I’m scheduled for knee replacement but read so many negatives ?

Posted by andoman @andoman, Jul 9 3:03pm

Im having full knee replacement very soon and researching I read so many negatives so for all of you who have had it, is it worth it ? I’m definitely concerned that I’ll be worse off by reading so many problems with pain, swelling and movement with knee replacements and maybe one should just put up with what we deal with now than adding pain and swelling into the mix.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

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I like to tell people looking for success stories on a website designed for people to find answers to their problems will probably not find that many. The people who have successful surgeries rarely come on to a medical website to look for advice because they are out living their best lives with their new body parts. It makes sense doesn’t it?

I have a patial knee replacement on the inside of my left knee and 2 resurfaced hips. I was running 30 second interval sprints on a treadmill about 6 months ago and got up to 12.5mph. I recently had to stop running though because of my lower back issues. BTW, I just turned 58 years old. I just heard a stat that something like 95% of people over the age of 30 never run again. That seems crazy to me.

The knee rehab was tough, way tougher than the hips, but stick with it and don’t judge it daily. Start with weekly, and then monthly after the first month. You should feel much better after 3 months and great after 6. Just keep strengthening the muscles around it. Good luck!

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@closer0043
Thank you for your reply and yes if it went well most people don’t go on here as they are happy enjoying their lives.
I’ll know in 10 days if I’m happier or not but I know I’m in for a painful experience that’s for sure

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@roddy0959
I’m just nervous as ‘if’ something goes wrong as I’m a very active person so I’d hate to be stuck home everyday and all day

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@andoman I’m that same person very active which can be a good thing. You will go through PT and get rich back on your feet. It may take a minute but you will continue to be active as I am but I have my limitations. I had 5 major surgeries on the same knee and I just will not let it stop me from doing what I enjoy doing. Sure I can’t run are play basketball but I still do a lot of the things I’ve always done. I’m very thankful that I’ve come through this it could have been a lot worse. You should be fine just do what you are told in PT you will see improvement in time

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@momma2lucy
I bought the RE3 Icepacks, straps onto your knee, opp is in 10 days and getting more stressed. I do hope it’s all worth it, I know I’m in for a rough ride from all the reviews.

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@andoman look for the small positive changes everyday in your knee. Today is two weeks post op for me and I am glad I went through with the surgery. Remember most people don’t come on here or post on FB joint groups praising their successful surgery but are looking for solutions and we don’t know their full background story or where or who did their surgery. Let us know how you are doing post op.

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Hi there friend.

Not sure if this has been covered. I had both knees replaced (four months apart) in 2022 when I was 67.

One of the best decisions I've ever made. Like many, my knees were bone-on-bone and pain was daily. Following surgery, no more pain.

Do research on a good surgeon, and most of all, follow the rehab rules and exercises from your physical therapist.

Joe

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@rebeccarsg2007
Yeah I think I’m in for a tough ride and it’s definitely going to clip my wings for the next few months . . I’m in hope I can deal with this.,

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@andoman
My thoughts go out to you during the days ahead. I hope for your full recovery & relief from the awful pain you have suffered.

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@janrose123
Well I’m not sure where you are but here in Australia we have public health system and everything is free, surgery, hospital and physiotherapy but you don’t get to choose your hospital or surgeon but at least I’m lucky to be placed in the GoldCoast University Hospital in Queensland and my signed surgeon has pretty good reviews but reading so many people have issues with knee replacements does worry me, well I’ll know about it in 10 days time, nervous !

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@andoman, I’m in NJ, USA. We have excellent health insurance and everything is expensive here. Wishing you well in your TKR journey and knowing how to prepare yourself to fully engage in your healing process will help push you forward. Diligence and persistence on those two fronts are key.

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@steveinarizona
I have the RE3 ice packs
Have you heard of them ?

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No. I have not. I looked them up but they don't provide periodic compression like the good ice machines. @andoman

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Do it! Horrible insufferable pain for the first couple weeks; painful physical therapy; no sleep the first couple days after the surgery; fear and depression and that it would never get better; but now at three months out, I’m playing tennis and can go downstairs like a slinky! Have someone with you for the first month if possible.
I was in excruciating pain but my cousin had it done and didn’t even need a Tylenol. Everyone’s different so don’t judge your recovery on someone else’s experience.
Having a new knee has made my life infinitely better.

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@nobend
That’s what worries me, I read some really good outcomes but there are equally just as many bad outcomes and what will be mine ? it’s stressful !

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@andoman
I get it! I have heart issues too...so hoping for no general anesthesia. I can BARELY walk now & only with a cane. Still awaiting a surgeons appt. availability call back. I have no quads or glues now because of how painful exerises are. And, now it's painful to sit, due to sitting! I also need 2 hips. Standing brings me to tears quickly due to lower back pain.

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@mabfp3
Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you the very best.
Here in Australia we have free health care as well as paid healthcare and I’m on the Free Healthcare which means the whole surgery does not cost a single dollar, our healthcare is very good in Australia but you don’t get to pick your surgeon or hospital but lucky for me they tell me I’m going to the GoldCoast University Hospital here in Queensland which is a top hospital and the surgeon assigned for me seems good from reviews but the surgery is not invasive, it’s cutting muscle and right down the front of the knee . . I have been trying so many exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee but I’ve probably made it a little more sore as over worked. I’m very nervous about this surgery and I’ve had a lot of surgeries the past 3 years, 1 big bowel surgery, 2 small bowel surgeries and one big get a mesh in my stomach and now this full on knee replacement, gee I just hope it’s going to go smoothly.

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@andoman I am very sorry for all that you have gone through. Like you, I am really trying to stay consistent with exercise but so far, I am only noticing a small difference. I guess that I have to give it more time and be more disciplined in doing them every day. I’m also very nervous about this surgery even though I have had it before. It’s painful and a long recovery but it beats losing the ability to walk later in life. I’m wishing you all the best as you undergo your surgery! Let me know how you make out.

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