Poll for those who have had knee replacement surgery

I am being a big chicken about having my knee replaced, so I need to hear from others who have had it done (both good experiences and bad).

If you have had a knee replaced:
1) how long were you off work? (My boss is NOT going to be a happy camper whenever I decide to pull the trigger on this)
2) how bad was the pain the first couple of weeks?
3) how difficult was the rehab?
4) how long before you felt completely healed from the surgery?
5) are you glad you did it (is your quality of life and mobility significantly better since the replacement)?
6) did you have it done while you were still heavy or after losing the weight?

Thanks,
Lora

I had partial replacements of both knees done when I was 33 due to RA. In 2007 I had a total replacement done on the right knee. I was in constant pain _pre op due to bone rubbing on bone. I won't lie and tell you that rehab and the first 2 weeks were fun. It was actually very painful at first. The first couple weeks I had therapy at home and many days when she left I was nearly in tears. I did every exercise I was told to do and have better movement in that leg than I did even when I was young. I am very glad I had the surgery because now that knee is totally pain free. I am disabled so was not working at the time and I believe I weighed about 180 at the time I had it done. In fact,I lost weight to have the surgery. At some point I am sure I will have to have the other knee done too and will not hesitate!!

Not me but my mom who I am extremely close to has had both replaced in the past four years. The first was a breeze. The second (this past march) was a more difficult recovery even tho it was the same surgeon, facility etc. he attributes it to more arthritis now and age. She is 55 now.



Sorry I can't provide more



Best of luck to you girlie! I helped take care of mama - she says no matter what it take or how bad it hurts DO THE THERAPY all u can. Meow

I been wondering about knee surgery myself. My arthritis doctor said i need knee replacements but am too young. Today my family doctor said i will be getting knee replacements at a very young age. So if i need replacements is their a certain age or reason im told i need it done but am too young.

My ortho surgeon (the one who gives me the Synvisc injections) does not like to do them before age 50 if he can possibly avoid it. The biggest reason is that the replacement knees have a limited "life" of 10-15 years, wear down faster the more active you are (and generally the younger you are, the more active you are), and -- most importantly -- because of the way the artificial knee is attached to your bones, they can usually only do the replacement twice. If someone is only 40, for example, when they have the initial replacement, they will like need another one after age 50-55... and then what happens when they hit age 70 and the second one is worn out?

Even with the technology and advanced materials we currently have, an artifical joint that only lasts 10-15 years really shows you how amazing and durable our natural knees are!

Lora

I have not had knee replacements, but need both knees done. Thats one reason why I had RNY so when I do decide it wont be nearly as bad. Both my sisters did double knee replacements one was 43 when she had hers and shortly after that had hip replacement. my oldest sister was 49.They both went to rehab for a week each,both are doing really well.My oldest sister I think was off work a total of 3 months as her job was travel, the other is stay at home .

They are glad they did them. My oldest sister told me It was hard on her being overweight. Youngest sis overweight also but didnt seem to bother her at all, not much gets her down.

My 76 year young mother had hers done a year ago, not overweight and I could tell it was easier to get her leg moving around plus she only did one.

Good luck to you when you decide. I have seen all go thru this and even my dad bout 25 years or more had his done, and I must say lots of improvement since back in the day.Hopefully by the time I get mine many more improvements.

Can't speak on the KNEE replacement, but I am having total hip replacement in less than three weeks. I am excited and petrified. I'll let you know how it goes and it may give you an idea of what to expect since they are pretty similar.

Oh, wow, sorry to hear that. I can understand how scary that would be. Yes, please let me know how it goes.

Lora

thanks. now i have a better understanding of the being too young. since im only 32 i could be doing it all over again at 42. i hope i can hold out a long time but the last time i was at my arthritis doctor he put injections in both knees and that seems to be wearing off already and its only been 3 weeks.

Were they steroid injections? I start to notice the relief from the steroid injections fading after 4 or 5 weeks. Have you talked to him about getting the Synvisc (or similar) injections? It is a liquid that acts as a kind of artificial lubricant. I chose the Synvisc One because it is a single injection instead of a series of three (or, with one brand, FIVE) injections about a week apart. It offers up to 6 months of relief (I am always ready by about 5 months out, but apparently almost all insurance plans will only approve it every 6 months, partly because it is quite expensive). It really helps my right knee, but is not nearly as much help for my left knee. I has enabled me to endure the knee for about 4 years, though.

Lora