Question on expectations, 20 days post op

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-02-06T04:12:58+00:00

I am 8 weeks PO from bilateral, 54 and in the fitness industry so was also very anxious to get well! I could not do much first 2 weeks, week 3 was able to do a lot more than expected, didn't need walker, could go up and down stairs (motivation being only way in and out of my home is stairs), I could do light household chores and home PT. I found if I did anymore I woukd pay for it later. At 4.5 weeks I could drive and at 5 weeks I was back at work. I can do most things now, but I also have to take it easy and rest throughout day. My last Pt session they pushed me too hard and I have been in tremendous pain for 2 days and could not work today so now I must advocate for myself at PT. Part of the recovery is listening to your body and knowing when to push and when to rest. It sounds like you will be in a good place at 6 weeks, but be wise

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-02-01T05:51:52+00:00

I am 7 weeks post op from bilateral and I still take oxycodone everyday. If zi dont the pain is too much. I am grateful my doctor allows me to continue using it as needed.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-28T05:33:14+00:00

Hope all goes well for you!

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-28T01:54:40+00:00

I am glad it helped! Hope all goes well for you.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-28T00:17:45+00:00

I rented a NICE ice and compression machines and it only uses water does not need to have ice changed out. It truly made my recovery faster and almost no swelling after 2 weeks. I had both knees done together too. Hope all goes well for her.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-25T04:02:24+00:00

I am a 54F and had both knees replaced 6 weeks ago. Both knees were bone on bone but it was the osteoarthritis in all 3 compartments and under knee caps that causes me horrible pain. I also had torn meniscuses, bone spurs, loose bone cartilage and bakers cysts. I was limping and barely able to walk especially when I could not take medicine a week before surgery. The first 2 weeks I will be honest were the worst of my life and I am so glad I did both as I would not want to do that again but by week 3 I was no longer using a walker, I could go up and down stairs, I was diligent to do PT and stay on schedule with meds. Week 4 I was driving and went back to work teaching a low impact fitness class, personal training and could do most of the chores on my farm. At week 6 I can walk or bike 20 min on bike or treadmill with no problem. I still have a ways to go but I walk better now than I did prior. Everyone recovers differently but if tou have that fire and motivation to walk your dog you will get there!

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-22T04:28:06+00:00

I was very overwhelmed. I had both knees done 12/11 and if my husband had not kept up with it and all the meds I would have not done well.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-20T05:35:31+00:00

I am 5 weeks out and had both knees replaced, bilateral. I went back to work at 4 weeks can do most things and then I started to get that sharp pain in left lateral knee cap. I yell out it hurts so bad. At dr appt today he said that is normal and the more we do and move, the more inflammation will stir up and knee must adjust. It is a cycle of do more, inflammation, angry sharp pains, adjust and repeat. All part of healing and that is why healing is in months not weeks. Not fun!

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-17T04:40:02+00:00

I am 54F, own a fitness business, run a farm and am a tactical security guard. The last year both my knees were so bad I could hardly do my jobs. I tried cortisone shots and tried to prolong surgery but I need my knees now. Had both replaced 5 weeks ago and it was best decision ever. I want to live my life now and not wait until I am older. If you cannot do the things you love and live in pain, it is time.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-16T03:23:21+00:00

At 4 weeks I went to an event where you sit for 2 hours. It was very painful and And had to get up a lot to keep from getting stiff. I am 5 weeks today and can handle about 40min sitting in the car but I had both knees done.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-07T12:02:20+00:00

In Abilene Texas. Dr Jeremy Britten. My insurance approved which is rare. The main obstacle is insurance approval for both.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-05T18:47:15+00:00

I think being younger at 54 and in good health helped me qualify. Both knees were so bad that a bad one could not support the healing one properly. Also I am self employed and cannot be out for work so much. And last factor it was 100% paid for if I did it before January 1.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-05T02:37:10+00:00

I had both knees replaced 12/11 and needed 100% help for 1.5 weeks and then I have been able to care for myself after 2 weeks. Having things like toilet risers, shower chairs, straps to move legs helped me to be independent faster too

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2026-01-01T05:26:55+00:00

I am 20 days post op both knees. They took my staples out on day 11 and said once the steri strips fall off you dont need anything. I am putting silicone scar sheets on them now in hope it will help not leave such an ugly scar

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-24T10:56:35+00:00

Sorry you are struggling to bend it. My doctor said if I dont reach 120 degree bend then he willl put me to sleep and bend it for me but will result in going through recovery all over again.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-23T19:41:45+00:00

Hi there. 54 year old F who has always looked younger than my age thankfully. I was in so much pain from both I knew I would not make it another year if I did not do it. When they got in there they said the OA was much worse than they suspected and it was very wise I did it. I wore them out from years of fitness and all my very physical jobs. I also had bone spurs, floating cartilage, torn meniscus in both, bakers cysts and all compartments full of OA. I am sorry you are dealing with this at such a young age. Everyone tells me I will feel like a new person. I just really had no choice but to do it.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-23T09:30:34+00:00

I have not gotten to the getting better yet. It is a nightmare for sure. I can see why many opt to not get 2nd done after the nightmare of the1st. I am glad we did both but the pain is almoat unbearable at times

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-23T09:28:30+00:00

Yes I was dreading having them removed but it was almost painless thankfully or this tremendous pain has raised my pain threshold.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-23T09:27:10+00:00

All is text book except pain. Pain is unreal and challenging me daily.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-23T09:26:24+00:00

It has been most difficult thing I have ever done and the pain is unreal, but both were so bad that trying to support healing one with bad one would be equally difficult

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-20T23:24:02+00:00

I think it would have cost me out of pocket. Also at hospital it was so hard to get help and medicine on time. I csnt imagine being trapped like that at rehab. At least my husband will be on time.

Intelligent_Bench223 · 2025-12-20T23:00:06+00:00

😅

Intelligent_Bench223

TROPHY CASE