Having knee replacement surgery in November, what should I expect after the operation?

I'm in good physical shape, been running most of my life but simply wore out the right knee. I don't plan to run again but hope to resume an active lifestyle as soon as possible after the operation. tell me about you experience.. I've had my right knee scoped 4 times, pain is really what pushed me to have the operation.

Emmy the Nurse2008-09-10T19:55:35Z

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I'm a registered nurse in an orthopaedic ward and see many knee replacements. Your recovery time in my opinion has a lot to do with age and general fitness prior to the op. It sounds as though you will bounce back pretty quickly as long as you put the same effort into your post op physio- the earlier you are up and doing the (gentle) exercises, the quicker you recover. Knee replacements are more painful than hips that is why you must take the pain relief when you need it in order to get the best results from your physiotherapy. The only thing that may hold you back a little is younger people tend to get more nauseated after the surgery because of anaesthetic and pain relief so take the anti-sickness drugs they offer you!There are other small problems such as people tending to get constipated or blood clots- both can be avoided by moving around and drinking plenty of water. You should be walking around without a frame/crutches within a week or so if you are relatively young and healthy. Good luck!

King's Kid <><2008-09-10T19:58:10Z

I know two people who have had knee replacement surgery plus my daughter is a nurse at the local hospital. They all tell me that knee replacement is very, very painful. Excruciatingly so.
My one friend had knee replacement surgery in Pennsylvania and when they released him to come home to Ohio he had to stop at another hospital in West Virginia to get a pain shot. I mean he was hurting.
I guess they put you on some serious meds after you wake up to keep you pain free.
BUT, do what ya gotta do bud. I'm gonna be there in a year or two myself.

mike b2008-09-10T19:58:49Z

After the operation, use it , use it, use it, the sooner you start using it the sooner it will be back to normal! I had one done nine years ago and after 6 days I through the crutches away and went back to work, I am self employed so I could do that. I do believe you have to bend it , use it, and make it hurt a little to get it back to normal. If you baby it and it gets stiff, you have lost the battle and VERY had to get full motion of the knee back. But follow doctors orders of course.

OzNana2008-09-10T23:12:02Z

My elderly m-in-law has had 2 knee replacements. She can walk all day on her legs now, however getting up and down stairs is a bit awkward for her sometimes.

Lu2015-11-28T14:12:21Z

THKS FOR INFORMAATION,BUT AM SEVENTY AND NOT REAL HEALTHY