Total Knee replacement

[Robb]

Who here has had one? I'm due for one. What would you recommend I do to get through the recovery period as easy as posssible?
I just got done with 30 minutes on an excercise bike, lifted some weights and will stretch my hamstrings in a bit. I can't do squats at all, left knee is still unstable and I'm still on one crutch.
I'd sure like to hear any tips and pointers from anyone who's gone through a total knee replacement before.

[encorehunter]

I only had half of my left knee done about 3 weeks ago. I just did a lot of stretching and movement. Leg lifts while bending and straightening 3-4 times a day.

[Great-Kazoo]

well i'll make a suggestion for you and anyone else having a TKA, as it's called. See if your ins co will cover an allergy testing procedure BEFORE you have the procedure. You can say nahhh never happen to me.

Well who knew it's actually more prevalent than surgeons will admit. That some people are allergic to either the device or compound that secures it to your bone. Take it from someone who went through a bunch of yes men who were more interested in protecting their ass, than acknowledging there was an issue. When you inquire and the surgeon says Oh that's a 1 in a million chance. Ask them , if so. why is there a company offering this service?

It runs approx $4-500 for a solid answer, to know if there's an issue ahead of time
https://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/

Orthopedic Analysis was established to help doctors and patients diagnose metal allergy:

Before surgery to prevent hypersensitivity related problems
After surgery when material hypersensitivity is suspected.
We provide unrivaled expertise in hypersensitivity testing for:

Allergic sensitivity to implant metals
Orthopedic metals and plastics
Dental Materials
General Immune Hypersensitivity Responses

[MrPrena]

After 1st surgery, I made appointment for physical therapy. My last surgery, we had to fit the physical therapy appt because it is booked month ahead.

Uc health physical therapy is great but too damn crowded.

Coordinate the home physical therapy (if insurance allows) for 10-14 days, and try to coordinate outpatient physical therapy at least few weeks before surgery to have all the recovery schedule set.

[cableguy11]

When I had my hip replaced I loaded up on Turmeric to help with the swelling, and I bought one of those circulating cold water machines to ice it down. I probably could have gone back to work within 2-3 weeks. Now yours is more complex, but I think those things really helped out alot.

[Lurch]

Sitting at just over a month and half on mine. Stay on the pain meds because it effing hurts. I thought I had a high pain tolerance and this brought me to tears a few times. Ice Ice baby and elevation, get an ice machine with the circulation wrap and use it nonstop. Getting your range of motion back is crucial so get to PT as often as possible. Riding a stationary bike is the best for breaking up scar tissue but work on your quads and calfs.

Good luck

[blm28]

Just 5 months having my right knee done. Only had formal therapy once a week for 5 weeks, but was given home exercises that I did 3 to 4 times a day. I still do some exercises every day especially flexibility. Second the ice machine. I iced after all home exercise sessions. I think it is a good idea to do strength exercises prior to surgery. Everybody is different but my pain was not that bad. I was off pain meds after two weeks and was able to drive by three weeks.

Good Luck

[asystejs]

My wife had both knees replaced a year apart.
The PT afterwards is critical to smooth recovery.
She was back at light part time work after 10 days each time and walking a mile after 4-ish weeks.

Panorama Orthopedics and Colorado Ortho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCvYDv4kP2Y

[MrPrena]

As people mentioned ice ice ice.
I should have bought the bag polar ice care system on ebay.

[Gman]

I bought a cryotherapy unit for my shoulder surgery - https://smile.amazon.com/Kit-Cold-Ru.../dp/B0040OD2IO. It held ice longer than the super expensive unit that was rented for the first week of recovery. Purchase was waaay cheaper than the rental price too. I bought the pads for foot/ankle, knee, shoulder, and back/other flat areas. Was well worth it. The ice kept the swelling and pain down and was able to deal with pain via NSAIDs instead of opiods.