a list of the ones I focused on – https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/health-library/patient-education/total-knee-replacement/preparing-for-surgery/before-surgery-knee-exercises

Hoping all goes well for your upcoming knee replacement.

Yes, I have met with Dr Bingham...

Thanks, John

Hi MercuryRose, I had my first TKR done on 4/1/21 and my second one done on 11/10/21. The outcome was like night and day with the first one having the recovery longer and more painful. What did I do differently on the second one?
three things: I religiously did the exercises to strengthen my muscles and tendons EVERY DAY before my second surgery, I rented an ice machine to use at home for a month following my surgery. It was easy to use and I used it round the clock for 3-4 days post surgery and then 3x a day for the rest of the month. The third thing was a prescription of Celebrex. My surgeon would not let me take it the first surgery as I thought I was allergic to sulfa so I asked my primary care doc to do a trial run of it a few weeks before surgery and I was not allergic to it so I could safely take it. I also continue to do the exercises my PT gave me on both knees. Best of luck to you on your surgery.

T

Hi, there @ggst. Thank you so much for reporting how successful your TKR recovery was because of the pre and post-surgery exercises. I also found the results to be very encouraging. It wasn't long before I was walking around the house forgetting that I had surgery. And then I was driving....and then I was going up and down stairs.....and then I was doing yoga. Can you stay with Connect just to shout encouragement to all the pre-TKR folks? It is appreciated.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

If you need to lose some weight try to do so. Also strengthen upper body and esp. your quad muscles. I swam as much as I could in the months before my bilateral knee replacements, but it wasn’t enough. I am doing quite well 4 mos later, but still have trouble standing up from low seats and stairs are beyond me right now. Quads are still too weak.

I agree with you. I had both knees done at the same time (not a great idea unless you meet certain criteria - but it’s over). Amazingly, I was using a cane in about three weeks and could walk short distances unaided inside. With two knees to deal with, the PT exercises often were painful and I had back off and could handle them everyday. I would especially advocate for pre-op work. Leg press work would really help. Good luck to all who need this surgery.

Hi all. My knee surgeon has said I'll need a TKR (Total Knee Replacement). How long will I be off work, should I have the surgery?

I work for a Special Needs School, and I am the Admin Assistant.

Hi @madz1979 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I moved your post here so you could link up with other members preparing for TKRs.
- How should I prepare for my knee replacements?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-should-i-do-prepare-for-my-knee-replacements/

Recovery times are different for every person, depending on PT and healing. Did the doctor give you an idea of how long recovery would take based on the condition of your knee?