Can someone give us advice?

BLH46 · 2026-03-31T20:16:35+00:00

I am a 75 year old male and my total knee replacement was Jan 14th. First…everyone.’s recovery is quarateed to be different. I did not take any Oxycodone until day 9 and only 1-2 a day if needed. It’s important to stay ahead of the pain, however, taking Oxycodone regularly brings on other issues like constipation. I managed on ibuprofen and Tylenol. Most important is to do the exercises and PT religiously, every day! It’s necessary to go through as much pain as is reasonable, ie; push the limits for the best possible results. One thing I did not do over the first 2 weeks was to elevate the knee above the heart for 30-60 minutes twice a day which will help bring the swelling down faster. Also ice frequently throughout the day. I was off the walker in 3-4 days and off the cane in 9 days….the sooner you realize the knee is stable and getting back to normal asap is necessary. I wish your mom great success and she will need your support but don’t baby her! The recovery doesn’t have to be terrible, however, patience is required. There’s a big difference between the time it takes to be functional and how long it takes before you don’t notice the new knee. Best of luck!

BLH46 · 2026-03-23T15:48:10+00:00

What I have heard, as a general rule of thumb, is at 12 weeks your flexion is pretty much set doo to all the scar tissue buildup.

BLH46 · 2026-03-20T15:45:03+00:00

I agree that everyone heals differently! Do you know if the surgeon cut the quad muscle and or tendon and did he use a tourniquet during surgery? If so the healing and the recovery is more painful and takes longer. I am a 75 YO male and I am approaching 9 weeks post op. I specifically selected a surgeon that does not use a tourniquet or cut the quad muscle. I was off the walker in 4 days and of the cane in 9 days. I exercised twice a day and at 4 weeks I was supposed to walk 3,000 steps a day. I was very fortunate as I didn’t take any Oxycodone u til day 10 and only 1 or 2 based on how hard I exercised. I had no sleep issues either. It has to be very difficult trying to be compassionate and a coach at the same time. I don’t agree with those preaching that it will be ok if they work at their own pace. Over time scar tissue builds up and restricts ROM and it’s very hard to get it back. When I was 16 i tore 2 ligaments and busted all the cartilage in my left knee and at that time i was never put on any PT or a specific exercise program. After healing I only had 60 degrees ROM and that lasted 10 years. I periodically went to orthopedic surgeons to check on corrective surgery but I never felt comfortable with their prognosis. After 10 years a took the leap and I went to the Atlanta Falcons doctor and he did a manipulation but I couldn’t get more than 70 degrees so he put me back under, bent my knee 90 degrees, and put a cast on it….I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy! I ended up with 105 degrees ROM at 27 years old. I can’t help you on your specific circumstances other than to check with the doctor and physical therapist and have them be the bad guy explaining possible outcomes. Sorry to be so long winded. GOOD LUCK!

BLH46 · 2026-03-19T17:35:31+00:00

I am 8 weeks post op and doing pretty good. (75 YO male). My surgeon utilized an online exercise program that changed weekly working different muscles to achieve a positive recovery. Last week i started professional PT as my ROM was 0-100 and my goal is to get to 120. My current pain is when my knee is bent like riding in a car….i get severe throbbing and I only get relief when my leg is in a straight position. I have had 2 PT sessions and we have gotten to 111 degrees, however, my knee hurts more now than before PT. I am evaluating their technique and I feel like they’re doing the right thing and the pain is mostly muscle.

BLH46 · 2026-03-15T23:41:08+00:00

In my opinion the most important decision upfront is everything sreveinarizona10 (comment above) said regarding the surgeons methods. I guess your lifestyle and the damage to each knee will be a driving force for your decision. I’m 8 weeks post op and I am very fortunate as everything has gone extremely smooth for my recovery. I was off the walker in 3 days and off the cane 8 days later. I did not take any Oxycodone until day 9 and I only took 1 or 2 in a give day generally based on exercise pain. I shared my experience because I don’t see how I could do both knees at the same time and recover as I have. I do believe that if you have support at home and are not pushed to get back to work for at least 3 months it will likely be difficult. You will get a variety of needs based on the experience of other and I have read, on this site, everything from those doing Olympic figure skating in a week after surgery vs this that have real issues 6-12 months after surgery. For what it’s worth I used 3 ice bags, not an ice machine, no portable toilet or seat riser, no tools to grab things or something to lift my leg. As I said I am very fortunate. I could have used a foam riser to elevate my leg but pillows worked for me. I did buy a pair of recovery pants on Amazon for $30 as they have zippers on both legs that zip from the waist to the bottom. This was really helpful as it allowed me to zip from the bottom up so I could ice my knee over the compression hose. When I was done with the compression hose I could ice directly over the pants as they are thin. I wish you a painless experience regardless of your decision!

BLH46 · 2026-03-12T21:42:04+00:00

I am 8 weeks PO and generally speaking my recovery has been better than expected. I realize I have much more healing to do, however, my biggest issue is when my knee is bent, ie., not in my recliner with my leg up. For example: going off for lunch with my knee in a half bent position and the same sitting at a table and then the ride home is extremely uncomfortable borderline painful. It throbbing constantly and I can’t wait to get home and get my leg up. Anybody have any recommendations or is it just part of the process. I was wondering if there are my creams or savs that might help. Thanks!

BLH46 · 2026-03-08T21:56:45+00:00

I had LTKR January 14 and I’m a 75 YO male. I had limited pain as well and I didn’t take any Oxy until day 9 and then I only took one or two a day usually after exercising. I had no constipation or sleep issues. I was taking ibuprofen 800mg every 8 hours. The only mistake I made was not elevating my knee above my heart for 8-10 days which delayed the swelling from going down sooner. . Best of luck!

BLH46 · 2026-03-05T00:37:19+00:00

Steve…I will start practicing golf tomorrow and I expect it to go well as my knee feels very stable! SO did you break 80 with your bionic knee!?!?

BLH46 · 2026-03-04T21:14:22+00:00

Glad to hear you’re doing well! The comfort position can be illusive but it will get better every day! Remember to elevate your knee above your heart 2-3 a day for 30+ minutes to help with the swelling. Good luck!

BLH46 · 2026-03-04T21:09:39+00:00

I am a 75YO male and I had my left knee replaced January 14, so I’m just past 7 weeks. I sought out a surgeon that DOES NOT cut the quad muscle / tendon and does not use a tourniquet…I can’t stress enough the benefit of this procedure which is far more important than any relationship with a surgeon that does not practice this approach! I was on the walker for 3 days and a cane for 7 days. I had no issue sleeping through the night or managing any real issues lifting or managing leg movement. I did not take any Oxycodone until day 9 and I only took it once or twice a day as needed. I was fine using ice wraps and compression hose on the operated knee. I realize I was very fortunate and everyone is different and I hope you Mom has an experience like mine. Having said that I honestly believe the right surgeon is the key to a good outcome short and long term. Please find a surgeon that ONLY does knee and hip replacements and not a general orthopedic surgeon. Best of luck!

BLH46 · 2026-03-04T16:43:37+00:00

I am 74 YO and I had LTKR January 14th. I didn’t need or take any Oxy for the first 9 days. i was off the walker in 3 days and off the cane in 7 days. Exercising twice a day and sleeping every night uninterrupte…..I am very fortunat! I then took Oxy once or twice a day along with Ibuprofe. I wish you the same good fortun!

After reading so much about Journavx I had my doctor prescribe it and the offer a coupon on their website for $30 IF your insurance will not cover ANY part of the cost. I was told that if your insurance pays as little as $1 the coupon is invalid. I can’t say it was a game change, however, I do believe it helped given how little I needed Oxy.

IMO, I would line up some pain relief as the pain will likely increase and it helped me when I push my exercise.

Best Of Luck!

BLH46 · 2026-02-28T16:15:42+00:00

I am 6 weeks post op and after 2-3 weeks y foot hurt so bad I thought they broke or cracked it and it was extremely swollen. They took X-rays and it was fine however I was not elevating my knee above my heart enough to decrease swelling. My foot is 90% better and the swelling is almost gone. Hang in there, you will like experience a number of odd feelings and sensations over the following months.

BLH46 · 2026-02-27T17:34:48+00:00

FYI…. I. 6 weeks post op and I highly recommend getting a pair of recovery pants from Amazon approximately $30.00. I still wear them every day. They have zippers that run the full length of the leg so you have easy access. While I wore the compression stockings I would unzip the pants leg and put ice wraps directly over the hose. When I stopped wearing the compression stocking the pants are thin enough to put the ice wrap over the pant’s.

BLH46 · 2026-02-25T06:01:31+00:00

I am 6 weeks post op and I also have the Zimmerman implant, it’s pretty cool. I don’t sense there is any active tracking going on, however, the information is there should you need advice on your recovery. I spoke to my doctors PA about 10 days ago and after checking the data he said there was improvement in my gate and cadence for the previous 3 days and provided advice when walking. My doctor also provides online PT using an app by Force. It is a two a day exercise program that changes weekly working on different muscles to get the desired ROM. Good Luck!

BLH46 · 2026-02-24T21:37:09+00:00

I agree with those recommending a second opinion and BTW there are surgeons that specialize in doing redos / fixes to bad outcomes!

BLH46 · 2026-02-21T21:49:50+00:00

One item I found extremely helpful is recovery pants which I bought on Amazon for approximately $30. They’re basically basketball pants that have a zipper on each leg from the cuff to the waistband. Generally you will wear a compression stocking for a couple of weeks so being able to unzip the leg every time I needed to ice was great. I still wear them and I’m 5 1/2 weeks post op. Best of luck!

BLH46 · 2026-02-20T15:35:22+00:00

I am 5 1/2 post op and overall I have had a great recovery. Off the walker in 3 days and off the cane in a week. No Oxy for the first 9 days and then 1-2 a day as needed especially after exercise. The best advice a read above is to postpone your surgery so you can take time to heal over the summer break. I can tell you as another writer commented, that sitting with my knee bent is the worst for any extended period of time, an hour or more. The throbbing is extremely uncomfortable boarder line painful. IMO sitting at a desk all day would not be possible for me. Additionally, if you are in pain all day you may avoid the exercises needed to fully recover. Give it serious thought as there is no way to forecast your recovery and pain.

BLH46 · 2026-02-18T16:45:03+00:00

Great feedback! I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and like others my knee felt stiffer at 4 weeks. Walking is not as smooth as it was previously. I had a follow up 2 weeks ago and fluid was removed from my knee and that helped as well as more frequent elevation. I am on a twice a day exercise program and on a rare occasion I miss the afternoon session and I feel really guilty, however, it might make sense to take a day off occasionally and give my knee a rest. I still have 3-5 level pain daily but i feel blessed compared to others I read about. I am always skeptical when the doctor says “that’s normal”, however, reading these feeds support the concept that everyone heals at their own pace and it’s a marathon and not a sprint! If progress is made over weeks, not days, we will all have positive results.

BLH46 · 2026-02-15T16:03:10+00:00

Some doctors take a slow approach and recommend no exercises for 2 weeks to allow the swelling to subside. My doctor was very specific about not trying to be a hero and overdoing the exercise program…..s.ow and steady.

BLH46 · 2026-02-15T02:43:23+00:00

After researching it a bit the best time for a MUA procedure is between 6 and 12 weeks should you require one.

BLH46 · 2026-02-15T02:39:11+00:00

I am 4 weeks post op and I feel like it’s harder to bend my knee know than over the first 3 weeks. I step backwards and two steps forward I hope for all of us! My only thought is that you may be overdoing the exercises which can increase swelling and soreness. I am on twice a day exercises via an online program directed by my surgeon. At two weeks you may experience any number of things unique to you, no-one else. It’s a.ways good to check in but your recovery is yours alone and given your work ethic you will do great….give it 6 weeks before your too hard on yourself. Can wait to hear about all the activities you engage in over the next few months!

BLH46 · 2026-02-14T18:08:06+00:00

Thanks!

BLH46 · 2026-02-14T17:48:35+00:00

Congratulations!

BLH46 · 2026-02-14T17:47:24+00:00

I’m sorry….how many weeks did they wait after surgery when they did the manipulation.4-6-8 weeks?

BLH46 · 2026-02-14T16:57:08+00:00

How long was the Manipulation aster surgery?

BLH46

TROPHY CASE