It has been 5 months since my surgery. Yes, the first 2 months were up and down with little problems, but Physical Therapy helped a lot. Especially the bike machine. I can not sleep threw the full night, not because of discomfort but because of my bladder problems. I don't have the locking knee, nor the knee pain I had before surgery. But I do have occasional cramping in my groin, I still get tired walking any distance, I do have a slight limp, and I walk very slowly. At 75 years of age, even though I was encourage by medical staff and husband to have surgery, this whole thing would have been better 5 years ago or when I was younger Now I worry about my UTI infections and how that is going to affect infection in my knee. Sometimes no matter how much you look into medical surgeries there is always more to be aware of!

She talks so slow - have to go 1.5 speed on this one

I had my first knee replacement in 2017 and the second one a year later. I can honestly say it was a big deal, the pain was fierce and the recovery long. And yes, it takes a good two years before you can say you’re finally recovered. After recovery I was walking, hiking forests,climbing volcanoes all over the world and loving my new knees. Unfortunately, 6 and a half years after my first TKR, I began getting knee pain again, quite horrific pain. As it was just after a hip replacement, my doctors were telling me I was still recovering from the hip operation, take it easy and it would pass. Well it didn’t go away until I returned to my surgeon and almost demanded he have a good look at my knee. My undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis had caused very bad osteoporosis in my joints causing my TKR to come loose and it was slipping. On 4 April 2024 I underwent urgent surgery for another TKR. Being revision surgery it was complicated, but thankfully surgery has been successful. I am now 5 weeks post op and working hard with my physical therapy. I am looking forward to the bigger picture to when I am well and strong again. But in the background of my mind I am thinking of my other knee, will the same thing happen there? My surgeon will have a look at that knee in about six months time, giving this current knee time to heal. But for now, I am trying to think positive thoughts to keep me strong.

Could they not give you another pain block? My knee replacement was hard but after 2 months it got better every day.

You sound just like I felt when i had a TKR. No one understands until they have one.

This women is very unlucky. I had a full knee replacement. Walked out of hospital 2 days later PERFECT. 6 YEARS AGO. Never a problem. She shouldn't say people all have her problem. I know 10 people who have had knee replacement ONE ONE ONE of them has had a problem other nine great.

She should be speaking in “I” statements not “you” statements. I had mine 5 weeks ago and I’m doing fine. Spending 23 hours a day in a recliner was a big part of her problem. She needed to be moving from day 1.

All i can say , is I had a bilateral knee replacement when I was 65 and got a long fine. It is not a walk in the park and the doctors should have told you that. My doctor told me that and just keep it moving and it gets better ever day.

I am so happy I haven’t been thru that yet.

I just had my right knee surgery 5 weeks ago.I can tell you the nerve pain was surreal and I am still having soreness beneath the scar.Gabapentin , Oxycodone,massage ,ice and heat helped the n PT is painful and there are days it feels like torture. I have to work through the pain and not sleeping is a real problem for me.I sleep in my recliner because bed positioning is uncomfortable.I walked up and down the hall some nights because I couldn't sleep or get comfortable .I do get depressed because of the pain and sleeplessness.I had my left knee replaced In April 2023 but my right knee has been the toughest .My only hope that my right knee fares as well as my left. and each day is a little better.Despite the pain swelling and limitations I made it through the left knee procedure and I am glad I did it.Get your raised toilet seat,tub seat,dressing aids before surgery.You are going to need them .I wish doctors had a support group to help with adjustment during the first year after the procedure it takes a toll emotionally and physically.You need support to cope

You are hundred percent realistic I see my wife’s suffering that I never expected. Thank you for sharing.

I agree so much with this patient about not sugarcoating recovery from a TKR. My experience has been different, though. I was very fortunate to not have swelling issues or poor ROM. Nonetheless, this has not been fun. Nothing got me ready for the reality. The reality is that this is an extremely difficult surgery to recover from. I’m 7 weeks out and I just want to shoot myself sometimes. Pain is no longer extreme but is pretty constant-an annoying type of pain. I only need to take Tylenol occasionally, especially before PT. I hate oxy and stopped that at about 4 weeks out, when I was still taking it before PT. Investing in a cryo machine is worth it for the first 3 weeks. It kept me from taking too much oxy, of which I have a lot left. I didn’t have major sleeping issues. I started working at home 6 weeks out. The sitting is uncomfortable. I can’t stand the tightness and feeling that a band is around my knee. At night I get “zingers” but I usually sleep ok. I’m so tired of the remaining pain and sensations, as well as PT, but there is weekly improvement. It’s just too slow. You have to be prepared. It takes a very long time to heal and I lose my patience. Down the road my other knee will have to be replaced and that depresses me. I hope it’s not too soon.

Your video was very helpful. And your right they don’t tell you , except you will be better then before TKR!!!

So here we are May 2024. How are you?

I had both knees done at once at 50 - went to rehab for 2 weeks. Glad I did it because I might not have done the 2nd one. I thought about every step I took for 6 months. But it was the best thing I ever did! I had great a PT who really helped. My pain before hand so so bad I don’t think I slept for a year. I really didn’t have sleep issues after but I had pain patches instead oral meds which made it much more tolerable. I think she is a little whiny -

This is absolutely correct everyone is different. Many people have said they were up and cruising after a month. I’m over a year out and I’m walking with a cane again because my other knee went South really fast. It was the most brutal recovery I’ve ever been through, I was severely depressed and I threw the meds away and went back to Cannabis. Now I know what to expect for the next one, but I can’t get on the bike because my other knee blows up if I bike so my salvation is a pool I run in the deep end of the pool and walk in the shallow end and swim. You def need help and my one son was here morning noon and night for the first 5 weeks, but it is constant work and I have not been emotionally ready for the second one. Also the surgeons are not good about extending disability and mine cut me off before I was back to work full time, which has made me late on my mortgage for months now. I assume they get pressured from the insurance companies maybe I am wrong, but, it seems they really don’t give a darn about you, they just cut replace and get their $ and you are on your own . When I look back on the PT’s that came to the house most of them were useless,glad I had a fitness back ground so I knew what I needed to do. Good luck anyone out there scheduled for a TKR and make sure you have plenty of help!

Thank you , scheduled in 3 weeks

At 57 had one done. They damaged my femoral nerve. Took me 5 years to recover! I wont have the other one done! I would rather have died than go through that pain! 11 years later I am fine. Pain killers made me a zombie

I know exactly what you are going through......

I fully agree. Surgeons tell us zero about post recovery. 4 weeks into my recovery, and I am regretting having it done. Cant change anything, have to persevere.

Omg so sorry I had a total hip replacement It's about 6 weeks Still can't sleey I was slso on same meds as u Also on antidepressants

As a physical therapist and having rehabed thousands of total knee patients, it’s a tough go. Of course the docs don’t tell you cause you would never do it.

Thank you for the truth to many of us. I totally agree with you. I also believe those who had the fortune to recover faster. I have met some who did. However, you described exactly what I went through. I had my surgery in October of 2023. Like you, the first day was great. After that, I've been miserable to this day. I came home the same day. The cost was over $88,000. My surgeon didn't even have the courtesy to call me after the surgery to ask how I was doing and I never went back to see him. I felt abandoned. I had Polio in 1952 but the PTs expected me to do a lot more than I could physically do. I am 79. After the mandatory number of visits to the PT, I suspended their service. I had massages for 15 minutes and the rest of the exercises I could do at home. I drove 30 minutes each way for 15 minutes of service, at about $600 for each session. What a racket. I now swim as part of my therapy and I feel better but I am not even at 50%. As you said, it may take up to two years to feel 100% better. If you are about to have knee surgery, think it through and prepare yourself for a lengthy recovery.

Thanks for doing this brilliant vidio, I'll have a better idea of what to expect now. I'm limited with what pain meds I can have so I'm dreading it. I only have arthritis half way across the knee, but it really hurts and stops me doing things, so I know I'll want this done in the future. I hope your happy and pain free now, I'm watching this 4 years on.

Well, I can now say I've heard both ends of the possible outcome I'll face in 2 1/2 weeks. I'm sorry the presentor of the oral story has had such a challenging experience. I appreciate her honesty however, I'm in knee/leg pain 24/7, have greatly reduced daily activity, and only sleep when anesthetized so what's my real cost? Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting with a friend's neighbor (at the neighbor's house) who had her 2nd knee replacement 5 days ago. We discussed her experiences, therapy, cold packs, and such. She's in her mid-70's, lives alone, and manages alone. She was upbeat and very positive. About 30 minutes after returning to my friend's house, "Sally" came over to chat some more because she forgot to tell me about the annoying internal 'spiders' zinging up and down her incision - which are really just the nerves growing again and reattaching themselves. She says this disturbing effect will go away. (Yeah!!!) We chatted a bit longer and then I had the privilege of watching: 1). her walk across 2 rooms unassisted to retrieve her walker, 2). Sally manoeuver her walker out the door and down the 6 patio steps, 3). saunter behind her walker across the street, up over the curb and across her lawn, 4). And ... use her walker to climb the 6 steps to her patio and 5). enter her home all totally unassisted!! Note: We did offer. Other than annoying spiders that crawled, tingled, nipped, and irritated her there was not one complaint of pain or discomfort. I think she may be my new hero and standard setter. If it's any consolation, there are a few women in my line dancing class at the local senior center, who seeing me stop in pain, recommended that I have it done - like they did! I would have never guessed. Pain is a pass through. I wish you well. Oh ... Mine is a scheduled robotic surgery, left knee first. I received my walker following my appointment and I'm expected to walk out the same day as surgery. Be blessed! P

I absolutely love her honesty, got one knee done, qould rather have my arm cut off with a rusty knive than go through dat again,

Thanks for being honest. I had a knee reconstruction and it took 2 years for it to be completely normal. I plan on getting a PKR and i expect the same turn around time.

I’ve had both knees replaced one yr apart at 65yrs. Best thing that ever happened to me! It’s the skill of your Orthopedist and your tolerance to pain. You need a positive attitude and expect good results.

Thank you for letting me know what I am in for 😢

I have had 2 knees replaced. My surgeon explained the whole process and stages of recovery. Everything he told me happened. 6 weeks of pain and sleepless nights. Thereafter gradual recovery if you stick to your phsyio. There is no avoiding the pain but it gradually goes. The secret is as my surgeon said to focus on the outcome. I have a bit of stiffness still in one knee but am able to walk for 45-60 minutes 6 months after op. The initial pain is well worth it so don't be put off the op.

Sorry to hear of your bad experience, I had a knee replacement 6 weeks ago in Canada , before my surgery I had a pre surgery meeting to explain the do’s and the don’t ‘s , and what to expect, I was home the same day of surgery after demonstrating that I could step up and down stairs and yes the first two weeks were painful but , I knew the importance of starting to stretch my knee in the first two weeks while I was on the good pain killers and started physiotherapy 10 days after surgery, the advice that I got from the get go was followed to the tee and by week 3 I could definitely feel and see a improvement ( because I did the exercises from day 2 ) , my medication prescription included anti constipation medication. By week 5 I was getting a full nights sleep and was down to the occasional Tylenol by week 6 I was able to golf and walked nine holes with no problem, I still occasionally ice my knee if it swells up . My sister in law had her knee replacement and did not follow advice and did not do physio ,, 2 years later she still has a permanent limp , my advice is start the early exercises on day 2 and ice , ice and ice your knee , or one can expect a buildup of scare tissue that will lead to a permanent limp . I am 68 years young .

Had both of mine replaced at the same time. Went great for the first eight weeks, about like you explained, but after that they both developed problems. Pitting edema that continues to this day, and a burning sensation in my lower legs that is constant. It looks like I'm wearing socks when I have none on, and I can hardly do anything I used to do before I had it done. I've been checked for blood clots and there are none, and I've had vein ablation in both legs trying to alleviate the problem to no avail. So, I was forced to go on disablilty because I cannot stand for long periods (more than about 30 minutes tops) or walk without at least a cane. I don't like my results, and I asked a lot of people and watched a lot of videos before I had this done, but I guess it just wasn't my heal-all for my bad knees. I'm in pain daily and take Norco regularly for the pain, but sometimes even that doesn't help. I sincerely hope that anyone having this procedure comes out with a better end game than mine.

THANK YOU!!!!!

I was sent home by 2 pm same day!

9:15 TKR 18 weeks ago. Agree with this video. The pain is really bad. Especially moving that leg at all. Recliner, little sleep, depression, little appetite. Dreaded early PT. On verge of tears often. But, it gradually gets better. The pain got better faster than my depression. Feel much better today!!! No pain, back to my old self !!

I had the surgery and took 3 oxyconins[sp]-never took another one-had no trouble sleeping.This was in Nov.2023.Oh,and i'm 79!!

Had my first April 18 2024. PT is hard but Therapist is good. I started walking after 10 days without walker. I can drive for 12 miles max. Getting good sleep is critical. Pain ranges from 1 to a 5 somedays. Everyone is different. I'm 69 and this is my first. Just know this all takes time. This is a major surgery!!! ASk for help but also what you can to get stronger. Use deep breathing, this can help too. Take your meds when you can't tolerate pain. Be good to yourself and be patient....easier said than. God bless you all and praying does help!!

A very true video of what it is like. No-one knows only another TKR warrior knows. I am 9 months in and still have this most annoying clunking. Swelling and fluid is still there. Depression is absolutely real too.

Absolutely 100% everything you said and especially about the depression it’s very real and I’m glad it goes away and all the best to you!

Knee replacement painful yes given morphine got constipated stopped swent on paracetamol ok was 70 at the time in the gym in 8 days back at work in 6 weeks . Its now 10 months im running and in the gym 4 times a week no pain at all glad i had it . .

Thanks for the honesty

I have OA in my right knee. I walk a mile plus every day in about 30 minutes. Currently pain free because of advice from Dr. Eric Berg! I take my supplements and my ACV daily.

I have OA in my right knee. I’m 75. I take collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric and vitamin D3. I have zero pain.

I limped into a doctor’s office. I passed a women on her way out. She said, Don’t let them operate on your knee!

Thanks it’s been a year on top of this knee replacement I got edema and excema on this leg and foot. Very depressing. You are absolutely correct the doctor said I will be back to normal in a year it a year and I’m not back to normal! Very disheartening! I regret having my knee done my quality of life sucks right now!

Your video is Bang on ive had my second done 2 weeks ago and your correct your brain forgets . It took me 4 months to play golf at 56 yrs and i thought i done brilliant

Oh my God. I’m a fitness professional. I was born with congenital hip dysplasia. At 40 I had my first hip replacement & next at 50 no problem. I had my knee done during 2021 holy hell. I’ve had to go home the day of my surgery. I was fine like you until the pain kicked in. I felt like it was a pain that wouldn’t go away. Everything you said is my experience. I am still tight as hell but no pain. It took years off my life. I had 4 vaginal births and I would do 4 more than go through that pain. I have severe anxiety and depression. I’m still teaching and lifting and spinning but that I feel the tightness. It doesn’t hurt but I too wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It totally screwed up my life way too long. I’m so glad you posted this. Finally someone who tells it all. I’m 64.

I am 77yrs old. I just had 2nd knee done. Your bandage on your knee doesn't look righ. Best thingfor pain and stiffness is a Breg wave ice machine, my pain lasted week. Ice machine is the best.

Thank you for your honesty. I had my TKR on April 26 and the pain far surpasses my tib/fib fracture pain I had in the other leg. I saw the WRONG videos where people were walking around less than 1 week post op. Yesterday, I was a crying mess of tears and pain and the sweet PT assured me that my gait, pain and ability are normal and not being able to move my 'concrete leg' 7 days post op is normal. She told me I'm being Too Hard on myself. She was comforting and encouraging. I choose to believe her instead of those lying videos. I WILL get better, and movement WILL get better.

I am nearly 70 years old and have had both knees replaced and am happy with the results. I had them replaced 2016 and 2017. I certainly didn't have the same experienced as this lady! I am very happy I have had them both done. My life before my TKR was really awful. I would try to walk around and a knee would give out and would nearly go down.