O/T Total Knee Replacement

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:39 pm

I am due in hospital in 3 weeks time for Total Knee replacement and I am just interested in feedback from folk who have had this op.
What’s your experiences of recovery/pain/success?
How long can I expect to be off work? I know I can’t drive for 6 weeks but my job entails sitting on my backside all day, every day so I’m sort of thinking along the lines of being back in work after 2/3 weeks with lifts. Is this unrealistic?
Any particular advice/tips/re-assurance gratefully received.
Not had my pre-op yet but will be fighting hard to have general anaesthetic and not epidural as some seem to have these days (I’m a wimp!!!) but anyone experienced the latter? What are the benefits?
Thanks in advance.

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:07 pm

Sign-on for Rovers and you'll be playing first team football within 3 weeks

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:20 pm

Thanks for that Basil!

Haverigg Claret · Post by **Haverigg Claret** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:30 pm

Had a total right knee replacement in June. Had just over 3 months off work. My type of work involves standing for most of the day, manual you might say. My consultant told me I shouldn't drive for 3 months, reason was if you can not do an emergency stop. Had to tell my car insurance. Still have numbness in the knee and a slight ache, been going to physo for about 6 weeks, which helps.
Unfortunately my left knee needs a replacement as well and that will not be done until the right knee has fully recovered. So at the moment I have one knee that is recovering and one knee that needs sorting out. Shall be seeing my consultant again in November to see how I'm doing.
You don't mention your age, but I'm 64 and it depends on how fit you are. The fitter you are the better the recovery. But everyone is different.

I ride a bike and do swimming, keep moving the knee as much as possible after the op, but don't over do it. Good luck with surgery.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:30 pm

I don't know how long you are going to be laid up, but just get in and get it done - I imagine you are suffering quite a bit of pain with it to necessitate the op.

My auntie has just had both hers done and she's 89 next month - said she is now pain free and she's certainly walking better, in fact far better than I walk.

CrispyClaret · Post by **CrispyClaret** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:32 pm

Only been involved in putting them in so no idea about pain post-op. I can speak from experience and say you need to be mobile as much as possible, if you don't use your knee it will lock solid, literally. Surgery is the first step, the rest is down to you being motivated. Please please make sure you exercise, it will be sore and stiff, sitting down will feel the easy option.
Good luck

Burt · Post by **Burt** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:35 pm

Hi

I had 2 knees done at the same time in Nov 2014

It didn't go well initially ( 6 hours in theatre due to medical history complications ) however I now have zero pain in both knees whereas previously I was taking strong pain killers every day

I am similar to you in that I have an office based role. I got a lift into work 4 weeks after the op to attend a meeting and I struggled and it wore me out.

Everyone is different in their rehab but it took me 3 months before I was up to full speed, could have been due to the complications. Think 2-3 weeks is very optimistic and I had general

All that said no regrets.

Best tip is do the physio and exercises prescribed then do some more, do not skimp. I went to a private physio for 3 months as NHS were less than great although they were fine when I was in hospital

Stick at it, the joint keeps improving for up to 2 years after the Op!

Best of luck

martintheaker · Post by **martintheaker** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:41 pm

Firstly, best of luck with the op, I hope you have a full and speedy recovery.

The recovery takes as long as it takes and you'll have a Doctor and Physio's guiding you every step on the way, listen to them and your body.

When I had my hip done a little while back, there was 92-year old bloke having a TKR, he was out of bed and walking withing 12 hours of returning to the ward. It knackered him completely, but he did manage a few steps with a frame. The physio team will push you to the limit, so be prepared for a bit of pain.

You'll need to be careful on the driving question. Your Doctor will advise and will give you a letter (if you ask) saying you are fit to drive (the emergency stop is the critical factor) if he feels you can do and emergency stop, he'll allow you to drive. This will be invaluable should you have an accident where you fail to stop in time.

As for working, give yourself plenty of time and don't over commit to doing stuff, you might regret going back too soon and hamper your recovery.

Again, hope it goes well.

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:51 pm

Had two replaced in 2014, injured both at work in 2013 and knocked both cartilages out, Left done June 2014 and was walking on it without a crutch 2 weeks late, did all the physio I was told top and then some more, left has been excellent. Right replaced 14 weeks later, could tell after the op it did not fell same, I was awake for part of this op and they knocked me out, because they were fed up with me talking and saying what you doing now?

Anyway the right was is not as good, locks up and sharp pains and that is passed two years now.Company would not allow me back to work as said because physical job I would not be able to move fast enough if there was an accident

so not worked 3 years, but walk around 10 kms a day now and cycle 50-60 kms when weather favourable, anyway good luck with op, would have had to had done or I would be in a wheelchair by now and I am only 55 now.

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 2:02 pm

Great responses. Thank you. Not you Basil.

Thanks. I had a hip replacement 8 years ago (very young - 48 at the time due to birth defect) and did indeed do as I was told and more and now I forget I have had it done. Hip consultant said his patients who have had both all say knee far worse which has got me worried. This is a football injury from 15 years ago and finally giving up the ghost after 5 years of 3 monthly steroid injections and anti inflammatories giving me ulcers so in truth I am looking forward to a new knee but realising maybe I am underestimating somewhat the length of recovery.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 2:42 pm

Chap I know was 90+ when he had it done and was completely out of it for the first week, all sorts of pain, rambling mentally, no end of problems. But that was only for a week, and then it progressed very well; five weeks later he was fit and well and back out on his country walks. Five years on, his knee's still in fine fettle.

But to back up what others have said, stick to the rules of physio. For example, I believe you mustn't bend it to 90 degrees for several weeks after having it done - if you kneel down just once, you could knacker it long term. For the post-op period, do not tell yourself that you are doing well and can push it a bit further. It's not worth the possible long-term risk.

DavidEyresLeftFoot · Post by **DavidEyresLeftFoot** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 3:50 pm

I'm an anaesthetist. If it was my knee I'd have it done under spinal anaesthetic. It's a painful operation and your pain control will be better due the effect of the combination of drugs we put into your back. If you do have a spinal it doesn't mean that you have to be wide awake. Normally we administer an intravenous sedative throughout the operation to whatever level you prefer. The majority of my patients nod off and don't remember anything about the op. Don't be put off by the risks of the spinal. We have to discuss worst case scenario and the risks are incredibly rare.

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 4:09 pm

Both mine were spinal injection, but just my second I became awake during op, but never felt anything, have to say i nodded of as soon as they put me on operating theatre first time, I was fed up just wanted first one sorting.

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 4:20 pm

Had one done in September 2013. Like others have said thew important bit is the exercise. Whilst they give you a plan I added more to mine and soon got into a routine with it. I'm 62 and whilst at the NHS Physio clinic each week I was way ahead of some of the younger men, which the Physio's said it was simply down to the exercise I was doing at home. The first few weeks are hell but it does get better. Just remember you have to get a balance of rest and exercise but do it correctly and its well worth it. I cant kneel on mine and probably never will but the benefits of being able to go for a reasonably long walk again far out weighs the kneeling. I guess my other knee will require replacing in the near future but I would have no hesitation in getting it done. To be honest I should have had it done much earlier but I put it off for about 10 years, on reflection I wish I hadn't waited but that's in the past now. To repeat, listen to what the Physio tells you and push those exercises, you will be like a new man. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 4:40 pm

I like the idea of the anaesthetist doing my right knee being called David Eyres left foot! Thanks again. I might consider the spinal but I'm a bit weird and also like being put out!! Beddie you have done well to go some way to reminding me that it will be worthwhile.

joey13 · Post by **joey13** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 4:50 pm

DavidEyresLeftFoot wrote:I'm an anaesthetist. If it was my knee I'd have it done under spinal anaesthetic. It's a painful operation and your pain control will be better due the effect of the combination of drugs we put into your back. If you do have a spinal it doesn't mean that you have to be wide awake. Normally we administer an intravenous sedative throughout the operation to whatever level you prefer. The majority of my patients nod off and don't remember anything about the op. Don't be put off by the risks of the spinal. We have to discuss worst case scenario and the risks are incredibly rare.

Hi David I'm on the list to have a knee replacement , I'm allergic to all opiates except fentanyl do you think it best for me to ask for a spinal anaesthetic , cheers

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 4:56 pm

Terrible name for a band like....

DavidEyresLeftFoot · Post by **DavidEyresLeftFoot** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 2:30 pm

joey13 wrote:Hi David I'm on the list to have a knee replacement , I'm allergic to all opiates except fentanyl do you think it best for me to ask for a spinal anaesthetic , cheers

Depends what you mean by allergic. Some people think that the regular side-effects of drugs are allergies. If it's nausea etc this can be easily dealt with. If you do have a genuine allergy i.e. Anaphylactic reaction then that's obviously a more serious problem.

It is a very painful operation and you will need strong opiates for the first few days whatever anaesthetic technique you go for. I do generally find that my spinal patients do better, providing you've got decent pain relief on board afterwards. The anaesthetic part only lasts about 4-6 hours.

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 2:44 pm

I had spinal anaesthetic just as our in house anaesthetist has mentioned in his early post. It was perfect for me.

joey13 · Post by **joey13** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 4:08 pm

DavidEyresLeftFoot wrote:Depends what you mean by allergic. Some people think that the regular side-effects of drugs are allergies. If it's nausea etc this can be easily dealt with. If you do have a genuine allergy i.e. Anaphylactic reaction then that's obviously a more serious problem.

It is a very painful operation and you will need strong opiates for the first few days whatever anaesthetic technique you go for. I do generally find that my spinal patients do better, providing you've got decent pain relief on board afterwards. The anaesthetic part only lasts about 4-6 hours.

I suffer from Sphincter of oddi dysfunction so opiates can cause me to have an acute pancreatitis attack

DavidEyresLeftFoot · Post by **DavidEyresLeftFoot** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 4:45 pm

joey13 wrote:I suffer from Sphincter of oddi dysfunction so opiates can cause me to have an acute pancreatitis attack

It's often morphine/ codeine that get implicated with this. You will definitely need some opiates afterwards. Fentanyl can be given via a PCA (self controlled button). Or there are other opiates to try that you may not have had before like oxycodone. Another option is to use an epidural (small tube left in the back) for the first couple of days. That would hopefully reduce/ eliminate the need for extra opiate drugs. The downside of that maybe a decreased ability to fully mobilise independently and some surgeons do frown upon this. Your anaesthetist will give you all the options available in your particular hospital - it very much depends which drugs are available and local preferences for things like epidurals.

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 2:28 pm

Woody9229 wrote:I like the idea of the anaesthetist doing my right knee being called David Eyres left foot! Thanks again. I might consider the spinal but I'm a bit weird and also like being put out!! Beddie you have done well to go some way to reminding me that it will be worthwhile.

Just an update for those interested and I had the op last Thursday? First thing to say is that coincidentally The surgeon was called Eyres so I knew I was in good hands and took our resident experts advice and had the spinal injection and sedative and as he said I slept through it and was a good decision, thank you. I think its gone ok and I was home 72 hours after the op. The pain is at times brutal especially when trying to do the more severe exercises. At times it feels like I am being asked to move a broken leg!! Melodramatic I know but you have no idea as to whether by pushing you are doing more damage and whether you should leave it for a day. Certainly My whole knee is much more swollen than it was when I left hospital!! Having said that I feel quite mobile and down to one crutch and can even walk without but that just doesn't feel right yet. I am trying to stay positive though Monday night didnt help but lots of ups and downs and as I'm on 8 meds a lot of highs literally. I am waiting for a physio appointment and that is frustrating as I cant measure how I am doing as not seeing anyone until then.
Thats it for now UTC

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 3:38 pm

Woody9229. Good to hear from you. What you have described is exactly what most people go through. I know I did. Yes there are times when you think its not going to bend or the pain is so excruciating but that's what you have to get through. It wont feel right some days when you are trying to work it but believe me it will come. No overnight cure i'm afraid but your Physio will tell you that. its all about "Game Management" (I've heard that word used before). Once I returned home I did the exercises I was given from the Hospital about 8 times a day with two walks thrown in (with two crutches). I borrowed a small floor pedal machine where you sit on your own chair, it was hell trying to get the pedal up and over but eventually I managed it, by then my appointment for the physio came, I joined their weekly 1 hour class, well worth it as you all move around a small gym using the different equipment for 5 minutes at a time, it will really bring you on. So to summarise, keep doing the exercises and go through the pain barrier. The sooner you can get off the pain killers the better (Tramadol). You must get plenty of rest in between. Oh and finally, get plenty of fruit and veg down you, the constipation for a week or so is bloody awful

. Good luck and do up date us periodically.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 7:27 pm

My knee hurts like hell. Slight twist ?

I'm getting worried now !

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 7:51 pm

It hurts like hell the exercise but it is worth it, in the long run, glad to hear you had it done good luck with it and keep on bending and the more you do the better as if you leave it to rest a day it goes into Locking up mode where it starts locking more etc. Just do the exercise and in a few weeks you will be surprised how well you have done, keep on bending Woody9229

Clarets4me · Post by **Clarets4me** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:04 pm

beddie wrote:I had spinal anaesthetic just as our in house anaesthetist has mentioned in his early post. It was perfect for me.

Don't you just love the fact that this message Board has an " In-house anaesthetist " ? Proper classy is that !!

Keep bending, Woody !

ALP · Post by **ALP** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 1:08 am

Glad you're on the mend, no regrets having had mine done six years ago; work it though, and do what your physios tells you to do.

IWOODLOVETT · Post by **IWOODLOVETT** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:39 am

ClaretTony wrote:I don't know how long you are going to be laid up, but just get in and get it done - I imagine you are suffering quite a bit of pain with it to necessitate the op.

My auntie has just had both hers done and she's 89 next month - said she is now pain free and she's certainly walking better, in fact far better than I walk.

If Tony's 89 year old auntie can do it you can. She's never looked back and recently had a trial for Blackburn Rovers.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 1:34 pm

IWOODLOVETT wrote:If Tony's 89 year old auntie can do it you can. She's never looked back and recently had a trial for Blackburn Rovers.

Not true - she was a regular on the Turf until we sold Jimmy Mac and she hasn't been since. I've also done her a disservice, she's 88 but will be 89 tomorrow.

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 2:23 pm

I was going to ask if this was why Wes Brown was being kept out the side

DavidEyresLeftFoot · Post by **DavidEyresLeftFoot** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 2:56 pm

Hi Woody. Glad to hear you had a good experience. 3 days in hospital is pretty good going after a knee replacement. Your hospital must be pretty good at getting patients up and moving. Not every hospital can match those discharge times. Getting it moving early is crucial to your long term outcome. It will be sore for a while. So keep taking your painkillers and make sure you stick to your exercises. It'll be worth it in the long run. The pain will get better. Well done.

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 3:47 pm

IWOODLOVETT wrote:If Tony's 89 year old auntie can do it you can. She's never looked back and recently had a trial for Blackburn Rovers.

I bet Tony didn't "lovethat" WOODLOVETT

I hope you get where i am coming from with that quip.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Thu Nov 24, 2016 5:15 pm

And it's "No Knee Never".......

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 7:19 pm

A Christmas update that gives me the chance to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for your advice and support. I love this board (and old CM before they got greedy) You lot have given me holiday tips, food tips, horse tips and all sorts but this has been the most important and I am always grateful that you good folk take time out to contribute.
Week 5 and I am just finishing my first full weeks work. I went back for a few half days after 3 weeks and a few full days last week. Overdone it occasionally (I am a desk job chap!) but done ok. Now got a bend of 110 degrees and a totally straight leg so my physiotherapist is pleased. I can walk as far as I want really and without a limp (ish). Still feels like I am running in someone else's knee and it clicks but thats normal apparently. I am very pleased with my progress after a few ups and downs. Thanks again to all of you and here's to a very successful 2017 for the Clarets and you personally. Woody

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 7:32 pm

i sometimes get up in a morning and wonder if my knees are my own, as they want to go one way and me another, as for the clicking

you will get used to that, Happy Christmas all Knee Replacementeers. (New Word for 2017)

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 7:55 pm

Woody - UTC
Basil

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:31 pm

Well its exactly a year ago since I went in to have my knee replaced and I wanted to update those who might be interested and or are considering putting themselves through this op so here it is.
Bottom line is that for me it has been a huge success. As you can tell from earlier postings I had my tough times (certainly 1st 2 weeks) but now that seems like a distant memory and I am so pleased I did this. I barely think about it now. I would love to tell you it has changed my life to the extent that I am a stick thin fitness freak but hey I like my beer and food too much. However I can now pretty much do anything I like totally pain free and can even jog and kick a ball (I’m 58 tomorrow so don’t do much of either of these two) and I do cycle regularly in an effort to keep the aforementioned beer from making me too fat. No swelling, so no damaging anti inflammatories. I don’t need to book cinema, train or plane seats in the aisle anymore and can sit comfortably and pain,stress free for as long as anybody else. I wouldn’t think twice about going back skiing again if I can persuade my missus to do it again and I think that says it all. My quality of life has improved significantly and I am grateful for that opportunity. I had heard more bad stories about knee replacements than good and I was really concerned if I was doing the right thing but honestly I kneedn’t (sorry) have worried.
If you have any questions please let me know and happy to help where possible.
Woody UTC!

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:40 pm

Woody9229 wrote: kneedn’t

Pearcey · Post by **Pearcey** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:49 pm

My Dad had both his knees and one hip when he was in his early 60’s and it changed his life. He delayed it too long and was suffering quite badly. I remember him really struggling to get up Wembley Way for the Play Off final. It certainly wasn’t the case this year against Spurs. Life’s too short to suffer! Do it and good luck.

Pearcey · Post by **Pearcey** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:50 pm

Just realised the original date.

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 2:59 pm

Hi Woody. Great to hear that it's all gone so well. I think you'll agree it's all about doing the excercises you are given along with the correct amount of rest. I also think once you have an idea of when the operation is going to be carried out you have to start getting your body into shape, hard for some I know but the long term benefits are well worth it.

Burt · Post by **Burt** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 3:17 pm

Great news Woody. I am now just over 3 years into my bilateral replacement.

Zero pain, I am just turning 54 and my knees are better than when I was 30

It is a great Op for most people

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 4:10 pm

Beddie. You are and were at the time so right. I did wonder sometimes if I was actually doing myself some harm and overdoing it but would now say probably not and it really is no pain, no gain. I also worked harder fitness wise before going in as I assumed, wrongly as it turned out that I would put on weight doing bugger all during my recuperation. Being fitter did help though overall I think.
I also agree with you Burt. I have a hip replacement as well on my right hand side and that side of my body is almost certainly in better nick than folk much younger than me.

Longsider · Post by **Longsider** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 6:35 pm

My mum had it done in the summer and 2 weeks ago walked up Pendle Hill. You need to do every exercise they give you no matter how painful. That way you will have full range of movement. Good Luck.

Thought this was a new post...

Woody9229 · Post by **Woody9229** » Sat Nov 18, 2017 11:12 am

Yes Sorry Longsider I should have started a new thread as it is confusing thinking about it. Climbing up Pendle Hill again is an ambition of mine and hopefully get to do it when I come up at Easter.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:46 pm

Haverigg Claret wrote:Had a total right knee replacement in June. Had just over 3 months off work. My type of work involves standing for most of the day, manual you might say. My consultant told me I shouldn't drive for 3 months, reason was if you can not do an emergency stop. Had to tell my car insurance. Still have numbness in the knee and a slight ache, been going to physo for about 6 weeks, which helps.
Unfortunately my left knee needs a replacement as well and that will not be done until the right knee has fully recovered. So at the moment I have one knee that is recovering and one knee that needs sorting out. Shall be seeing my consultant again in November to see how I'm doing.
You don't mention your age, but I'm 64 and it depends on how fit you are. The fitter you are the better the recovery. But everyone is different.

I ride a bike and do swimming, keep moving the knee as much as possible after the op, but don't over do it. Good luck with surgery.

Father was 88 when he had his knee replacement and was driving within 3 weeks. He is, 90 now and it gives him no pain. He went do lalli for 3 weeks after the operation. He had a bad reaction to the pain killers but he is has reet as he will ever be now