What you need to know before getting a total knee replacement!

[@Yoee4747]

It is very different for everyone it seems. I am 63 and just had mine done in June. My surgery started at 8 A.M. and I was home before supper. I live alone with my dogs but my daughter is next door. I was up the next morning, had breakfast, coffee, let the dogs out and got cleaned up before she arrived back at 8 a.m. The recovery isn't fun but I was out trail hiking and beach walking again for 2 hours at a time within 3 months. It was a long time since I could do that. It is a rotten 6 to 8 weeks but for me, very worth it.

[@rickyb8636]

That's a great outcome. Congrats.

[@MinPer7]

Awesome recovery. Congrats

[@lillyanna2550]

What kind of knee surgery did u get?? Traditional TKR or Quad Sparing minimally invasive surgery. Just asking because when people explain their experience of how long or painful or how long it took to get better is confusing to me. Seems like the Traditional TKR is more painful and extensive as far as I can tell. I wish people would start out with I had this kind of TKR so for those of us can better understand. I would really like to know what kind u had. Thanks

[@Yoee4747]

I had a total knee replacement.

[@cindimiller933]

Thank you for sharing. I'm having mine. Jan 29.I can barely get around. My balance is off. My left leg is 2 inches shorter. The bone under my knee has turned or moved outward. I had lots of injections. I've never been injured. No hospitals, no children. I'm nervous and not a big tolerance for pain. I'm 71 and miss my activity outdoors or simply cleaning. I'll move forward so keep me in your prayers.

[@jonisorsen]

This video came at the right time. I'm in the process of scheduling a knee replacement. I had my knees scoped almost 15 years ago. At that time the doctor told me that I hardly had any cartilage left. As the years went by I kept having more pain. I saw a rheumatologist and confirmed I have arthritis and he pretty much told me there is nothing to be done...live with it. As my knees kept getting worse and worse I went back to my ortho doctor. He said I could try cortisone injections. Since my son was getting married out of state I was at the point to try anything so I'd be able to enjoy the trip to the wedding. I got the injections and went to the wedding. While my knees hurt less, there was still pain. The cortisone shots only lasted about 6 weeks when they should last 3-4 months. I do exercise and ride a bike to keep my muscles strong but by the end of the day, I can barely walk. I never thought I'd become one of those "penguin" people that had to waddle to walk. I do have 1 leg shorter than the other so the waddle is starting to cause hip problems. The doctor said if I get knee replacements that should help my hip and back problems. So I will have my 1st replacement soon and the 2nd one done by the end of the year.

[@dinapittman]

My daughter got married last year and I kept thinking, what if my knee gives out in these heels! There’s so many things that can be affected by arthritis that people wouldn’t think of! Good luck and use the surgery to regain your strength!

[@casper10014]

After replacement your knees condition is good or still have problems

[@Suzanna55]

Thanks for the information, I’m 69 and was told after the injection of hyaluronic both knees that I had a baker’s cyst and should have my miniscus replaced . Had the surgery, decided it to have right knee done as I found, and not alone that the surgery they performed left me with more pain. Oh yeah, after my follow up I did have a cortisone injection which didn’t change much after 2 weeks. Oh and she did not remove my baker’s cyst?.I was told I was heading for a full knee replacement. I will not have. I swell up on side of knees, not always. This was 2 years ago. I live on 3 floors, walk no problems and exercise, squats weights and keep my muscles strong. I have been careful not to overdo,diet is very important, keep on moving ladies. It’s not easy but meds are horrible. ❤

[@arthritisadventure]

Thank you for sharing and so glad you liked the video!

[@lisamichinski3362]

Thank you Dr Alyssa and Dina for this awesome video. I am currently going through my medical clearance process for a TKR on my right knee. And funny, I also have a deformity that is prompting my decision, I have "knock knees" and my surgeon told me with this replacement he will also be able to straighten my leg. That pretty much helped me make the decision, as well as the limitations I have. I also have to consider whether I will have the right knee done in the future, but I'm not even thinking about that right now. Thanks Dina for sharing the side affects, constipation may not be something fun to talk about, but it's something everyone should know about. I've had multiple surgeries in my life and had to take opioids before, but never for the length of time that will be needed, so I know drinking tons of water and adding a stool softener and a laxative will be a must for me. Having had a meniscus tear surgery on my left knee, I know that PT is critical, but even so I'm still afraid of the recovery from the TKR, it will be intense. Thanks for helping to alleviate some of my fears, it helps to hear your story, I know I can do it and having a knee I can depend on will be worth it in the end. It's just the process of getting through it! Glad you enjoyed your trip to England/Scotland! I love the hike up to Arthur's Seat as well, and hoping after my TKR I can do it again!

[@arthritisadventure]

Thank you for sharing Lisa!!

[@dinapittman]

I’m so glad this helped! Good luck and use that new knee to its fullest potential to get you strong again post surgery!

[@carolygerlitz6263]

Thanks for the information. I have the exact same problems with my knees as you (knock knees). If you have had surgery, I would like to know the results of this surgery, and the pain you went through from your left knee of deformity. I am scared since I never had major surgery. I am 83 years old. My friends are having robotic knee surgery which I am considering.

[@lisamichinski3362]

@@carolygerlitz6263 Happy to share any info. I am 56 and had my TKR on 5/23/23, so not quite 2 weeks ago yet. I did elect to have the robotic knee surgery, and I'm glad I did. The recovery has been I would say quicker than those I talk with at physical therapy that have not had robotic surgery. I was off the walker in about 2 days, and I'm doing very well with PT and nearly ready to chuck the cane. I will say the surgeon was able to fully straighten my leg, no more knock knee on that side! It is very noticeable difference from my other knee. But recovery is intense, physical therapy is a lot of work, and I had very intense bruising that I did not expect. But it's because of the tourniquet used during surgery. But that is healing. The nerves are starting to heal as well and that will give you some fun leg spasms. But even thought its very early in my recovery, I'm so glad I did it. I know the pain from the surgery will end, I will be able to walk with my newly straight leg without pain. I will say my grandmother had traditional knee replacement at 82 and she did well, her recovery was just much longer period. But she followed all her PT and meds and did great. Best of luck to you, and please let me know if you have any other questions!

[@CarolSampson-te2hk]

I'm having a knee replacement in January. And I did have a similar issue with the opioid when I broke my femorbone. So I will bring this up with my surgeon. Thank you for so much good information. 😊

[@arthritisadventure]

You're welcome!

[@colleenjohnson3269]

This was so very helpful. I have had both hips relaxed (7 months apart) and my knees are also arthritic. My husband knee is worse to the point of creating bow legs. His gait his off and creating back pain so he is looking at knee replacement this fall. Great information appreciate sharing.

[@patriciacargill4975]

Im 67 have osteoarthritis in neck, hands , feet & ankles, knee both hips and spine. Had a total hip replacement on right n October and am due to have total knee replacement in February/ March 25. Ive had arthritis since i was 15 Its an extreamly painful condition. Hip replacement went great not a minute of pain compared to what it was. Fingers crossed now for knee 😊

[@marilopez3332]

The story highlighted BM and opiates. That is helpful to know. Also I do not have other conditions arthritis is more than enough. My knees have no cartilage (saw the scans with my friend who is a PT) Thank you soooo much for the insight. BTW, My surgery is scheduled and have arranged a menu plan with a nutritionist to help in the healing. Thank you, thank you!!

[@rachelbearden4337]

Thank you, definitely some things covered here that i never considered

[@arthritisadventure]

The more you know!

[@queenies805]

I am 4 mos post TKR, 1st month really hard, 2 month better, 3 month way better. My advice do PT, take pain meds, invest in ice machine and use regularly, elevate, ask for sleep meds if unable to rest properly (I took for a week) huge help! continue flex and straightening exercises. Month 4 able to take long walks, sleep comfortably, and now glad I had surgery. Long road ahead as area remains numb, which can last 6 mos -year or longer, but will eventually decrease good luck everyone!

[@sallyhudson7196]

I am scheduled for TKR on my left knee in September. I was doing great on cortisone shots for about four years. The doctor implied that I had hit the end of the road and need a TKR. I was told that most patients make the decision once the pain is keeping them up at night. Let’s be honest, this surgery is a huge money maker for hospitals. Surgeons are under pressure to perform a certain number of surgeries per year. I wish there was another less invasive option.

[@dinapittman]

So do I! Dr. Kuhn’s program is a great place to start. We need this kind of intervention and education earlier in our arthritis diagnosis! Good luck with your surgery!

[@se5594]

Look into Regenexx stem cell therapy. I just had it done on both wrists(CMC joints) and platelets on my knees for to osteoarthritis 2 weeks ago. I am SO glad i had it done!

[@user-sn7xw2ki4l]

I did the stem cell injections of your own stem cells from the hip and have them injected into my knees. It worked for one knee fairly well but the other knee didn’t it was $15,000 for both knees. I still need to have one knee totally replaced about a year and a half after the injections, I’ve had all my Cortizone shots before I had stem cells injected. I still have pain in both knees but it doesn’t seem to keep me awake at night anymore.

[@user-sn7xw2ki4l]

I did the stem cell injections of your own stem cells from the hip and have them injected into my knees. It worked for one knee fairly well but the other knee didn’t it was $15,000 for both knees. I still need to have one knee totally replaced about a year and a half after the injections, I’ve had all my Cortizone shots before I had stem cells injected. I still have pain in both knees but it doesn’t seem to keep me awake at night anymore.

[@teresas8919]

I had my left knee done and now have no pain and excellent rom I workout no pain excellent. The only thing I would recommend is keep up with your physical therapy from start to finish eat well and listen to your physical therapist and elevate your leg like seriously elevate your leg.

[@CynthiaAva]

A year and a half ago I suddenly tore my meniscus and sprained my ACL in left knee. It took a very long time to heal and I believe I reinsured it twice on stairs. So, I have not been the same in a year and a half. Dr' told me MRI showed bone on bone. Did not tell me what stage I'm at. Told me to try conservative measures..I did PRP, seemed to help a little. Right now, I'm doing physical therapy. I'm about 2 months in. Helping a little. I notice my diet has a lot to do with the pain and inflammation. Changing diet is big for me. Consistency is difficult. I have so many sensitivities to metals, drugs, etc. I'm terrified of a needing a knee replacement. Taking supplements, doing everything I can to avoid it.

[@joanlashley4246]

Tks for sharing your experience. I had a meniscus tear😮 procedure done to fix that but after a yr the bones are rubbing and there is arthritis in the knee, replacement was suggested. I'm here preparing mentally for such surgery rarly this year.

[@cherylwright3342]

I had classes on joint replacement very much information given in classes.

[@arthritisadventure]

Thanks for sharing.

[@megweiss1736]

I know this video is old. It probably will not be seen by Alyssa. But I am scheduled for a knee replacement in a few days. After watching this, I want to cancel it. This video scared the heck out of me. I just don’t know whether I’m going to go for my knee replacement after watching this video. 😮

[@arthritisadventure]

Everyone has a different experience. I’ve met so many patients who have had successful surgeries. The goal is simply to bring awareness to help prepare as best as possible. Wishing a healthy surgery and recovery!

[@megweiss1736]

@ Thank you for the fast reply. I will probably have my surgery but I already let my doctor know I do not want opioids. I tried Hydrocodone once for a broken rib and it made me sick enough to endure the pain rather than take another pill. The scariest part of the video was the part about constipation. Thanks for the comment about everyone has a different experience. I hope I am one with a good experience.

[@doloresharvey6280]

Thank you so much for this information ❤

[@arthritisadventure]

You are so welcome!

[@pietercillie]

JUST DO IT. it is the best option you have. 3 MTHNS TO TOTAL WALKING .I am back on my cycling routine at 66 years old

[@arthritisadventure]

Thanks for the great comment.

[@sharonvanhoveln6793]

Thanks for sharing this. I too have been told I need a TKR. I really don’t want surgery but my pain has gotten so excruciating I cannot tolerate it. I was given a cortisone injection last week which gave relief for a few days but pain has already started returning.Can this intensity of pain be reversed or improved without TKR? I have been doing the exercises you demonstrate.

[@arthritisadventure]

There is a time and a place for surgery and it’s important to evaluate how the pain is impacting your life personally. If you have given a consistent effort to conservative treatment without success- surgery may be in the picture. The goal is to give you enough information so you feel confident in your decision.

[@user-sn7xw2ki4l]

Thanks for the information there were several questions now that I need to get answers from my Dr. or someone. I’ve been on Percocet for over 10 years and am now on the highest dose they can give me, and it just takes the edge off the pain. Now I’ve lost enough weight to have the replacement knee surgery will my tolerance to the opioids be enough to suppress what it sounds like immense pain after surgery. Now it just takes the daily pain of constant nine pain to a four pain. How long will it be for recovery to get back to my physical job. Do they make walkers for tall people? 6’8” 350lbs.

[@RR-pw5nb]

I having it done in 3 days......scared to death.

[@LaurainOR]

Has anyone had an Iovera treatment before their Total knee replacement? How was your pain post surgery?

[@merry6117]

Thank you for sharing your story. What were the questions that you didn't know to ask? I'm due to have my surgery in Feb. of 2025.

[@arthritisadventure]

Here's a video you can check out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHinqXanmc2EmLM

[@merry6117]

@@arthritisadventure Thank you very much!

[@cindyrichman3828]

Def need ice machine or ur screwed

[@daletracht9577]

I thought she gave no information