NFT: Full knee replacement

I had my right knee replaced last June. The first few months didn't progress as hoped - I had a problem with the extension getting anywhere close to 0 degrees due to scar tissue - so had to go back and get unconscious manipulation done on it. Then, to make matters worse, my physical therapist cranked so hard on it right after that procedure, my calf muscle tore. Alas, that necessitated another round of unconscious manipulation once that healed a couple of months later. For the last few months, though, it's improved tremendously: no limp, barely any issues with flexion or extension. It's light years better than it was pre-surgery (bone-on-bone after 1 ACL and two torn meniscus surgeries). I'm not going to go run a marathon, but I can hike 5 miles in the mountains with a 2000 ft altitude gain with no problems again.

Oh yeah, I don't think I'm about to play basketball anytime soon - I'm just not that good at it to play competitively - but did a shootaround the other day. It was fine. As for tennis, I can play some with my son, who's a really good high school varsity player, but quick cuts are mostly out. I haven't been able to beat him since he was twelve anyway!

She said it was painful. But she was a real trooper. She is doing good now, 3 years later, but she has a little arthritis in it.

You have the most amazing hiking in that area. Enjoy!

the long term insights help. Getting old is interesting.

day. Walking 2 hours later. Playing golf in 6 weeks(iirc). Worked so well now his shoulder hurts - probably hurt before but the knees hurt so bad it covered it up.

it sounds like you're doing fine. Your hard work, getting range of motion back, is just about done. I'm assuming you're 0 to 125 degrees + ?
Might want to keep a wrap on the knee when biking just in case you take a spill. Don't want to tear that area open.
I had one done about 3 years ago. By 2 months I was walking about 3 miles. At five months we went to Europe and we walked everywhere without a problem. No swelling or discomfort at all at that point.
I hike up to 5-6 miles at a clip, all elevations, without a problem. Light running for short distances just to know I can do it if I have to. Still slight numbness on outer lower quadrant, but it's not problematic or annoying at all. I'm pushing 70.
Best of luck to you.

Wife had both done at the same time. She knew the rehab was going to be tuff, so decided to just do it. Had a coworker who didn’t do the rehab and had to go back to the O.R. For manipulation.

I'm extracting every last bit from my original factory equipment in my HS officiating (soccer and lax), to two questions:

am I complicating a replacement procedure by continuing bone-on-bone abuse?

How well for the guys who have had it do you run? I hear you that quick cuts are not there, but %% of speed (with moderate changes of direction) you had before the surgery?

Any guidance much appreciated. And the folks who do both, I hear the re-hab is tough but probably worth it to get both out of the way.

In comment 14451814 ColHowPepper said:

Quote:

I'm extracting every last bit from my original factory equipment in my HS officiating (soccer and lax), to two questions: am I complicating a replacement procedure by continuing bone-on-bone abuse? How well for the guys who have had it do you run? I hear you that quick cuts are not there, but %% of speed (with moderate changes of direction) you had before the surgery? Any guidance much appreciated. And the folks who do both, I hear the re-hab is tough but probably worth it to get both out of the way.

.

So is mine, with my left knee, hoping to get enough golf in this year....then maybe in the fall.
My brother had it done recently, says rehab is a pain
literally and figuratively!
To answer your first question above, it is just about
how one handles pain tolerance. Now if you wait too long,
it may have some residual effect as far as rehab.
This is based on what I heard from my brother recently.
In his words, the orthopedist said his 'knee was a mess'.

In comment 14451945 Carson53 said:

Quote:

In comment 14451814 ColHowPepper said: Quote: I'm extracting every last bit from my original factory equipment in my HS officiating (soccer and lax), to two questions: am I complicating a replacement procedure by continuing bone-on-bone abuse? How well for the guys who have had it do you run? I hear you that quick cuts are not there, but %% of speed (with moderate changes of direction) you had before the surgery? ... . So is mine, with my left knee, hoping to get enough golf in this year....then maybe in the fall. My brother had it done recently, says rehab is a pain literally and figuratively! To answer your first question above, it is just about how one handles pain tolerance. Now if you wait too long, it may have some residual effect as far as rehab. This is based on what I heard from my brother recently. In his words, the orthopedist said his 'knee was a mess'.

Thanks Carson53, but those answers weren't what I wanted to hear! (:

In comment 14451580 PaulN said:

Quote:

She said it was painful. But she was a real trooper. She is doing good now, 3 years later, but she has a little arthritis in it.

Not being sarcastic, but how do you get arthritis in a synthetic knee?

these other guys are farther down the road than me (and thank you all for the comments) - after 7 weeks my thoughts - (i) try to work your legs before the surgery - you lose muscle strength fast
(ii) first 10 days to 2 weeks are not fun so dont underestimate that and (iii) this may sound weird but get a good positive book (I re=read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) because its easy to get a little down about the whole thing when you are going through it and the drugs may help you sleep but I found they messed me up a little emotionally.

overall though after 7 weeks - glad I did it

In comment 14452063 dbe1156 said:

Quote:

these other guys are farther down the road than me (and thank you all for the comments) - after 7 weeks my thoughts - (i) try to work your legs before the surgery - you lose muscle strength fast ..l. but get a good positive book (I re=read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) because its easy to get a little down about the whole thing when you are going through it and the drugs may help you sleep but I found they messed me up a little emotionally. overall though after 7 weeks - glad I did it

thanks, dbe...that part about working the legs before surgery is something I've thought about, and I'll likely to (in good shape now, coming to end of lax season), but I have doubts that there will be any residual benefit. I've had an ACL replacement in that same knee, and the loss of muscle/tone was absolute and complete--I think it may be neuro/nerves related so rehab may be from square 1.

In comment 14451814 ColHowPepper said:

Quote:

I'm extracting every last bit from my original factory equipment in my HS officiating (soccer and lax), to two questions: am I complicating a replacement procedure by continuing bone-on-bone abuse? How well for the guys who have had it do you run? I hear you that quick cuts are not there, but %% of speed (with moderate changes of direction) you had before the surgery? Any guidance much appreciated. And the folks who do both, I hear the re-hab is tough but probably worth it to get both out of the way.

I don't run on a regular basis. Doctors advise against it (high impact activities not good for knee replacements). I really only do it to get and maintain muscle memory. Literally your muscles forget how to do certain things and have to be retaught. Replacing a knee is a pretty traumatic event for all your muscles and nerves and everything else in that general area.
I've been thinking about maybe getting involved in old dudes softball. I don't see as being a problem.

appreciate your perspective, and it jibes more or less what I've been told by two orthopedists who do these for a living. I retorted to the first by saying, 'but you told me guys with TKR go out and play tennis." And he deadpanned back, 'yeah, doubles'.

So, it just kind of confirms that I'm going to go as long as I can on my original parts until pain destroys all enjoyment of reffing and sleep. Until then, ice and Blue Emu.