Knee replacement soon, tips on post recovery? (e.g. bathing, etc)

[deano_hoosier]

Getting TKA right knee from Dr. Duke next week. I've been doing all his recommended pre-surgery exercises and not having problems there. I'm just wondering from your experience with TKA what tips you think would be useful post-surgery. Also, I plan on getting equipment I'll need from Helping Hands in Spanish Springs...what equipment did you find most useful?

Thanks...

[Igolf]

Tips from the care giver/spouse of hubby who had both done (different times) in 2020. Knee replacements are like children....each one is different. Equipment: Walker, cane, raised toilet seat if yours is not already, shower chair...at least for support in the shower. Could use Walker for that also but then you have a wet Walker. Ice will be your friend. But if some is good more is not better. Use the 20/30 minute on rule. Be patient with yourself, use pain meds and keep moving. Exercises will hurt initially but do them. Good luck

[Pinhead]

Ice Machine, circulates cold water thru cuff on knee. Stationary bike. Good luck

[Bjeanj]

There is a plastic thigh-high leg cast protector that you can pull over your leg when you sit in the shower that works well.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Waterproof-Watertight-Protection-Reusable/dp/B079514LQ6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Shower+stocking&qid=1609339747&s=hpc&sr=1-3)

[stephen.q.pankow]

Getting TKA right knee from Dr. Duke next week. ... I'm just wondering from your experience with TKA what tips you think would be useful post-surgery.
Thanks...

I've still got both of my "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (car repair jargon) knees, but my wife had both of hers replaced, and it's made a huge improvement to her level of mobility and overall quality of life.

Her main advice to anyone considering knee replacements is to do your physical therapy. All of it. Yes, it'll hurt. Do it anyway. All of it. She's convinced that the main reason that people have trouble with knee replacements is that they skimp on their PT, so don't do that. Best of luck.

[Two Bills]

I found a couple of wraps of cling film over the dressing kept my leg dry in the shower.
Don't spend a lot on icing. A packet of frozen veg will work.
Do the exercises however bad a day you are having painwise.
Gets easier after 2-3 weeks.
Do the exercises in both legs.
I concentrated on the bad leg, and the good leg finished up weaker.
Walk, walk, and more walk, and concentrate on not developing a limp.
Not pleasent early on, but the more you put into the recovery exercises, the more you get out of the replacement.
The movement you have after about 7 weeks, is about what you will always have.
Good luck.

MTC.

[tophcfa]

The first couple of weeks after surgery is all about working range of motion. If you don’t work the range of motion you can end up with a stiff knee for the rest of your life. Strengthening can begin once range is established. Range of motion hurts, be ready for some pain, especially the fully straightened range. Get some good stool softeners as the pain meds will bind you up. My knee was stapled, and could not get wet for a couple of weeks, but that was 10 years ago. I think they glue the knee closed now so you can shower much sooner. The highlight of my knee replacement was that my lovely wife gave me a couple of sponge baths before I could shower. At least I got that to look forward to when I get the other knee done : )

[Cupcake57]

seat for the shower if you don't already have one. A hand held shower head so you can rinse off your nether regions without soaking the incision. Grab bar by the toilet should suffice instead of a raised seat, unless you are really weak in the upper body. Agree with therapy therapy therapy. If that new knee gets frozen, you are in a heap of trouble. Be glad you live in the Villages in a ranch style house instead of a house with lots of stairs. Best of luck.

[Pinball wizard]

Ice Machine, circulates cold water thru cuff on knee. Stationary bike. Good luck

I can't agree with Pinhead enough. Get the ice machine!!! It keeps the pain way down as well as the swelling.

Also, do all of your exercises.

Finally, immediately after surgery, you will most likely be given some STRONG pain meds. TAKE THEM!!! It's only for a couple of days. If you wait for the pain to get bad, you will never catch up with the meds.

[jaj523]

Ditto! The ice machine was wonderful. It's worth the $100 investment.

[tophcfa]

I believe the ice machine being referred to is called a cryo cuff. They work great. I still use mine 10 years after the knee replacement whenever either knee acts up.

[RICH1]

A grab bar to raise yourself from the commode ! Ice , ice and more ice! Enjoy the naps! Lock up your pain meds... your visitors will help themselves

[tophcfa]

This is what my knee looked like the day after the surgery when they sent me home. Picture taken 3/19/2011. I think they do it differently these days. Don't forget to set up a very comfortable recliner in from of the TV and have everything you might need on the side table (clicker, water, reading material and glasses, tablet, phone, meds, etc....). Also, a small backpack comes in handy to carry stuff around the first couple of days when you are using crutches or a walker. Good luck!

[deano_hoosier]

Thanks for your ideas....

[deano_hoosier]

good... I have both.. neighbor had the ice device and I've had the stationary rec bike routine for years.

[deano_hoosier]

good tips... thanks.. had a friend suggest freezing water bottles to help in the ice device instead of using just ice. Shrink wrap on the leg... got to remember not to use on my head:)

[deano_hoosier]

staples look like a zipper... backpack idea..thanks

[tophcfa]

Also, roll up a towel and wrap in in duck tape. The towel will go on a dinning table type of chair and you will lay on the floor with your achilles resting on the towel. Then if you have some soft weights, like the type that go around a wrist or ankle, those will go on the knee to force it straight. This is a painful stretch at first, but if you can stand it for about 10 minutes every couple of hours, it will really help with getting your leg straight. I am not sure if they still use these, but I also had a range of motion machine for a couple of weeks. You literally lay in bed and put your leg in the machine, and it slowly bends and then straightens your leg. You start with a slow and low setting, and as you get more range, you can dial up a bigger and faster leg bend. I thought the machine really helped. Also, take a piece of rope and tie a loop in one end. You can lay on the floor and put the loop around your foot and then use the rope to pull your leg toward you to get the bending range of motion. Simple, but effective range of motion exercises really help, but I am sure they will show you during post-op Physical Therapy. The rope with a loop can also help you sling your leg in and out of bed the first couple of days. It also wouldn't hurt to get some of the rubber band type exercise things. After a couple of weeks when you get your range of motion, these can be used to begin the strengthening process. Good Luck.

[deano_hoosier]

Any tips out there on over night while trying to sleep? Do you use the ice device overnight?,..for example??

[tophcfa]

Any tips out there on over night while trying to sleep? Do you use the ice device overnight?,..for example??

A shot of tequila and some CBD worked for me?

[SIRE1]

After having a total knee replacement last March (just before shut down) in order to prevent swelling, I highly recommend that you keep your leg and knee elevated as much as you can during the first 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. And that means so your foot is OVER your head by laying down on bed or couch with your leg up on a stack of pillows. I thought having it elevated meant sitting in a lazy boy with the foot rest up. Boy was I wrong. For exercises, I would put a paper plate on the floor with my foot on the plate so I could slide my foot out and back like your exercise examples show.

[Inexes@aol.com]

Getting TKA right knee from Dr. Duke next week. I've been doing all his recommended pre-surgery exercises and not having problems there. I'm just wondering from your experience with TKA what tips you think would be useful post-surgery. Also, I plan on getting equipment I'll need from Helping Hands in Spanish Springs...what equipment did you find most useful?

Thanks...

I am amazed that with all the responses to your query, that no one has mentioned that your surgeon will be providing post-op instructions, equipment and therapy.
Every surgeon has his own protocol for post-op care and some of these suggestions may go against Dr Duke's protocols.
As a Home Health RN, here in The Villages for the past 17 years, following all the different orthopaedic surgeons patients, I have found that you will be given post-op instructions which will include Home Health for the initial therapy and any medical equipment that the surgeon calls for should be ordered prior to your discharge from the hospital and delivered to your home. Medicare pays for any equipment required post-op, as do many other insurances. I would not go out and buy anything until you get your orders from Dr Duke's office. Nor would I arrange for ANY durable medical equipment until you check his discharge orders.

[Morgkell]

I have had both knees done and have bicycled across the United States on them and several thousand miles on top of that. All good advice - ice machine, raised toilet seat and one more thing - stool softener with a stimulant. Being on pain meds will constipate you like crazy and that you don’t want! Good luck.

[yourjoy]

As soon as you can, get into a swimming pool. It’s easier to do the exercises in the water.

[racedaygal]

Dr. Duke replaced my knee last November. He will send you home with an ice machine. I used small water bottles and froze them instead of ice in the machine but either works fine.
The raised commode seat was a lifesaver for me.
I had to have some Ambien to sleep at night for a month. The pain was too bad when I lay down. I didn’t want to take too much Oxy, so I took half an Ambien to sleep.
A friend who had both knees replaced lent me a rolling cart that she had used. I kept all of my supplies on it. Then I just rolled it from the bedroom to the the living room and it served as a Walker/cane on the trip. A picture of a similar one is attached. The one she lent me was much sturdier. It was great and I didn’t want to give it back. I kept it for three months!
It really hurts. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Dr. Duke says it is worse than hip replacement or open heart surgery. I hope I never have to have the other one done.

[slowe]

Had 3 replacements in last 4 years. P.T. is the most important recovery tool. I use CORA in Spanish Springs, they are great and caring, They work with you one on one. Plenty of icing during the day. Bathing after 3 days, then shower with sutures protected with wrapping.

[Tornado]

Just had mine done last month. Two biggest issues have been swelling (expected) and quad muscle pain (not expected). I had a bandage covering the incision for ten days and was able to shower the day after surgery. At the end of the second week, I found walking behind a grocery cart allowed stability, flat surface and ability to focus on a perfect stride.

[Florida17]

Swim!

[pashton]

Rent a Game Ready ice compression -machine for first 2 weeks. My doctor had them put it my leg on right after surgery. It decreases pain and swelling - much faster healing. It is a machine used by professional athletes. Go to professional physiotherapy for at 6 weeks.

[Jeanmccarty]

I have had both of my knees done. For bathing I would take a shower and I used to take a garbage bag and cut out the bottom and then tie the top above the knee. It worked well.
Crutches and a walker in the beginning and then working toward a cane. But what is absolutely the most important instrument is your attitude. Be positive! It's a couple of weeks of inconvenience but you'll find that it's worth it. Good luck.

[deano_hoosier]

Thank you a bunch for the great ideas... I'll pay attention to the post-op instructions and follow on with what is recommended.

[SIRE1]

After about 2 months in recovery, I realized that having everything in The Villages with no stairs was both a blessing and a curse. I started to look around for someplace with some stairs to practice and exercise on, and I found that there is an outside staircase in Spanish Springs (by the insurance office) and in Lake Sumter Landing (by Van Heusen store). You'll find that going down stairs is very painful and I felt I had to practice that.

[thevillager1988]

Tips from the care giver/spouse of hubby who had both done (different times) in 2020. Knee replacements are like children....each one is different. Equipment: Walker, cane, raised toilet seat if yours is not already, shower chair...at least for support in the shower. Could use Walker for that also but then you have a wet Walker. Ice will be your friend. But if some is good more is not better. Use the 20/30 minute on rule. Be patient with yourself, use pain meds and keep moving. Exercises will hurt initially but do them. Good luck

I too am coming at this from the caregiver point of view. And this writer's summary is excellent.

We rented the ice machine for my mom's 2nd surgery. Wonderful! But no more than 20ish minutes ... it's the rule for a reason. Use the pain meds and stay ahead of the pain (don't be a hero ... you will move more if it's not painful).

Also, having a goal. My 75 year old mom's was to get back to 100% independence and to be able to bend her knees and wrap her arms around them like she did as a teenager. She approached her PT like a champ. Goals achieved!

[wamley]

Had both knees replaced, same day, Do all the PT that is given you, do not miss a session, take pain meds before you do your PT. Don't think you can do it on your own. Others I know that had one or both knees done and thought they would do PT on their own, hav e sffered for that decision. I was playing golf in 8 weeks (9 holes) following weeks 18 holes. You have to also do the directed exercises given to you. You work into the pain. Success in getting your knee, knees working properly is up to you and yopur PT professional. If your going to put off because it's uncomfortable or painful your results will ny the end of the process. ot be optimum. I looked at the entire process and what I eeded to do as a 10 week process and my goal was to ahve my knees bending and straightening by the end of the process. It's tru that each knee will be a little different, but both can be working much to your needs and satisfaction. I play golf a couple times a week and Pickleball 3-4 times a week. I walk without any pain and do the things I want to do. In my 6th year of knee replacement and happy I did both my knees and got my mobile life back. Hope you enjoy your new knee as I have mine.

[luckytoml]

I had both knees done at the same time. Was up walking the next day. I was told by my doctor if I wanted to have the best mobility after to do the required treatments. I put it in my head that I wanted to be on the golf course in April ( Had surgery 11/11/2011) I went to therapy 3 times a week. The therapist would push my first leg up until she said I know this hurts so tell me when to stop. I said when you see the tear come down my cheek you can do the other one. In 3 months I was 100%. I still have no pain what so ever and have full mobility. Best advise push yourself with therapy 3 months go by pretty fast.

[RonGee]

Getting TKA right knee from Dr. Duke next week. I've been doing all his recommended pre-surgery exercises and not having problems there. I'm just wondering from your experience with TKA what tips you think would be useful post-surgery. Also, I plan on getting equipment I'll need from Helping Hands in Spanish Springs...what equipment did you find most useful?

Thanks...

WATER WALK ASAP

[NHsnow1]

We waited until we were in NH for my husbands surgery. We did our research and found an excellent surgeon who does partial replacements with excellent results. Insist on looking at your X-ray. You can see clearly where the cartilage is healthy and where it is not. Obviously you must qualify secondary to the health of the knee. My husband is 3 weeks post partial knee replacement. He is off pain meds, walking with only some stiffness and driving. He had a total replacement 12 years ago and the partial is much less invasive. His recovery has been remarkable but he is motivated to get back to our home in TV and on the golf course.
Good luck!!

[GypsyRN]

After about 2 months in recovery, I realized that having everything in The Villages with no stairs was both a blessing and a curse. I started to look around for someplace with some stairs to practice and exercise on, and I found that there is an outside staircase in Spanish Springs (by the insurance office) and in Lake Sumter Landing (by Van Heusen store). You'll find that going down stairs is very painful and I felt I had to practice that.

Had BOTH knees done (one year apart) several years ago by Dr. Duke...best surgeon by far. Am doing extremely well, and I can personally tell you that unless you take post-op therapy seriously...you will not improve as you should. I pushed myself with therapy and it paid off tremendously. Found that the best therapy for me was going to the gym after graduating outpatient therapy, and using the stationary bike (both forward and backward cycling) and the stairclimber...it hurts...there's no way out of it...just pace yourself. Good Luck. :boxing2:

[Rodneysblue]

Tips from the care giver/spouse of hubby who had both done (different times) in 2020. Knee replacements are like children....each one is different. Equipment: Walker, cane, raised toilet seat if yours is not already, shower chair...at least for support in the shower. Could use Walker for that also but then you have a wet Walker. Ice will be your friend. But if some is good more is not better. Use the 20/30 minute on rule. Be patient with yourself, use pain meds and keep moving. Exercises will hurt initially but do them. Good luck
I agree 100%. I would add remove all area rugs as they are trip hazards. Also be sure to do the homework from physical therapy, some people just go home and sit. Not good. If you’re doing the pre surgery exercises this should be no problem. I had bilateral knee replacement surgery 7 years ago, had the the right done on Friday and the left done on Monday. Three months of physical therapy and I was back to work. I was a head custodian at a high school. A little slow going at first but eventually got back up to speed. Now I’m in the process of shoulder replacement, just had the right shoulder done, this coming year the left.
Good luck with your surgery!

[rtrav711]

I was evaluated by several doctors in The Villages and was told I needed a full knee replacement. Saw a doctor in Tampa after a seminar in the Villages....and he recommended a partial.. more non evasive to the medial area of my knee. I had the operation and only did at home therapy .... and was golfing in 30 days !! That was 11 years ago. Had my other knee operated on in 2015 due to an accident....again only a partial was necessary...and again I was golfing in 30 days. The partial allows a more natural flexibility to the knee. As a supplemental note...I have had friends go to Dr. Duke...and they affirm he is well qualified to do the full replacements.

[La lamy]

This is what my knee looked like the day after the surgery when they sent me home. Picture taken 3/19/2011. I think they do it differently these days. Don't forget to set up a very comfortable recliner in from of the TV and have everything you might need on the side table (clicker, water, reading material and glasses, tablet, phone, meds, etc....). Also, a small backpack comes in handy to carry stuff around the first couple of days when you are using crutches or a walker. Good luck!

Wow, that's quite the incision!!!

[Grumps1361]

Getting TKA right knee from Dr. Duke next week. I've been doing all his recommended pre-surgery exercises and not having problems there. I'm just wondering from your experience with TKA what tips you think would be useful post-surgery. Also, I plan on getting equipment I'll need from Helping Hands in Spanish Springs...what equipment did you find most useful?

Thanks...
Had mine done 3 weeks ago by Dr Duke zero pain after surgery, great follow up and do your PT religiously. Lots of ice, exercise and you'll be fine

[dyendell]

Had mine in 2018. Ice machine, pain meds and most important THERAPY! The therapy is hard but will pay off in the end—full range of motion AND no scar tissue. Get thorough massages on the knee to prevent scar tissue—if PT doesn’t provide get it somewhere! It will take a full year to feel normal. The shower won’t be a problem since they tape/glue now versus stitches or staples. I only used walker, no cane and I had to go up and down stairs each day. Best of luck — you’ll do fine.

[Paulahollon]

Had mine done 3 weeks ago by Dr Duke zero pain after surgery, great follow up and do your PT religiously. Lots of ice, exercise and you'll be fine
Zero pain after surgery? I had my TKA 7 weeks ago. Just finished my outpatient PT. Be realistic in your expectations and set your goals. It’s hard work, and it hurts, but the results will be worth it. Did I mention that it hurts?

[sterlingcnslts]

I had doctor Duke do one leg and I agree with all the post EXCEPT " Find a Doctor who goes in the side instead of down the middle" , I had my second knee done on the side and there is no comparison in recovery time. I was playing golf after 10 days with the second knee with no pain.

[deano_hoosier]

I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of your suggestions and the caring intent with which they are offered. Thanks... Dean

[tophcfa]

Swim!

Shhhhhhhhh, the sports pools are already too crowded!

[calmwaters30]

I am 6 weeks out from my 2nd knee being done. Honestly, it hurts like heck. Stay on top of the pain meds (and don't be ashamed if you need to ask for me if they aren't working), push through the pain and do all the PT, rely on family and friends to help out (the first 2 weeks are the worst...you need help with EVERYTHING). At 4 works I started to massage the scar, to prevent scar tissue from forming. I had that happen on the 1st knee and ended up having to have a manual manipulation done; which is not fun. Ice and elevate is so important. Good luck!

[YouNeverKnow]

I had doctor Duke do one leg and I agree with all the post EXCEPT " Find a Doctor who goes in the side instead of down the middle" , I had my second knee done on the side and there is no comparison in recovery time. I was playing golf after 10 days with the second knee with no pain.
Which doctor did yours down the side?

[deano_hoosier]

Had my right knee replaced Tuesday, the 5th, at West Marion by Dr Duke. Last operation of the day for him at 3:30 (actually started at 4:00 and was over before 5:00). Into Recovery to await coming out of spinal block and for room to open. West Marion had a full house but did get into a room at 6:30. The rooms are all single patient rooms and nicely done. I had a really great night nurse, Jocelyn. She was always there when needed or was quick to let me know if she was delayed serving another patient. She said she average 60-66,000 steps each night! She changed my dressing about mid-night and said her goal was to get me walking before her shift ended. Since I had a late surgery my walking came at 6am.

Quads are really stiff and sore, more so than my knee. Knee itself is not making a statement since the quads are yelling. Breakfast was non-cardiac with bacon, French toast and scrambled eggs. Had my round of pt at 8:30 and was checked out by 12:30. My surgical wound was closed by subcutaneous stitching, then steri-strips, covered by gauze strip and 3"wide clear plastic tape. I'm good to shower anytime...though not charging into that yet.

I've just ordered a tray to fit over the handles of my walker. Found that navigating hot cup of coffee and iced water bottles to my ice machine needed some help. I expect home-pt visits to start today, probably later in the day.

Left the hospital with 4 scripts, two regular and two narcotic. The regular were called in but you have to hand-deliver the narcotic ones to the pharmacy. So far I've not needed to tap the 20 pills of oxy..I have used the Tramadol HCL pills that call for 1pill 3x's per day for 14 days.

I don't know how people manage getting 2 knees done at same time. I know they do, but wow... not for me.

So that's all for now, perhaps I'll update this later in the process.

Dean

[Two Bills]

I had doctor Duke do one leg and I agree with all the post EXCEPT " Find a Doctor who goes in the side instead of down the middle" , I had my second knee done on the side and there is no comparison in recovery time. I was playing golf after 10 days with the second knee with no pain.

I have searched high and low,and cannot find any reference for total knee replacement where surgeon enters knee from side.
10 days and no pain from total replacement?
I don't think so.
I don't know what proceedure you had, but I would take any odds it was not a total knee replacement.

[Pinball wizard]

I had a TKR with Dr. Karina at UNOVA and the pain was minimal. I was only on pain meds for a few (3 or 4 if I remember correctly) days. Oh, and he did NOT do side, but he is great. I was up and about in no time at all.

[Aces4]

I have searched high and low,and cannot find any reference for total knee replacement where surgeon enters knee from side.
10 days and no pain from total replacement?
I don't think so.
I don't know what proceedure you had, but I would take any odds it was not a total knee replacement.

I am amazed no one jumped in with his name sooner. Dr. Steve Nguyen I believe is the Dr. you are asking about. He has had many accolades on here. Our friend had 2 separate replacements with him, excellent results. He does, however, have an extremely packed schedule. I believe he is located in Orlando, please correct me if I have the wrong Dr.

[Two Bills]

I am amazed no one jumped in with his name sooner. Dr. Steve Nguyen I believe is the Dr. you are asking about. He has had many accolades on here. Our friend had 2 separate replacements with him, excellent results. He does, however, have an extremely packed schedule. I believe he is located in Orlando, please correct me if I have the wrong Dr.

Thanks for that.
Seems the way to go to make recovery quicker.
Another bet lost!