Have mine in less than 5 days, it has been worn out over 20 years, since no one at home besides me, they are keep me in hospital overnite, anyone had one before? How much pain is there , right after surgery? Do the pain meds stop the pain? I am just getting numbed up from waist down and a nerve block for knee, supposed to sedate u an hopefully fall asleep as I don't want to be awake during surgery, would be breathing on one however

I don't have any sort of answer for you, Coonman, but I hope that there's a couple good looking nurses there to give you a sponge bath.

Best of luck to you.

First two weeks are rough, but after that it's not too bad. DO THE PT, even if it hurts .

They keep you overnight anyhow my friend just had 1 done and my wife did too couple years ago and they kept both of them overnight.do what they tell you to do keep up on the meds and you'll be fine.e exercise ahead of time helps tremendously.

A lot of very successful results around here. And some guys had both done the same time. YES DO THE PT they recommend and good luck......jk

Is the pain bad enough that can't sleep?

Good luck with your surgery

A bottle of whiskey will take care of that.
It'll be a piece of cake coonman.

Glad you're finally getting it done Dave. The pain will go away in time, but they will give you pain meds for awhile. Just make sure you do hat the doctors tell you to do.

Yep this, I'm still doing PT.
Had a torn meniscus and arthritis cleaning on right knee .
They will give you good meds. "Happy Pills " well worth getting it done.
Got family and coworkers that have had total knee replacement.
Some over did it by not doing PT, and coming back to work to soon.
Don't know why we get short term/ long term pay.

Pain is just weakness leaving your body. I am sure they will keep you comfortable in there.

Good luck Dave. Don't overthink the pain they will help you control it.

Think about the positives. You'll be a new man

Had both done, Pain is not so bad. Ice Ice Ice is your friend! Do therapy as told, no more, listen to them and follow the restrictions. Kneeling on the scars now sucks! Pain meds help but not a big pain med fan, use as needed only. Did I mention Ice is your friend. LOL
Wish I had done them sooner.

first off...I wish you nothing but the best! Do what/when they say and you should be fine.

I had arthroscopic knee surgery about 5 weeks ago to repair "multiple ligamentous and meniscal injuries". So, I have NOT had a full knee replacement...your experience may therefore be very different from mine.

but it's not been fun. full recovery is not expected for about a year following my injury.

you'll learn that formerly simple tasks are way more difficult and time-consuming. My wife was a great help getting me out of my lay-z-boy, since my left leg was locked straight in a brace for a couple weeks.

we had to buy a shower chair, since I couldn't/can't stand without a leg brace.

but get it in your head that your ONLY job is to listen to the doctors and rehab specialists.

best of luck to you...you'll get through it.

btw...pain wasn't/isn't too bad. I mind the stiffness/swelling and impairment of mobility more.

I am 5&1/2 weeks into knee replacement surgery.3 weeks in I reached full range of motion. You will learn about that. I used a walker for 3 weeks. Now I am on cane part time. I do pt twice a week. I drove yesterday for the first time because it was my right knee.
Going home with no help will be very tough. I highly recommend you have someone stay with you for two weeks. Pay someone if you have to. Who will cook for you? I had a hard time getting down and back up from the toilet for two weeks.

ICE packs or an ice machine is something you will need.

Sleep: I sleep in a recliner and was up every two hours. After 3 weeks I started to sleep in bed but still even now get up a couple times during the night.

Pain; all the time and still have some. I take meloxicam, muscle relaxer, aspirin and Tylenol.I took pain meds pretty much full time for three weeks.
Ask me questions:

The best advice I got from my wonderful physical therapist...this is a journey, a process. Do your part along the way and it will be fine. I'm almost 6 months from total knee replacement. I didn't get all the flexibility I wanted but the pain is gone and my knee is stable and strong. I'm walking in the woods again and was able to trap beaver this Spring. So glad I did it. You'll be fine but you get out of it what you put in. Do the PT.

Thanks for all reply!!

how severe of pain? Finding someone to stay is pretty hard to do

Good luck wit your surgery!

There some kinda new injections u can get that freeze the nerves by knee with liquid nitrogen I believe, I had it done last summer an didn't help at all, never had done recently because want to much upfront for it

Dont worry about the pain. Pain is different for everyone. Just get it done and keep moving forward. Set a goal for yourself to get out in the woods walking around with a new knee.

how severe of pain? it's tolerable

they do not work.

If you have no one home to help you, you can get a 21 day medicare rehab at a nursing home....you need to talk to your surgical team...

I have pets at home

Did you do any PT before? If not, I think rehab is going to be tough.
I had a spinal, but I was awake through the whole surgery. My doctor sad that shouldn't have happened. But I didn't feel anything. I was doing PT 5 hours after surgery.

Good luck.

Go back and search for hip and knee replacement threads, there's been a few, lot of good info on what to do and what equipment makes things easier...

Good luck and gitterdone

My friend plus my wife didnt have any trouble sleeping.use the ice machine often we kept 20oz pop bottles filled with water in the freezer several of them so you could change them out and give the other ones time to re-freez.like was mentioned pain tolerance is different for everyone.if its uncomfortable/painful just take your meds as directed and if they dont seem to be doing the trick call your Dr's office and let them know and they may change the prescription or how often you take it.everyones body is different what works for 1 maybe dont work as good for the next 1 these surgeons probably do hundreds of these a year like I mentioned in a different post my wife and friend had there's done in plattville wisc and the surgeon and staff were great.if you have questions after surgery dont hesitate to call the Dr's office or the help-nurse and they will answer your concerns.

you'd be wise to find someone to take care of them temporarily.

maybe someone from your church, a neighbor, local (responsible) teenager...

Conman l had total knee replacement surgery a week ago yesterday. As far as the nerve block and spinal block the anesthesia for the femoral nerve was done it my pre surgery waiting room.
She explained what she was going to do and applied a local numbing agent at the site then after the area was numb in about two minutes she used ultrasound to locate the nerve and applied the block. I could not move my leg at all.
I was wheeled down to the OR an they helped me sit up on the edge of the bed and said they were going to do the spinal block. I felt them wiping my skin with cold liquid ten felt a small sting.
They asked me to move my legs and l told them l couldn’t.
They helped me lay back and move into a formed position on the bed and then l was out.
I woke up in PACU and given a turkey sandwich and by then both nerve blocks were leaving town. I was given a .5 mg oxycodone and sent to Physical Therapy.
I had to get another one there but after about 15 minutes they goy me up and l walked about 40 feet to a chair.
I walk 4 more time, used the restroom to make the nurse happy and l was released.
One of the meds l was given was journavx which is non narcotic. That cut my pain level in half.

You are going to hurt bag the first two weeks but do the exercises and it will get better

Good luck

Most people that have bad results don't do the PT enough, yeah it's gonna hurt, first 2 weeks is hard, but gets better fast, but if you don't get full flexion in about 3 months you never will...

You basically can't hurt the replacement, it's the muscles and tendons that need stretching and building back strength....the bruising is amazing, lol , good luck

They will give you some oxycodone pills to take. You will sleep like a baby.

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery, Dave. Follow the instructions and stay ahead of the pain with your medications and you will do fine.

Do not leave the hospital if you have a temperature. Once you get home, if you develop a temp, go back to your doctor. An infection following knee replacement is a serious problem. I know. No fun and life changing. Rare, but it happens.

I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. The rehab center for 21 days is a great resource. You get PT and OT every day and Medicare pays for it.

I have a torn meniscus and arthritis in my right knee. I was told they could repair the meniscus, but it would cause the arthritis in the knee joint to flare up and I would a full knee replacement as a result. Is that what happened with you? Did you have a knee replacement?

A follow-up from me. The frozen pop bottle idea is good we used that as well. Help for a while even if someone you can call to come help when needed and check on you. Pain is tolerable but as stated different for everyone. A recliner really helps with knee angle or flex etc. If the nurse asks you that night, the pain is always an 8 or higher or they can't give you meds. LOL, nurse recommendation. Stay ahead on pain meds for the first few days. If your a trapper, your tough and will get through it. Have some food made ahead and ready to easily warm up. I never needed crutches or a walker. Was walking hours after each one. Good Luck. It is a process.

Did they sedate u before surgery with IV?

Absolutely...

Hi, we're going to start the sedation.........5 seconds later...

They say if fall down, could tear something loose an would have to start over, infection sounds nasty if happens

Dave, focusing on the negatives is the worst thing you can do right now. I'm 7 weeks post op from a full knee replacement. Wish I had all this advice going in. I had a spinal block never felt it, I remember the mask getting pulled over my head and then I was waking up. Take the meds as directed for the first week. Then you can reevaluate how much and how often. My oxy dose was one every four hours, at four days I pushed it to 6 hours then stopped the oxy at 7 days and could manage with Tylenol and Celebrex after that but I always took one 2 hours before PT just to be safe. Look into renting an ice machine, it's a bladder that has cold water circulating through it. wear it all the time you're sitting and especially when sleeping. Make sure you have a compression sock also preferably a full leg one. A recliner for the first 5 nights is a big plus. PT is a must and do what they tell you when your home. You don't have to overdo it, walking with a walker around the house for the first week will do a lot for you. Most of all be patient things will take time, Don't put yourself in a position to fall watch where you step stay on the flat and level. I was beaver trapping at 6 weeks, but had to really pay attention.

I have a friend who had two bad knees. He said it went so well with the surgery and the recovery on the first knee, he decided to do the other knee a month later. He said he wished he had waited a little longer on having the second knee done, as it slowed down the healing a little on the first knee. But, now all the pain is gone and he's glad he did it.

They give u a ice machine an a walker, u would think wetness on the skin is bad by incision but I guess not, does the sedation put u to sleep during surgery?

Had one done a year ago. I'm 74 and it wasn't that bad. Sleep was a little uncomfortable for a month. Not really painful, but enough to make it hard to sleep for more than an hour at a time. Get an ice machine, a walker, an elevated toilet seat, a reaching tool, It's going to be a little tougher without someone to help you. I watched nearly every youtube video on total knee replacement, and I think I had a pretty good idea what to expect. It's nothing to fear. I trapped last season, I'm gardening and golfing. You'll be happy you did it.

As far as the ice machine goes its a wrap that goes around your knee with plastic hose going thru it.when you turn the machine on it circulates the cold water thru the lines around your leg.you should have or going to have a consultation with someone before the day of surgery(or at least they did in platteville when my wife had hers done)that tells you what to expect after going home all of the do's and dont's.if you haven't had that consultation yet write all of your questions down on a piece of paper and take with you they can answer them better then most of the people on here.there were around 10 people in my wife's meeting and there were all kinds of questions asked there's no such thing as a stupid question if you dont know the answer.

I wonder if u got pay for ice machine, like a prescription u do, the nurse that answers questions is out for this week , hopefully it billed to insurance like the walker is, hospital is expensive

When is your surgery, Dave?

I think you'll sure be glad you did this when you get healed up, Dave.

June 1st

I don't have any information to give you but yes, they will put you to sleep before they operate. When you wake up it will be all over. As others have said, I am sure you will be very glad you did it once its all over. Will keep you in my thoughts on Monday!

We're u breathing on your own during operation?

I didn't have an ice machine, just rotated out chem ice packs, and don't leave them on all the time...stay ahead of the pain, oxy, then 2 hours later Tylenol, rinse and repeat...you don't take aspirin or ibuprofen cause they're a blood thinner, because they'll give that to you after the surgery.
sleep in a recliner first week, it's just easier,

and stop worrying, I had both done at the same time, tough but doable,.. one knee?, piece of cake

Coonman, many surgeons now offer the option of allowing you to be awake during knee surgery. If you're given that option, you may be best to pass on that.

Shortly after my dad died, my mom needed a knee replacement. She was 86 years old and living alone. It was during the onset of the COVID garbage and they sent her through as the last elective surgery at the hospital near her before they stopped doing those procedures, but couldn't offer her access to their rehab center for physical therapy. She went home without any follow-up therapy and did great. Weeks later, they made a visiting therapist available to see her at home and check her progress. She was in great shape and recovered beautifully. One contributing factor is that she lived in a house full of staircases which she had to go up and down all day. She used the knee constantly and healed up quickly.

Good luck with your surgery. You will probably be very happy to have it done!
Patrice

Coonman,

A ton of good advice here. Ice! Can't stress it enough. Get you about a dozen 20oz pop bottles fill them 3\4 full put the lid on and freeze them. With my wife's knee replacement the ice machine we used would hold four of these frozen bottles chilling the circulating water. Change out bottles every few hours and keep refreezing them.

2. Do the rehab. Its going to hurt but soon, you will feel best when you're doing the exercises. After a week or so she was doing the exercises between PT appointments.

3. Be smart and stay ahead of the pain. Early on there's no point in being tough. And move!

Good luck!

My funny horror story. First knee surgery Dr. told my wife and the nurse told me in recovery. Under sedation, when they turned the saw on, " your head snapped to the right and you asked, are we building tree stands?" Dr said get him under. I do not remember it but it happened.

Yes, you're breathing on your own but with a O2 cannule in your nose...You're thinking too much.

We've got a ice machine sitting here you can use if you have to pay for 1.

So how did it go, Dave?

Had it done Monday, not real bad pain after but some, yesterday and today no pain, I was only plan on be at hospital hospital 2 days at most an since no one at home they sent me to physical therapy dept at hospital, it is boring an sucks, almost got into it with lazy nurse before that had to call my room to get up an go to restroom, Monday I plan on going, it can't come to soon

Well, it's probably good you're there for a few days instead of trying to manage on your own at home. I'm guessing you found someone to check on your cats?

The rehab folks I had after my broken pelvis surgery were top notch and showed me how to take care of myself since I had no help at home. And I could not bear weight on one leg for 3 months after surgery. They showed me and had me practice lots of things we take for granted every day like getting in and out of the shower or a vehicle without causing damage while I was healing.

I survived and did not do any damage while healing.

Sounds like you are doing well with the pain. Now, just listen to your therapist to get your muscle strength and range of motion back. It takes time and effort.

This place is similar to correctional facility with there rules, I was expecting a day an a half in hospital, I didn't bring extra cloths an have trouble get them washed, now stuck in here an hate it, like they want u to stay 2 weeks for there program

Follow their instruction if you want to heal correctly. They have years of experience with the healing procedures and usually know what is best for most people. Listen to them......jk It is your choice how much problems you will have later on

Supposed to walk a little every hour an nurse before say no, she just don't wanna bother with be bothered

Had both replaced , yes theirs pain, Start your physical therapy next day, ice every few hours, helps with swelling. First day of PT, do as much as you can tolerate, do PT 3 times a day. and I highly recommend a knee bending machine. Each day you will be able to do more excercises. I made myself a plywood bed, mounted it on a frame and did PT ON IT, then used knee bending machine while lying on couch. I also slept in a reclinder ,as stated you should be able to sleep in bed after couple weeks. I was sent home ice machine, ask for the knee bender, it helps your knee from building scar tissue, plus helps faster healing. You will need some help that first week
GOOD LUCK

I hope can drive in 2 weeks, I have staples to get took out

I wouldn't recommend a total knee replacement to anyone unless very bad, it's not worth it for what u got to do afterward, mine was bad 20 yrs

Hang in there, Dave. You knew it wasn't gonna be fun afterwards but I bet you'll feel differently when you're scurrying up and down the creek banks this fall. You got this.

Well, Dave, it's nice to know you are feeling better, as you seem to be back to your old self again.

Try to be patient with the nurses and doctors. I'm sure there are probably people they have to work with that are in worse shape and condition than you are.

What'd you think, surgeon has a magic wand to make everything better?, lol

There's been enough posts on here and lots of information that if you read it you'd be better prepared....The first 2 weeks are tough, you were told this, you're under a week out of surgery, do the PT and it will get better, do it on your own if you have to.....

A knee replacement should be a very last resort, if u get a cut or infection, it we'll head to your knee, fall down an really do some damage, there is no way I recommend one to someone who is signal

You are not the first single person to have a knee replacement. Pay attention to what the doctor and nurses and therapists are telling you and you will have a better result. Ignore them and it might not turn out as well.

Also, be patient, recovery is a process that takes time along with proper care and precautions.

It sounds like it went pretty well for you. Hopefully, you can get home where you're more comfortable and heal up faster. Glad to hear it's over and you can stop worrying.

Most people I know who had the replacement surgery wish they hadn't had it done for about the first week Dave. Take the pain killers before you really need them.

No more pain, it just swelled up leg an limp with a walker, leg need to pull up with a belt, putting on socks is impossible without a wide sock stretcher an ouller

There's going to be some inconveniences for awhile no doubt, but after things starting getting easier as time goes on you'll be darn glad you had it done.like you've been told don't skimp on the exercises they give you too do you do know the old saying (NO PAIN NO GAIN) and in this case its true when it comes to exercising and the stretching.

I’ve had both knees done. Never heard so much whining. I’ll bet those people at the rehab are more ready for you to go home than you are. Most people say they wished they had it done sooner, you are the opposite??

10-4
I never took any drugs. My pain was very limited. I had very little swelling and I kind of enjoyed PT.
And I wish I would have had it done 10 years ago. But I worked out for 3 months before surgery. After 3 weeks I was at 110 degrees with my range of motion. Both Amy and Lilly said they had never seen such progress. But I think they tell everyone that.

Coonman you need a more positive attitude. Lot of healing up Is mental.

Agree X 2

Beav, You're my hero!

Dave, hopefully you feel better in a couple weeks. I think next fall you'll look back and say this is the greatest thing

Dave,
I am 7 weeks out from my full knee replacement. Everyone says I am doing great but the problem is they do not live in my body. Sound familiar?

Hang in there, Dave. Things will get better.

My mother had one done at 84 and another done at 85 did her rehab and started walking three miles a day and never complained one bit so suck it up

Mr. Beav said it right.........Coonman you need a more positive attitude. Lot of healing up Is mental........jk

Stick to it Dave, I was the same way to start with when I had my hip done. Now thats been 3 months and it's all forgotten about. Every one's body and condition are different. We heal and feel pain differently.
Keep on chugging along and you'll be fine.
I understand you're feeling down. It's no joy getting old. At least all this modern tech stuff helps us walk again one day and keeps us out of a wheelchair.
As said PMA (positive mental attitude) goes a long way.
So chin up buttercup! Things will improve with time

Got discharge from hospital today, had 4 house cats an someone feeding them, now only 3, sad as was a nice young amber pretty color cat

Now you can work on recovery.

Good deal coonman.New Knee-cost-one cat.
Hope you recover fully coonman and your cat comes back.

I searched all over an not here, I doubt ever see him again, probly dead or about

I just found Joey in a peace furniture inside a slide door hidden, he must have push it open

My knee an leg, an foot, swelled bad, feels like on fire the last 3 days, increased swelling , I don't know it worth it, If I fall an break it, curtains

Well don't fall and break it then. Do your therapy and exercises that they told you to and get healed up. The few people that I know that didn't have success with a knee surgery were the ones that didn't do what they were supposed to. They went home and sat on their arse and complained their knee hurt and stayed being a couch potato. It didn't help they were fat to begin with so the only thing they exercised was their hands, elbow and mouth. If they'd have put the fork and spoon down they may have healed up.

Now best of luck on your recovery. Think about mink and beaver prices why you're doing your therapy.

What was the outcome of ones who sat around?