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Knee Replacement Question

grdad45
Seeing the post about setting off metal detectors got me to wondering, how long is the recovery time after the surgery? I'm looking at having my left knee done pretty soon, and want a good estimate (not the doctor's).
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12 comments

Date Votes
  • wpageabc
    It varies by individual. It is a serious operation. Had both mine done over a year ago and they told me a year and they still hurt some.

    Not doing it is a hurt that only gets worse. While the other gets better.

    The technology has it so its better then ever so if you have a good surgical team it should go well.

    You will be up and walking the next day. However, it really does take at least 1 year to recover.
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  • Horse Plains Drifter
    wpageabc wrote:
    You will be up and walking the next day. However, it really does take at least 1 year to recover.

    Yep, agree to fully recover. Walking with a walker, for two weeks, maybe a bit less. Walking with a cane, another week or two. Driving at 3-4 weeks.
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  • nmyers
    Most folks need 8 weeks to recover enough to return to work.

    But, yes, it can take up to a year to mostly recover.

    Neal
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  • SCOUT5
    I had the left knee replaced 7 months ago and the right knee replaced 4 weeks ago today. In fact I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon later this morning.

    With the left knee I was back to work in 7 weeks. Nothing real strenuous but a lot of walking, I am a nurse and was working in an emergency room. I would have liked a couple of more weeks but the knee did okay and I had no real issues. The knee continued to improve over time. It was when I was trying to get a lot of yard work ect. done before going in for the right knee replacement that I realized how good my left knee was functioning, and that was 6 months after replacement. I don't know how much more improvement the left knee will make, it's really good right now and I am satisfied with the outcome.

    The right knee was 4 weeks ago. Though it is not recommended, the knee was doing so well I was driving short errands in 12 days and got on my tractor and mowed the yard at 18 days (3 acres with many trees and small slopes). I can walk stairs using both legs alternately. I could do with out it, but I am still using a cane, mostly to assist when climbing stairs, stepping up on or down from curbs and things line that.

    My left knee went well, my right knee is doing even better, maybe because I had a good knee (the previously repaired one). The right knee was still bad when I was recovering from the left knee operation. Like I said, maybe it made a difference.

    Fortunately my experience has been better than most who have their knees replaced.
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  • dav1965
    The most important thing is rehab. Start as soon as possible. Also i had a polar bear ice machine that was sent home from the hospital with me that works great.

    All i can say is rehab, rehab and more rehab.

    Also when i get down on my knees it feels like i have water in/on my knees.
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  • neacpa
    A friend of mine had a knee replacement procedure called "macoplasty". He said he had a very quick recovery time.
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  • mnrivrat48
    Wish I had an answer as to recovery. I came out of surgery almost 10 years ago with a staph infection. Tried removal at about year 4 or so and went without a knee for 4 months. Replanted, but came out with the same staph . Been on antibiotics all this time and secondary soft tissue infections cause open wounds at times and then secondary antibiotics to help try to close those. Have been in wheel chair last 5 years. Next step when I want to do it is amputation. (above the knee)

    So bottom line for me has been knee replacement as a step into hell. :evil:
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  • allen griggs
    I had my right knee done. It was 90 days of hell. Really bad for that time. I did all the therapy. Took lots of Vicodin.
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  • asop
    Dave is right on. STAY at the facility for a minimum of at least a week for rehab. Will make all the difference in the world.
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  • jwb267
    I was in therapy for 3 months 3 days a week. I was in so much pain I looked down the barrel of my revolver. if I could have made it out side I probably wouldn't be here today
    I was eating oxycodone like candy with no relief. I thought my back surgery was bad, it was like having a tooth filled compared to the knee replacement
    the scar on my right knee is 10' long . doc told me that was the largest bone he had ever sawn and the reason for so much pain
    my left one needs replaced, but that will never happen
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  • allen griggs
    jwb I know what you mean. I have lead an active life. Lots of injuries. Took out the windshield of a '63 Olds with my forehead, in a head on crash at age 15, got 130 stitches in the forehead. Broke the left ankle playing soccer. Two teeth knocked out at high school football practice. Thirty five stitches left thigh, chain saw accident, age 45. And, many other visits to the ER you get the point.

    I knew all about pain, or, I thought I did, until I had total knee replacement. Damn, that hurt, and hurt some more. For about 90 days it was really bad.
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  • He Dog
    had a knee done 4 years ago. Titanium not the new stuff. Surgery on Tue, bought a Smith on Gunbroker App on Wed, walked with walker on Wed, left hospital on Friday. I used a cane three more days. PT twice per week for two months. It took 3 years to recover full strength and confidence going down stairs, but worth every day and penny. The truth is thought, that your milage may vary.
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