My doc wanted me to use the walker for two weeks post-op. He said he finds people have better gait and use the surgical leg more with the walker vs. crutches. He kept me in the hospital for 2.5 days because of all my other health stuff. When we got home, I couldn’t even get up the one step into the house. It was pitiful.
I wasn’t happy with the PTs who came to the house. I didn’t make much progress during that time. Part of that is on me, but when I got to my regular in-office PT, she was surprised that I hadn’t been shown a number of exercises that I should have been doing.
My dad did lots of miles on his exercise bike pre-op. Said it made a huge difference for him. I did it to a degree, but my knee was bone-on-bone and grinding, which made pedaling painful.
When I was sidelined after hip surgery (not replacement), I found this chair to be very helpful during recovery. Might work for those with knee issues too.
@BunsenBurner maybe. But I was advised to elevate my leg…above my heart which I could do with a recliner and some pillows. I wouldn’t have been able to do so in the chair you pictured.
Thanks everyone. I’m taking notes. It’s interesting reading the feedback from those of you who were on the caregiving side.
I’m hoping to keep the stronger pain meds to just the first few days. They don’t agree with my stomach and the discomfort can become worse than the pain.
I’ve got a great PT and I’ve got my after sessions all scheduled. I‘be been seeing him regularly for a number of years for different ailments. He also helped me after my meniscus surgery. I think I’m going into surgery with a decent pre surgery strength. I’m also proven to be pretty good at doing the exercises.
A friend had a knee replacement many years ago. His comment is that he was sorry to overdo it the first few days. He didn’t realize there was some kind of pain relief meds inside his knee(?), thought he was pain free and in good shape. Typing it now, sounds odd. So not sure I understood it correctly.
No, you’re right, there’s some sort of medication put inside the knee (nerve block maybe?). They told my husband it would last 24 hours, but it lasted three days, so it was a rude shock when it wore off!
Yes…it’s a nerve block. And it can last anywhere from a day to several days. But you do get some tingling warning as it’s wearing off…so you can take the pain meds you will need when it does!
My H had two knee replacements–Nov. 2021 and April 2022. He would say that icing and having an ice machine are essential. Also, do all the PT and do exercises at home as well. Last month H went for his one year follow up and the orthopedic surgeon said that his knees looked great.