Two of my good neighbors had both theirs done. Their only regret was not having done it sooner. The recovery was faster than I imagined. My uncle had his done two weeks before a trip to Hawaii and it didn't bother him a bit--he did have a physical therapist lined up there but I still think he's nuts.:)

There are horror stories out there. My dad refuses to do his until they are unusable because "a friend of a friend..." but I think you'll have a harder time finding recent jobs that went bad.

I have no experience with knee replacement. What I can tell you from experience is that the better shape your muscles are in prior to the surgery, the easier your recovery will be. So do not delay surgery to the point where you are in too much pain to walk around. That will make for a brutal recovery.

Yes, be as active as you can and see if you can qualify for "pre-hab" where you go in and do some resistance training and flexibility training to get your muscles and and joints ready for surgery.

My sister is 10 years older (64) and has had both of hers done about a year apart in the past 3 years. She was another one who waited probably too long, but she is certainly back to her old self; it is really amazing. Oh gosh, when she came with me to Florida when I was getting a Fellow recognition at my conference, we had to rent a scooter for her at Universal Studios because she really couldn't walk around. OTOH, we did get to skip a lot of lines at Universal because of the scooter, LOL.

She was able to go to pre-hab and then post-op to rehab center for a couple of days afterwards, and this also helped a lot. She got PT twice per day and OT once a day. I think she was there 4-5 days. Your insurance may or may not allow this. Then she had a certain number of outpatient PT visits.

Those first couple days were rough post-op, but she is back to walking, going to Zumba and other workouts, and working in the garden/yard. Luckily, I do not have "Dad's knees", so my knees are hanging in there.

Also, there is increasing evidence that arthroscopic surgeries that are sort of palliative for arthritis do not do any better than physical therapy/exercise, and if your knees are bad enough you need a joint replacement, there really isn't any other solution at this point. So, do not get talked into these surgeries.

I don't have personal experience but know many people who have done it. None of them regretted it, and a few regretted not doing it earlier. Not going to lie, the recuperation and rehab is tough. Everyone I know is happier with their physical abilities and lack of limitations post procedure. My bff's boyfriend had both knees done at the same time, and he's back to golfing and doing hour plus fitness walks.

Good luck.

ETA: it's perfectly normal to be afraid, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. Also, my friend's boyfriend is 62 and is/ was fit. My SIL and another friend had it done when they were in their mid 50's. I wouldn't consider either of them fit before surgery and they did fine.

My MIL had a partial knee replacement a few years ago. She did just as the PT ordered, and her recovery went as well as expected. She is back to everything, has put 500+ miles on her Fitbit this year, rides her bicycle and spends a lot of time in her yard. I guess she was maybe 67-68 yrs at the time. I don't think she has any regrets.

Another close friend had a total replacement done Dec 2015. She has done well, although not completely recovered. She tends toward the drama, especially where her health is involved, so it's hard to know if she really still has issues or not. She spent three weeks in Australia/New Zealand last year, so something must be working.

Everyone I know personally who has it done says they wish they'd done it sooner. I do know one person who had to have it redone right after because the knee was clicking but even with that it didn't seem to be too much of an ordeal for her. The only horror stories I've heard are indirect - someone knows someone who knows someone. I know a couple people who don't get it done for this reason and they are significantly disabled and limited in what they can do.

A couple people I work with had them done recently. The fit and trim person was back at work doing pretty well in a couple weeks. The overweight person who probably also waited too long was out for at least six weeks and not even doing too well after that but has gradually improved.

My aunt had both of her knees done and she said that the single factor that makes for success is doing the PT/rehab after the operation.

She wishes she had hers done sooner.

And then she had 2 hips and 1 shoulder replaced.....

My dad is 65 and has always had tough mechanical type jobs so kneeling on a lot of concrete. He's stubborn so no knee pads for him. He had one knee replaced and will have the other replaced in a few months right before he retires.

The replaced knee is great, and he can't wait to do the other. He told me he isn't supposed to kneel though, but he actually seems to be following g the PT advice since he doesn't want to mess up his new knee.

I had an aunt who had both of her knees and hips replaced. She ended up having her legs amputated, but it turned out she had some really serious bone issues so they were never strong enough to heal or stay healed.

It's really helped my dad. He's certainly become more spry and likes to joke he has a bionic knee.

A lady in my choir recently had both knees done at the same time, and said she regretted not doing it sooner. Prior to the surgery, her legs were noticeably bow-legged and she really struggled with stair, and her legs look much straighter and she's navigating the stairs much more comfortably.

My mom suffered complications with her hip replacement (her knee replacements went fine) when it got infected. They had to do a second surgery and she was on antibiotics for months and months afterward. I'm not telling you this to discourage you; she eventually recovered and benefited from the surgery. But there are risks. Some of the risk can be mitigated by having it done somewhere where they do a lot of the procedure. The more a facility (and a surgeon) does, the better they will be at it.

My friend had it done and waited too long. Her leg was bowed out and she could barely walk without holding onto a wall. She recovered well, but because she waited so long she had to relearn how to walk properly in addition to the regular PT. She says if the other knee goes, she will have it done right away.

DH had it done 6 years ago and is doing everything erything he did before, including snow skiing at a pretty high level, including back- country skiing. It did take home a bit more time than expected. to heal completely and for the swelling to go down -- about 8 months -- but once it it was great!

Do your PT faithfully but don't overdo it either -- I think DH was a bit too aggressive with his home Exercises and probably slowed his progress a bit.

Had my Left TKR done almost 3yrs ago now. Wow....time flies! Sept of 2014. They had to do extra Ligament work on me too...MCL & LCL. I now have a "mesh" main MCL, & a slightly relocated "original" one!

Gadz...I'll be 56 this Sept 16th! Echoing GSK, I went in fairly strong. Did recommended exercises for 2 months before surgery.

Mine went so smooth, it was scary! Ain't gonna lie tho'.... you've gotta work your A$$ off. You've got ONE chance to do it right. I had 6 weeks of PT. The last 2 were twice a week.

Sluff off.......and you'll PAY for it.

My Breg-Kodiak ice machine?!!!? The best thing.....EVER! Did I mention it was the BEST thing ever??!!?!! ;-)

Faron

I had a total knee replacement of my right knee in 2008, and I am scheduled to have a total knee replacement of my left knee this November. (There is a difference between a partial knee replacement & a total knee replacement).

Before I had my first knee replaced, the Dr. told me that most people will go through the five stages of grief before they accept that they do need a total replacement. I did indeed find myself going through the stages. I had to chuckle at myself the other day as I caught myself doing it again.

Only you know the pain you are in and only you can decide that you are becoming more limited in your daily activities.

I can not kneel, but honestly I never could kneel on my right knee after having a ligament repair in 1976.

A total knee replacement will make your joint feel stronger/sturdier & if you have osteophytes there will be no more catching. My quad muscles are decent & my range of motion is good, thanks to my swimming laps for 50 minutes 3x week. Upper arm & abdominal strength are also important because you will use your upper body to get up from sitting or lying down while you are healing.

I was in the hospital for 2 nights. The physical therapists in the hospital will make sure you can climb stairs before you are discharged. When I was discharged to my home I had a visiting nurse come in for about 3-4 days to take my vitals as well as a Physical Therapist for about a week. I went to out patient Physical Therapy 2x week for 6 weeks I have never regretted having my right knee replaced. It is major surgery and ice will be your best friend.

If you have any specific questions or concerns I would be happy to share my experience with you.

I believe Faron had a knee replacement a few years ago too.

Faron & I were posting at the same time. Hi Faron.

I'll second Faron's advice about the ice machine. I used it and then gave it to DS when he had his knee reconstructed. It is a handy little device.

I had a left total knee replacement six days ago and am currently in the rehab place til Sunday. I bought into all the statements above and am questioning them. I expected to suffer and am doing so. It's complicated.

I know many people who have had this surgery. All but one was very happy with the results. The one who wasn't? My cousin. She said her doctor told her she should never do any exercise after surgery. Unless she had the world's biggest idiot for a doctor, I doubt this was true. She was bone lazy and hated any sort of exercise. Needless to say, her surgery was not a success.

As some gave mentioned, pre-hab is very useful and really helps after the surgery. Also, do go to a rehab facility - going straight home is a mistake.

Hi Southern_Vesta! ;-)

MC- I referred to my "icer" as "crack". Felt so good when in use! Yeah....I've got a weird sense of humor. My poor Wife.... ;-)

WS40- I hope things start turning around soon! The first couple weeks were kinda tough off & on with pain. DON'T let it get ahead of you!!!! I think I used my meds for about 3 weeks??? Then, I didn't need them much.

The icing tho'? MANDATORY. I'd use it 4x/day or more the first month. Damn, it helped SO much!!!

Faron

I had TKR over 2 years ago after a fall broke both legs. As I healed it became obvious I wouldn't be able to walk much unless the one knee was replaced because the leg was extremely bent.

No inhome PT, no rehab center as I had my daughter to help me out. I did get fired from PT as all goals met in 4 months.

Recovery is logarithmic. First bit takes about a week, getting used to being up and weaning from the walker. Next bit takes forever, gaining steps and range of motion. Seemed like getting to 90* range of motion took forever and 90-120* only took a couple weeks, suspect mostly due to swelling. After that it's putting muscle back on and gaining stamina. Since I'd been basically down for 6 months prior I'm still working on it all. I easily get up from the low lounge chair without using hands but TKR leg still complains so it is still not there yet. My daughter is still amazed that this year I have no problem doing what was a stretch last year like walking the mall. Last hot day when we retreated to the air conditioned mall the problem was my shoes not my legs!

I was raring to get going but if I did as much as I could I'd be down for a week so I finally learned to take it slow and set a timer for a few minutes and then take a break to evaluate whether it was wise to put in another session. I can do an hour of gardening at a time easily and am enjoying it tremendously. I decided to go to a recumbent trike as I wasn't happy on a bike and can go 10 miles including hills easily. I can walk or hike 3 miles easily but am unable to stretch more than that because my exercise partner, a little neurotic dog, cannot handle more. His limitations were perfect early on, now not so much.

Sorry I'm so late in getting back with responses to all of you. I sincerely appreciate the time you've taken to write and help me get past my fears. And each of you have touched on different aspects of the surgery/recovery process and shared valuable information and experiences.

I need to have both knees done as they are both "bone on bone", but actually do not hurt all of the time. That makes it easier for me to question if I'm doing the right thing. I used to enjoy walking as a form of exercise, but now have trouble with any distance walking. I do water aerobics instead. I can not shop on concrete floors for more than 30 minutes. I find myself not doing things I used to if it involves much walking and that feels very limiting.

I did get a RX for "pre-hab" PT to get in shape for surgery knowing it was in my future. I did that for several months last summer and have continued with the exercises at home. I've also been doing water aerobics for the same reason. I'm slowly getting prepared.

Fori: I'm hearing a lot of comments about people wishing they would have done it sooner. I hope I feel that way!

Rita: I hear you-that's why I'm not waiting.

Gscience: Your sister sounds like she really turned it around!

Hhireno: What the bff's boyfriend is now doing is really encouraging!

Aok: Your MIL gives me hope!

Jmc & 3katz: I hope I'm one of those wishing I had done it sooner!

Iowa: Hoping for results like your dad and not your aunt!!

Cawaps: Yes, the risks are one of my fears. I always think I will be the one that is the exception and things will go wrong. And my doctor does a spinal block and I've never had one.

Cooper: That is why I'm going thru with it now, rather than waiting.

Mojomom: Your DH gives me hope!

Maire_Cate: I wish I had the nerve to have both done at the same time and could get it all over with at once. I don't. I do use a pad now for gardening and also one inside for any kneeling purposes. Glad to hear you can still garden. I may need to purchase a garden cart.

Westsider: I do hope your pain has lessened and things are looking up.

Anglo: I am hoping the pre-hab will pay off.

Faron & Maire: I've heard great things about the ice machine and have already purchased one and it is the Breg!

Southern Vesta: I think I, too, have gone thru the grief stages. I haven't had other surgeries affect me like this.

Kathy Yata: Sounds like you've come a long way and your trike sounds interesting.

Thanks,

Liz