Three weeks for me. Only my left knee. Luckily, I do not feel any of the previous pain between the top and lower knee. However the wound is still healing and hurts. My calf and thigh are sore from the actual surgery. I am a teacher too, and retired last year. I’m 66 years old and miss teaching so much! Best wishes! Keep posting!
So glad that your previous pain is gone! It is common for the thigh and calf to be sore after surgery and you are still early on in your knee journey, it will just keep getting better. Thanks for teaching our youth, but be sure to enjoy your retirement!! More videos of Beth's journey are coming soon...
I was shocked at how much pain I had in areas besides my knees!!! Working lots of muscles in different ways, plus the actual positions that were required for the surgery make for some surprise soreness. I can say now at 5 months, all of that is over!!!
Wow that's amazing. I am exactly 3weeks today post TKR and I am still in loads of pain. I have only ventured outside to attend my physio appointments and find it difficult to get in and out the car and can't even envision driving for at least 6 months. But I say well done to everyone who's gone through bilateral TKR and single TKR
Wow Beth four weeks after bilateral,, that's really impressive. I am nearly four weeks post-op after one TKR and terribly stiff in the morning particularly. your attitude is very positive, well done, take care, best wishes from England.
Beth definitely had the right attitude for knee replacement recovery! She treated it like it was her full-time job and is now reaping the benefits of her hard work. Morning stiffness after knee replacement surgery is common and can last for months and even up to one year. Good luck on your knee recovery journey!
You are inspirational!! Having my rt.knee done Tuesday 10/8. You have given me great hope as i hear horror stories that scare you about recovery!! Thank you so !
Wow! And thats ar 4 weeks after surgery ? I’m glad to see encouraging videos like this; I’ll be going for mine in a week’s time & I’ve been praying ever since I knew I had to have it. Praying for courage & strength to go through it all, And a smooth recovery. I’ll also pray for your complete recovery. Many Thanks. 🙏
So glad that Beth's video was encouraging for you. She put in the work and is reaping the rewards. We are excited for your upcoming surgery and the possibilities that come with a pain free knee! Good luck!
Beth, you are such a dear woman and it has helped me immensely to hear of your recovery. I am 4 weeks post op and they say I'm doing well but I am so frustrated. They say I'm expecting too much lol. I walked around the grocery store for about an hour 10 days post op and paid dearly for it that night and the next day. It's the burning pain and sleepless nights that are the most difficult. Any suggestions on how long to expect that? Thank you for sharing your experience it helps so much. Best wishes in your recovery ❤️
So glad that Beth's journey has helped you! Frustration is a normal part of knee replacement recovery and your body will definitely tell you if you have overdone it. As for the burning pain and sleepless nights... Many surgeons will prescribe a medication that can help with the burning pain for the first few months after surgery until it starts to settle down. This medication can also help with sleep when taken at night. Ask your surgeon about this and also ask about Tylenol PM to help with sleep. Keep up the good work and remember as Beth says, it is a marathon, not a sprint. @@josiemcqueary7427
I was frustrated at good deal of the time for the first several months!! I’m not a patient person, and I kept having to remind myself over and over and over that the doctor told me it was a marathon, not a sprint, and he was absolutely right! I remember the nerve pain and the burning pain and honestly, you just pretty much have to get through that stage, but it does go away!!! The sleepless nights go away as well. Just hang in there, and I promise it gets better!
I’m having Tkr in 2 weeks and 2 days. I’m trying to walk even though the pain is bad. I’m watching my diet and keeping my blood sugar levels low. My doctor keeps his patients in hospital for two days or more post surgery to control pain. Pt will start at the hospital. I’m kind of nervous. I’ve had other major surgery before but not involving my knee. I broke the other knee two years ago and had a full leg brace and walker. It was my left knee and I was driving in a couple weeks. But this is my right knee.
Wow, that is a lot. My recommendation would be to stretch and strengthen your right knee, more than walking on it. Walking on a painful knee, usually means limping which will put more strain on your left knee and create a bad habit that will be difficult to break even after surgery. Even though stretching and strengthening may be painful, it will definitely help to prepare the soft tissues surrounding your knee for your upcoming surgery and can help the recovery afterwards.
We have a 12-week follow-up video of Beth coming out this month, so you can see how she is doing. Knee replacement surgery is definitely a big deal and should not be taken lightly. However, if you do your research and select a surgeon that specializes in knee replacements and go to a PT that you trust and sees a lot of knee patients, then you are setting yourself up for success. Often times you will hear the horror stories from those on social media that didn't have a good outcome from the surgery, but there are many that had great outcomes, but didn't share their story. Maybe don't read what everyone is writing and instead find a Prehab program that is lead by a health professional to help you prepare for your surgery. Good luck on your knee journey!@@jayleigh_bee
Thanks for sharing! Physiotherapy is important but so is the work that you put in, in between your physio appointments. Keep up the hard work and soon you will love your 'new' knee. Ok, 'love' is a strong word, but you get my point!! Good luck on your knee journey!
The recovery is challenging, but stick with the exercises. Remember that everyone's recovery is different. Look at Beth's journey, each of her knees is progressing at a different rate, despite having the same surgery on the same person, with the same surgeon, on the same date. Keep up the hard work and your efforts will pay off soon!
I am 3.5 months out from right knee replacement. I love that you do your exercises or stretches wherever you can. I do the same thing. I do need to use steps more, & walk more around the block. (I have to comment on your kitchen cabinets, they’re beautiful!)
The key to a successful recovery after knee replacement surgery is figuring out how to do your exercises/stretches frequently throughout the day, so good job!
I am now 5 months post surgery and I am still working in my exercises wherever I can. My students were watching a video earlier and I was standing on one foot at a time for 45 seconds. : ) You have to fit it in when you can. Thanks about the cabinets. I was tired of the wood, so one snow day, I painted them!! They make me happy.
This is great Beth super to hear the real life experience! You are absolutely amazing and looking fabulous and wow 2 knees at the same time! surgeons in the uk are very reluctant to do that, one at a time only. I’m now 60 years young, recently retired Midwife and I got a new knee for my birthday 😂 now 5 weeks post-op left knee, and finally the pain is completely manageable with some bruffen or paracetamol. “Vladimir” aka Caroline my physio is keeping me busy! Going up and down stairs “normally” is still an issue, I’m having to do the two together thing most of the time, going down is particularly bad but told this is very normal at this stage. Driving not encouraged over here until 6 weeks plus. I stay in a wee coastal area of Scotland next to a lovely beach and my one wish is to walk on that beach again with my wonderful Basset Hound before Christmas 🤞I missed that so much. This is such a major surgery to undertake and the pain is challenging at the beginning but I need to remind myself of the awful stabbing pain in my inner knee (OA) and terrible hamstring pain I suffered before the operation which completely limited my mobility, this has completely gone thanks to the skill of my lovely surgeon and I am very grateful. Wishing you and all your readers continued success and good health 🥰🏴🇬🇧
Sounds like you are doing great! You are correct in that the management of stairs is still difficult to do at this stage. Going down stairs is especially difficult because it takes significantly more strength and control to accomplish and usually occurs after you have mastered going up stairs. Beth was walking on the beach 4-months after bilateral knee replacement surgery. So keep up the hard work, and you will definitely be walking on the beach with your Basset Hound before Christmas! Good luck on your knee journey!
Hamstring pain!?! I thought I was the only one getting that and figured it was from some other issue!!! I have ache under the patella, burning on inside of knee, ( where I am bone on bone) burning stabbing pain on outer side of knee and horrid pain in back of knee with awful tight stiffness. After standing at work for about a half hour I’m so stiff it’s like walking through mud all day. I stand at work all day as I am a hairdresser. Sitting in a chair isn’t an option because then my arms are up too high and getting up and down from the chair is a nightmare! My Orthopedic sent me to PT saying he didn’t think I was mentally or physically ready for TKR. Kept saying it was a hugeeeee surgery and I have a demanding job!🤷♀️ Was going to get HA shots but my insurance doesn’t cover them and I really don’t want to shell out almost $3,000 for something that might not work! He said “I will know when I’m ready”. But I am terrified.
@@fancyfrancy2244 yes terrible hamstring pain on top of the bone on bone was the last straw for me, In my humble opinion don’t hesitate, get it done, life is too short to be in such discomfort, find a good surgeon and make sure you have a good physio package for afterwards if you can. I also used a number of excellent you tube physiotherapists too, always good to start the exercises before surgery if you can tolerate those. Best of luck to you, it’s a hard slog for the first few weeks but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Get yourself organised first with some human support and simple gadgets, ice packs, raised toilet seat, and a leg support to help your leg in and out the bed, etc makes things much simpler post-op and all found on Amazon or any other appropriate store of course! 😁 I’m 6 + months now, pain free bar the odd ache at the end of the day, my surgeon reassured me things won’t feel quite “normal” till about a year but the no pain bit is fabulous!
Thanks for the info. Having my surgery Jan 15th in Canada. It’s going to be cold and snowy. I’ll be inside for a while because of snow and icy conditions.
Good luck with your surgery in January. Sometimes cold weather is not a bad thing, because it makes you do the exercises in your home that you are supposed to be doing without the temptation of going outside. Thanks for sharing some of your knee journey!
4 weeks this Thursday-right knee first, left will be later. I do enjoy PT getting out of the house. I still have nerve pain around knee, which is uncomfortable but do-able.
Knee replacement recovery is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. You can ask your doctor about whether a short-term nerve medication might be helpful for you. We have seen some surgeons prescribe Gabapentin or Neurontin to patients with good results. However, it is a clinical decision made between you and your surgeon based on your unique case. Definitely worth asking! Keep up the hard work.
Ten weeks out on my TKR revision. My surgeon has moved the bar, now it’s eighteen months until I’m fully rehabbed. The truth is you never get over a TKR, but hopefully you are more mobile with less pain😅.
Surgeons are notorious for moving the bar! The truth is, that the knee recovery journey varies from person to person. For some it is 6 months and for others it is 18 months or longer. But we agree, that the goal is to be more mobile with less pain! Well said!
Regarding driving my insurance won’t cover me before 6 weeks and then only if I can do an emergency stop. My friend who had a desk job couldn’t go back until week 10 post op because sitting too long hurt her. I can’t imagine having both knees done at once, I can’t imagine how hard that is. You did exceptionally well, at 4 weeks with only 1 knee done I’m still limping especially if I go without my sticks.
Thanks for sharing some of your journey. Knee replacement recovery is hard and is different for everyone. Even with Beth, each of her knee's progressed at different rates. As for the limping issue.... If your knee can fully straighten and you are still limping, then it is a habit that you need to break. Talk to your PTs about how to do that. Good luck on your knee journey!
Every recovery is different. Even the same individual will have a different recovery with each knee. Remember knee replacement recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Hang in there and here is hoping for better days to come.
I’m 5 weeks out with right knee, surgery Sept 12th with the ROSA robotic system. Got the ok to drive this week which is great but I did have to ask about it since I’d been off pain meds for two weeks … key to being able to drive is being off opioid pain meds! I can’t do steps going down yet, but coming up is do-able but slowly. Still get the occasional electrical like zap along the incision which can be an eye-opener since it comes out of the blue. I’m told this is the nerves healing/regenerating. Do still have some numbness along the outside and at the top edge of kneecap. Incision is full closed and healing very well. Using Bio-oil to begin massaging to breakdown the scar tissue. During an progress evaluation was told as a result of the extended knee deterioration (3+ years) my right hip is weak so need to work on that also. All in all replacement was the right decision but have been reminded knee replacement is a year’s journey.
Sounds like you are doing great! Going down stairs is one of the hardest things to do, because you have to really trust your new knee. It seems like you have the right mindset. Knee replacement recovery is a marathon. Keep up the good work!
6 weeks out and having hypersensitive pain along my inner calf, and trouble walking normally. PT is always telling me to lift my foot up. I shuffle. Have pain when I bend my knee up to put the foot forward then down to take a step. Seeing the PA next week to make sure nothings wrong. Thw worst problem is the painful sensitivity along my whole inner calf down into my foot. I’ve seen others have similar issues.
I wonder if your hypersensitivity along the inner calf is due to a hyperfocus on picking your foot up. The more you focus on your ankle movements, the more it works the calf muscle?? Just a thought. I hope it is nothing serious. Ask your PA next week about using heat on your calf and surround muscles to help with your knee recovery. Keep in mind 6 weeks is still very early on from a major orthopedic surgery. Keep up the good work and good luck on your knee journey!
@@thegoknee Thank you for your reply. The sensitivity’s been going on since day 2 when the nerve block wore off. The PA gave me a muscle relaxer, which doesn’t do a lot, but had helped me sleep slightly better. I’ve tried heat which makes it feel worse, but using a soft rag with warm water up and down it seems to make it slightly better a short time. I’m glad to know that 6 weeks is still a short time, which helps my state of mind. This is a hard surgery, as I’ve heard. Thank you.
I am you a year ago! I got both knees replaced last June 3. I chose to have it done then so when my piano students return in Sept. I should be fine. Everything was going great and I was driving and getting around well. Then Sunday at church after I played the prelude I sat down wrong. I must have twisted and plopped because I had pain level 10 for a bit and then whenever I put weight on it. I got thru the service with hubby helping me up to the piano and back. It was back to a walker for the next day or two. I got X-rays and saw my surgeon''s p.a. He thinks maybe it was scar tissue breaking up or some soft tissue getting stretched. I hope I can find out more about your journey and how you are doing now! Laura Mackey
Thanks for sharing some of your knee journey! Knee replacement recovery is such a unique experience for everyone. Beth has had setbacks as well. Maybe we can convince her to do an update video and see how she is doing now. Hope you have recovered from 'the scar tissue breaking up' and are back to enjoying those 'new' knees!
So sorry to hear about your struggles. The recovery is very challenging. I encourage you to reach out to your surgeon and/or physical therapist for help. There are things they can do to help. Some surgeons will recommend a medication that can help with pain and sleep for a few weeks to get you over this hurdle. Therapists have lots of knowledge on pain control, but often times get focused on improving your knee motion and strength and defer the pain management to your medications, icing and elevating. However, I would tell them your struggles and ask them for help with the 'agony'. I can feel your frustration, exhaustion, disappointment... just know it WILL get better. Try to focus on the 'wins'. Is your walking better than last week? Can you get your leg on/off the bed better now? Are you able to get on/off the toilet without any help? Some of my patients find it helpful to write in a daily journey, what they are going through and how they feel. That way, they can read last week's entries and realize that they are getting better. I wish I could be more helpful, but you had major surgery only 5 weeks ago, and it takes time for your body to heal. Keep up the hard work, and you will reap the benefits soon.
I had my left knee done, and it's been a nightmare. I've had to have a manipulation under anesthesia at 7 weeks. Now I am at 110 bend and 1.5 straight. They released me from PT. I'm like you only 5 feet tall. As a retired teacher all I can say is bless you. I don't know how you will be able to go back, I know I couldn't, though I worked with pre-K. I can't do steps to save my life you are doing absolutely wonderful. I have fibromyalgia and the PT therapist told me that probably was affecting my recovery!! Blessings ❤❤❤best of luck!!!
@@lindahughes5781 Fibromyalgia definitely impacts your recovery. Sorry to hear about your struggles with your knee. Just know that your knee will continue to heal and hopefully things like stairs will get easier for you. Keep on, keeping on.
I like how you named your knees. Get with the program Louise! I could use a bilateral knee replacement. I am guessing I will do one knee st a time. I am a retired teacher. That is a tough job. Lots of standing. Lots of walking. No time to rest.
Teaching is definitely a tough job, but for Beth it is clearly her calling and was her motivation to get her knees moving so that she could return to her students. Good luck on your knee journey!
I’m five weeks out, cant drive, very much pain. Especially nerve pain! I’m very discouraged. My surgery was right knee. I was almost in a wheel chair with arthritis but I’m still not sure surgery was worth this.
I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. Knee replacement recovery is different for everyone. It might be worth it to speak to your surgeon about your nerve pain, as there might be a medication that can help with this as you recover. Also, you are still very early in your knee journey. Keep up with the exercises and give your body time to heal from this major surgery. Also, speak with your health professionals and share your struggles with them, as there might be more they can do to help you.
It takes some pain to get well. I am 3.5 months out of right knee replacement. I really worked hard at physical therapy. I wanted to get better quickly. Don’t stop moving that knee! The nerve pain gets much better, the scar gets easier to touch. Best advice I can give is ice that knee every four hours for 15 minutes or after therapy. I really hope you don’t give up, you can do it!!
You definitely have to be willing to work hard to have bilateral knee replacement surgery! More importantly, it is a big decision between the individual and their surgeon and many factors are considered, and not everyone is a candidate to get both knees done at the same time.
So sorry to hear about your struggles. We encourage you to talk to your surgeon and therapist to see if anything else can be done. Just know that improvements can continue even after a year later.
Beth's surgeon was Dr. William Shell with Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. The decision to do a bilateral knee replacement surgery is made between the surgeon and the individual and is based on numerous factors. Good luck on your knee journey!
Sorry to hear that you are struggling with your walking. Recommend that you speak with your physical therapist about your walking quality as they can properly assess the cause of this. The most common reason that individuals limp after surgery is because their knee does not fully straighten. So, this is the first thing I would look at. The next most common reason that causes an abnormal walking pattern after surgery is habit. Most people have been protecting their knee for months or years, leading up to the surgery, which usually means they had a slight limp or 'antalgic' gait pattern and this habit can be hard to break. Your physical therapist can provide you exercises that can help to break these old habits. I wish I had better answers for you, because I know how frustrating it can be to 'not walk right' after the surgery. Good luck on your knee journey.
It definitely takes a long time for your brain and body to accept this 'new' knee and everyone's journey is different for various reasons. I hope that your pain begins to subside soon. Just know that the effort and exercises that you are doing now, will have a positive impact on this 'new' knee and hopefully you will be 'glad you did it' soon.
Beth is definitely remarkable! Everyone is different and please show yourself grace, considering you had major surgery and your body is healing... plus one week can made a major difference. I have had many individuals tell me that they are walking without a walker or cane or crutches within the first week after surgery. But then when I see them, they are limping significantly... walking quality is more important then whether or not you are using an ambulatory aid. So, using crutches at 3 weeks post-op is better than someone walking with a limp with no crutches. As a PT, limping is a very hard habit to break! My advice, focus on your knee bending and straightening and the walking will always come. Keep up the hard work and good luck on your knee journey!
Three weeks for me. Only my left knee. Luckily, I do not feel any of the previous pain between the top and lower knee. However the wound is still healing and hurts. My calf and thigh are sore from the actual surgery. I am a teacher too, and retired last year. I’m 66 years old and miss teaching so much! Best wishes! Keep posting!
So glad that your previous pain is gone! It is common for the thigh and calf to be sore after surgery and you are still early on in your knee journey, it will just keep getting better. Thanks for teaching our youth, but be sure to enjoy your retirement!! More videos of Beth's journey are coming soon...
I was shocked at how much pain I had in areas besides my knees!!! Working lots of muscles in different ways, plus the actual positions that were required for the surgery make for some surprise soreness. I can say now at 5 months, all of that is over!!!
So glad that you are doing well! @@bethanderson5684
@@bethanderson5684o😊
Wow that's amazing.
I am exactly 3weeks today post TKR and I am still in loads of pain.
I have only ventured outside to attend my physio appointments and find it difficult to get in and out the car and can't even envision driving for at least 6 months.
But I say well done to everyone who's gone through bilateral TKR and single TKR
Wow Beth four weeks after bilateral,, that's really impressive. I am nearly four weeks post-op after one TKR and terribly stiff in the morning particularly. your attitude is very positive, well done, take care, best wishes from England.
Beth definitely had the right attitude for knee replacement recovery! She treated it like it was her full-time job and is now reaping the benefits of her hard work. Morning stiffness after knee replacement surgery is common and can last for months and even up to one year. Good luck on your knee recovery journey!
You are inspirational!! Having my rt.knee done Tuesday 10/8. You have given me great hope as i hear horror stories that scare you about recovery!! Thank you so !
Beth is a rock star! Good luck next week with your knee surgery and don't listen to the 'horror' stories. You got this!
Thanks so very much for the words of encouragement and responding!!🌺
@@LynnKornya You are welcome and good luck tomorrow!
@@thegoknee appreciate your response and support..the world is a better place with folks like you!
Wow! And thats ar 4 weeks after surgery ? I’m glad to see encouraging videos like this; I’ll be going for mine in a week’s time & I’ve been praying ever since I knew I had to have it. Praying for courage & strength to go through it all, And a smooth recovery. I’ll also pray for your complete recovery. Many Thanks. 🙏
So glad that Beth's video was encouraging for you. She put in the work and is reaping the rewards. We are excited for your upcoming surgery and the possibilities that come with a pain free knee! Good luck!
Beth, you are such a dear woman and it has helped me immensely to hear of your recovery. I am 4 weeks post op and they say I'm doing well but I am so frustrated. They say I'm expecting too much lol. I walked around the grocery store for about an hour 10 days post op and paid dearly for it that night and the next day. It's the burning pain and sleepless nights that are the most difficult. Any suggestions on how long to expect that? Thank you for sharing your experience it helps so much. Best wishes in your recovery ❤️
So glad that Beth's journey has helped you! Frustration is a normal part of knee replacement recovery and your body will definitely tell you if you have overdone it. As for the burning pain and sleepless nights... Many surgeons will prescribe a medication that can help with the burning pain for the first few months after surgery until it starts to settle down. This medication can also help with sleep when taken at night. Ask your surgeon about this and also ask about Tylenol PM to help with sleep. Keep up the good work and remember as Beth says, it is a marathon, not a sprint. @@josiemcqueary7427
Hope it went well!!!
I was frustrated at good deal of the time for the first several months!! I’m not a patient person, and I kept having to remind myself over and over and over that the doctor told me it was a marathon, not a sprint, and he was absolutely right! I remember the nerve pain and the burning pain and honestly, you just pretty much have to get through that stage, but it does go away!!! The sleepless nights go away as well. Just hang in there, and I promise it gets better!
Thank you so much for all your information. Extremely helpful
You are very welcome and glad that it was helpful! Good luck on your knee journey!
I’m having Tkr in 2 weeks and 2 days. I’m trying to walk even though the pain is bad. I’m watching my diet and keeping my blood sugar levels low. My doctor keeps his patients in hospital for two days or more post surgery to control pain. Pt will start at the hospital. I’m kind of nervous. I’ve had other major surgery before but not involving my knee. I broke the other knee two years ago and had a full leg brace and walker. It was my left knee and I was driving in a couple weeks. But this is my right knee.
Wow, that is a lot. My recommendation would be to stretch and strengthen your right knee, more than walking on it. Walking on a painful knee, usually means limping which will put more strain on your left knee and create a bad habit that will be difficult to break even after surgery. Even though stretching and strengthening may be painful, it will definitely help to prepare the soft tissues surrounding your knee for your upcoming surgery and can help the recovery afterwards.
Hope it is going well!
Please let me know how you’re doing! I’m having TKR in 3 months! I’m terrified!
We have a 12-week follow-up video of Beth coming out this month, so you can see how she is doing. Knee replacement surgery is definitely a big deal and should not be taken lightly. However, if you do your research and select a surgeon that specializes in knee replacements and go to a PT that you trust and sees a lot of knee patients, then you are setting yourself up for success. Often times you will hear the horror stories from those on social media that didn't have a good outcome from the surgery, but there are many that had great outcomes, but didn't share their story. Maybe don't read what everyone is writing and instead find a Prehab program that is lead by a health professional to help you prepare for your surgery. Good luck on your knee journey!@@jayleigh_bee
@@jayleigh_beeI’m having left knee done next week. My stomach has been in knots from nerves for 2 months now. I hope it goes really well for you.
I like your video, I am about to do my rght knee in May, I don't want to do it during winter time. Praying for your full recovery..God bless 🙌 🙏
May is a good time for knee replacement surgery, so that way you can enjoy the summer of 2024. Good luck on your knee journey!
Summer was a great time for me!
You are courageous and eloquent. Your students atr fortunate to have you.
Very encouraging video. I am 3 weeks after TKR, doing relatively fine. Physiotherapy is a must atleast twice daily.
Thanks for sharing! Physiotherapy is important but so is the work that you put in, in between your physio appointments. Keep up the hard work and soon you will love your 'new' knee. Ok, 'love' is a strong word, but you get my point!! Good luck on your knee journey!
Thanks for sharing. I’m going into my second week.
The recovery is challenging, but stick with the exercises. Remember that everyone's recovery is different. Look at Beth's journey, each of her knees is progressing at a different rate, despite having the same surgery on the same person, with the same surgeon, on the same date. Keep up the hard work and your efforts will pay off soon!
I am 3.5 months out from right knee replacement. I love that you do your exercises or stretches wherever you can. I do the same thing. I do need to use steps more, & walk more around the block. (I have to comment on your kitchen cabinets, they’re beautiful!)
The key to a successful recovery after knee replacement surgery is figuring out how to do your exercises/stretches frequently throughout the day, so good job!
I am now 5 months post surgery and I am still working in my exercises wherever I can. My students were watching a video earlier and I was standing on one foot at a time for 45 seconds. : ) You have to fit it in when you can. Thanks about the cabinets. I was tired of the wood, so one snow day, I painted them!! They make me happy.
Thanks!! my cabinets make me happy!
Thelma and Louise you are hilarious!!
This is great Beth super to hear the real life experience! You are absolutely amazing and looking fabulous and wow 2 knees at the same time! surgeons in the uk are very reluctant to do that, one at a time only. I’m now 60 years young, recently retired Midwife and I got a new knee for my birthday 😂 now 5 weeks post-op left knee, and finally the pain is completely manageable with some bruffen or paracetamol. “Vladimir” aka Caroline my physio is keeping me busy! Going up and down stairs “normally” is still an issue, I’m having to do the two together thing most of the time, going down is particularly bad but told this is very normal at this stage. Driving not encouraged over here until 6 weeks plus. I stay in a wee coastal area of Scotland next to a lovely beach and my one wish is to walk on that beach again with my wonderful Basset Hound before Christmas 🤞I missed that so much. This is such a major surgery to undertake and the pain is challenging at the beginning but I need to remind myself of the awful stabbing pain in my inner knee (OA) and terrible hamstring pain I suffered before the operation which completely limited my mobility, this has completely gone thanks to the skill of my lovely surgeon and I am very grateful. Wishing you and all your readers continued success and good health 🥰🏴🇬🇧
Sounds like you are doing great! You are correct in that the management of stairs is still difficult to do at this stage. Going down stairs is especially difficult because it takes significantly more strength and control to accomplish and usually occurs after you have mastered going up stairs. Beth was walking on the beach 4-months after bilateral knee replacement surgery. So keep up the hard work, and you will definitely be walking on the beach with your Basset Hound before Christmas! Good luck on your knee journey!
Hamstring pain!?!
I thought I was the only one getting that and figured it was from some other issue!!!
I have ache under the patella, burning on inside of knee, ( where I am bone on bone) burning stabbing pain on outer side of knee and horrid pain in back of knee with awful tight stiffness. After standing at work for about a half hour I’m so stiff it’s like walking through mud all day. I stand at work all day as I am a hairdresser. Sitting in a chair isn’t an option because then my arms are up too high and getting up and down from the chair is a nightmare!
My Orthopedic sent me to PT saying he didn’t think I was mentally or physically ready for TKR. Kept saying it was a hugeeeee surgery and I have a demanding job!🤷♀️
Was going to get HA shots but my insurance doesn’t cover them and I really don’t want to shell out almost $3,000 for something that might not work!
He said “I will know when I’m ready”. But I am terrified.
@@fancyfrancy2244 yes terrible hamstring pain on top of the bone on bone was the last straw for me, In my humble opinion don’t hesitate, get it done, life is too short to be in such discomfort, find a good surgeon and make sure you have a good physio package for afterwards if you can. I also used a number of excellent you tube physiotherapists too, always good to start the exercises before surgery if you can tolerate those. Best of luck to you, it’s a hard slog for the first few weeks but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Get yourself organised first with some human support and simple gadgets, ice packs, raised toilet seat, and a leg support to help your leg in and out the bed, etc makes things much simpler post-op and all found on Amazon or any other appropriate store of course! 😁 I’m 6 + months now, pain free bar the odd ache at the end of the day, my surgeon reassured me things won’t feel quite “normal” till about a year but the no pain bit is fabulous!
Thanks for the info. Having my surgery Jan 15th in Canada. It’s going to be cold and snowy. I’ll be inside for a while because of snow and icy conditions.
Good luck with your surgery in January. Sometimes cold weather is not a bad thing, because it makes you do the exercises in your home that you are supposed to be doing without the temptation of going outside. Thanks for sharing some of your knee journey!
4 weeks this Thursday-right knee first, left will be later. I do enjoy PT getting out of the house. I still have nerve pain around knee, which is uncomfortable but do-able.
Knee replacement recovery is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. You can ask your doctor about whether a short-term nerve medication might be helpful for you. We have seen some surgeons prescribe Gabapentin or Neurontin to patients with good results. However, it is a clinical decision made between you and your surgeon based on your unique case. Definitely worth asking! Keep up the hard work.
Ten weeks out on my TKR revision. My surgeon has moved the bar, now it’s eighteen months until I’m fully rehabbed. The truth is you never get over a TKR, but hopefully you are more mobile with less pain😅.
Surgeons are notorious for moving the bar! The truth is, that the knee recovery journey varies from person to person. For some it is 6 months and for others it is 18 months or longer. But we agree, that the goal is to be more mobile with less pain! Well said!
Regarding driving my insurance won’t cover me before 6 weeks and then only if I can do an emergency stop.
My friend who had a desk job couldn’t go back until week 10 post op because sitting too long hurt her.
I can’t imagine having both knees done at once, I can’t imagine how hard that is.
You did exceptionally well, at 4 weeks with only 1 knee done I’m still limping especially if I go without my sticks.
Thanks for sharing some of your journey. Knee replacement recovery is hard and is different for everyone. Even with Beth, each of her knee's progressed at different rates. As for the limping issue.... If your knee can fully straighten and you are still limping, then it is a habit that you need to break. Talk to your PTs about how to do that. Good luck on your knee journey!
@@thegoknee thanks. It’s good to know that progress is an individual thing. 😃
What an amazing recovery. This has not been my experience.
Every recovery is different. Even the same individual will have a different recovery with each knee. Remember knee replacement recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Hang in there and here is hoping for better days to come.
I’m 5 weeks out with right knee, surgery Sept 12th with the ROSA robotic system. Got the ok to drive this week which is great but I did have to ask about it since I’d been off pain meds for two weeks … key to being able to drive is being off opioid pain meds!
I can’t do steps going down yet, but coming up is do-able but slowly. Still get the occasional electrical like zap along the incision which can be an eye-opener since it comes out of the blue. I’m told this is the nerves healing/regenerating. Do still have some numbness along the outside and at the top edge of kneecap. Incision is full closed and healing very well. Using Bio-oil to begin massaging to breakdown the scar tissue. During an progress evaluation was told as a result of the extended knee deterioration (3+ years) my right hip is weak so need to work on that also. All in all replacement was the right decision but have been reminded knee replacement is a year’s journey.
Sounds like you are doing great! Going down stairs is one of the hardest things to do, because you have to really trust your new knee. It seems like you have the right mindset. Knee replacement recovery is a marathon. Keep up the good work!
6 weeks out and having hypersensitive pain along my inner calf, and trouble walking normally. PT is always telling me to lift my foot up. I shuffle. Have pain when I bend my knee up to put the foot forward then down to take a step. Seeing the PA next week to make sure nothings wrong. Thw worst problem is the painful sensitivity along my whole inner calf down into my foot. I’ve seen others have similar issues.
I wonder if your hypersensitivity along the inner calf is due to a hyperfocus on picking your foot up. The more you focus on your ankle movements, the more it works the calf muscle?? Just a thought. I hope it is nothing serious. Ask your PA next week about using heat on your calf and surround muscles to help with your knee recovery. Keep in mind 6 weeks is still very early on from a major orthopedic surgery. Keep up the good work and good luck on your knee journey!
@@thegoknee Thank you for your reply. The sensitivity’s been going on since day 2 when the nerve block wore off. The PA gave me a muscle relaxer, which doesn’t do a lot, but had helped me sleep slightly better. I’ve tried heat which makes it feel worse, but using a soft rag with warm water up and down it seems to make it slightly better a short time. I’m glad to know that 6 weeks is still a short time, which helps my state of mind. This is a hard surgery, as I’ve heard. Thank you.
@@lindaelston4728 You are welcome!
I'm a retired teacher and suffered with bursitis in my hips from those concrete floors. I'm due to have tkr mid April.
Over long periods of time, those concrete floors can be hard on the lower body joints. Good luck on your knee journey! We love our teachers!
I am you a year ago! I got both knees replaced last June 3. I chose to have it done then so when my piano students return in Sept. I should be fine. Everything was going great and I was driving and getting around well. Then Sunday at church after I played the prelude I sat down wrong. I must have twisted and plopped because I had pain level 10 for a bit and then whenever I put weight on it. I got thru the service with hubby helping me up to the piano and back. It was back to a walker for the next day or two. I got X-rays and saw my surgeon''s p.a. He thinks maybe it was scar tissue breaking up or some soft tissue getting stretched. I hope I can find out more about your journey and how you are doing now! Laura Mackey
Thanks for sharing some of your knee journey! Knee replacement recovery is such a unique experience for everyone. Beth has had setbacks as well. Maybe we can convince her to do an update video and see how she is doing now. Hope you have recovered from 'the scar tissue breaking up' and are back to enjoying those 'new' knees!
Thank you!
I'm at 5 weeks and the agony is driving me insane. No pain relief works, I sleep 3 hours a night. 😢
So sorry to hear about your struggles. The recovery is very challenging. I encourage you to reach out to your surgeon and/or physical therapist for help. There are things they can do to help. Some surgeons will recommend a medication that can help with pain and sleep for a few weeks to get you over this hurdle. Therapists have lots of knowledge on pain control, but often times get focused on improving your knee motion and strength and defer the pain management to your medications, icing and elevating. However, I would tell them your struggles and ask them for help with the 'agony'. I can feel your frustration, exhaustion, disappointment... just know it WILL get better. Try to focus on the 'wins'. Is your walking better than last week? Can you get your leg on/off the bed better now? Are you able to get on/off the toilet without any help? Some of my patients find it helpful to write in a daily journey, what they are going through and how they feel. That way, they can read last week's entries and realize that they are getting better. I wish I could be more helpful, but you had major surgery only 5 weeks ago, and it takes time for your body to heal. Keep up the hard work, and you will reap the benefits soon.
I'm with you there. I didn't know they were doing two knees at once anymore!! Wow.
I had my left knee done, and it's been a nightmare. I've had to have a manipulation under anesthesia at 7 weeks. Now I am at 110 bend and 1.5 straight. They released me from PT. I'm like you only 5 feet tall. As a retired teacher all I can say is bless you. I don't know how you will be able to go back, I know I couldn't, though I worked with pre-K. I can't do steps to save my life you are doing absolutely wonderful. I have fibromyalgia and the PT therapist told me that probably was affecting my recovery!! Blessings ❤❤❤best of luck!!!
@@lindahughes5781 Doing both knees at the same time is not very common and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Good luck on your knee journey!
@@lindahughes5781 Fibromyalgia definitely impacts your recovery. Sorry to hear about your struggles with your knee. Just know that your knee will continue to heal and hopefully things like stairs will get easier for you. Keep on, keeping on.
I like how you named your knees. Get with the program Louise! I could use a bilateral knee replacement. I am guessing I will do one knee st a time. I am a retired teacher. That is a tough job. Lots of standing. Lots of walking. No time to rest.
Teaching is definitely a tough job, but for Beth it is clearly her calling and was her motivation to get her knees moving so that she could return to her students. Good luck on your knee journey!
Thank you ❤
I hope Thelma heals completely. Thank you so much for the information. Did you also had arthritis
Yes!!
End-stage Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for a knee replacement surgery.
I’m five weeks out, cant drive, very much pain. Especially nerve pain! I’m very discouraged. My surgery was right knee. I was almost in a wheel chair with arthritis but I’m still not sure surgery was worth this.
I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. Knee replacement recovery is different for everyone. It might be worth it to speak to your surgeon about your nerve pain, as there might be a medication that can help with this as you recover. Also, you are still very early in your knee journey. Keep up with the exercises and give your body time to heal from this major surgery. Also, speak with your health professionals and share your struggles with them, as there might be more they can do to help you.
It takes some pain to get well. I am 3.5 months out of right knee replacement. I really worked hard at physical therapy. I wanted to get better quickly. Don’t stop moving that knee! The nerve pain gets much better, the scar gets easier to touch. Best advice I can give is ice that knee every four hours for 15 minutes or after therapy. I really hope you don’t give up, you can do it!!
Great advice from someone who is going through it.@@jeanineberna8458
Brave to do both at the same time!
You definitely have to be willing to work hard to have bilateral knee replacement surgery! More importantly, it is a big decision between the individual and their surgeon and many factors are considered, and not everyone is a candidate to get both knees done at the same time.
Personally, I think it’s crazy.
I am almost a year and still can’t bend fully and still have pain when walking stairs. Unfortunately mine didn’t go well
So sorry to hear about your struggles. We encourage you to talk to your surgeon and therapist to see if anything else can be done. Just know that improvements can continue even after a year later.
Who was the Dr that did bilateral knee replacment, I am looking for one
Beth's surgeon was Dr. William Shell with Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. The decision to do a bilateral knee replacement surgery is made between the surgeon and the individual and is based on numerous factors. Good luck on your knee journey!
Hi am 4 weeks after a knee replacement and I can't walk straight what am I not doing right
Sorry to hear that you are struggling with your walking. Recommend that you speak with your physical therapist about your walking quality as they can properly assess the cause of this. The most common reason that individuals limp after surgery is because their knee does not fully straighten. So, this is the first thing I would look at. The next most common reason that causes an abnormal walking pattern after surgery is habit. Most people have been protecting their knee for months or years, leading up to the surgery, which usually means they had a slight limp or 'antalgic' gait pattern and this habit can be hard to break. Your physical therapist can provide you exercises that can help to break these old habits. I wish I had better answers for you, because I know how frustrating it can be to 'not walk right' after the surgery. Good luck on your knee journey.
Thelma and Louise 😂
You're a beautiful woman ❤
How do you bathe
I shower in my step in shower.
Help getting in and out of the tub and using a shower chair
8 weeks and I still have pain. I've been told 12 weeks is when I'll be glad I did it....we'll see
It definitely takes a long time for your brain and body to accept this 'new' knee and everyone's journey is different for various reasons. I hope that your pain begins to subside soon. Just know that the effort and exercises that you are doing now, will have a positive impact on this 'new' knee and hopefully you will be 'glad you did it' soon.
Wow walking at 4 weeks 🥹🫶 amazing. I’m 3 weeks tomorrow and still on crutches
Beth is definitely remarkable! Everyone is different and please show yourself grace, considering you had major surgery and your body is healing... plus one week can made a major difference. I have had many individuals tell me that they are walking without a walker or cane or crutches within the first week after surgery. But then when I see them, they are limping significantly... walking quality is more important then whether or not you are using an ambulatory aid. So, using crutches at 3 weeks post-op is better than someone walking with a limp with no crutches. As a PT, limping is a very hard habit to break! My advice, focus on your knee bending and straightening and the walking will always come. Keep up the hard work and good luck on your knee journey!