My right knee has been getting worse over the past couple years and is now very painful to walk on. A recent visit to the bone doc confirmed that it is now "bone on bone". Long story short, I am getting a full knee replacement on Oct 18, 2013. So, I will be out for a while (not sure how long). The site will be in the very capable hands of Brian while I am out.
Hi gang,
I just went past the two week mark since my total knee replacement surgery. It is going very well.
I was only in the hospital for 2 days. I have in-home physical therapy three days per week for a while. In addition, I am spending 6 hours a day on my CPM machine (continuous passive motion) all the while icing my knee... and I am doing up to two hours a day of knee exercises. It is pretty much a full time job for the first 3-4 weeks. The doc says I should be able to drive in another week or so (although I could now if I had to).
Yesterday, my physical therapist took me off the walker and put me on a cane. I still have a fair amount of pain from the incision (8"), but there is really no pain from the joint itself... and my weight bearing is already better than it was prior to the surgery. I can go up and down stairs with no problem and I have 118 degrees flex in my knee already.
All in all, I am very pleased with the result so far.
My best advice for anyone considering a Knee Replacement... do a lot of exercises ahead of the surgery. I have been exercising about 30 minutes every day for a couple years and it really paid off in my recovery here.
Thanks to all for your prayers and well-wishes... they really do help.