First Post-op Visit after Knee Replacement Surgery

[@keningilbert]

As with your six week postop video this was very informative and helpful for patients to know what to expect at each stage. Videos like these should be provided by every surgeon as a standard for their patients. Oddly I was surprised you made no mention of night pains in this two week postop but you did in the six week postop video. This has been the most frustrating thing for my recovery as with several other people that I know who also recently had TKR surgery. This is a very important topic that most surgeons seem to completely overlook and offer no change in medication dosage during bedtime hours. Very odd considering how important good sleep is to the entire healing process. I got multiple packets of information from my surgeon as well as the surgery center and additionally was required to watch a one hour online video but none of that made no mention of night pains. For those interested what has helped tremendously for me are the hemp-based topical salves, with or without a little THC. The only lingering bedtime related issues are short restless sleep cycles of a couple hours.

[@cbhgirl1224]

I too realize most of these doctors have never been through knee replacement personally on their own knees or they would be more concerned with lack of sleep; because of night pain. If you can't sleep, you cannot feel like doing the things you are supposed to do during waking hours. For several weeks, nights were very long, uncomfortable & dreaded. No matter how wonderful & talented a doctor is this is definitely a topic they need to talk across the board about.

[@coralmclaughlin9864]

I’ve just had my TKR done in Scotland last week. I had one done last February. It’s a ‘brutal’ operation and it’s a tough recovery. If you pay attention and do exactly what your told to do your recovery should be good. Have faith, be brave and do as you are told!

[@Jimmy-lk1dh]

I go for my total knee replacement in several weeks. I’m more nervous than I’ve been with all my other 25 major operations. Guess I’m a wimp this time.

[@NZDefinity]

​@@Jimmy-lk1dh You are not a wimp, as you mentioned. I am 20 days post op and believe me you can cry, yell, scream, want your leg ' cut off ' to stop the pain however you WILL get through. I also have scoliosis, bulging discs, faucet joint problems and chronic pain with my back. I didn't think anything could surpass chronic back pain...how wrong I was! On top of all this when I got home after 8 days in hospital I contracted COVID... no joke !!. TKR is very nasty BUT I personally am getting through one hour at a time. I have cried, yelled called the hospital physiotherapist awful names but now realize it was all to my benefit. I look forward to the day I can get on the dance floor and rocknroll to my hearts content. You too can look forward to doing what your diseased knee stopped you from doing. Will be thinking of you as I have done with those who have had this operation after me.😊 Smile, it could be worse, it could be someone else's knee suffering.

[@Jimmy-lk1dh]

@@NZDefinity Thank you so much for sharing your story. We share many health issues, my TKR is my 23 operation. From hips, back AAA, Vietnam injuries the list can go on. I’ve never met anyone like you before with medical issues like I have encountered. I pray for your good health, and thank you for you kind words…..Jim

[@jangriffin-fi1yx]

Me too admire you take my hat off to you. Tell yoy what can tell you are a fighter a real survivor & will get through it all...can see you on the dance floor. I have that fighting spirit like you. Different story to you all to do with all my Husband suffered healthwise. Like the way you told the truth as it is brutal but keep up doing all told then can see will get through it. I am only 4 days home from having TKR. I believe knowledge powerful learn as much about TKR do exercises before & after vigilantly. Best advice to ease pain is to keep doing all hiven exercises ice & elevate leg as high as can I am finding elevation this way a game changer. Keep isiitive see all ok. All the best to all before after op ❤

[@iainl9725]

Thanks, man. I was convinced I was doing really badly, and this was really comforting. I'm a week in, and definitely need to work on mobility (I'm a long way from 90 degrees) but I thought I was a total disaster.

[@blaker5541]

Same here. Today is day 7 for me and I’ve been wondering if I’m doing this all wrong.

[@Bigdeano75]

Great video mate. I’m 2 weeks out and thought I was way behind and was getting a bit worried. You e put my mind at ease. Got my follow up appointment tomorrow so I’m looking forward to that now. Cheers from Deano in Melbourne Australia 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@vivgenovese2008]

I’m just over 2 weeks post op from a TKR and slightly less than 90 deg bend so work to do. Other than that I’m on track. Really helpful video thank you

[@keningilbert]

My previous comment I mentioned night pains as my only lingering issue. I’d like to take opportunity now to mention another issue I have with my Sacroiliac Joint. When a bull legged person gets TKR their leg is then straightened. If you measure a stick that is bowed from tip to tip it will give you one measurement and when you straighten the stick and measure again from tip to tip it is a longer measurement even though it’s the same stick. So for a bow legged person the body sees the operative leg as being longer. In my case it’s a difference of almost 1/2 inch. So in this scenario it’s common for people to have back problems occur. IMO my surgeon was derelict of duty for not mentioning this potential. This is especially true when you consider how many times they mentioned the probability of the less common potential for infection. So now I’m left with chiropractor visits, supplemental physical therapy targeted to that joint and potential for injection into the joint. All of this could have been avoided by simply measuring the leg after surgery and then recommending a leg lift to avoid triggering back issues. So of course I know have to wear a leg lift insert in the non-operative shoe foot.

[@kpackard1]

I had a partial knee replacement 4 weeks ago and he's right about pain. I actually cried at my last PT. I was only 84 degrees a week ago so at this 4 week appointment they bent my knee and held it and I thought I was gonna die! It hurts so bad I can't even describe it but when I left it felt good. And i was able to ride the stationary bike amd pedal all the way around. And I got up to 90°. This surgery is not fun to say the least and I'm only at four weeks but I'm supposed to go to Hawaii three weeks from now so I'm worried. I asked my doctor before my surgery if he thought I would be ready by then and he said yes but I don't know. I'm not using a crutch I'm not taking any more strong pain meds and I'm really pushing myself every day to bend my knee and stretch it but oh my God it hurts! It really does

[@saidulislam-jr4ox]

Was the surgery MAKOplasty robotic guided or it was manual?

[@maryhightshue7866]

I had my left knee totally replaced on Nov. 1st of 2023. On Dec. 6th my number was 109. However, the PT is not satisfied with 109! He wants 124! I think he is out of his mind! I am only going for 6 more 30 minute sessions. I cannot see this happening. I think some PT's expect too much from us. Maybe their projections would change IF they had the TKR! Especially when you are old! I'm 79+. Two of the exercises he expects me to do ON THE FLOOR! I am NOT sitting on the floor period! I am doing them on my bed.

[@kathyclark3168]

I had my RT knee TKR done 2/20/23; have not gone back to my orthopedic doc, have called 2-3 times left messages to verify my appointment day/time. Today bad day and bad allergy with high pollen count 🤧 I feel like my orthopedic doc doesn't really care; yes they are busy but he called the Sunday before my surgery and ask if I had any ?'s, telling me he liked contacting his patients before hand. Thanks for the video 😊 I have a few exercises to do but PT not yet, still using the walker. I'll keep the faith 😊😊

[@hannahcoleman2940]

Hi Kathy, I had my TKR 4th February 2023 I’m week 10 and although it was brutal for the first 6-8 weeks things are now improving, I’m still using my ice machine ( a Godsend) before bed but I am getting more sleep, if I do wake up instead of using painkillers I attached the ice cuff and in a short time the pain goes away, I wish you a speedy recovery. Hannah 🙏💚☘️

[@kathyclark3168]

Well, I've had 2 knee surgeries on the same knee, 2/20 then 2/28, don't ask what happened. Let's just say I'm doing better. The right knee has total metal and finally looks like a knee. My doctor worked a miracle for sure 😊

[@kathyclark3168]

@@hannahcoleman2940 the ice machine was my undoing. My walker got tangled up in those lines, I feel, broke my original implant an my 9th rib on the left side. Rib is healed and knee is on the road. I hate that ice machine. ...

[@BradleyGilbert-wz1dn]

I was told by many I was doing good. When I went to my first Dr. Visit I was at 110 degrees. I did PT at home and had a Romtech stationary bike. Which help tremendously. I also ice after 4-5 times a day. Dr. Dan is right on what to expect. I was also told my recovery was different than others.

[@barryackerman3331]

LOL..are we still friends was funny....gone through this twice in 3 months...I know for sure I'm crazy....it just takes time... great video......

[@billydaniel900]

Easy for you to say, it's a crime against humanity no more pain meds than they are giving!

[@JeansDolls]

I’m 2 weeks post op from TKR…. It’s good to know I’m normal!

[@sparklander]

I had TKR and developed an infection 10-days after surgery. That delayed my PT for two weeks as the surgeon did not want the infection to reach the joint. After 15 days of antibiotics the infection cleared up and I was back on schedule. Now at 8 weeks I have nearly reached the mobility goals for my knee. I am so thankful for the TKR even though it was a difficult journey for a few weeks.

[@s.b.393]

OK....I have to speak up here about the DR. hoping we're still friends!! That was a very cool thing to say as I am having my right knee replaced on April 20th. Not by this doctor but just for saying that brought a smile to my face. I am tense about this whole upcoming procedure, I am worried, I know I'm stressed a bit about the upcoming surgery so that remark about hoping we're still friends was good. Thank you!!

[@ronevans852]

Video was nice to know what happening one week from today I have my knee replacement. I’ve been Putting it off for so long, but the pain is very bad now I’m going too bit the bullet . I hate it but it’s got to be . Thanks for the info.

[@szqsk8]

Did you have your surgery? How are you doing? My TKR is July.

[@ianpmilton]

Most helpful and reassuring thank you!

[@jch1259]

Tomorrow I’ll be at my two week post op visit for my 2nd TKR and it’s my left knee this round. Compared to my 1st TKR(11 yrs ago) I feel as though it’s going much better. I just transitioned to a cane. I switched to Tramadol from Oxycodone and I try to take it only at night and Tylenol 2 during the day. As of now I’m doing pt home visits. I’ll find out tomorrow at my 2wk post op visit if I can switch to an out source for pt.

[@alandavies1054]

Thanks for this…very interesting and informative. I’m waiting for a date for my TKR here in the UK. Hopefully I should be having the surgery around about January 2022. I know it’s going to be a long road to a good recovery but I am in so much pain every day at present it’s something I have do. Thanks again 👍🇬🇧

[@annebarnett1885]

Hello Alan I had a plastic knee cap. To be honest I can't remember what the surgeon said I was that scared but my knee was smashed so had a full knee. Sometimes I get a bit agetated but I was taught a really good thing. When you get up out of yr chair start to walk with yr right leg (that's my good leg) I was always stumbling or nearly falling over. Like getting off the pavement and onto the crossing... Right leg first but you might be the opposite leg. My new leg is a complete one. I find it difficult to get in the car. Havent worked that one out yet😊

[@alandavies1054]

@@annebarnett1885 Hi Anne…I’ve had my replacement knee now…had it on 14th January. Surgery was great…I was awake but sedated so not much recollection of it really. Recovery is going well…I can bend my knee to 110’ now which I am told is good. I can’t quite straighten my leg 100% yet but I’m not far off…just got to keep working with my physio and I’ll get there. Glad to hear you are making a good recovery too 👍🇬🇧

[@deborahluciano8465]

Fabulous thank you I am just about four weeks very informative I’ll look forward to the next one😊

[@rangerbob1147]

Thanks I'm at week 4, you're spot on

[@lynflom125]

I am with a lot of pain still at 8 days. My side knee & lower thigh & ankle especially.

[@maryhightshue7866]

Boy do I agree with you about the pain you have at night! My pain is not in my knee! It is along the side of my leg! It is so hard to get to sleep. I take 2 Extra Strength Tylenol, but it seems to take a good hour before they take effect! And then I start putting pillows under my surgery knee, and in between my legs. My husband asks me if I'm sure that I NEED ALL of those pillows. Well if I didn't need them, I would not be using all of them. I am just trying to get some sleep!! Sooo frustrating.

[@valeriemitchell7238]

Awesome I had my RTKR on Jan 17th. I am at 0-90+ degrees. I had my 1st Or the other day and I'm feeling pain I didn't feel before. I still don't have a post op appointment yet. I'm on stand by. My knee keeps going out. In using cane walker long distance n walking on my own.

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

I’m 9 days post op. I’m on morphine on an ongoing basis for other issues. They increased the morphine for after surgery. It hurts a lot. I’ve had 19 other surgeries and this TKR is worse than a 3 level lower back fusion. I’m still in a walker. My knee is so weak that it buckles when I walk. Doing exercises 3 times a day.

[@larryholland7192]

Great information!!

[@thomasjohnson8181]

I was on my feet and walking without any assistance at 4 weeks now at 9 weeks I still have some swelling but in therapy when they measure the degree that I can bend or straighten the knee, It's the swollen knee that's keeping me from making any more progress after I use the Ice wrap the swelling goes down then I do more therapy at home more swelling what can I do about this?

[@pittmansbs]

Good video. I’m 3 weeks post op and everything is going good. It sucks now, but I know it will get better. My concern is that I had a few bad/painful wrong steps on it lately and now it pops when doing my stretches. Can you mess things up in it by a bad twist or step where it buckles from the pain?

[@44pap]

I had total knee replacement in July of last year on my left knee and I just noticed yesterday that my entire left side is swollen. My stomach, breast, leg, and hips are all noticeably bigger than my right side. I've been trying to lose weight and when I looked in the mirror to measure myself I noticed it. What was cause that?

[@cr3062]

Infection?

[@Reneebenson]

I have knee replacement surgery to look forward to in the future the orothpedic. I have bone on bone, a bone spur and bad artist in the back of my knee cap yea me

[@vickiyounkin1057]

Thanks so much for this video so helpful

[@carollancaster9462]

Very informative thanks

[@azariyahlovecreations77]

HAVING KNEE SURGERY IS VERY PAINFUL, but I'm only 4days in so we will see in a week

[@susannadebree56]

Does RA effect the healing and pain?

[@Clarkson350]

You think the surgery would be much better by now

[@lewisshepard9239]

I had to have TKR and reconstruction. My knee was twisted and bowed. At 3 weeks,I’m still not quite at 90 degrees. I’m just hoping scar tissue is not going to be a problem. Any advice,appreciated.

[@johnreno2364]

I’m at 3 1/2 weeks and at 110 degrees. Focus on PT and getting full range of motion. Foot slides while I’m sitting but what helps me the most is a stationary bike at the gym. I use an upright bike and adjust the seat height to make it doable but still hard. My most significant issue is getting sleep, especially at night. Focus, focus, focus - it’s a race with scar tissue formation.

[@lewisshepard9239]

@@johnreno2364 you’re doing a lot better at that stage than I did. Doing a lot better now. Had to have manipulation. 👍

[@johnreno2364]

@@lewisshepard9239 Oh, I missed that you were that far along. I assume you are now 100%? I learned about MUA but although I assume it was nothing much for you, it just sounds awful to me and motivates me to work on my leg. How was it after manipulation - just recovery or did you have to do PT again?

[@lewisshepard9239]

@@johnreno2364 after the manipulation it was so much better. Still had to go through therapy,but it made it possible to do the therapy. People that don’t know,including myself think only the people that don’t work hard is what cause’s you to have the manipulation. That’s not always the case.in my case the doctor said my knee started trying to heal so fast,scar tissue set up really bad.

[@johnreno2364]

@@lewisshepard9239 very interesting. My surgeon told me, after the surgery, that it was all up to me now. If I “work hard” I can have a knee at least as good as or even better than the original. All I can do is follow the plan and hope for the best. Thank you for engaging with me Lewis.

[@alaitain]

I like for you to see my xray on one of my knee replacement. I know it's Not correct...