I expect pain of course, but how long does the pain last?

@chicagolinda
Congratulations! A new knee is coming your way soon. I have had both my knees replaced, one in 2019, the other 2020. At this point I am very happy with both new knees.
The pain I had before the surgery was terrible. It got to the point that when I was in so much pain when walking I would cry. No fun for sure.
The surgery is tough. I was in pain for at least 10 days. They give you physical therapy soon after surgery, and the stretching hurts but it’s necessary. There is bruising up and down the leg too. That adds to the discomfort.

Everyone is different so there’s no one size fits all answer here. Just be prepared for the first few weeks to be tough, and then you will get better day by day.
Best wishes

Good evening @chicagolinda, you have been on Connect for a long time. I am glad to be able to shout encouragement for your May 11, TKR. Here on Connect, we tend to receive requests for help when something doesn't seem to go right with a TKR. To ensure that you have every chance to come out of this experience with a knee that will perform well without pain or discomfort I am including the most important issues that I have learned from both of my TKRs.

In order for that to happen you are responsible for some important factors.
1. Choose an excellent surgeon. Do your research.
2. Take advantage of the availability of robotic surgery. This technique and current technology ensure that your surgeon will be able to have accurate visible support for your surgery. That means that your surgery can be minimally invasive which provides less damage to surrounding tissues and structures.
3. Complete at least 6 weeks of pre-surgery exercises with an authorized PT. That ensures that your muscles and surrounding tissues are totally in shape for the recovery phase.
4. Make sure you do not overuse your knee during the recovery period.
5. Begin your post-surgery PT immediately after the surgery and keep it going until you are released.
6. Use ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart when lying down to rest.
7. Expect the pain you mention and use medication prescribed by your surgeon.
8. Celebrate when you reach the 120 ROM and 0 fusion.

.......and finally. Let me know how you are doing and share your experience with other Connect members. Remember that by sharing we expand our knowledge greatly.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering..
Chris

I had it done 10 years ago and still have pain and the swelling has never gone down. I have opted not to do the other one.

I am almost 6 months out. The first 2-3 weeks were hard, sleeping was impossible in my bed and I was in the recliner most of the time. Started PT 3 days after surgery and getting in and out of the car was hard and the car ride every uncomfortable. At about 4 weeks I was sleeping in my bed and much better. However I was told to take my Oxy even if I felt I didn't need it. I have issues constipation already and at 9 days had to have a bowel prep because I had not gone the entire time. That was no fun and stopped the Oxy and just used Tylenol. I am doing much better at almost 6 months and still experience soreness and swelling but no pain to speak of except maybe once in a great while. I'm doing pretty much everything I did before surgery but by evening I have to ice and rest my leg as it's really sore from the day. I now only do my PT at home about 3 days a week as my ROM is 115 and 123 with my band. I'm in no hurry to do the left but it doesn't bother me near like the right (it had tons of arthritis). Do the exercises prior to surgery to strengthen things as it helps with recovery but expect it will be a process.

@cobweb 10 years. That’s the dark ages isn’t it! Just kidding.
I’m sorry you are having trouble with that knee for so long. That’s too much pain for anyone to have to endure. Assuming you have gone to the doctor and told them, what was their opinion?
I would find another surgeon and see if they can do anything about the problem. What you have described is not “normal “.

Best of luck
Susan

looked at having it redone but no Dr will touch it. I am doing PRP on the other knee and that really helps even though it has trouble.

Thank you so very much and I hope it’s proving to be a long lasting knee. 🙂

I’m sorry. Did 5hey give you a specific reason why not?

Thank you very much Chris and I will stay in touch with you. I have found a highly recommended specialist and I have been instructed to do pre-post as you did.
Very sincerely,
Linda

I’m so sorry that it turned out that way for you.