4 More Days & I get My New Knee

[10 Turtle Day]

41. I've had both knees replaced

One in 2011 and the other in 2023. The first one was sheer hell recovering from. So much pain and it froze up even though I diligently did all the PT. Getting range of motion back was a long arduous and painful process. But after all that PT I was strongest I’d been in years. I did 3 half marathon walking races on it and all the training leading up to the races without any problem.

The second one was outpatient and I went home the same day! And so much easier. I chalk it up to new technology improving over the years.

My sister had hers done and she did not do PT or pre-surgery exercises and she breezed through it anyway. I was jealous at how easy she had it! So your mileage may vary.

As Kali said upthread, ice and PT are your new best friends! Can’t emphasize that enough. It can take up to full year to get back to normal, so patience is also key.

I wish you a breezy easy experience like my sister had. But you need to keep doing the PT to get full range of motion back. If it doesn’t bend all the way, everyday things like getting in and out of a car become very difficult. Best of luck to you and please report back on your recovery process!