Knee replacement op recovery

[samthebordercollie]

I know this will probably be different for everyone, but can anyone give me an idea of knee operation recovery times they have experienced in older people? My father (a very active 87) is due to have an op and I will be looking after him until he is able to get about himself, but I've no idea how long he will need me for (I live in a different country so it's complicated). Any advice welcome, thanks!

As he is a fit and active 87 year old his recovery and mobilising should be fairly swift so long as there's no complications like infection etc. My relative was off the crutches in days and mobilising with a stick within 2 weeks.

He needs to take the painkillers regularly rather than waiting for the pain to build, be religious with exercises and ice/elevation. If he sticks to the post op instructions he'll be up and about in no time.

People with existing medical problems and unhealthy BMIs tend to obviously have longer recovery times.

My mum had a full knee replacement. She took months if not well well over a year to recover fully. She said she never anticipated it being so awfully painful and she was actually far worse after the operation than she was before. She needs the other knee cap replacing and she is hoping she can avoid having it done. Please make sure your dad does his exercises religiously, or his knee could seize in the straight position. I'm sorry to sound so negative but this has been my experience. My mums was a full knee cap replacement if this makes a difference, however she is only 59. Good luck to your dad, best wishes.

It is a painful post-op period, so the painkillers are very important. But I have known people who have had 2 done, so it can't be too bad or they would not have come back for a second helping.

I think my post then the subsequent post demonstrate how unpredictable it can be.

As I said with my relative it all went very smoothly with a quick recovery despite their advancing age. I think while the skills of the surgeon, following instructions re meds and exercises are all vital pain tolerance is obviously an issue too. He'll need to do the exercises no matter how uncomfortable it is or else it will just get worse.

My neighbour had it done last year. She's 60 and mildly overweight.
She was poleaxed by the pain, massively worse than she expected. However she is now a new woman.

I had a total knee replacement about 10 years ago aged 48. Recovery was very swift and pain free. I actually viewed a house the day after discharge and made it up the stairs on crutches. Was walking around the block and on the beach a few days later.

A friend who was very fit & walked miles (ex professional footballer) had a dreadful recovery.
Could you make sure your DF is as fit and as prepared as possible before the op? Some Pilates exercises may help...

Thankyou all very much for your replies. The comments about the painkillers and exercise are very helpful - especially as my dad never takes painkillers, I will make sure he takes them regularly after his op.
I'll also tell him to do some exercises pre op if I can find some Pilates exercises that will help.
He has an ex girlfriend who lives in S Africa with whom he is back in contact with after 60 years coming over to the UK in May, so he has an objective to be as fit and healthy as possible!