Getting ready for knee replacement surgery - how long will I be in pain?

[Paula Sims]

Well, Feb 20, 2018 is the set date - knee replacement for the right knee. That said, how long should I expect the pain to last? I've had ACL surgeries and it's lasted a few days but this is more intense. One issue is that most pain meds don't work on me - mostly OTC Tylenol & Motrin is what works (by-product of having Ehler's Danhlos Syndrome).

Anything else I should know? I can't be off work too long (I'm hoping no more than 1 week) and then work from home (a computer job) for the rest of the 5 weeks of FMLA. Hubby will be driving me to rehab.

Thoughts?

Thanks for the help. Yea, I'm terrified.

Paula

[skylucy]

1. I don't have any personal experience with knee replacement, but I rec'd for more visibility.

I have a few friends who have had the knee replacement surgery and are doing quite well now. One friend did say that it is important to follow directions of the physical therapist after the surgery for the best results. Anyway, I am a big baby about going to the doctor, so I can relate to being "terrified"! But I wish you well and hope you get answers to your concerns!

[Lint Head]

2. I'm told I will probably need it soon also and have

come very close to having it done when my orthopedic surgeon said I should put off for a little while because of the life of the actual replacement is about 20 years. They could last longer but that's the average she said. Anyway he told me that they would want me up and moving the next day and walking by the day after that at least and having therapy on that knee. So I think recovery may not be that long.

[dwilso40641]

3. My right knee went well.

Hardly any pain, was walking the next day. Used walker until I gained confidence. The machine to move the knee is a pain but a necessity I guess.

[Siwsan]

4. Kicking for visibility

My B-O-L had a knee replacement and I was SHOCKED at how soon he was going up and down stairs.

[The empressof all]

5. You will be so glad its done

I’ve had both a knee and a hip done. The knee recovery was quicker for me but honestly far more painful. I was able to tolerate pain meds which I took religiously. The doctor encouraged me to stay ahead of the pain and take meds as prescribed before pain was unbearable. I have poor reaction to pain meds as well but I was grateful for them. It’s important to ice and hopefully you will have an icee machine to keep the wrap cold. It’s also important to use the machine that moves your knee and to do the pt. I was up and able to do a few stairs the next day but it was painful. Everyone is different so hopefully your recovery will be quick. I didn’t feel good for about six weeks afterwards

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Dear Paula: talk to your doctor.

Everyone's response is different to knee replacement. I've had both of mine done, and they were different.

Pain is hard to describe. I thought maybe I would feel where the joint had been removed, but I didn't. If your doctor is aware of your body's response to pain meds, then he should be able to prescribe something that will work. It is controllable.

I don't think your plans for being off work are realistic. A typical recovery is months, not weeks. But then, people differ. I was off 8 weeks for my hysterectomy and it was enough. 8 weeks after my knee replacement, I was far from recovered. It's really hard to know just how it will go.

I hope some other folks will chime in here so you can get a better idea about all of this.

One thing that kept me going: that knee never again hurt the way it had before the surgery. I move without pain and that made all the rest worth it.

Best of luck!

[snowybirdie]

7. Major Pain lasts

a week or so and gradually lessens. You're going to have to religiously do the recommended physical therapy. That takes six weeks or so. If you have a desk job a week or ten days is enough for return to work. But you'll need a walker for a few weeks and then a cane. That's for total replacement. Had mine done seven years ago and am glad. Have you looked into the shot that corrects arthritis in the knee? Not cortisone, a new drug made from rooster comb. Has saved me from having to have my other knee replaced for four years. Amazing! Hubby too. Check it out. Good Luck!

[Nay]

28. What is that drug made from rooster comb? I am doing well now on hyaluronic acid

injections, but I don't think that stuff is from rooster comb.

[Paula Sims]

30. Thanks - tried it and it didn't work

Neither did cortisone shots

The reason I'm doing this is because my gait is so off, it's impacting my hips. Frankly, the knees don't hurt that much.

[Callalily]

8. Good advice above.

Having recently had my other knee (left) done, I can certainly tell you that once you are through PT, etc. you will be sooooo happy.

Please do your PT, it is essential. I have met far too many people who complained about the results, only to find out that they have not followed through on the instructions that their orthopedist and PT people gave them.

I know, after a while you may think that PT exercises (long after going to PT appointments are done) that you may think they are not necessary, but believe me, they are. Those exercises are targeted to strengthen certain muscles that are necessary for a full recovery!

As far a pain, please take meds are prescribed, suggested by your health care people. Don't be a hero either. You will need them the first couple of weeks. Managing your pain is also key to recovery.

Wishing you the best!

[AirmensMom]

9. It's individual.

It was seriously the worst pain I have ever experienced, as they warned it would be. They had me walking and in physical therapy the same day. And it turned out that I was allergic to the pain meds. So I had to rely on the aspirin they told me to take for blood thinning. My method of pain relief was to do the stretching and bending exercises whenever the pain got bad, and then ice and elevate. So I ended up doing the exercises more times/day than they recommended. Definitely do the strength exercises as well. And stay away from alcohol. That will make it hurt even after you think the pain is gone. Also, don't sit in one position for more than 20 minutes. I'm 2 years post-surgery now and can do squats, lunges, single leg quad stretches where my heel touches my butt, child's pose, and pretty much everything I could do with a healthy original knee. It's not bionic, by any means, but much improved. It will keep improving if you keep the muscles around it strong and flexible.

Oh, and you will not be cleared to drive while you are on pain meds. Keep that in mind.

Edit: All that and I forgot to wish you the best! Good luck with it all and I hope we hear of your great results!

[womanofthehills]

29. Morphine does not kill pain for me at all - but Dalaudid does big time

Some people like me get zero relief from morphine, but with Dalaudid in 5 minutes the pain is gone.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

10. I just had a consultation this week about knee replacement in the near future.

I've been 'scoped' twice over the years but the surgeon says another one won't help. I've been doing the gel shots for a year or two since the cortisone stopped working so well.
Anyway, what scared me was they said the pain would be "10 times worse" than the arthroscopy.
My scenario is probably different than yours but it sounded like hospital + rehab center stay would be about 10 days, give or take. Then there's a lot of PT-- first home visits then I travel to them for a few weeks.

I'm bookmarking this thread because I'd like to hear what others have to say. Good luck to you!

[rzemanfl]

11. Until we are rid of Drumpf and his gang.

Wait, this is about, you, not me. Sorry.

[Paula Sims]

18. Yea, I get that too.

Cute - needed the smile!

[marylandblue]

12. My mother had knee surgery and it took her about six weeks to get back to normal

She was walking the next day. You might be able to work at home if it's just sitting on the computer. Do the rehab exercises religiously. The more you do them, the better your recovery will be.

[mnhtnbb]

13. I had a hip replacement 10 years ago and a knee replacement last July

and in my experience the knee pain after surgery was 10x worse. I don't tolerate pain meds well--which I told my doc--
and he still prescribed heavy doses of Oxy which they gave me in the hospital. Cost me an extra day in the hospital
while they adjusted my pain meds so I could tolerate them. Be sure to talk to your doc about managing pain given
your experience with pain meds. I went home two days after surgery (my surgeon normally sends his patients home the next day).
If you don't have someone at home to help you, then you might need to go to rehab for several days until you are able to get up
and around without help. Be sure to get yourself up at least once an hour and walk around a bit. The risk of blood clots
post knee replacement is higher than it is with hip replacement.

Yes, they will get you up and walking on it right away. The air was blue in my room from not being able to bite my tongue.
The first time I let go with the f bomb it astonished the PT. I guess she thought some 66 year old lady wouldn't sound
like a sailor. Really. Be prepared for serious pain and take your pain meds as prescribed to stay ahead of the pain.

You can order gel ice packs--get two of them--on amazon. You'll have one always ready to use and really keep your knee
iced and elevated at home. These are the ones I have: https://www.amazon.com/FlexiKold-Cold-Packs-Standard-Large/dp/B076PG75QJ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1515359152&sr=1-4&keywords=flexikold%2Bgel%2Bcold%2Bpack&th=1

Put them in the freezer BEFORE you leave for the hospital and they will be ready to use when you get home.

DO YOUR PT EXERCISES!!!

I got myself off the pain meds as soon as I could, but I have a high tolerance for pain. The last pain pill to give up was the one
at night before going to bed so I wouldn't wake up in pain. Take your pain pills before you go to PT. Be prepared for PT to
hurt. It's definitely a no pain no gain kind of procedure.

My knee continued to be swollen for several months after the surgery. I moved from the walker to the cane quite rapidly--actually
faster than I did with the hip--and was able to toss the cane after about 3 weeks but the knee was still really stiff.

I am now just shy of 6 months post procedure and my knee still does not feel normal. I still have trouble going up and down stairs without
holding the hand rail, particularly if I'm carrying heavy packages and I revert to the up with good, down with the bad leg strategy, although
my ability to go up and down stairs does seem to be improving over time.

The doc and the PT's will warn you it can take a year for the knee to feel normal. Believe them.

Good luck!

[GeorgeGist]

14. Be sure to have a large bag of frozen peas/corn on hand.

Makes a great cold pack for pain relief.

[csziggy]

16. For me, the pain was much less for replacement than from meniscus removal

I had meniscus removed from the left knee in 2001 and the right knee in 2007. Had to be in a brace each time for over six weeks, with lots of pain. After that I was bone on bone in both knees.

Got both knees replaced in 2012 - about two months apart. I hurt less the day after surgery than the day before. The opiods don't reduce the pain for me, just make me not care. I took Piroxicam instead before and after the surgeries to reduce the inflammation. I still have opiods in the freezer left over from my knee replacements - I just don't like using those stupid pills.

Because I am obese and with two bad knees, I managed to get approved fora rehab hospital rather than home physical therapy. If you can do that, take it - you get a lot more intense PT every day rather than a therapist coming by every couple of days. Plus the place I was at (Medicare approved) also did occupational therapy to help with handling disabilities, which has been helpful with my more recent surgeries.

I spent nine days each time in rehab and continued my PT at the same place as an outpatient. The first visit after surgery they took away my walker - I wasn't relying on it, just pushing it around.

What helped with no medication - cold packs. I made my own with 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water. 1 quart in double bagged gallon sized ziplock bags works nicely - freeze, and the pack is still flexible and stays cold longer than just ice.

Find a footstool that you can use while sitting at the computer. Also, talk to the therapists about exercises to do while seated, like "marching" in place or lifting and holding your leg up.

Oh - I was not allowed to get the incision wet for like two weeks. Stock up on plastic and tape - garbage bags work well for the plastic. Tape that over the incision and you can still get a good shower. I recommend a shower stool so you can sit if need be. If you have a tub/shower combo, look into getting a transfer chair - stepping over the side of the tub may be difficult and the transfer chair lets you sit on the seat, then slide over into the tub area .

Some of these things you can rent temporarily and some can be found at thrift shops - they get dumped. My shower stool came from Walgreens. If you want a better walker than insurance will provide, check thrift shops or Craigslist. I got a fancy one with a seat from my brother in law who was buying warehouse contents.

You will be fuzzy from the anesthesia for a few days. Give yourself time to get that our of you system and then you will be good to work at home on computer.

Good luck!

[colsohlibgal]

17. For Most I Think Not Too Long

I had my right knee replaced last June and I only had semi serious pain for a couple of days. I was walking without even a cane by about 12 days, and after about a month of therapy my doctor gave me the go ahead to return to the competitive tennis I play exactly 6 week’s post surgery.

But it all varies for each person I suppose depending on a myriad of factors.

[Paula Sims]

19. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice you're the best!

I've had 3 ACLs done and I know PT is important - in fact, I've visited my PT and am doing the exercises BEFORE the surgery. I'm hoping the pain meds will work but I had to take Dulaudid for kidney stones and it was like taking Skittles. I'm sure they'll give me something. I've spoken with the doctor but everyone seems to be so checklist happy that who knows what he'll do. And I'm the wife of a hockey goalie (amateur) and a programmer - my vocabulary can make a truck driver blush and I'm NOT afraid to use it!

So thanks all. I'll check in again mid Feb to request good vibes. I'm terrified but I guess it's worth it.

Paula

[shanny]

20. Just one more thing:

I'm the unhappy veteran of more than a dozen surgeries, including knees, feet, shoulder and, a year apart, an ectopic pregnancy and a complete hysterectomy. Those last two were performed by the same doctors, hospital, etc. They even re-opened the same incision.

The first was far less invasive, and yet afterwards I continued to have serious pain for two months. The second one I was right as rain after--maybe--ten days. I remember going in to get my 1-week post-op check. After the doctor and nurse were finished they reached out to gently help me sit up, and I already had.

The difference was the pain meds I got in the first 24 hours. First one, not enough. Second time around I guess I threatened the nurse in recovery to MAKE SURE I didn't go through that again. She did, and I didn't (she came and checked on me the next day, smiling a little secret smile, like at a private joke...I guess I made quite an impression).

Anyway. In my experience that's the key: the first 24 hours, Just Say Yes.

[MiniMe]

21. One thing that I heard is to get in as good shape as you can before the surgery.

I've never had the surgery, but will probably need it at some point. A friend's doctor told her to get in as good shape as possible before the surgery, to exercise all the muscles. That makes doing the PT much easier, and their surgery and recovery went very well.

[mythology]

24. I second this

I am in line for a knee replacement at some point in the future, but in an effort to put that off given I'm still in my 30s I got new cartilage in my knee. The surgery I had, particularly given the severity of the lack of cartilage and where I was missing it, is often a 50/50 proposition. But one of the biggest things I feel worked in my favor is that my legs were very strong before surgery. When they wanted me to start doing hamstring curls, they had me start at 1 pound and before I finished the first set, told me to go up as high as I felt I could do safely.

I also second the advice about getting up and moving. Do it safely of course, but sitting around just encourages more loss of muscle and sets in a mentality of not being active.

[Sampan]

22. Knee replacement last May

I’m so happy I had it done. My knee feels so strong and I dont have any more pain. I took pain med (Vicodin) for 6-8 weeks postop, mostly at bedtime because I was sore in the evenings from therapy and exercises. But everyone’s recovery is different. A friend of mine had her knee replaced 2 months ago and she was on Motrin after 1 month. I think your idea to go back to work after one week is way too ambitious. The fatigue from a major surgery like this one is significant and lasts many weeks. Best of luck to you. You are on your way to a big improvement in your life!

[Jack-o-Lantern]

23. Dont be overly optimistic.

Well, I had a left knee replacement 4 years ago… I’m not too happy with the results, but it is better than before the replacement.

You will not be able to squat or be on your knees ever again, and in my case I must favor the knee in climbing stairs etc.

My hiking days are over unless it’s a garden path type of thing, and the damn thing clicks on every step I take.

I am 72 yrs. old and realize my age related limitations, yet I really thought things would be much better after the surgery… but as it turned out, not so much.

Each case is different, good luck to you.

[AirmensMom]

25. It's different for everyone.

I can do squats and lunges and I kneel ... but it took a lot of practice. The first time I tried to do anything on my knees, it was excruciating. But I was determined to do that particular workout, so I folded a towel and placed it under my shin to relieve the pressure on my knee. Eventually I was able to kneel on my knee without a towel anywhere. But this takes a great deal of determination. My knee was replaced 2 years ago and i'm 61 years old. I can run up and down the stairs.

I have found that exercise does wonders for it. If you work on strengthening the muscles around your knee, you might be happier with the result.

[The empressof all]

26. One more thing to be aware of

For me the pain got worse a few days out. This was because the surgeon injected a long term anesthetic into the surgical site. This allowed me to get up and take stairs and go home quickly. LOL...Once I got home the pain got worse which he was not alarmed with as his little "trick" wore off. I accused him of not wanting to hear me cry when I was in the hospital which he did not dispute...and smiled slyly..... Seriously though get the ice machine...keep it elevated and on the leg lifter machine. I used in on my recliner....You will catch up with your Netflix ....You will need some help around the house and I wouldn't recommend being left alone for at least a few days. Also get a walker with a seat as it will help you carry things around your home.

[Guilded Lilly]

27. My knee was done almost 18 months ago...

Torn meniscus started from a crappy tennis fall on the hardcourt, then bone on bone and hereditary arthritis really did the damage. I’d been walking with a cane for a few years and I was ready!

Was it painful? First day I was totally doped and singing Streisand songs coming out of surgery! I had witnesses!

But, yeah, for a few weeks of PT starting the day of surgery it could get fairly annoying. Nothing that couldn’t be handled with determination. But I had mega Tylenol and a good oxy-pill for before the pt sessions to help and I took them! I had a great little 2 hours twice a day machine that helped me bend progressively that did wonders, too. The leg compressors and active cold water packs were a fabulous aid. I was bending fully within four weeks.

However, I was off work for 8 weeks, pretty much what they said. They said a solid year to get things totally healed. Had to mostly work on the thigh muscle for supportive strength.

My arthritis was more of an issue.
Still am strengthening the muscles around the new cap but walking without any cane! I can do a few stairs but no more tennis :/

On long distances or public events I can take a cane
Or rent a scooter! Super at Disneyworld and the Zoo with the grandkids. But man, I can walk
and the rehab is a thing of the past.

It was worth it. And as an unexpected plus I dropped weight that left me almost at my college numbers! That was sweet.

Sending lots of positive white light to you!
You can do it.

[onecent]

31. 9 most was about the day it went away. I am suppose to get the left one done,

but I'm too chicken.

And the doctors gave me the "worthless" Pain!!!! Tramadol HCL 50 mg.

I called the doctor's office and told them the tramadol wasn't working, and she
told me I would have to go back to the doctor, get a new prescription, go to the drug store
and get the new one...

I THOUGHT TO HELL WITH IT....

Some people don't have this much problems....so don't take it from me...

But I refuse to go to the doctor if they AREN'T GOING TO TREAT PAIN!!! I'm 72 years young and
I will get my hands on some weed....

YES get the ice machine!!