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I decided to have my knee replaced when..
How my life changed after knee replacement

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Two total knee replacements

GeorgieMum
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For those that are thinking of having a TKR
I have had 2 TKR ...one 2 yrs ago and one 5 wks ok....I also used to work in PT helping others with joint replacements
Everyone experiences are different but I think majority would agree in what I have noted.

1....A TKR is a huge operation the knee joint is the biggest joint in the body.
Please think before you have one!
Are you really at the end of your tether?

2....It doesn't hurt its agony!! but there are pain killers to help, it WILL easy over time.

3....Your more then likely go through the stage of thinking "I wish I hadn't had this done" and become emotional!! most people do!!!!.....Remember its a huge op and the body is trying to cope with the shock.

4...The first day post op you will be expected to walk a few steps or just stand you will feel weak. But the more you move the better.

5....After Op you will be given Morphine for 24 hours (unless you cannot take it ) it will be given in your control by pressing a button when u need it! You will need it!! But it can make you feel sick. So ask for anti sickness meds asp or tell the anesthetist before the operation. If after 24hrs you feel you still need it ASK!!! ..I did and had it for 48hrs

6.....If you hang on to dignity leave it at home!!!.... because you won't get any here.
You will be given bed pans and washed and looked at for bed sores. Even might even have to have a catheter inserted as some times you can get water retention after an operation.

7....You will have a drian (tube) inserted into your thigh to help drain off any collective blood around the knee. I personally found this more painful then the knee.

8...Most incisions of a TKR the surgeon uses a running dissolvable stitch first then use Staples to hold it all together.

9....Yes you will feel that when you bend your knee your scare is going to split open. Its doesn't though...The swelling doesn't help.

10....Ok now this all sounds prity rough it is! But whats more rougher is if like me every time I have a op I get a fever. Temp goes up! BP drops and breathing becomes shallow.
You will feel lousy for the first 24 hrs as oxygen will be given and antibiotics you will be monitored every 15 minutes so don't worry your in safe hands.

11....Remember you also have all the other health issues to deal with (thats if you have any) before you have the op will still be there after.

12....Don't be in a rush to be discharged once you are at home on comes the responsibilities!!! specially like me that has a family 2 teenage girls.
Please please make sure you have someone that can cook ya meals at home for you. You will need rest!!!! sometimes even having a wash you feel like you have just ran a marathon.
SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE HELP AT HOME!

13.....Araa my favourite number 13! The exercises!!!! The ones we dread!
I have given a link at the end of this post!
My advice to do them gently.
Walking Is so essential to but don't go wearing yourself out little bit of time

14.....Now we all recovery at different levels! to fully recover it takes 2 yrs.

15.....I here you shouting what about the stiffness and pain!!!
Again everyone experience different levels.
Some can take up to 1yr to fully be pain free. your consultant is there to help.
My first TKR I was pain free in 2 weeks post op only 15% are like this. My second 5 wks now only have pain when in bed walking unaided in home one crutch out side have walked a mile. No pain.

16.....If like me and had 2 TKR ...or thinking of having 2 you have to learn to walk properly again. Like me its been years since ive walked without a limp.....so don't worry if you get backache or ankle and feel aches you have never felt before.

17....good luck! Most of you at the end of the journey you will think wow! This is awesome! And maybe become a little overwhelmed.

18....(Link to Healthline home exercise program)
Comments
Lesan
Thanks. Good to know. This is very helpful but now I am terrified of the pain.
Kassytbag
my experience of bilateral knee replacements was I had no pain afterwards and wasn't on any morphing based drugs as I can't take them - I was a bit sore but I promise you I was in no pain - as were several people who have had the op since! everyone is different but I can only speak from my experience! I'm
18 months post op now and knees feel completely normal and I can walk forever!!
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