Knee replacement recovery

I have had both knees replaced, years apart and I also was in a lot of pain so I am afraid I did what I wanted to do which was not much. I ould bend both knees 90 degrees the day after surgery which was a help.

Your daughter is being kind but she will be returning to work soon and will leave you to your own devices. I cannot explain why some of us are in agony post-op and others sail through it. My pain continued for 6 weeks post-op. It is not surgery I would like to repeat.

I'm learning from this thread too, so had better add that my knee was never really very swollen, which obviously made the exercises easier. Your description Aveline of a hosepipe makes a lot of sense. I'd forgotten I used the Bonesmart forum too, very helpful.

Thank you everyone for your experiences and advice. A great help. Aveline your description of the knee being like a hose full of water is so right. I would love to try just ice, walking and elevation but my OT daughter is being very strict about bending the knee. So painful! I’ll check the Bonesmart forum, thanks. It is early days yet………. Good to have support. Thank you

I have two new knees and s new hip. First knee I did the physio excercises and they led to inflammation and adhesions. I needed manipulation under anaesthetic. Basically, just as you can't bend a hose full of water, you can't bend a very swollen knee. Second knee I did no excercises, just kept walking about as much as possible and iced and elevated my leg to help reduce swelling and allow drainage. Worked very well. Full bend at three weeks. Check the Bonesmart forum for real people's experiences and practical onfo.

Ooh, it's still early days Gramaj and yes it does hurt at first! I had a total knee replacement four years ago. I can't take opioids so was on ibuprofen and paracetamol. I had exercises to do every hour and it was uncomfortable but so worth it because I recovered quickly and had a full bend on my knee within six weeks, but it does seem tough having to exercise when in pain. I found ice packs amazingly helpful for the pain - flat gel packs I bought online. I've had both hips replaced this year and am currently waiting for my second knee replacement. The worst part of all of this for me was disrupted sleep and also those gadgets they give you such as the prop seat which, though useful, filled my tiny flat. Once you've recovered you'll find it's all been worth it. I would have no idea that I've got an artificial knee (or hips for that matter)!

I've had both knees replaced in the last year. Fortunately I did not have a huge amount of pain other than some movements causing brief moments -such as lifting the leg to get into bed. Swelling was an issue and there was some pain from that. In my experience most of the pain is from the surgical wound and will subside fairly soon.

It is early days for you yet, give it a chance. There is plenty of time to sleep between exercising.

Ive had both knees replaced and an ankle fusion. Yes it hurts and you must do your pyhsio its very important. Its not unusual to feel tired or a but down after an op, but you will get better and be glad you had it done. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.