1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

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

Posted by chicagolinda @chicagolinda, Mar 16, 2023

I am getting a knee replacement May 11th and would love to hear from someone that has had it done. I’m just wondering how long is the pain of after surgery? I realize everyone is different in dealing with pain, but just looking to see others experiences.

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chicagolinda | @chicagolinda | Mar 17, 2023
In reply to @cindymattern "I am almost 6 months out. The first 2-3 weeks were hard, sleeping was impossible in..." + (show)
@cindymattern

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.

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I guess I didn’t realize how this recovery all went until I came upon this site. I’m so happy that I did because I don’t really converse with those I know that had it. It’s becoming much scarier, but it’s helping me how to prepare more. Thank you so much…..Linda

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | Mar 18, 2023
In reply to @chicagolinda "I’m sorry. Did 5hey give you a specific reason why not?" + (show)
@chicagolinda

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

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they thought it came lose but after many tests, it was not.

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judithh580 | @judithh580 | Mar 18, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @chicagolinda, you have been on Connect for a long time. I am glad to..." + (show)
@artscaping

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

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Thank you Chris for the supportive words to chicagolinda. I really needed to hear those words and hope they give confidence to others. I have recently had Covid which has taken all my energy, but slowly recovering. I will be 79 in April, have RA and normally pretty active other than my knees holding me back. I am scheduled to have TKR in June, and will be doing my 6 weeks of PT required by Medicare to hopefully rebuild all I lost with Covid. It will be robotic with a highly recommend surgeon in Scottsdale. My daughter has ordered an ice machine and leg support pillow for me. I am feeling more confident after reading your supportive words. Thanks! Judith

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1 reply
dmk | @dmk | Mar 18, 2023

In addition to what Chris suggested add cyrocuff machine for icing one that plugs into wall. In addition to research find an outstanding physical therapist. In my experience they are not all alike. If you can add deep water aerobics that helps too but you can do that for about three months. I am almost 2 yrs post TKR and to date my new knee is awesome. Per my therapist I still do certain daily exercises. I also had some capris and jeans altered where seamstress put in a zipper from hip to end for easy access for therapist. Also had some snap pants for cooler weather. Pain is different for everyone but with prior therapy to prepare for TKR I was 0 degrees and 64 degrees one day post op. I made sure to do everything therapist and surgeon said to do. Narcotics didn’t help me so I just took my aspirin and antiinflammatories and Tylenol Bought and used a bolster recommended by my pt and compared to friends that have had it done not too much swelling. Didn’t sleep thru night cause pain til about 3 1/2 months but wouldn’t change a thing as not in pain anymore. And oh positive attitude and hard work on our parts too! Good luck

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ellerbracke | @ellerbracke | Mar 19, 2023

Just adding some comments: yes, it hurts! Really intense pain for me lasted about 10 days, but several weeks before it subsided. And PT will definitely not be a piece of cake. If possible, get to know your PT person/group that will work with you after the few home visits from whoever gets assigned to you. I had an awesome therapist, whom I had worked with before for shoulder surgeries, so I knew I was in good hands, and we were on the same wavelength regarding how far to push.
The day after the surgery the hospital PT got me walking up and down stairs with the walker, plus doing circuits around the hallways. Sounds crazy, but it was not a big deal. 2 days after surgery I already had a 108 degree bend/flex, but it took me months to get the leg totally straight - the last 2 degrees would not come. No worries, though. Persistence and patience got me through.
Now, almost 5 years after the TKR, I don’t really notice the knee, and to me it was definitely worth it.
Good luck!

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2 replies
cpd54 | @cpd54 | Mar 19, 2023

Someone commented on constipation caused by the painkillers. My husband’s recovery nurse told him to always take a stool softener when taking painkillers after surgery. He had no problems with constipation after surgery.

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2 replies
chicagolinda | @chicagolinda | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @ellerbracke "Just adding some comments: yes, it hurts! Really intense pain for me lasted about 10 days,..." + (show)
@ellerbracke

Just adding some comments: yes, it hurts! Really intense pain for me lasted about 10 days, but several weeks before it subsided. And PT will definitely not be a piece of cake. If possible, get to know your PT person/group that will work with you after the few home visits from whoever gets assigned to you. I had an awesome therapist, whom I had worked with before for shoulder surgeries, so I knew I was in good hands, and we were on the same wavelength regarding how far to push.
The day after the surgery the hospital PT got me walking up and down stairs with the walker, plus doing circuits around the hallways. Sounds crazy, but it was not a big deal. 2 days after surgery I already had a 108 degree bend/flex, but it took me months to get the leg totally straight - the last 2 degrees would not come. No worries, though. Persistence and patience got me through.
Now, almost 5 years after the TKR, I don’t really notice the knee, and to me it was definitely worth it.
Good luck!

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Thank you very much. This has been very uplifting for me, truly! So happy for you ❤️

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chicagolinda | @chicagolinda | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @cpd54 "Someone commented on constipation caused by the painkillers. My husband’s recovery nurse told him to always..." + (show)
@cpd54

Someone commented on constipation caused by the painkillers. My husband’s recovery nurse told him to always take a stool softener when taking painkillers after surgery. He had no problems with constipation after surgery.

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Oh I agree fully. No extra weight to the situation is always a big plus. Thank you much 💯

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cindymattern | @cindymattern | Mar 21, 2023
In reply to @cpd54 "Someone commented on constipation caused by the painkillers. My husband’s recovery nurse told him to always..." + (show)
@cpd54

Someone commented on constipation caused by the painkillers. My husband’s recovery nurse told him to always take a stool softener when taking painkillers after surgery. He had no problems with constipation after surgery.

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That was probably me. I already have some issues and I had doubled my Amatiza and stool softener to twice day. Didn't help and after 9 days my Gastro had me do a bowel prep that worked in like less than a hour. I did everything..Enema, suppository, prune juice...you name it. Just a FYI because it's definitely a real possibility. The pain meds slow down intestinal motility that causes the issues. I'm glad your husband did well with just the stool softener. I sure wish I had.

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2 replies
chicagolinda | @chicagolinda | Mar 21, 2023
In reply to @cindymattern "That was probably me. I already have some issues and I had doubled my Amatiza and..." + (show)
@cindymattern

That was probably me. I already have some issues and I had doubled my Amatiza and stool softener to twice day. Didn't help and after 9 days my Gastro had me do a bowel prep that worked in like less than a hour. I did everything..Enema, suppository, prune juice...you name it. Just a FYI because it's definitely a real possibility. The pain meds slow down intestinal motility that causes the issues. I'm glad your husband did well with just the stool softener. I sure wish I had.

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This is really a very, very important issue to take seriously. With recovery pain you certainly don’t need this happening to add to the pain. I have noticed a difference just by low dosages of Tramadol and sent a request for softeners. Thank you very much ❤️

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