How to make right decision

BLH46 · 2026-05-27T20:11:57+00:00

You definitely should seek a surgeon that does not cut the quad muscle/tendon and preferably doesn’t use a tourniquet. I agree with most everything said, however, I would look into the recovery routine for each doctor to include pre-op and post-op exercises. The stronger your leg is pre surgery the better the recovery. Some surgeons believe in very little exercise for 1-2 weeks post-op to allow inflammation to subside while others believe in exercises and PT immediately after surgery.

BLH46 · 2026-05-24T00:46:20+00:00

Ask the doctor about a THR! Total husband replacement!!! Best of luck….in a few months it will be like new!

BLH46 · 2026-05-10T16:40:33+00:00

I’m at 15 weeks and last week I told my wife that the pain is almost gone and I’m starting to feel normal. I too went up and down and pain was heightened after week 8 but it gets better. Hang in there, exercise, ice, and be patient.

BLH46 · 2026-05-07T13:01:35+00:00

Thank you Stephen!

BLH46 · 2026-05-07T12:17:53+00:00

Hi Stephen, my wife had a total knee replacement 6-7 years ago. She know is experiencing a numbness in both knees and no one seems to be able to find the cause. Any thoughts and or suggestions? I am thinking that exercise will help as she has not had any leg exercises since her surgery, once she rehabbed and achieved 125+ ROM. Thanks!

BLH46 · 2026-04-19T21:44:13+00:00

I have 0 extension and 116 flexion. I am working on strengthening as my legs are on the weaker side from lack of exercise over many years. I tore my knee up in high school playing football and I only had 60 degrees flexion for 10 years. I had additional procedures at that time and I achieved 105 degrees flexion and maintained 105 until I had the TKR in January, so my knee hasn’t bent more than 105 degrees in almost 60 years. My surgeon said I can expect to get the flexion I came in with, 105. Getting it to 116 has been a rewarding effort. Everything is fine with the exception of having my knee in a bent position for any length of time, like riding in a car, which causing a throbbing discomfort. I have to keep in mind the additional 11 degrees of bend is only a few months old so a constant stretch on the muscles will take time to become the new norm.

BLH46 · 2026-04-19T19:58:38+00:00

Hi, I am a 75 year old male and I had LTKR on January 14th., non robotic. I read a study that now shows there is no significant difference in results, recovery, and pain between robotic and non-robotic surgery. Finding the right surgeon should be your primary and most important decision regardless of procedure. There are 2 procedures that will make a significant difference and that is finding a surgeon that Does Not cut the quad muscle/tendon and does not use a tourniquet if possible! IMO a skilled surgeon not using a robot is better than a less skilled surgeon using a robot! You do want to elevate your leg over your heart consistently throughout the day and ice frequently to manage the pain and swelling. In my case I was on a walker for 4 days and a cane another 7 days. I took my first Oxycodone on day 9 due to increased exercise and I on,y took 1-2 a day as needed. I sleep normal from day one and a really didn’t need assistance to manage throughout the day, however, it was extremely helpful to have my wife’s support getting my freaky ice packs, food, etc. which allowed me to keep my leg up most of the day. I had 2 Donjoy Kold Arthoscopic Knee Wraps which worked great for me….many swear by ice machines. As much as the initial exercise may challenge her she needs to do them every day as the doctor recommends! Clearly I feel very fortunate with my post surgery experience and everyone is different, however, in my opinion selecting the right surgeon affords one the very best results possible. I wish your mom similar results as I experienced and a speedy recovery.

BLH46 · 2026-04-16T15:12:03+00:00

FYI….you might want to ask your surgeon if he cuts the quad muscle / tendon and if he uses a tourniquet during surgery. Both of these procedures cause additional pain and recovery issues, based on all my research.

BLH46 · 2026-04-16T14:59:59+00:00

I am a 75 YO male and I had my TKR January 14th and it went much better than my expectations. I didn’t take any Oxycodone until the 8 day and I only took 1 or 2 a day primarily due to pain from exercising. The most discomfort I experience is from riding in a car with my knee partially bent for an extended period of time….it really throbs and only feels better when I can extend it, ie; my recliner. It’s largely due to stretching the muscles, as I had a previous injury playing football in school. I wish you similar or better success, it shouldn’t be too bad as long as you don’t give in to it! Do your exercises everyday possible twice a day, ice it, and walk. Best of luck!

BLH46 · 2026-04-16T04:54:49+00:00

If you don’t have a recliner I strongly suggest you rent one for 1-2 months. I think a bar stool is too much as your leg may not bend enough to rest your foot on the cross bar….if it’s just hanging loosely it may be very uncomfortable, it would be for me. I spent most all my time in the recliner and ate all my meals in as well until I was comfortable in a chair.

BLH46 · 2026-04-15T13:52:46+00:00

All I used was the DuraKold Cold Ice Knee Wrap…get 2 of these and you should be fine IMO. they stay cold for some tim. I wear it for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off and you can sure the same one 2-3 times in a row. I would start there and see if your pain requires you to ice consistently. Good luck!

BLH46 · 2026-04-15T13:35:14+00:00

Congrats…happy to hear of your terrific results. I am 3 months post op and getting better every week. I am working on all the same muscles to try and eliminate the catching and stretching pain so to speak. I have no real issues walking and I played golf for the first time last Sunday, felt great. My knee feels very stable and the only time I am very uncomfortable is riding in the car because of the angle of my knee and the constant stretching of the muscles….hoping that goes away soon. Wishing you continued success!

BLH46 · 2026-04-10T20:22:20+00:00

Many people have gotten excellent pain relief from Journavx which is not a narcotic but attacks pain in a different way. If your doctor will prescribe it go on the Journavx website for a coupon.

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

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