How Painful is a Total Knee Replacement?
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- Hello everyone, Tony Maritato here, welcoming you to the Total Knee Replacement Support Group UA-cam channel. In this video, we're going to delve into a common and crucial question: How painful is a total knee replacement?
Pain Variability:
The experience of pain following a knee replacement can vary significantly. Factors such as the reason for the surgery (like traumatic injury or long-term arthritis) play a role in this variability. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique.
Pain Comparison and Early Movement:
From my observations, a knee replacement tends to be more painful than a hip replacement. Despite this, patients are usually encouraged to get on their feet within the first 24 hours post-surgery. The initial days are often less painful due to post-surgical anesthesia, but pain typically normalizes and may intensify from the third to the sixth day.
Normal Pain Levels:
Understanding and communicating your pain levels is crucial. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 is unbearable pain and 0 is no pain, different levels have different impacts on your daily activities. It's common to experience varying levels of pain throughout the day, with nights often being more challenging.
Pain Management and Communication:
Documenting your pain levels is key to effective pain management. This record helps you communicate accurately with your physical therapist and surgical team, allowing them to tailor your pain management strategy effectively.
Conclusion:
While the pain in the initial weeks post-surgery can be significant, leading many to question their decision, it generally becomes manageable by the third to sixth week. Your experiences and pain management strategies are invaluable to others undergoing similar journeys. Please share your experiences in the comments to help others learn and prepare.
Introduction: 0:00 - 0:27
Pain Variability: 0:30 - 0:27
Pain Comparison and Early Movement: 0:40 - 1:43
Normal Pain Levels: 1:55 - 3:25
Pain Management and Communication: 3:39 - 3:51
Conclusion: 3:56 - 5:24
People also ask:
👉 How long does the pain last after a knee replacement?
👉 How bad is the pain after knee replacement surgery?
👉 Why is a knee replacement so painful?
👉 What helps pain after a total knee replacement?
Blog Post: www.choosept1st.com/articles/...
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I like your pain scale. It should be adopted universally.
Thanks but I didn't invent it. It is the Mankoski Pain scale.
Then that should be adopted. Makes it so much clearer than the smiley faces
I had 30 years of no stability and loss of meniscus and we believe it’s the biggest reason why it’s taken so long for me to recover
I had blood pulled out of my knee for three weeks, doctor didn’t understand why, long story short he told me to stop taking the aspirin and it seemed to help
I had a lateral release and that is on top of everything that’s going on, so finally I’m down to 44 cm for diameter of my surgical knee
Seems like I’m going in the right direction after 9 weeks like I’ve said before I’m an x athletic and use to healing quickly but this has been trying as hell
I appreciate people such as Tony talking about this I’m was losing my mind but when I found Tony and Russ from (Russ I’d right) I feel like I’m on the correct path it was a lonely ride but I’m am very great full for your guys because of the COVID times I can’t get out much
Great work you guys! 🍻🍻🍻
I had TKR at 71 yrs old. I had an operation in my teens when all cartilage was removed at that time (1967);.
I was walking bone on bone and had knee spurs. My leg had also bowed out from all the years of walking with no cartilage. Shots no longer helped.
This was the worst pain I ever experienced. I lived with an ice machine 24/7. Physical therapy sometimes brought me to tears but I kept pushing. I did not sleep much first full night of sleep happened at 6 weeks.
I am actively exercising and still doing therapy. Medicare started counting allowed sessions at the NEW YEAR.
I have learned harder exercises since the first 18 visits and feel much more confident in what I can do,
I still have pain but very manageable. I hope I never have to go thru this again on my other bad knee. I would certainly never do two knee surgeries close together. A saw is used to cut your bone and a 3 lb. tamper to fit the stem of the artificial knee into the bone. Then a type of cement is used to keep things together.
Our bodies have to adjust to all this stress and new material.
I was very thankful to find this website and I have purchased the car risers to stretch my calves, which really helps out later in stretching the hamstrings to alleviate pain.
@@pamelashoemaker1614
Keep pushing- it gets better after 3 to 4 months I had 30 yrs of no meniscus and I dealt with that nasty pain and I’m fine now except of stiffness and uncomfortable pain at times but doesn’t get over 3
My knee replacement was extremely brutal. Yes brutal. The pain was at a 10 for 4 straight weeks. I was only on 5mg of pain meds and Tylenol. It was awful. I could barely walk, as my leg was extremely weak. So happy for those that had so much less pain. My doctor had to increase my pain meds because i couldn’t function. It was the hardest situation I have been though. I am now 7 weeks post-op and I am doing so much better.
Seems like your pain meds were not strong enough.
You’ll get there. Minimal exercise just small walk on flat surfaces. Try to get to pushing off the heels when walking. Under do it. Don’t straighten the knee fully when walking - sl bend.
Why was it so intense? Did they have to cut a lot of bone? Did they cut your quad muscle instead of folding it over? I don’t understand why this surgery has to hurt so much. It’s not right! I’m glad you are better!
I am a 68-year-old male. Had robotic TKR two weeks ago. Pain has been nothing more than an annoying ache. Took NORCO for a few days but stopped due to fuzzy head and constipation. Pro Tip: Be sure to have MiraLax available and use it at first sign of constipation. Day three - Switched to Two Alieve and Two Tylenol 12 hours apart. Had about the same pain reduction effect as NORCO without side-effects. Iced and elevated often. Did not push for ROM during swelling.
On walker for two days. Then cane for a few days only. Extension = 5. Flexion = 101.
Now, two weeks out. Taking two Alieve and two Tylenol before bed. Back to general housework and light hiking. Pain is still a 2 or 3 but I just ignore it. I could knock it back more with meds, but feel it is better for me this way. Occasionally, wake up around 3:00 a.m. with some pain, so I just wrap with ice gel pack and go back to sleep.
Overall, this TKR experience has been kinda mild - MUCH less pain and difficulty than expected.
Pro Tip 2: Don’t watch too many videos about the horrors of knee replacement. Just stay in the present and make adjustments to issues in real time. Get off NORCO soon. Don’t let PTs push you hard into ROM when you are still significantly swollen. Muscles will return naturally. Gel ice packs cool the knee for about 15 minutes which is what you need to prevent tissue damage. Avoid ice machines. Eat fresh, healthy food. Stay hydrated. Cut back sugars and alcohol. Sleep whenever you feel like it. Relax. Smile.
Wishing you all the best.
Good advice,thanks! Why would you avoid ice machines?
OK, what is ROM, NORCO, and ice machines?? And, what does 5 mean on extension? For flexion, I guess we want 90 degrees or less? For extension, don't we want 180 degrees? And what in the world is "robotic" TKR?!?!
ROM is range of motion.
This is some good advice. Especially about the pt pushing you when you’re still swollen. My surgeon advised me not to go to pt until 2 weeks after my surgery. I am to do home pt until then. He said the pt can cause more damage that early on by pushing on leg for rom too soon.
I too had robotic surgery, wouldn't have had it any other way tbh.
I'm 80 years of age and had my Knee replacement surgery 7 days aog. My worst day, by far was the Second day (70) when I felt I had hit a bick wall! Now feelingaround 7. Time is the great healer, roll on 12 months
I had my surgery 10 days ago and found it was easier then ever expected. After the first couple days I asked for pain meds only every 12 hours. I continue to do my therapy exercises everyday. Glad I had this done, even at my age of 81.
man thats crazy to me, my pain was unreal
17days post op. I'm walking without a stick. Knee bending is the only difficulty. I get 90%
I'm 76.delighted I had it done.😊
You were very lucky
@@Smellyfupa I am 11 days and I am curled up in a ball crying
I can relate with that. Take your pain meds and stay ahead of the pain. If it isn’t working have the doctor order a different one. I had to do that. Keep icing it. It does help. Hope you feel better soon.
I just found this video and I am in my second week 2 days of a total knee replacement. I have trouble with pain meds( they make me nauseous and I get sick), so the doctor has put me on a medication called Gabapentin. This has been a life saver. I walk for 30 minutes,then row on the rowing machine for 15 minutes, then I do 4 sets of step up step down exercises. The pain is there but very tolerable. Then i ice the knee and I’m good. I love this video. Thank you sir for sharing. I hope I’m on the right track to recovery.
I went in at 8AM was sitting in a restaurant at 3:30! Recovery was a bit longer 10 weeks! Rent the chair it really helps,and do yourPT. 6-8 months for full mobility! I was 75 at the time!
I'm on day 10 post-op. I feel strong and healthy; anxious to get back to my life. I think the reason being for my positive recovery is due to how well prepared my body, mind and soul was. I've always exercised. I eat extremely healthy, buying and preparing my own meals. I do not smoke, drink, or do any drugs. My attitude is quite positive and first and foremost, I am a devout practicing Catholic. Life is unbelievable!
All very good and great to hear, (except the practicing Catholic has nothing to do with anything)....!!
@user-pp2uh8ji9x I am having TKR one week from today. I agree with you on preparing your body, mind and soul before any procedure. I too am a practicing Roman Catholic and a priest will anoint me before my surgery. Speedy recovery and may God bless you.🙏📿
Tony, you nailed this. I had a right knee replacement 1/9/20 and the nights were the most difficult for me. My wife, the dogs and I hiked 2.5 hours yesterday and my pain level was zero. To all the people out there that think this is never going to get better and they will never get their life back I am living proof that you can. My knee no longer swells after hard activity and to be honest I very rarely think it about it anymore. I worked hard in therapy, used my ice machine daily and elevated 4 or 5 times per day. Most of my pain started to lessen after 10-12 weeks and I was pain free after 18-20 weeks. My max pain range would be 7-8.
I worked hard at therapy and I did my exercises at home. Once done with therapy I continued to work hard and push myself and my knee started responding positively. If you do not do YOUR PART you will not see optimum results.
Before my surgery my knee was on my mind constantly because of the pain and swelling. Once in a while I will have a little stiffness but overall it feels pretty darn close to my real knee before my football injury in high school many years ago. I have more flexibility than I have had in over 30 years.
This surgery has given me my life back and we can enjoy the outdoors like we did many years ago. Nothing but best wishes for anyone going through this journey and those getting ready to. I wish I would have had it done years ago.
Hi Mike, I was just wondering are you able to run yet and can you ride a bike pretty freely
Rich
@@hertzranks2229 I could run but I do not because of the wear and tear on the joint. I can ride a bike like it was my real knee. No swelling or pain. My wife and I hike for hours without any discomfort.
Hi Mike, was very helpful your comment thank you; I’m a little worried about pain medication, what works better for you? I have got my surgery March 5, I would like to find something good for my pain. Thanks!!🙌🏼
@@mariareza2206 Hello. I took Tramadol and Tylenol. The pain was manageable most of the time. Make sure to keep it iced and elevated and it will make a huge difference. Please buy some stool softeners and take them on a regular basis. The pain meds can cause issues.
Thanks for the info. I'm getting mine in 2 weeks. I'm petrified. I'm only 46 but the pain and swelling in my knee is nearly unbearable so a tkr is needed.
Is riding a bike going to make it wear out quicker? I have pre assessment on Thursday so I'll ask them as well. Wish I wasn't so nervous.
I'm 6 weeks into recovery and my pain is 8 or 9 during therapy. It's been a painful discouraging process. Chin up and power forward.
Insomnia hit me hard. Never slept sound the first 7 weeks, even with melatonin and Benadryl. My PA prescribed a sleep aid for me to get my body back on track. The pain I had curbed my appetite, too. In six weeks I lost 20 lbs. I am happy with that part!
I had both done at the same time. I have a high pain tolerance. My pain was the worst pain I've ever had. Even worse than childbirth. Scale of 1-10. It was 20 for the first week.
PIEASE Don't joke. I am planning on getting it done soon.
I had both knees replaced on November 3rd. The worst pain that l have ever felt in my life. Days and nights were hell. It took about five days for me to stand with a walker. I was in rehab for two weeks, terrible pain. Now after six months l am able to do things that l was not able to do in years. No pain, totally worth the suffering.
Hi Bill, Can you give some tips on what helped the most through the pain? PT, medication, exercise, cold packs...
Thx
I gather that Bill doesn’t know how to check for replies to his comments, which is a shame because I wanted to validate his pain and recovery experience - and thank him for sharing it. 🙁
Everyone’s experience will be different, and while the guidelines and benchmarks are certainly solid goals to shoot for, each has to go at their own pace.
I had both my knees done about 14 months apart. The turning point on the pain was about week 4 to 5. I'm so glad I had it done. Very close to the knees I was born with.
I've got mine scheduled 4 months apart. Is that crazy? My first one is tomorrow. And I scheduled this one back in Aug. He's booked that far out. I'm starting to wonder if he's crazy booking them this close together but would be nice having a few weeks off in June. Enjoy some sun!
Bilateral knee replacement. 72 years old at the time. Now 82 and doing great. Had rotator cuff surgery 25 years ago. Also doing great. About rehab. I would rather have my knees done again than my shoulder.
My surgery was 6 months ago. I was so afraid of getting constipated that I never took narcotics. I utilized ice, elevating, And stuck to my P. T. Exercises like my life depended on it. If I had any discomfort in the night, I threw off the blankets, did 30 front leg lifts, 30 side leg lifts, pain resolved, went back to sleep. During the day, I discovered that "motion is lotion" was actually true. Resisting the urge to curl up with a blanky and cry, movement (in the right way) was the best therapy of all.
I'm a 65 yr. old female, having labored and birthed enough times to know that listening to and working with pain is always better than trying to get out of it by any means. And often that means getting all the education on the subject you can find. Not as abundant as you would think. That was the most painful part of all, alone, afraid, confused ,....
Then I found Tony's channel and it made all the difference. Frankly, I'm confused as to why I have a surgeon and 3 physical therapists, and yet I found the best help on some you tube channel.
I should probably tell my surgeon that maybe his best follow up treatment plan could be to simply refer and direct his post op folks to Tony's channel. Then this whole TKR reality wouldn't be such a nightmare!!!
Well said! The only analogy that I’m thinking is that it is like parachuting into a desert with a broken wing and expecting to develop survivalist skills on the ground. There should be more emphasis on finding the right pt person before surgery who has a particular interest in knee rehab and sensitivity to the individual’s aptitude and ability and willingness to progress. I let myself be casual and picked the spot closest to my home. Can you imagine doing that with your surgeon? Closest thing in my life to an abusive relationship both physically with 9 out of 10 pain and shaming...you are not giving it all up to me by trying hard enough. That’s changed but it was so counterproductive in first month.
My experience was similar to several posters. I did the exercises as prescribed and as frequently as tolerated. Kept moving every hour or two-sitting for long hours on couch is not helpful! Stay on top of the pain with meds as needed. I am ~4 months on L TKR and ~6months on R TKR and I am out boating in the San Juan Islands in WA state...some discomfort & stiffness, especially in the morning...but very manageable! My mobility is amazingly better! At home, working out at gym, riding bike, walking, strength training. Sure beats the chronic, worsening pain I have experienced for several years prior to TKRs. I had a great PT and he told me about Tony’s TKR group & UA-cam channel-incredibly helpful! I watched all the videos just about daily.
Brenda I can relate I went thru the same thing keep pushing
@@enoughtimetug I have scheduled my knee replacements for 2 weeks apart, do you think that is too soon? I am in very good physical shape . And have the time and support for it at this time .
@@megchambers8799 If your surgeon approves, go for it!! People have them done at the same time frequently now. Have a pain management plan and the best PT lined up. You should be fine. The newer “minimally invasive” techniques are improving the recovery rapidly.
I’m a 60 year old teacher. I received my first knee replacement last November (2020)and currently I am getting ready for my second knee replacement. I don’t like pain, but overall the pain was tolerable. My husband was awesome, but I had a good friend stay with me for the first four days. She helped me with my exercises and my medication. My suggestion is to do your exercises religiously because it’s going to help you later on. Also, take your medication around the clock. This will help with your exercises! You will weed off your meds later on. Don’t worry about becoming addicted! If you skip on your medication now, you will increase your pain; therefor you won’t want to do your exercises! Exercising is extremely important:-)
Thank you each and everyone of you everything you said help me. my knee replacement surgery is next Tuesday, tomorrow is Friday I’ll do what you did. I’ll put my days and Waze on here for the next person.
I had TKR 5wks ago. Almost no pain first 3wks but surgeon did not want PT for 2wks. I had excessive thigh/knee swelling so when I started PT they only did stim pads. Surgeon was unhappy as knee not bending well so I asked another therapist to help attain goals, then the torture started. Sharp pain inside tibial area, tendonitis of IT band on left side. Max bend after 5wks finally 90 degrees today using TERT therapy. I thought I was pain tolerant- I ride horses and thighs are tight. This has been excruciating. I started going to gym on alternate days to use recumbent bike and Elliptical but now think I may not giving time to recover. Also use red light therapy. Ended up with a DVT after 3wks. Thank you for your videos and one on allowing recovery time. I accidentally clicked thumbs down on that video but you have helped me as well as hearing others having tough time too. Surgeon was threatening to reansthetize me to bend knee after 3wks. I refused! Now Im glad I trusted myself to allow my body time to heal! Thank you, Tony!
I had a TKR Oct 18th. It was done outpatient and I was able to discharge within an hour of arriving in the recovery room. My first day was ok because I still had the benefit of having the anesthesia in my knee. I was advised to take short walks 1x an hour on my 2nd day. The pain was a 7-8 especially at night so pretty intense. Day 3 was my first PT session which was only an assessment but the therapist was impressed that I was able to get a 90° bend 3 days after surgery. I was given some exercises to do and went to my post-op appointment right after where I got some x-rays and doctor was happy with my progress. Since then, I have had 3 more PT sessions and I am at 114° bend as of my 3rd visit. I was able to get full rotation on the bike sessions 2 (for 4 minutes and 6 minutes on the 3th visit) Tuesday will be my 4th session so I am hoping to see continued progress. I can't say that I have had "pain" since day 4 and I have been off the prescription pain killers (consistently) since day 2 post op, using Tylenol day 3-8 for break through pain. I will take my prescription meds an hour before my PT sessions but have not needed any other pain meds otherwise. I hope this helps someone.
UPDATE: Due to some overly aggressive PT, I developed tendinitis which took me from a high of 130° back to 114°. I scaled-down the PT and added hot Epsom Salt soaks with some stretching immediately after and now I'm back to 130°. There's still some swelling, but I am confident that I can get a few more degrees in the next 6 months.
I’ve had 2 knee replacements, one in 2015 and the other in 2017 and even though I had quite a lot of pain, the worse part was having the staples removed. I’m now mainly pain free even though I’ve started having the odd twinges now. But I can now walk for miles. Glad I had it done. I was in my 50’s when I had them done.
Tony, thank you. I had the Mako total knee replacement on 05/31/23. At 76 years old with osteoarthritis, my pain tolerance was extremely low. The oxycodone and oxycodone ER didn't' seem to touch the pain for at least 3 weeks, and at almost 6 weeks post-surgery, I've still not had more than 2 hours of continuous sleep during the night. PT is very difficult. My body's response to the drugs made it more difficult to concentrate. Yet I'm now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The muscles, tendons, ligament, or whatever that was cut to get into the knee still scream a bit, and amazingly, the bone itself, where the pieces went in, also hurt, but it's gradually subsiding. I write this for the sake of those who literally have a very low pain tolerance. Keep doing whatever you can, and keep bugging your surgeon, PA, PT, nurse navigator, or whoever, because they're your greatest professional help. Mine were definitely shocked at a my low pain tolerance, but are working with me. Will I have the other knee done? Right now I'd say a definite no, but looking at the videos and reading these other reactions tells me that perhaps, down the line, I might.
This is reality. Everyone who says “oh it wasn’t that bad” is lying or didn’t have it done
I have had both knees done by 2 different surgeons AND 2 different knee’s (Attune & Stryker)
First remember, the pain & discomfort you will feel will go away unlike the pain you felt prior to surgery.
1- The knee itself does not hurt but the skin/incision will be very sensitive.
2- The worst pain is created by the tourniquet they use on your thigh. It bruises your muscles & can make them not work for a few days. PT can help get them to “fire” again.
3- Nights can be the worst but sleeping with your knee outside the covers and using a pillow between your legs can help.
4- Your surgeon’s technique can eliminate a lot of the potential pain. Everything they do you have to heal from. So one of my surgeons was rough (I have the video of my surgery), the other surgeon (female) was not rough. The recovery was completely different.
5- Don’t start PT the week of your surgery, let your knee recover then start PT week 2.
Remember, all of this post op pain is a pain that will go away 👍🏼👍🏼
I am terrified thinking that next week I'm going for knee replacement, but watching these videos listening to testimony of different people I gain strength and courage.
I know it is painful but better to do it once and be pain free.
I'll come share my story when I'm done.
Big thank to all of those who shared their experiences. ❤️
How did you go?
Mt sentiments exactly! I am terrified! M about to see the surgeon.
Good luck to you🙏
Please give us an idea as to how your surgery went, Sizwe. I am having a TKR next week and am pretty apprehensive but am looking forward to having a knee that doesn't hurt all the time.
I’m 47 and TKR in Two weeks and nervous shit
I am 3 weeks post BLTKR and think you nailed the pain time windows here. Up until 2 weeks post-op my pain levels were between 5-10 with one emergency trip to the ER due to a bout of blinding pain. But then around 2 week mark the intense surgical pain just dropped off over the course of a few days. Today is exactly three weeks post-op and it is the first time since surgery that I can read a book, it’s crazy to think my pain was so great that I was unable to read a book which is my favourite thing to do.
Hi SRP, When did you start PT? How often did you do PT in the first weeks and did you do extra exercise at home? Thx
@@bradje12 I just seen this message. I started PT right away and continued until 7-months post op. Since my BTKR I have had the right knee revised twice which has been much less painful than the original BTKR, but similar time frames, first two weeks are hell, weeks 2-4 are better, and big pain improvements follow with every 2-3 week progression.
@@srpfilms4497 Why did you need to get your knees revised?
Love it when people who have never experienced the pain they are trying to explain to those who are the ones who have to actually deal with the PAIN and all the side effects of the pain medication.
You are right! I can never experience the pain you feel. That is why I appreciate anyone who is willing to share their experience.
I’m considering the replacement surgery this year, but scared to death of being rendered helpless for a few months and having to deal with pain 24 seven. Sometimes I think I should just suck it up and deal with that knee pain I have.
@@jondstewart
I have waited too many years and watched my lifestyle dwindle to sitting.
I'm tired of that so, surgery.
I want to ride a bike again.
Don't suffer because in just gets worse in time .
Good luck!
@@357CLOUDY thanks for the heads up! I didn’t have any real knee pain until my 40’s, but by 50, it was annoying! I work as a chef and been an avid skier for the past 10-12 years. Now 53 and can’t stand for long without it hurting. If I drink tons of water and eat a lot of leafy greens, it’s reduced, but I still limp.
@@jondstewart get it done, there's no other solution, what's worse to go through, temporary post surgical pain and rehabilitation to being pain free or not having the surgery and having pain(it gets worse over time) for the rest of your life and needing some sort of aid to get around, wheelchair, walker, cane, crutches, Mobil scooter,,,,, get the surgery brother
Explaining pain levels in this way has really helped me out. At least now I know I am progressing as I should. I am 4 weeks today and am experiencing most of the things you have mentioned, super stiff in the mornings but gets better as I start my exercise routine.
I just had my second knee replacement yesterday. I am in excruciating pain right now. So bad that I’m shaking. I am fighting to keep my blood pressure up. Every time I stand up it drops. With the first one the bottom number was 36. Today with the second knee the bottom number is 46. They can’t do too many pain meds because of the blood pressure. This is horrible. I’m glad there are only two knees.
Just had my second. Thank you. I'm in so much pain.
Thank you so much for this video!! I has helped me put my pain in perspective. I believe you have hit my pain experience exactly the way you have described.
Tomorrow will be my mother's first full week after knee replacement. Your insights with those you've worked with were spot on after I just showed this to her because she also wanted me to find something to show my father about the recovery period/post op. Thank you.
Thank you! This is just what I needed to hear! I agree totally with your comment that the pain the first couple of weeks made me rethink my choice!!! And the description of the pain through the day then into the evening was spot on! Nice to know there's hope ahead!!
At 51 y/o I had my TKR done on 5/16/22 and to date I’ve completed my PT 3 weeks ago. And I’m feeling extremely elated with my progress. I’m almost back to 100%. Now for me day 3 was my worst by far on the pain scale. But it gradually wavered over the course of 3 weeks. I would suggest doing the pre surgery PT. As I did 6 weeks worth prior to my surgery date which helped tremendously. And did 17 weeks afterwards. Be sure to search out the best orthopedic surgeon you have available to you in your area. I wish that my wife pushed me to get it done sooner as my quality of life is back to what it used to be. I’m now walking 5 miles twice a week and while it’s sore afterwards I feel so much stronger now than in prior years. So if you’re thinking of getting a TKR don’t wait just do it you’ll be happy you did trust me. Don’t wait 7 years like me to get it done. Good luck to anyone thinking of having it done. You’ll do just fine.
I was 74 when my left knee was totally replaced because of degenerative arthritis. My pain was truly almost none. I stopped the heavy duty pain pills after four days and relied on Tylinol only except for PT days. I even stopped that after the 2nd week. I reached my PT goals during week 3 but continued until completing 6 weeks. I was blessed by having a great surgeon using the latest techniques and support staff and a high threshold of pain personally. I was walking within an hour of returning to my room and an introductory PT session within 4 hours of return to my room - which I walked to but rode back. I did the prep PT program prescribed and aggressively attacked the PT session. (Like in the Army - "More PT First Sergeant!")
It was an excellent experience all in all...great doctor, great hospital and staff and awesome support at home. I tell everyone that my last significant pain was walking into the hospital.
1 lop
During PT at home, about week 2, when she asked me pain level, I said knee 0 body 15. That was so true. PT can activate everything in the body, but it is so important.
Thanks, Joe, for your input. I'm 74 and am scheduled to have both knees replaced next month. Both knees are bone on bone. The only way I'm able to walk now is by taking prednisone every day. Even then if I go shopping at Walmart for an hour or 2, I'm not able to walk much or do much the next day or two. I hang out with some other widow ladies, and I would love to be able to join them when they go on hikes.
Ditto on the pain scale. It should be universal. I had a TKR 12 weeks ago having lived with arthritic knee pain 24/7 for 15 years. Immediately, post surgery, that pain was completely gone. I had a number of new pains however, as a result of the surgery. I did the prescribed exercises, no more, no less (Important). And, I did notice a daily improvement each day, for the first 6 weeks. Staples were remover after 10 days. 14 days later, the dressing was removed and stitches were dissolved. The surface wound was healed, but inner healing takes longer. For the first 6 weeks, I noticed a daily improvement, I noticed a weekly improvement thereafter. After 4 weeks my knee was better than it had been for a decade and a half. Three months on, the knee is slightly warm to the touch, so, still healing inwardly. But I can now walk! My wife said to a friend, "It's like dating a new man. The other night, he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk. I can't remember when he said that to me last"! Still applying the ice pack to reduce the swelling. I can see how it takes 12 months for a full recovery, As for pain, it quickly reduces to discomfort and id nothing like the persistent pain I lived with for 15 years. Shane Guerin was my surgeon and I would recommend. OI hope this helps.
Best pain scale explanation I've ever heard!
What you have said is exactly 💯 I have had both knees done & I'm in week 2. What I experienced now is no where near what agonizing pain I was going thru before the surgery. I'm glad I done the surgery.
Hi Paulette, thanks for the comment and sharing your experience.
Left knee was replaced January 28th, right knee was replaced May 14. I have a very low tolerance to pain and thought it was excruciating with the 1st knee. I never gave up, did all therapy and worked out 3x a day. 3 1/2 months later I could really see improvement just in time for 2nd knee. Now 4 months in on 2nd knee and am walking at a good pace every day. Left knee has loosened up a lot. I feel by January 2021 should be back to normal. NEVER GIVE UP. IT TAKES TIME AND A WANT TO!
Thanks. I'm going on 10 weeks with my left and will do right in about 5 weeks. So about 3 months apart. I didn't know that I would still be stiff at 10 weeks. Now the doc and PTs are saying it could take a year to come to some normalcy. I have been disappointed in this. But like you, doing my exercises and still doing PT. Getting a little better every day. But not looking forward to going through with it again on the other knee!
@@gosman949 i agree. I had no idea how time-consuming a), the physio would be and b), the pain. It's not that i was seeing the physio more than x2 a week but i was doing all the exercises every 15 mins in order to unstiffen/loosen up. At 10 weeks, i really stuffen up still. Just did a long car journey for 1st time today and had to stop to loosen up twice! I am so grateful tho. No looking back to the swelling from dodgy ligaments, old patella damage x2 and the severest arthritis at aged 55. My knee is going to be great.
I am at day 17. The pain was the worst for the first week or so. My base was about a 4, going up to a 5 or 6 when pain meds were due. I am now taking pain meds every 6 hours and keeping the pain level at a 3 or 4 when moving around. I think your assessment is correct. The first two weeks are the worst. After that, it is do-able with incremental improvement every day. I never regretted having the procedure done. I needed it! Only time will tell if it is worth it, needing 6 months to a year to properly judge. Rehab is slow and can be frustrating. Managing my own expectations are the hardest. I ask myself every day "Am I doing/feeling better today than I felt yesterday?" So far the answer has been yes. Keep up the good work with the videos! I appreciate the support for my journey!
I am also now on day 17, just starting to try to put some full weight on in still walk with one crutch...hope this gets better, or I too will be questioning myself as to why I did it.
Thank you for a frank appraisal of what to expect - I had a TKR 6 years ago and have recently had a hip replacement on the same side (right) the hip replacement was much easier. I really like how you say you want to hear from people who have had the operation because you have never had one. There are too many people on UA-cam who give advice very easily who have absolutely no idea of the pain after a TKR. Thank you.
Good information! Thanks for the video!
Had TKR 7 days ago. Found your video to be spot on.
I had both knees done at the same time on 8/26/22. You nailed the pain scale.
I would say the toughest period is the first 8-10 days, gradually getting better from there. I had many moments where pain jumped to an 8, maybe even 9 at times. This Friday will be 3 weeks from surgery date and my pain levels have dropped dramatically. I’m so happy I had this done. The reason I did both was it only made sense for me to go through the pain, the therapy, the time, etc only once. It was tougher than I thought it would be but I feel better already and see light at the end of the tunnel. The following are a couple things I’d like to mention. In the surgery prep they place tourniquets on your upper thighs to restrict blood flow during surgery. This causes pretty severe bruising with a lot of pain for about 80-85% of the people getting it done. The other issue I had was the sciatica pain caused from the tourniquets being used. This flared up my sciatica nerve and caused additional pain throughout the first couple weeks. I told my surgeon about it and he immediately put me on prednisone and I felt some relief pretty quick. This was a blessing. I’m mentioning this stuff to help you discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery and hopefully this will help alleviate some possible discomfort. Once I had the Sciatica pain under control it was so much better to deal with the pain from the surgery. The Tourniquet pain and sciatica pain is just as hard to deal with as the surgery itself. The key to remember here is no two surgeries are identical and everybody’s experience will be different. Best of luck to everyone.
I just had my right knee replaced and I was in intense pain for two days I was in the hospital. My pain was back pain sciatica pain that here at the VA hospital they seemed I’ll equipped to handle that pain. Once I got out of the hospital and home I started getting relief with a good chair to sit in and a bed that allowed sleep. I started massaging that bulging disk and pain level was all from my knee then. I’m still just beginning this journey but I’m already glad I did it because I can tell I have a knee that is useful again. Now to get over the weakness and pain and it’ll be a journey worth taking.
Huge help...am seriously considering doing both simul...Thanks
I'm so glad you mentioned this because I have problems with my Sciatica nerve and was worried this may be a problem for me. This is good to know. Thank you!
Nailed? What's that supposed to mean? If you mean "he explained," it accurately, then that would be better, understandable English.
I am week three post knee surgery and had Mako robotic. I had some pain daily early on but finishing Nerve pain med and narcotic so just on Tylenol and Cekebrex. Could not tolerate Mavik. I have pain in lower leg fue to bruising and swelling decreasing. Using compressed stockings and machine at night but the compression machine is painful but trying to to use stockings and pain meds for it. Stay tuned.
Tony thanks for your lucid and clear definition of the pain scale. I'm 71 and 26 days ago under went bilateral knee replacement. Yesterday I overdid my phase 2 ( weeks 3 and 4 ) physical therapy. I think I foolishly added 1 exercise of my own which was strapping a light weight to my ankles and doing about 40 repetitions of stepping up two steps. I did this for both legs. Later in the afternoon I had to visit my MD on a previously scheduled checkup. While out we decided to stock up on some groceries. Long story short I over did it. Left knee swollen up and a pain level of about 5/6. Today not game to exercise so just elevating knee above heart and frequently icing. Have you heard of problems like this from your other subscribers?
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Hopefully if you overdid it you should be back to baseline by now or tomorrow.
Thanks for your insight. I am going for my total knee replcement surgery. It's a big heads up. Thanks A Million.
At 60, I suddenly developed swelling and pain. I knew I'd need to get some form of surgery for my knees, but as I watch this video I am breathing heavily, having difficulty seeing, very sensitive to sound and there's no way I can perform the simplest task.
3 years in a job that I sit in front of a computer screen along with 2 hours a day in commuting has literally stolen my once vibrant health. I'm reminded of the saying "move it or lose it."
I've been going to physical therapy for about 6 weeks and there's some improvement, but today I'm considering getting the surgery as soon as possible.
Only you can make that decision. Most surgeons will tell you that you will know when the time is right.
Thanks for a great video. Was having difficulty with the pain scale and you nailed it. My surgery was six weeks ago on 4/13/21 and the first week was tough. Had surgery on a Tuesday, home on Wednesday and up the steps to our bedroom on Friday after PT. Hit the eight scale several times but going into the second week I was at a four level and had a great PT. I liked your pain scale mentioning that it was hard to breathe being an eight. At week five I started walking and am walking about 2 miles a day with no pain. The morning after I am a little stiff with minimum pain but have reached the level of walking without thinking about it. If needed I would have the other knee done without thought and a lot sooner.
The total exhaustion exacerbates the pain. Your broadcast is very close to beyon point, especially from someone who hasn’t had TKR. Thank you
Thank you! I agree, the sleep deprivation makes everything so much worse. I wish you the best.
Had total left knee replacement on March 22, 2023. Don't mean to be redundant but be sure to do your home exercises regularly and also attend physical therapy and work as directed. If you can do home exercises like quad strengthening before surgery it would be a big help in healing. The first two weeks were painful but lessening of pain proceeded regularly after that. I needed help with toileting for the first few weeks but managed once I was able to better flex my knee. Make sure you do regular knee extension work. It will really pay off whenever you begin walking without assistance equipment. Just keep in mind, you will feel much better by 3 -4 months.
Week 8 here. Super fit 79 yr old female. Body pump, yoga, swimmer all year around in our indoor pool, bike 30 miles a week. According to your description of pain levels (than you for that __ very helpful) I am still in pain (6) very very frequently during the night, even with gabapentin and tramadol AND ambien, but manageable pain during the day. Doing ALL PT.Hired two diff trainers to do PT and strengthening with me during the day and going to insurance covered PT twice a week as well. Git to 120 flexion 2 weeks ago by tolerating horrible pain during the flexing exercises. Couldn’t take the stronger opioids. Too much vomiting and constipation. Feeling stronger BUT desperate for sleep.
Day 0 hrs after surgery I was asked to stand up. Pain level 9. Day 1 asked to walk 150 ft pain level 9 walked 15 steps on stairs. Went home on day two started physical therapy at home pain level 6. Keep doing your exercises and do medicine. I went for slow walk with wife. Goal keep moving ice, meds, rest. Elevate leg don’t overdo it rest!
Excellent information, Tony!
Thanks for watching!
I had my left knee done in March 2021 and my right knee done in June 2021. My experience…This is a very painful healing journey. I had intense pain for the first 5 weeks and the opioids didn’t give me much relief. Nights have been very difficult. Everyday I told myself tomorrow will be better but to be honest the first 5 weeks it wasn’t. I started feeling some relief at week 6 but nights did not improve until 8 weeks. I am on week 9 of my second surgery and 5 months from my first and both knees still hurt and are stiff every morning. I have faithfully done my exercises 2 times a day and actually over did my activity more than once and had to take a week off. I have found more is not better and because I have a high pain tolerance I have pushed myself to hard at times. It is a balancing art to push just the right amount to bring healing and not harm. I love my New knees and I would do it again but be warned it hurts for a long time.
Thank you for sharing this. I am 13 days post op for LTKR. My pain is intense, at least a 6. I take Hydrocodone and Aleve. The meds give me some relief but when they wear off the pain returns as bad as ever. I do my exercises as I should. Guess I expect too much too soon. I thought the pain would lessen by now but after reading your post I can see I am being unrealistic. Again, it is helpful to hear the experience others have had. Thanks again.
Thanks,
Most applicable comments for me yet. Just passed week three and expected a gradual incline towards getting progressively pain free, my journey has been more of an up down, good/bad,
day/ night. Having encouraging patient coaches is key. Don’t over do it, sometimes standing for longer periods is over doing it! Started icing less, PT said SOME inflammation and warmth this late is essential for healing.
Your assessment of a TKR is 100% correct! I had my left in 8/2014 and my right in 8/2015. I can’t even imagine what you went through having them so close together…🤕 isn’t something that I could have done…looking back. There is NO WAY! I had open heart surgery back in ‘95 - from a PFO ostium secundum and I thought that was the worst surgery that I would ever go through. Well, the LTKR was pretty close to to my heart surgery. The pain at times was unbearable. To make matters worse, I was getting ready to go out with mom and I moved the wrong way to put on my sock. The pain I felt was excruciating…I had never felt anything that bad before…it was shooting up my whole left quad. It has never been pain free…but the right knee a year later, it was a piece of cake! It’s too bad that I had the major stroke in ‘94 (misdiagnosed heart defect- heart surgery post stroke, seizures x12 years = 2 brain surgeries) so I get tired easily and have to rest my noggin. All things considered, I would do it again, just like you would. However, if things in my life had been different, I wish I could prepare myself for the surgeries differently. I just forget and the next thing I know, they are here. C’est la vie.
Lot of thanks for your valuable comments, which may help me.
It sure does!!!!😅
Hi , new subscriber here😊thankyou for your content all the way from OZ🙌🏼😊.. I am 2 weeks today TKR , i'm 60 and weigh 43 kg and thankyou for your pain scale, so i am permanently at an 8 most of the time! it's Totally yuk!! and i am regretting having it done😩 i am exhausted from the pain. i have had tests to check for infection .. all clear .. no blood clots and just awaiting xray results. so good news in a medical point of view. I have 7 children and can honestly say that i have NEVER cried due to pain levels throughout any of my labours nor two CSections. This TKR has had me in tears soooo many times so far! and it's just constant right up to my hip. i cannot wait for a change to occur 🙏 at this stage i am saying .. NO way will i go back for my second one! thankyou for reading and i will continue to try and be the positive person i normally am.. breathe and meditate on healing 😊🙏
I had a total knee replacement 1 month and 2wks ago. I can honestly say this was the worst pain I've ever had. I'm thankful that I'm doing so much better now I'm still having mild pain but not nearly as I was
I'm walking and driving I still can't bend it like I use to my physical therapist say that's normal and I want really be able to bend it like I did before. The pain does get better any they say about 6months from now I will be in a much better stage in my recovery 😊
Totally agree with you. Six weeks ago had TKR. Pain was excruciating for 10 days and started to subside.
Am now into PT, walking well a n d driving.
I remember an Orthopedic surgeon stated that the first 3 months your knee owns you. I would say that is absolutely true. I am an experienced TKR patient now into my 4th week of recovery from second TKR. I tell everybody that to just expect me bitchin' about everything TKR for 3 months then I will start being a reasonable person again. LOL
I had a thought the other day, that I actually like my more stable knee. Getting more control by leaving hospital has increased that love affair!
I firmly believe that the first three months life is all about the knee for sure!
Thank you for sharing that; I’m in Week 8, and I’m pretty sure people are completely sick of hearing about my knee… Good to know it’s normal…
I to am an experienced TKA (2019) , at 6 weeks my fluctuation was at 130 no need for pain meds , so I can not agree your knee owns you for 3 months/ 12 weeks although my surgeon says I’m in the top 1% for recovery .
Now I’m days away from a 2nd TKA , I do expect the same or better results.
Just had dbl replacement 7 weeks ago.when I first woke up no one had to tell me what I had done,the first 2 nights were rough but not unbearable and every day is a little bit better...I dont regret it a bit
You nailed it.....information has been spot on. I'm 9 days out of surgery and the pain can still get pretty tough! I hope within the next week or so, my pain will improve!! Thanks!
Thanks for the comment. Hope you are improving.
I just love your videos. I have had bilateral TKR and am into the third week. am going through all the pain you described and it was quite a relief to know that it is totally normal. hope things get better for me as i end the third week today
Tony, have you done any videos about muscle strength in relation to function or flexion. I love all the info you take the time out of your schedule to share with us. Lately, the more I focus on strength by doing leg lifts on the bench(10-15 lbs), the more confidence I have with my gate even though my flexion isn’t where I would like it to be. What I also do is put my leg on the bar and just let it hang there between sets. I have ended my outpatient therapy choosing to continue at home and adding massage therapy to the regimen.
Hello, When I listen to you, I feel that I am addressing someone who really cares and comfort his patients . Now on the pain scale, I can determine the degree of my pain to the doctor, God bless.
He does have a reassuring voice.
I am 93 years old and had a complete knee replacement on Nov.21/22. It took 2 years to find a Doc that would do the operation due to my age despite severe pain of an 8 at times, by your calculation of pain levels. The only pain relief my family Doc. would offer was Tylenol, which I found barely helped at all. I came home the next day after surgery, was cared for by my son who did an excellent job. For most of the first week, I was in bed, by day eight I could make it to the washroom using a walker. By the end of week three, I was exercising and by my six-week visit to my surgeon, my leg was pain-free and could bend backward even more than most could accomplish. Without this surgery, I had considered MAID as the pain was so severe, yet I was refused any medication except Tylenol.
My pain from my Totally Knee replacement ranged from a 2 to 10 for the first 8 months...The Best description of the peak ( 10) of my pain is : " Taking your bottom lip and stretching it over your head"..Thank God for Pain Meds.
First week was tough. After that, continuous improvement. Now 16 weeks, PT X 2 a week, full range of motion, no pain. Way better than before surgery.
It’s about 15 years since I had knee replacement o my left knee. I still have pain every day bearable with using Tylenol
I cried all day everyday from extreme depression after my surgery because of the anesthesia. I cried fir 40 days straight. The pain was horrible snd lack of sleep very difficult to deal with. I managed my physical therapy okay but dreaded nights. Now seven months in I am doing pretty well .
I hear you I cried for the first 4 weeks and every day because of a bleeding ulcer most pain meds I couldn’t take and Oxy made me hallucinate.
Tylenol with Codeine was all I could take and it helped very little. I do PT 3 times a week if it wasn’t for the physical therapists I don’t know how I would have made it. I just turned 75. Will I have the other knee ? When hell freezes over!!!
bless your heart honey . i am in that same boat. my operation on my left knee is the worst pain i have ever dealt with. i had to quit my physical therapy because i would start boo-hooing and then my leg would swell till it was huge ! i had my surgery in jan of this year 2022 and i am still trying to walk straight through the pain and fear of falling. you are not alone and i pray you get well soon.
Im 51 and a horse person, ive had 7 orthopedic surgeries and 13 all together. I have 4 shoulder reconstructions and over 28 dislocated shoulders, cage in spine thru my stomach, hip laberal tear repair, neck surgery, total hysterectomy and bowel surgery due to adhesions, and although the shoulder surgery was probably more painful, you dont rehab right away and my pain was better managed with my shoulders. I was an outpatient hip and so first day wasnt bad and lingering anesthesia made me sleep, days 2-7 were rough, i slept almost none maybe 20 mins at a time. My knee would have level 8 times with certain movements but honestly my most misery came from my calf to my foot. It felt like i was standing in coals nonstop. That was almost a constant level 8. I have neuropathy in my feet since my back injury and i know many people dont get this but have met many people in pt that also had this. I had robot procedure and a nerve block. Dragging my leg into bed/on potty id get shoots of 8, and like day 8 i sat on something that was lower than expected and got level 9 almost knocked me out/bust into tears for for about 10 mins. The PT said he thought i tore some scar tissue but other than that i was about a 5, if we dont count my feet. Im not easily medicated and its been like that with all my surgeries, not sure with all those dislocated shoulders and surgeries and broken bones i developed a tolerance but demerol and valume iv when id be hospitalized for surgeries was most effective, low dose oxy gives me no pain relief, wakes me hyper, and itch. My doc doubled my dose, id get a couple hours relief, loads of itching and then just have the pain until next dose. My husband cantake half that dose and sleep 18 hours, just the difference of medicine for people. My surgeon was on medical leave that has a long history with me so i was dealing with a last minute replacement. If it wasnt for the feet and calf pain, this would have been easier than my shoulder reconstructions. With the feet though it was way worse and then having to rehab without good pain management the first 2 weeks was rough. In 16 days and still have some feet pain, calf pain seems gone, and knee other than PT or i tweak it is down to like a 4? Hope this input helps.
Hallo Mike, I want to thank you for all your video’s. It helped me through difficult moments. My semi-knee replacement was 5,5 weeks ago. My pain development is almost exactly how you told us in this video. The last two weeks I started with the TENS and that helped me so well to get the knee bending. Thanks so much for that advice. I now am able to bound till about 105 degrees. Two days ago I walked a kilometer and could work out for a few minutes on the hometrainer. I did it all at the same day and that evening and night I had (too) much pain. Lesson learned. Balans between exercises and rest is difficult. But I am full of hope it will all work out fine! Greetings from the Netherlands!
I had a total knee replacement
no pain at all. I was 80 yr
Old took no pain meds and did rehab in the hospital one day and in the AM before I went home. Walked with a walker in the hospital but not at home. Walked up the step of our deck and in the house. I am 84 now and no problem, still no pain pill needed. Incision is just a thread line over the knee. It's all mental thinking.
I went into this operation just like all other ops and in my mind three days and it will be all over and sure I ought it always worked. Good luck to all who undergoes your knee. I also had both total hips done with the same senarial
Who is your doctor?
I had my knee replacement surgery 5 days ago. What you said about questioning your opinion to have the surgery is where I am. My friend who had it 4 years ago is now being my coach to me on track. When you’re in pain and on a walker, I am losing my path. So my opinion is if you are going to have the surgery, find a friend that can keep you on your path.
Will be praying for you Dale. May you have a full recovery and become pain free. xoxo
Or have a wonderful husband that I could not have survived the last three weeks without. His assistance was critical.
Yes, could never do with out my husband.
I am starting my third week of TKR. Your comments are right on target about knee pain. The first 10 days were the worst. Then the pain started going down. On day 11 I moved off of the painkiller medicine to over-the-counter Aleve. It could’ve been Excedrin or Tylenol. The surgeon cut out the metal staples today. The most painful part of the last two weeks was doing my exercises that involve bending the knee. No pain no gain
PT was agony. 8-9 every single time. I have arthrofibrosis which prevented bending past 75. After a failed MUA & arthroscopic scar tissue removal I was told, "You get what you get." The different therapists used straps & help me down as 2 of them pulled with all their strength to get my knee to bend. I was told to take a (heavy duty) pain pill before each session & it did nothing.
On the Universally adopted pain scale (Australia) and 3 days after surgery (one walking on a frame, one back at home) My knee pain AM is 7, Noonish 7 and night time 7. After 2 other joint replacements, I advise that people get up asap, do small exercises and get the heck out of the hospital system. Each time, I left the hospital rooms full of people with staff trying to get individuals mobile. It's very personal, pain is personal and in the long run, fear can be an ambulatory killer. We need to walk through that fear and pain.
Had my left knee replaced in June 2021. Pain was not as bad as I feared , maybe a 7 at worst but I was able to keep on top of it with narcotics in the first 3 weeks and lots of ice packs. Previously, narcotics have given me terrible constipation but the lower dosage wasn’t a problem. 12 weeks later I’m walking 3 miles a day and playing golf.
Glad I had it done.
You give me hope the the pain during and after therapy is killing me also the swelling has made it very hard to move it around I’m icing,elevating and my exercises even through tears I’m two weeks in thanks for sharing
Age 71. Had the left knee replaced 2 weeks ago. No way I can imagine doing this to my right knee. I always believed I had a high tolerance to pain. Been told that by several doctors. These 2 weeks have been hell. Makes me understand why my brother in law shot himself when they couldn’t control his mesothelioma pain. Morphine, oxy, nothing controls the pain. Hard to believe some of the things others have said about their results. I exercised before, and have kept them up. PT says I have advanced to a week five level by pushing through. I am not a wuss, but I will be glad to get some relief and sleep.
Sounds very much like my experience. It has been brutal.
Thank you for this really helpful. Your dog is gorgeous.
First two weeks was painful,very little sleep. I used pain killers as needed. Fourth week,still pain,less pain med. I’m on my fifth week now,no meds but sleeping a bit challenging. Pain still there but much less .I would say the first three weeks were the hardest. Thanks
Hi Tony, Good Information on your video. I'd just like to pose a question. This is my 2nd knee replacement on the opposite knee. I am using my pain meds as prescribed and trying to stay ahead of my pain. For the most part, it's working well. My problem is that I am still having pain especially with exercise and like you said, it can really come on at night. I am now running low on meds with continued pain and basically am told, no more pain meds- thats it! I am not "seeking" drugs but since when did the "experts" stop believing the patient when they say that they are having genuine pain? A total knee replacement is a BFD! It seems too me that its better to medicate so that one can get through their exercise regimen, rather than not exercise to avoid the pain. I get why some patients don't push themselves. It's because they have a fear of being in pain and not getting appropriate refills.
I've had over 3 surgeries on my left knee and nothing has helped me be pain free, and it will never be any better. I had my right knee replaced just over a year ago, and it's still getting worse every week. The doctors are trying to find the cause but with no luck. My balance is off because of my left knee no longer bending, I envy all those with success, and I hope it stays that way. Good luck
I had a TKR at 67. At 69 I went Snow skiing. Just on easier runs then encouraged by that decided to give water skiing a go after a 6 year break. Any dramas were more psychological than physical. I'll head to the snow again, not sure about the water. My surgeon was awesome. Knee replacement for me was a complete success.
Tony, the most intense pain i endured was felt on days 5 & 6. In the ensuing days, i had no need for morphine and relied on Tylenol alone. Not surprisingly, after physio classes the first week, my pain was back with a vengeance. The most difficult for me is standing after a prolonged sitdown for meals. Stairs are a breeze if the basic rules are followed: up with the good, etc. Good sleep and rest are a must, as well as exercises. These videos by Tony i swear by. Clear, concise, and reliable information!
I had TKR 2 weeks ago and I can say everything you say is right on. The first three days were pretty terrible, even though on the pain scale I would have to rate it at about a 7. Now, I am down to 1.5 doses of hydrocodone a day, and the pain is probably goes from 2-6 throughout the day. My experience of night time pain is the opposite of what you describe. It feels best at night. Perhaps because I have one of those ice machines, and I have an adjustable bed so I can elevate my leg above my heart. Morning is the worst. The most important take away is that the pain is not constant. It will vary throughout the day, so at worst you may have short bursts of extreme pain.
Rose, please let me know what brand ice machine you bought and from where. Amazon lists so many but I want something that really works because this is too important to buy a dud.
Had tkr 4 days ago and highest pain level was at 2. So far it's been going very well. Biggest problem is constipation. Had PT yesterday and I am ahead of schedule. Stopped taking oxycodone and now just on Tylenol.
There are probably as many different stories about knee replacement as there are people that have them.
I had one replaced last year and am recovering from the other one after about 4 weeks.
My doc said they may be very different. So true.
My left one was a piece of cake for 10 weeks. No narcotics, just Ibuprofen. Plenty of range of motion. Moved thru therapy very fast.
Then the hammer fell.
I got adhesions on the tendons. Could not get out of a chair without help from my hands. Had to have the doc go back in and clean it up. The outcome was spectacular. No pain and full range of motion.
My right one started out different. More pain, could not go without narcotics. Therapy and range of motion are doing well. At 4 weeks, narcotics twice a day. Hoping to get off the narcotics soon.
Fervently hoping for no adhesions this time.
GFM
This week will be 7 weeks ago that I had total knee replacement. First 2-3 weeks pain was not fun. I stopped oxycodone after 2 weeks, but still should have been on it. But didn't like the way it made me feel. Things are going much better and glad now I had replacement.
Thank you for your videos! They are very informative! I am a 76-year-old woman, exactly 5 weeks PO. I think I must be really lucky because I've never had really bad pain. Your expression of the mornings being worse, midday being best, and a person really being exhausted by it all in the evening is very true. They had me get up in the hospital in the afternoon after surgery. I went home the next day. I did have difficulty sleeping for about the first 10 days, but it was discomfort and achy, not pain. I started PT two weeks after surgery I really made an effort to try to stay with the program. Yesterday, at exactly 21 days PO, I walked 1.6 miles in addition to steps around the house. I think it was a little too far, as I was quite stiff this morning. I'm just going to go out right now and aim for 1.25 miles. My pain right now is zero. What I have is stiffness and swelling, but those are alleviated by walking and getting off my feet. And if I feel a need, I will use either ice or heat. As a point of reference, I am not in the best shape and I'm about 50 pounds overweight. But I feel very lucky. Also, I greatly appreciate your videos on extension and flexion. Those have helped. Thank you!
Hi wildwoodhill, thank you so much for your post. My surgery is scheduled in 2 weeks and I am a very healthy 80 year old woman. When I tell people I plan to be off heavy pain meds within 2 days and walking pretty well at 2 weeks they look at me like I’m crazy. You inspire me-thank you so much!,
@@sueappleton104 Good for you! It IS important to stay on top of the pain, because if you have too much pain, you won’t move. And moving is the second most important thing you have to do. You have to keep moving. The first most important thing to do (according to my surgeon, and he is right) is to NOT fall. But I managed the pain with Tylenol and ibuprofen. My body does not do well with narcotics. I am now eight months postop for my first knee, and 3 1/2 months postop for my second knee. I am doing really well! I am working on strength (as in stairs up and down) and I am enjoying easy hikes in the hills. When I go hiking I do use trekking poles. Best wishes for your surgery and a successful recovery!
I had a knee replacement in July of 2020. I had a very easy recovery. The pain was a lot less than I expected and it didn't last but a couple days. The post op pain was nothing compared to the years of pain I had in that knee before the replacement.......Here's a tip...keep your leg moving and keep up with your PT.
I had total knee replacement 3 years ago, have had scar tissue removed and exrays than had the nerves in my knee blocked and than nerves burned, now I have so much pain in my knee and upper leg so had a MRI done of my hip and waiting for results the pain is shocking 😢
I’m fixing to undergo a TKA due to injury. I’m in my 40s. I admit I’m scared to death, but this video helped. I’m watching all your videos. Thanks! I will do everything I’m told.
So good to get straightforward information about pain and pain management. I had severe pain for the first week and hospital didn’t management my pain very well, I also had high blood pressure when the pain level was high. First half of second week it has started easing off and my leg is less stiff.
My hip replacement was a breeze I was not prepared for all the additional pain of knee pain after surgery even after seeing my husband having both knees replaced one in Spring other in Fall. My husband a rancher and now climbs 6 ft ladder with 50 lbs feed bag on shoulder and also throws 70 lb hay bails. There is life after surgery. I know it works just hard going through it.
I am 50 yrs old, had total knee replacement done on both knees Dec 8th 2021, I was free of pain killers 1-1/2 weeks after surgery and only took Acetaminophen after. I went to PT 3 times a week for 7 weeks and feel really good now. I am currently working on strengthening my legs so i can get back to work as a welder who stands on concrete, 10 hrs a day. I enjoyed watching your videos, they helped me on my off days of PT. Thank you much Bryan
I did my right TKR ten years ago. I almost didn’t think I was going to make it. Two weeks after my surgery, I was in the Emergency Room; my leg from my knee down had turned black. My body was rejecting my new titanium knee. The ER docs were great; they listened to everything I said. I am allergic to everything; the ER docs told me to go home and take the strongest allergy medicine that I had, and to not stop until my body started accepting my new knee. It took two weeks.
Ten years later, the pain in my right knee is a Zero.
I had Severe Endometriosis; for me, childbirth was a 9.5. My right TKR was a 9.5 on your pain scale.
Here I am ten years later, and I have to do my left TKR. I have no choice. My left knee “buckles”, and I am going to fall if I don’t do something. Different surgeon, but he is top knotch. I am on the surgery calendar. I am scared. I am doing my exercises…
I know therapy will be very painful. But, in the long run it is the only thing that actually helps. I have multiple flights of steps throughout my house; they are my own personal therapy. Those steps are why my right TKR has been such a success.
Keep The Faith.
This is a great comment. I hope it helps others who read it.
The pain of the surgery to Day 10 was uncomfortable, really not bad at all. The pain I feel with the exercises/stretches based on this scale is an 8/9 every time. I sweat, I shake, I feel nauseous - then I cry- I SOB. And then I do the next rep. I’ve been told I have worse joint capsule stiffness that 75% of people. I’ve had 3 prior surgeries -ages 16, 29, and 30. I am no wimp. And I am young -51 yrs old. I’m a past athlete, an exercise physiologist, and a hypnotherapist. I’m using everything at my disposal. I’ve recovered from rotator cuff surgery with a frozen shoulder post-op. That was nothing compared to this. I fight for every degree, every repetition. This pain is shaking me to my core - it’s coming close to breaking me. I’m at Day 18 post op.
I wish they would have compared you to yourself rather than saying your knee circumference is worse than 75% of other patients. Not helpful(imho) and not professional. I’ve been a health care provider for over 30 yrs, and getting my TKA on 9/5/23.
It is the worst pain I have ever had, and still have 6 years later!
Really?? WOW. What have your medical team suggested is the continued cause of your pain this far out?
I had a right knee total replacement about 2-1/2 weeks ago. I seem to be an exception to the averages. My pain level was manageable from day one. It was definitely uncomfortable and with certain movements there was some sharp pain. My pain most of the time was more of a constant dull ache which spiked a little when I tried to walk or sit on the toilet or get out of a chair or get into the car. And I went home the day after surgery and had the most excruciating pain when I had to climb only 4 feet of steps to get into my house one day after my surgery. It was because I had no choice, but to put nearly a full load on the new knee. I was told not to drive until a minimum of two weeks, but on day five after my surgery, I decided to see if I can operate a vehicle with my right leg and foot. I tested my leg out, pressing the gas and brake pedal quite a bit before I actually drove my car. My knee was definitely sore and stiff, so I had to be careful to make sure that it didn’t freeze up on me and prevent me from pressing the gas or brake pedal. Getting in and out of the car was slow. I used my walker for about 5 to 6 days, and then I traded it in for a walking stick that I had. I really didn’t need a walking stick but it was a good reminder that I needed to be careful walking. Fairly close to the two week mark, I began walking without any aid at all. At 2 1/2 weeks now,I still have a lot of stiffness and pain at times, but I’m doing my exercises regularly. I am extremely pleased with how my recovery has gone. I still walk slowly, and with a little bit of a limp. I feel very blessed, because a friend of mine in his mid-60s did not have it this easy. He didn’t want anyone near his knee because it hurt so bad. I have never felt that way. I don’t think he drove until the third or fourth week. But then again, we have another friend, a lady who was 90 years old, who, although she doesn’t drive, did as well as I am doing. Peoples’ bodies and pain tolerance levels are all very different. I feel very blessed.
One of the worst pain ever. Seriously about 6 months and it was a good year before I could really get around.
I am 6 days post surgery. Pain is much worse than I was prepared for. Hard not to get discouraged. My wife took off to help and thank god she did. Nights and early morning are worse. This has to get better. Trying to limit the OXY by using Tylenol but can only take so much. Most of the pain is below the knee but also above the knee. Part of my problem is the temptation to think something more serious is wrong. Patience has never been my strong suit. Thanks for the video and for being a sounding board.
Thanks for sharing.
I agree mostly with your overall assessment on post surgery knee pain. My PT's confirmed that it's a more intense recovery than most hips or other joints surgeries. I'm not sure I ever "normalized" after 5 days-I was a 6/7 for many months. Five years later I still seem to have many #2/3 days. I can't figure out how some folks do 2 knees at the same time and survive it !!
I had bilateral on 8-5 2021. It's hard to not feel sorry for yourself. The therapy wears me out.
Great information, I had two TKR and a revision within 3 years of having the first TKR..
I’m at a month + 4 days post-op and the surgeon and PT think I’m doing great. 120 ROM and O degrees extension. I’m able to walk about a mile unassisted, but the next day I experience increased pain. Part of the issue is that I’m taking less and less strong pain meds then in the beginning. Your video about massaging the interior incision is giving me hope, because that’s exactly where the pain is-a semi-circle in the inner part of the knee. Thanks for your hard work putting together these videos. I find that the PT is overbooked, distracted with other patients, and the surgeon is much in demand and gives about 15-minutes max on a visit. I have to be quick and insistent with the questions. But with your videos I can take my time.
I had my knee replacement December 14 2020 I’m now into my 6 week post op and still experiencing pain. I have seen my Surgeon a week ago, and she told me my ex ray looks good and that everything seems to be going well. So why still pain. I’m still sleeping in my recliner chair. (The most comfortable:)) Love your videos
Thanks Rhonda! Lots of patients continue to experience pain. The challenge with pain is there are so many contributing factors. How is your range of motion and swelling? Are you able to walk much? 6 weeks is usually a turning point toward improvement.
@@totaltherapysolutions yes I can walk without Cane or walker. That’s exactly what my surgeon said... When you get to 6 weeks you will take a turn for the better:)
Btw my range motion is only 110 at 6 weeks?
I feel your pain. Had my second last week. The pain is intense .
Today is 2 wks. Pain is 10 because I tried stopping pain meds 3 days ago. Going to take pain med right now. I also feel I’ll, week and can’t concentrate on anything.
Sorry to hear that. Talk to your surgical team if you have questions about pain meds. Best wishes.
I’m six weeks out after a total knee replacement of my left knee. The anesthesiologist injected long acting pain medication with the epidural. I believe he said it was a long acting morphine medication. Surgery was on a Wednesday and I really didn’t have pain until Saturday. I controlled the pain with ice packs, Tylenol and a pain medication that the doctor gave me. Within 5 days I started physical therapy. The hardest thing for me to do at the beginning was getting in and out of the shower. I had very little swelling compared to some patients which may have helped to reduce the pain to some degree. The annoying aches were located behind my knee, with stiffness, and not being able to stand for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Continued movement is essential and by week 2 I was able to bend my knee to 109 degrees. You do have to push through the pain and that helps the recovery process. I’m extremely happy with my total knee replacement and can’t wait to get my right knee done.
I had my knee replaced 3 weeks ago. The first two weeks were very difficult but I am starting to feel better now. I just started being able to sleep so be ready!
That is amazing! Thanks for sharing.