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Knee Replacement

AndyL0711 said:
i am having knee replacement surgery next tuesday. i am nervous but very excited. i have not picked up a golf club in nearly 1.5 years, just can't swing through anymore, hoping this will help that. must importantly is being able to run around with my daughter, which i can not do right now.

just looking for some helpful tips on do's and don'ts from those that have had it or know someone who has. things you did that helped and things you wish you would have done or should not have done.

weird to think that i only have 5 more days of work then i am done for the year. lots of THP'ing coming up :love:
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I've never had knee replacement, but a fractured ankle that left me with a plate and screws post surgery had some challenges. In my experience I would say to do this
1. Take the pain meds as prescribed. I hate meds and tried to handle the pain on my own, and it was not good.
2. follow post op procedures. You might think you are ok, but the worse part is to misstep and have a set back.
3. PT...PT...PT....it will seem simple and mundane initially, but follow it. It's a slow crawl and do not get frustrated thinking you can do more
4. Stay positive. This is the hardest thing to do sometimes. I hate depending on anyone for any type of help and felt useless which almost took me into a depression. Fight throw it, talk to loved ones and just surround yourself with positive thoughts and energy. A great mental mindset can go a long way to helping you recover and get back to normal.

I wish you well and we are here to help you through the rough patches.
 
Haven't been through the knee replacement. Had my acl replaced and torn meniscus trimmed a few years ago and that hurt for a while. Like everyone else said, I've heard putting in the work in PT is the key, listen to what your PT is telling you and follow what they are saying. Wish you well on your surgery and recovery.
 
Best of success to you! I know several people that have had both knees done. While, a tough recovery.....well worth it in the long run. My mom had both done at the same damn time 🤯🤯
 
Both of my knees were replaced in 2014, about 6 months apart. Others have given great advice on keeping ahead of the pain, etc. I just suggest not letting what others have done influence you, as everyone is different. I read about guys getting back to playing just a few weeks after surgery and I was jealous, but my surgeon did not give me the OK until about 10 weeks after. I listened to him! A great resource for information and support, both pre- and post-surgery, can be found at the BoneSmart organization (BoneSmart.org).
 
PKorf said:
My mom had both done at the same damn time
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My surgeon wouldn't do both knees at the same time, though some will. I can't imagine trying to recover with at least one decent leg to stand on.
 
mikeg_74 said:
I've never had knee replacement, but a fractured ankle that left me with a plate and screws post surgery had some challenges. In my experience I would say to do this
1. Take the pain meds as prescribed. I hate meds and tried to handle the pain on my own, and it was not good.
2. follow post op procedures. You might think you are ok, but the worse part is to misstep and have a set back.
3. PT...PT...PT....it will seem simple and mundane initially, but follow it. It's a slow crawl and do not get frustrated thinking you can do more
4. Stay positive. This is the hardest thing to do sometimes. I hate depending on anyone for any type of help and felt useless which almost took me into a depression. Fight throw it, talk to loved ones and just surround yourself with positive thoughts and energy. A great mental mindset can go a long way to helping you recover and get back to normal.

I wish you well and we are here to help you through the rough patches.
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That is one thing for sure I will struggle with, pain meds. I hate taking any kind of medication but I know I have to.
 
I had a hip replacement, not a knee, but my mom had both knees done at different times. I’ll reiterate, be true to your pain med schedule, mind your PT religiously, take the laxatives (the pain meds WILL bind you up), and drink plenty of water, as in a LOT of water.
 
One of our group had double knees and double hips replaced took him along time , he tried to do some unrelated to golf stuff and had set back but he’s ok now .

lve only ever had two L knee surgeries close to reconstruction , 30 + years ago. My career has me in engineering so ladders and walkways are common occurrence with no issues at all .

best of luck ))
 
My wife had both done last year. First off the first 3 weeks WILL SUCK! But after the first 3 weeks, you will start to feel a lot better. Like others have said DO YOUR EXERCISES cant be stressed enough. A year later, my wife has absolutely no pain and can do the fun stuff again. Wishes she would have done it sooner, Good luck and heal fast.
 
Best of luck and well wishes for a speedy recovery @AndyL0711 ! Don’t have any other tips as haven’t had my knees done. Hoping with my Rheumatoid Arthritis I never need to get mine done in distant future
 
Phil75070 said:
Both of my knees were replaced in 2014, about 6 months apart. Others have given great advice on keeping ahead of the pain, etc. I just suggest not letting what others have done influence you, as everyone is different. I read about guys getting back to playing just a few weeks after surgery and I was jealous, but my surgeon did not give me the OK until about 10 weeks after. I listened to him! A great resource for information and support, both pre- and post-surgery, can be found at the BoneSmart organization (BoneSmart.org).
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^^^^^^This! Do what you doctor and rehab specialist tell you! No more, no less. There was a guy in a golf league I played in years ago who played for the local university, and had aspiration of going pro. Then he did something to his ribs. He thought he knew more than his doc and the rehab tech, and his ribs didn't heal right. Goodbye possible golf career!
 
I had bi-lateral replacements to both knees 5 years ago in the one operation (1 and1/2 hrs). Never had any issues as my bones were very dense according to the surgeon. Apparently those with porous/chalky bones can have issues .
My wife followed and had both her knees replaced and she never had any issues either. Having said that it will take a couple of years before they settle in with the designated rehabilitation.
 
My father has had two total knees, his first in 1994 and that was replaced in 2016 when it failed. His recovery process was night and day with #2. I’ll echo what everyone else has said - stick with the PT, do exactly what you’re given and you should have a great recovery. After his second he was golfing within 2 months and he’s been pain free ever since. Good luck!!
 
My 75 yr old Mother is having knee issues and her doctor basically told her to put off the surgery as long as possible due to its severe nature and challenging rehab. She walks/shuffles very cautiously now…
Your “youth” is an advantage I believe, as you’re likely stronger than most older patients and recovery could be quicker.
Certainly interested in your journey through this. Blessings to you on your recovery!
 
I did all of the rehab exercises that my knee would allow in the weeks prior to my TKR. I firmly believe that my recovery went better as a result of that pre work.
 
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I haven’t had knee replacement but have had multiple knee surgeries including ACL replacement. Follow the exercises given to you by your PT diligently. I’m guessing they will have you moving your knee very soon after surgery. I’d get on a stationary bike at least 30 minutes each day as soon as your doctor and PT allow. I recovered fully from an ACL replacement and cycling almost daily for 6 months after surgery was a big part of it. If you don’t have a stationary bike you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a decent one like this one from Costco.

Good luck! My wife’s mom had her 2nd knee replacement done in late July and she is pain free and back to playing pickle ball and doing daily 5 mile walks at age 78.

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Good luck! When I had my hip replaced there were a few having knees done - the ones that did the best followed the physio's advice carefully! Also the hospital had a Hydrotherapy pool which was really good for the recovery - both hips and knees.

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Good luck!
 
Good luck with the knee replacement and, as mentioned.... following the physical therapy program is a priority and really helps you to reach the best outcomes.
i know more than a few people who have had knees replaced. Most followed the PT program closely and all had great results - those who play golf were cleared to start playing again in a pretty short period of time. Those who did not follow the program have had less than optimal outcomes (mainly, range of motion limitations). Again... best of luck!!
 
I had both knees replaced in 2016 (left knee in March, right knee in October). Two main things to remember: first, don’t be a hero when it comes to taking your pain meds. Take them as prescribed…don’t wait for pain to start, because by then it’s too late. Secondly and most important: follow PT (home & clinic) instructions to the letter!! I know that some exercises will seem repetitive and easy, but they will absolutely help in the long run! I hope everything goes well for you! Let me know if you have any questions.
 
AndyL0711 said:
i am having knee replacement surgery next tuesday. i am nervous but very excited. i have not picked up a golf club in nearly 1.5 years, just can't swing through anymore, hoping this will help that. must importantly is being able to run around with my daughter, which i can not do right now.

just looking for some helpful tips on do's and don'ts from those that have had it or know someone who has. things you did that helped and things you wish you would have done or should not have done.

weird to think that i only have 5 more days of work then i am done for the year. lots of THP'ing coming up :love:
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Wishing you a full and speedy recovery! Be a good patient so the THP family can see you back on the greens!
 
I had my left knee replaced and I'm probably looking at my right being replaced in the near future. I went through the injections until they stopped helping. I tell everyone it hurt more on the way to the surgery center than it did on the way home. Of course therapy is uncomfortable but you'll get over that pretty quickly. Make every scheduled session and stretch at home. I didn't realize how it hobbled me until I had it done. I'm 66 years old so I'm not going to run sprints anyway. You'll do fine. Don't worry about it at all, it's so much better after the surgery. Take care.
 
AndyL0711 said:
i am having knee replacement surgery next tuesday. i am nervous but very excited. i have not picked up a golf club in nearly 1.5 years, just can't swing through anymore, hoping this will help that. must importantly is being able to run around with my daughter, which i can not do right now.

just looking for some helpful tips on do's and don'ts from those that have had it or know someone who has. things you did that helped and things you wish you would have done or should not have done.

weird to think that i only have 5 more days of work then i am done for the year. lots of THP'ing coming up :love:
Click to expand...

buddy had one done in 2021, other in 2022. He's so happy he got them done. He was hitting full shots in less than 60 days

Stay ahead of the pain with meds...it's no joke...don't be the hero saying you don't need them!

good luck 👊🏻
 
I'm out and up in my room. Tons of pain but no biggie. Now comes therapy.

Goals:
- being able to walk downstairs without fearing of falling
- able to run around and play with my daughter
- not being in pain all the time, will make me less crabby = better husband, father and business owner
- GOLF!!!!! it will be nearly 1.5 years, since I picked up a club

Now back to work. I will post updates....thanks guys.
 
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