Knee Replacement Op Recovery

[Slinky1460]

Hello.
I'm going into hospital for a replacement knee tomorrow due to an accident a few years ago.

Its a full replacement with an epidural anaesthetic so minimum downtime. Dr Google says I will be out of action for 4-6 weeks but I work from home at the computer and was hoping to go straight back after the op - well, take a week to work on the pain and physio.

Anyone else been able to get back to work quickly and been ok?

Thank you.

Just wanted to say good luck - I'm researching as my father in law is going in a week for a full replacement & I'm searching for tips

Mums had both knees done.
The key is to get the physio going asap.

It is a very painful operation and to get the most out of it you will have to put in really dedicated time to do hourly exercises. We all react differently to pain though so that might be a suck it and see type situation. I’m not sure a week is realistic but good luck!

I've just had knee arthroscopy. I was signed off my desk job for 4 weeks by the consultant.

I think that was a bit of overkill and did go back earlier but I really think you're being unrealistic with a week for a much more serious knee operation.

Mom has had both done separately - first one was much harder, more pain for longer and would have not been up to much at a week. Second one was much faster bounce back. There was still lots of painful physio that had to be done daily, but she was up and about, and certainly back on her laptop on minimal painkillers within a week.

i think the difference was her general health at the time of surgery- first one she probably waited too long and generally health had declined and had been unable to do much physically for months before surgery. Second one was more preemptive (she lives in another country where no waitlists and surgery is more or less on demand), and as a result had much better health going into surgery.

I overdid things in week one and definitely set my recovery back. Getting yourself mobile asap is very important but also important to rest.

Thanks all. I'm a week post-op and doing ok. Walking fine, if a little unsteady and the substantial bruising is starting to fade. Do my physio 3 times a day as well as extra exercises before bed and when I waken up. I can see improvements every day but my operated leg feels like it's on fire and I still can't really lift the leg parallel to the floor yet without some assistance. Taking another week off then going to do some half-days and see how I get on.

My lovely dad has just had his done a few weeks ago. He is managing well but one piece of advice (if you are anything like my DF)

don’t get ahead of yourself and take meds for as long as you are told even if you feel you don’t need them.

he was about a week in and felt great, stopped taking any pain meds because he felt he didn’t need them - was trying to get about by himself without an aid… and then had a really bad week after that. Got told off by the nurse and definitely set his recovery back a little. Do what you are told even if you feel ok!

good luck 💖