Total Knee Replacement - Patient Interview #1

[@malgorzatamaher9700]

He is right to say that the pain after surgery is high. After my surgery the pain was unbearable. I was in agony and even the pain medications did not work. I was counting minutes, hours, seconds till my next pain medication dose. The pain is so bad you cannot sit still and you cannot sleep. Getting up and walking around with a two-wheeled walker helped a bit, but whoever is getting a total knee replacement, don't think it's going to be an easy ride, because it won't be. My surgeon told me that it takes a minimum of two years to recover from a total knee replacement, but I would go as far as saying that the recovery after a TKR never ends. I am almost two years after surgery and I still need to stretch and exercise the muscles around my knee. I have to go for walks, go up and down the stairs to move my knee. Exercising is a life-long event that anyone who does a TKR must ACCEPT as part of their everyday life, to feel better both mentally and physically. Thanks.

[@jamesshelton7395]

NO WAY, after 2 years? i am 8 weeks out and i am still moaning like a witch! my pain kicked in right less than 24 hrs. I have to ask the nurse to give me something to ease the pain, but i was only given 5 mg of OXY, what a waste!! it didn't help at all. Like i had said in my other posting, i was literally so afraid to sleep when the night falls. I was up literally every less than 2 hrs to walk, to stretch, to ice, to exercise, etc. I was literally on the med 24/7 for the first 2 weeks. I was only taking 1 Oxy of 5 mg at night on the 3rd week. TKR is NO joke. The pain is beyond excruciating. I have had to do it bc i literally couldn't walk anymore. Am i regretting? if i have the choice, i won't do it, honestly speaking. Now i have to go back for my right knee replacement sometime in August, 2023. Had my LTKR on March 30, 2023.

[@7000bass]

Left knee a week ago. Walking short steps without crutches. Swelling is the problem. Day of surgery is great but that night and the next day is pain beyond belief 😫 Phisio is the key and a positive attitude. Excited and so glad to be walking after a year of awful pain. Thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@bccash8568]

He is lucky. Not everyone has it so good

[@jamesshelton7395]

@@bccash8568 Precisely

[@garyfarmer5698]

His experience mirrors mine exactly. Rejoice in the incremental gains, don't overdo it, but work hard to complete the PT requirements. Strength will take a little longer to gain but keep moving!

[@lenascheepers4477]

It's a different scenario when you are older. At 72 I am still doing very little after 6weeks post op

[@msklvr5078]

Getting ready to go through it in the middle of May. I’m scared, but I need to do it. Thank you for your honesty. I feel a little better. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

[@toryberch]

I am too and for what I thought wouldn't be too bad is now making me nervous 😮😮

[@RobertETH]

One word explains it all for me…DITTO. I regularly went well into the pain mode, paid the price for 1 to 2 days, then repeated. I’m 10 weeks-5 days out. Accidentally painfully injured it 3 times. Not what I’ll do on the next one in two weeks. It just doesn’t pay to think you’re immortal.

[@davidcawley499]

This was a very good and realistic interview about post TKR. I am considering TKR and I appreciated the interviewee's honesty.

[@46Kenny]

Very honest assessment of total knee replacement...especially the pain part.

[@ronlenderman5566]

One week in and this is the most painful thing I have ever experienced.

[@teresawashington1374]

Almost 2 weeks from surgery and I agree with you this is most painful surgery I ever had.

[@lindadonovan6721]

Had two TKR and my experience was not like described at all. Up walking with a walker as soon as back from ER. Physio gently immediately. No pain until some at night but received meds. Home next day. Walked upstairs and had a shower (walk-in). Gave up walker for cane at two weeks. Only went down stairs and up once a day. Had lots of physio and took the amount of pain relief meds I needed but never needed as much as allowed if needed. Finding where to situate my legs at night was challenging but with ice and pillow just fine. Had second knee done 11 months later and same results but recovery faster. It does take a year plus to fully recover so that the tissues can heal internally. Glad I don't have 3 legs but worth it. Physio, physio and get up but rest too.

[@janeharter1635]

Excellent!

[@malgorzatamaher9700]

I regret doing a total knee replacement surgery on my left knee. Almost two years after surgery and my knee still feels stiff even though I move it and stretch it daily. Stretching exercises are excruciating. I walk without pain, but I don't like the "stiff" feeling of the knee when I am sitting, for example, or when I am standing. You always feel that something hard is inside your knee, and I don't like that feeling. Strengthening the muscles around the knee is the only way out of feeling bad about the knee. Meaning, exercise is key.

[@vivianabernard]

Finally I hear someone with the same path I’m going through! Some people that had the surgery done a year ago forget too quickly and they preach they were good after a month or month and a half, it made me feel very frustrated..! Thanks for your input, I’m happy to feel I’m in the right direction!

[@aaronmooney1573]

My experience is incredibly similar to yours in so many ways. Just had a TKR at age 52. Started with sports injuries early in life. Thanks for your story!

[@mistyfranklin3351]

Just had TKR 1 10 days ago. I've had 3 knee surgery prior to thus I've had scope on ea and a half on right. Both my knees have been bad for years but I'm only 46 so they kept just trying to patch me up until it got to the point there was no more patching. I believe it's the doctor who does the surgery. I was only in recovery for an hour and I was released to go home. I have pain but it's a different pain then I had all the years before. I started pt the next day after surgery. My hardest thing after surgery was going to the bathroom, getting in and out of bed and being uncomfortable and not get no sleep at night. I'm very very pleased with the outcome already and look forward to getting this one healed enough to get my right one done within the next 6 weeks. Like I said every doctor is different and with that comes every different experience

[@tinamccarter4501]

I'm getting ready to have both knees done and I've been watching these videos to get myself ready!! It seems to me that exercise is very important pre op and post op. I plan on following the Dr's orders and pray that everything goes well. Good advice in these videos!!

[@cookingwithlori6566]

How did your knee replacement surgery turn out for you?

[@Brockton153]

@@cookingwithlori6566 Guess that we will never know.

[@halfabee]

I had one knee replaced I would never have two knees replaced at the same time. I did ask before the surgery regarding two knees being replaced at the same time and I was warned off it.

[@myopinion8062]

@@halfabee hi Paul how did it go mate you think it's worth it

[@barbaraneal6259]

@@Brockton153 m

[@gwilliams1547]

Watched many many videos on knee replacement & this is the only one i have seen that tells it how it is with real pain.We all think we should be much further along after such a massive operation but.its extremely hard going to do all the exercises they give you.10 days post op i cant lift my leg at all but will get there eventually with no pressure from pt.

[@drm3347]

9 days after my knee replacement, I was helping my kid re-roof his house. Therapist made 2 trips to the house and said she wasn't needed any more. Best decision I ever made ! The doctor makes ALL the difference in the world !!

[@rubywedderburn9487]

Nine (9) days???😳😳😳😳 Who are you SUPER MAN😳 One month ago I had mine done and I'm still stiff and extremely painful 😣

[@myopinion8062]

@@rubywedderburn9487 hi ruby how are you now please I think I'm going to need one also I see surgeon tomorrow again I've already had arthroscope 3 months ago

[@vinstyles]

fabulous a honest experience shared with everyone. thank you so much. I am based in Ireland and seeing a consultant tomorrow about both knees after getting them x-rayed. I know he is going to recommend knee replacements, but to be honest I have heard so much about the after op knee pain. It sounds inhuman and I am not sure if I am ready for it. major thanks for this wonderful vid and your assessment. best wishes to you and I hope you are back to normal by now.

[@keithmcnair1107]

Ok. This is the real "skinny" on knee replacement. For those of you too young to have ever heard of this term, it means the truth/fact. I recently had a double knee replacement. My left was bone on bone and the right one was almost as bad. It is far from the truth that right after surgery you will be hopping and skipping along. If you are please contact me, as I could use the same meds you're one. No matter what those testimonials say?..YOU WI.L EXPERIENCE PAIN. This only makes sense when you think about having major surgery on a y body part. Pain is part of the healing process. It is important that you follow your doctor's advice and only do as much as you can. Better days are ahead.

[@bettyjohnson1209]

Tor scheduled for April so watching these videos to build my expectation. I will not over do it for sure and will not rush.

[@Smartiebob317]

My advice is please do the pre-operation exercises. Also, take all the pain-killers your dr. will prescribe for you. That will allow you to do the exercises after the operation. All that said not all of these operations go as the dr. or patient expected. I am 5 years out from my replacement & still have pain. I will never be able to kneel. I walk with a limp & need a cane. I do wish you the best of luck & do as your dr. advises.

[@bettyjohnson1209]

@@Smartiebob317 thanks so much he has me in P.T. leading up to surgery says will help with recovery. Pray your pain is better

[@janemc5656]

Just had total knee replacement. Must of had the best Dr. The pain was not that bad. Off pain meds in a week walking without any device after 2wks. Dont listen to everyone. Trust ur Dr. You'll be great

[@kathystclair9485]

I am 9 weeks PO. Had the best well known surgeon. Still had amount of pain after the block wore off. I am on a FB support group and I will say, you are in the minority. Most people have had his experience. I have only heard of about 5 people in this group who have had no or little pain.

[@michellejones9656]

Thank you so much for your testimony. I am 4 weeks post surgery and I unfortunately did some of the same things you did thinking I was Super Woman. Now I'm paying for it!

[@ucan109]

Very nice interview. I’m due for a double (at the same time) shortly and listening to you has got me feeling very positive.... John..UK...

[@johnbremner8255]

I am a tough guy that has been through a lot . I had double knee replacement when I was 62 and it was too much . The one thing you cannot control how much time and attention your doctor can spend on 1 knee at a time. After Having both done at one time I suffered for 2 1?2 years. I did each knee individually at Mayo clinic It was horrible for a little more than 1 year I am coming around. I am very athletic .

[@rosemarymoreo6943]

My surgeon won't do them at the same time. He will do them 6 weeks apart.

[@FlygirlTMT]

Had my TKR October 25, 2018.......still in PT.....still have good & bad days.......not o much pain FINALLY...I'm a Flight Attendant so it'll be awhile before I go back to work. My Dr. said my work right now is my KNEE.

[@Smartiebob317]

Hope all is much better with you now. I am a retired airline employee of 38 years & I had total knee replacement 5 years ago. I still have some pain sometimes. I still walk with a limp. I have to walk with a cane. Still, have to take antibiotics. In my opinion, the patient in this interview is NOT typical. Almost to the point of being fraudulent but that's just my opinion. Wish you the best.

[@mcdonouk1]

Smartiebob m

[@nancylanderson8012]

I'm going to have the surgery for both knees, one after the other but I'm really scared of the pain, especially because everyone is saying the Rx doesn't help. Sigh.

[@pamelawilliams1510]

By the time my daughter was 41 she had had6 replacements 1wrist fused and waiting for her left knee doing ASAP RA IS HORRENDOUS and so painful 😢

[@RexyH267]

This is me to a T. But I'm 73 but I do so relate to this & I thank you for your comments.

[@jomic9060]

i had my left knee replaced at 38 yrs old. right knee 41. now 49. pain, oh man. and long therapy. and still work construction. but like most things, time heals

[@scweeeker1]

4 week post op TKR, on target with PT, the problem lies with sleep or lack of, most nights i end up in recliner. Now my skin is super sensitive to the lightest touch ie sheets. I have cut down with pain meds but they are still needed at night. I wish i had gotten a ice machine thingy as ICE is my friend. The pain is diminishing but its still nagging at times..

[@mandodan22]

I needed to hear this. I'm 10 days from surgery. I know I'm going in much earlier than most. But I hope to get ahead of what is eventually coming and have as good or better recovery than your story. I also will take to heart your recommendations. Thank You.

[@davidwelch6090]

mandodan22 how are you doing, I had my complete knee replacement on 3-12-18

[@davidboudreaux8127]

Hey, I just did my right knee 17 days ago, my Dr. made me follow 2 simple rules 1) first 2-3 weeks do the simple exercises, mostly stretching. 2) when not doing #1, ice it down as much as you can. I was fortunate enough to have a cold water machine that wraps around your knee or anywhere you want. Velcro strips hold it together. It has a chiller and it keeps the temp. at a constant 42* . After a 2-3 period, I was doing very, very well. Also I weigh 300 lbs. , I have lost about 25 lbs in the last 2 months. Follow your Dr. Simple instructions and keep a good focus and hopefully all will work out 💪.

[@gregweinberger4034]

mandodan22 ,Has

[@myratagami574]

.

[@pounderish]

The problem of early surgery is you might have to do it again later in life and it could be very difficult with your body not making it through surgery or recovery could be difficult.

[@janetdavis4724]

I had both of my knees done 7 mo apart.and it was not bad at all.. a bit uncomfortable For a few weeks... Had, no real. Bad pain..;., I’m 80 yrs old and stayed by. My self.. would do it again.

[@Teresa-K]

Hi Audrey, Hope you are doing as well as I am doing. I had my left TKR on May 16th, you said you were having yours done on the 19th (I think). I was in moderate pain, but pushed through it and did my exercises because I know how important it is for my total outcome. I'm still having some pain at moments usually when I finish my PT. I just started walking with a cane in the house, still using a walker outside the home and going places. I watch a lot of KZbin and read. It would be nice to hear from you to compare our recoveries. Take care. Much happiness, Teresa from NY.

[@suzanneflynn7659]

Teresa Keough s

[@Teresa-K]

Excellent interview! Great advice! Total knee replacement in left knee in a week. Thank you.

[@audnbob1]

Hi, please let me know how you're doing :) I'm getting my Left knee done on the 19th! I love this guy's perspective and can identify with him over doing etc so, I'm glad to hear him be honest about don't over do! That would be me! I hope you are feeling good and everything went well! Take it EASY! Audrey

[@glennmarley6989]

Same here. I entered 5K run at six weeks after knee replacement.

[@JohnnyTHolland]

Excellent honest advice and comment from a fit and healthy property developer. Boy that pain does not sound fun though. Guess it is worth it.

[@beynon_email6887]

Definitely worth it.

[@Snitzel1000]

Having TKR in 3 days. What I came away with is, “don’t over do it”...Thanks for the info and honest assessment.

[@Xstreamaudio]

I'm 45 and have had 9 surgeries on my right knee,and 6 on my left knee...started at 19 years old.only thing that keeps me going is my chiropractor

[@alanjones9742]

Ive had my total knee replace 8yrs now england had the worst snow storm when i came out of the hospital 7days manage thisio only twice snow again theswelling ispainful more then the op inall honesty it took 2yrs make sure you have ice pks walk as often as poss try your hardest bend it as much as you can then if the swelling persists try putting your leg up as high ashou can even lay on your sofa use the back for serport but truly it took 2yrs

[@FlygirlTMT]

total knee replacement.....1 week post op.......my knee has a strong itching/tingly feeling...a bit unbearable.......how can I STOP this. the pain is horrible.......when does this start feeling better. HELP.

[@karensiegel6669]

Do you have a cryo cuff to help with the pain/swelling? I am 12 weeks out from surgery and still use mine at least 1 hour per day.

[@FlygirlTMT]

THIS was the worst pain EVER in life....( I had 2 prior knee surgeries, fell at work...Flight Attendant running through ATL airport in heels....slipped on some condensation.....NEVER the SAME AGAIN....LIFE CHANGING. BE CAREFUL TAKE CARE OF YOUR KNEES. THIS SURGERY IS NO WALK IN THE PARK....ANT THE PHYSICAL THERAPY IS TUFF TOO. I'VE COME A LONG WAY....5 WEEKS OUT. I GOT A LONG WAY TO GO.

[@trueblue65hlt92]

@@FlygirlTMT wow feel better had mine December 13th and can't sleep my hip hurt really bad

[@creepyuncle542]

@@FlygirlTMT do you feel better now?

[@dianeholmes209]

The itching is horrible. Being bandaged up you cant reach it or put anything on it drove me nuts

[@geneenharper8764]

Just had my surgery today

[@bccash8568]

P r ay and bless p.t.

[@tammyhughes1272]

I wish my outcome was like yours. Im 2 weeks post op and I still can't lift my leg or bend it

[@youubik]

Interesting in the UK you are not allowed to comment on the NHS, can't take picture of the hospital or look at your medical notes (in theory you can look at your notes but in practise they disappear)

[@915buck]

What type of ICE PACKS did you use after surgery!!

[@elijahflores5030]

I got my left knee done in February and the only thing was the swelling and what call a band around my knee that tightens up until it fill like the replacement is going to bust out and I still have it,does anyone know what I'm taking about or is it just mine?

[@dianeholmes209]

Having my left knee replacement surgery on Monday. Had the right knee done a few years ago. Due to an accident as a pedestrian hit by a car it aggravated my knee further no cartilage so total knee replacement will be done my left knee has turned inward

[@emjay6482]

Finally !! An honest to god truthfully KR experience! Everyone one I come across on KZbin blah blah blah all happy acting like after 3 weeks it's just a wonderful life??!!?? B.S ! I'm 5 weeks post KR. .. I'm mobil ! I'm not 100..... I have the most pain on the left and right side of my knee.... I still cant totally wipe my foot dry .... like I have to prop it up and dry it as such.... I hope I dont heal like that! 5 weeks post and I will truthfully say I'm at 65 percent ! Walking !! But not no where near where I could say I'm REAPING TGE BENNIFITS OF TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT! Let's see guys and galz.... I'll come back in one month with an update! I will say ... my meds are a total god send ... but I'm afraid to ask for a refill..... California trying to give me tramadol after the 2nd refill.. ughhhhh

[@quelsen]

@em Jay its been 8 months , what the results

[@davidspriggs1945]

THANKS for sharing your experience...I agree about the pain being worse after vs preop...I'm 6 weeks out from double TKR and am still battling pain (I am also VERY competitive 🤣) I made huge gains the first 2 weeks...since then I've hit a plateau...I had oxycodone twice in first three weeks...I have only had 12 tablets all up...what hinders me is the swelling...ice is great but swelling seems to be increasing limiting movement

[@kenedwards2751]

did you have both knees done at the same time?

[@myopinion8062]

@@kenedwards2751 hi Ken I think he did mate I'm going to have my right knee done not sure when but haveing 2 done same time must be hard

[@jamesshelton7395]

@@kenedwards2751 BILATERALLY IS NOT HIGHLY ADVISABLE. You require a good knee to compensate the weak knee, so to speak.

[@Who-I-be40]

How is he doing now?

[@this2shellpass]

thank u - this was super helpful . good luck

[@eddatubens7809]

Any problem with leg length discrepancy after surgery???

[@Rosary716]

This has been a nightmare. Sub par care hospital and inpatient rehab. Other knee can just stay as is. Would never do again.

[@Rosary716]

And every mistake blamed on Covid although no Covid patients in rehab. This guy is weird. NO PAIN??? My 16th surgery in 40 years. Most pain ever, worse than stomach opened, much worse than labor. As far as following doc orders, have seen doc five minutes.

[@creepyuncle542]

@@Rosary716 I have to have one in 20 days. I'm only 46 and I'm terrified. Did yours get better?

[@Rosary716]

@@creepyuncle542 it was very painful, but with PT I’ve suddenly improved greatly. And the old pain I had for years has gone. I’m starting week 6 of recovery. I’m not a patient person, so I made it harder than it could be. Trust the medical team. I’m praying for you ! You can do it. I’m nearly 74, my 51 year old daughter had hers done one day after mine. She’s progressing much faster. I think if I’d had better care it wouldn’t have been so painful. Good luck 🍀

[@halfabee]

I had my left knee replace in Nordic Clinic Lithuania. Spent Two nights in the clinic then transferred to UPA SPA. Where I spent the next 14 days. I wish I had book 4 more weeks in the SPA. Every day there was physiotherapy followed my cryotherapy every other day there was coherent light therapy. There were painkilling injections on demand. Nurse in attendance 24 x 7 and a Doctor during the day. After the staples were removed I was allowed to use the swimming pool and saunas.

[@77misslinlane]

That sounds amazing. Everything where and when you need it. You were fortunate to go there.🙂

[@stephen26448]

You can thank the Insurance companies for why they send us directly home in America

[@dirtfreek]

Great Interview and information. Doctor's are not letting me go through a TKR yet. I just turned fifty, I have had the knee of an 80 year old, (Dr's words), since I was 26 years old. Crushed the tibial plateau into many many fragments but did not tear anything. Honestly I cannot wait to have the mobility and lack of pain described in this video. With simple Tylenol and Aleve, I can stay fairly active with cycling and dirt bikes, yes the kind with motors. I'm sure my day will come so I have plenty of time to learn all I can about this procedure.

[@peppermcdonald9156]

12 January is my big day for surgery.

[@sagealito]

My dr - anesthesiologist totally missed my pain blocks I woke up screaming to unimaginable pain... ihc Richfield ut

[@sonnypruitt6639]

Sue for malpractice, pain and suffering.

[@angelalewis1426]

I experience the same horrible pain I had my TKR on January 28 2020 the same thing occured to me the anesthesiolgist missed the nerve block. I was told the block would last after the surgery and they would be able to adjust the pain. Not the case I woke up to like you screaming and they are giving me every drug in my body to ease the pain. This surgery and recovery period have been a bad experience for me so far I have cried a lot and experience many sleepless nights. I have been very depress about this surgery and sometimes I regret I had it done but I know in the long run it will benefit me. I going on 5 weeks post-op and gradually feeling better.

[@marieannearnts8778]

Same seemed to happen to me. Had spinal block and G/A. I awoke in so much agony and spent 1 month in hospital. At week 5 now and desperately trying to keep bending knee. Finally getting somewhere. Had to have remanipulation nearly 2 weeks ago very sore!

[@joyceaguayo9428]

Same happened to me nerve block and spinal did not work I woke up in horrible excruciating pain the nurse was pushing all meds she could to help me. I’m 4 weeks out tomorrow still lots of pain every day flex is 105 today at PT this surgery is the hardest thing ever I’m 56 and question my decision every minute every day…

[@Teresa-K]

Audrey, I have a toilet seat that has arms which helps you lift yourself. If was provided at the hospital by Medicare. Have to pay co-pay or whatever. Same for walker. Hope you get better daily. Much Happiness, Teresa

[@marymorse7467]

This is not typical by any means

[@vincentcross9148]

I had it @ 43 😢😢

[@kevinboudreau177]

YOUR LUCKY YOU HAD PAIN MEDICATION.I HAD NOTHING.

[@yorkiem0m]

so my surgeon says they don't prescribe anything for pain post op other than Ibuprofen 800mg, is this gonna work??

[@BrianClark-yf7op]

Lori Thoelke I am NOT a doctor This is what was prescribed by tkr surgeon to me But no way that is all you could have. I had 800mg ibuprofen and 1000mg Tylenol every 8 hours for pain and swelling Oxycodone 1 every 4 hours (it says 1-2 every 4 hours) and it was needed especially to sleep then moved to tramadol instead after one week to function better 1 lyrica every night for nerve pain for 10 days 1laxative pill every night for 1 week

[@chrisspletstoser7052]

Brian Clark o

[@chrisspletstoser7052]

Find a new surgeon Lori

[@scweeeker1]

I would definitely look for pain management doctor which i did. He prescribes oxycodone for post op weeks. Due to ulcerative colitis I wouldnt be able to take the Tylenol etc.

[@barbarasasko3867]

Just had my tkr 2 1/2 weeks ago. My doc prescribed hydrocodone 1 every 6 to 8 hours after I went home the next day. I couldn't do that. After pain spinal wore off the pain really came in. I was doing the hydrocodone every 4 hours the first few days, after that it was between 5 and 7 hours. Plus u are doing your therapy that they sent u home with and thats painful. Then went to PT and that was really painful the first couple of times. Now its is a lot easier my knee lays flat and at 115 bending there 4 times now, plus taking the drug more like 7 to 9 hours apart. I keep my knee elevated when sitting. Alway ice after PT. I walk on my own at home and sometimes with cane. Good luck. I cannot do ibuprofen because of kidney. But my home instructions were no nsaids after surgery till the 2 week period is up after u see your surgeon

[@zguerrera5555]

☹️😕🧐😂🤣

[@pounderish]

I'm like you as my knees are shot when I was 40 and then in my 50s arthritis is making me crippled and today only a few weeks from 60 I'm thinking of doing knee replacement on both knees at separate times. My question or concerns are if you have the replacement to early in age they say you will eventually have it again later in life like in your 70s and that could be a problem with health and outcome.

[@stephen26448]

Rub blue emu lidocaine cream on your whole leg starting the first week paint it on like painting a fence it helps alot with the muscle and skin pain, I had to learn this myself the Dr's don't tell you that and get a 15x23.5 magic gel ice pack from Amazon instead of the ice machine for $200 the machine is very aggravating