My Journey of a Total Knee Replacement (Part One)
After an injury about 18 months ago, I had been experiencing pain in my right knee and noticed that it was looking a little thicker than the other.
I telephoned my doctor who arranged for an appointment with a physiotherapist. He sent me straight to the local hospital for x-rays, and called the following morning to say I had developed severe arthritis and, in his opinion, would need a total knee replacement.
Could I Delay It?
To be honest, I was taken aback by this news. I had always been extremely healthy, and I knew a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) would mean a long recovery, something I felt I didn’t have time for. I wouldn’t be able to drive for between six and eight weeks. I live alone, with no family within a hundred miles. I wasn’t worried about the operation at all, but I was worried about how I would cope with being immobile for so long.
I decided I would try to delay it as long as possible. I felt the damage was already done, so I would just have to accept the pain, and do what I could to delay the inevitable. I took calcium and turmeric supplements, began a healthy eating regime, started aqua aerobics, and spent as long as I could in the sunshine.
Things Became Worse
Sadly, things became worse very quickly. My knee started giving way, and I had several falls. It also hurt a great deal and walking was extremely painful. I dropped from walking around 15,000 steps a day to about 500. I couldn’t even walk around a supermarket! As much as I didn’t want to accept it, I knew something had to be done.
Seeing My X-rays Was a Turning Point
I went to see my doctor again to ask if there was any other course of action other than the TKR. She showed me the x-rays on screen, indicating I had severe osteoarthritis, and said she could understand how painful it must be as it was bone on bone. The doctor explained that my options were: do nothing, injections, physiotherapy, or a TKR. In her opinion, the only real course of action was the knee replacement. Sadly, I was beginning to agree.
Operation Assessment
I was sent to a lovely lady called Sara Pearce, a specialist in joint replacement. She went through the operation, the recovery and the potential outcomes. She also agreed that a TKR was the only thing that would really make a difference long term.
It was helpful to have time to talk things through without feeling under any pressure. When I left the office, I was given a pamphlet explaining the operation and what I could do before – for example, exercises and getting my home ready – and also how to prepare for the long recuperation after the operation.
All Systems Go!
The following week I received a letter saying I could choose where I wanted the operation done. My local hospital was approximately a one-year wait, but I could go private and it would be a wait of only four to six weeks… and the NHS would pay! I had heard this might be a possibility and also met a few people at my aqua class who had chosen this opportunity, all extolling their fabulous care. All things considered, I was very happy :)
I called to make my pre-operation appointment and was given a date of September 17th. The operation would be a week or two after. So here I am… preparing my home, filling my cupboards, exercising my muscles and, most importantly, preparing my mind. I know going into this the more positive I am, the better.
Wish me luck :)
Join the Conversation:
Have you had a knee replacement? What was your experience? Has it changed your life?
Tags Medical Conditions
I had my left knee replaced four years ago after several surgeries to clean it out and extend its life. I’m having my right knee replaced on Monday. Right now the pain is excruciating but I know it will get better. This is the one time or twice that I say get it done. Your quality of life is not where it could be, but it will be so much better afterwards. If you’re like me and you like the cold, you will feel it more in the knee and it will get colder faster. Other than that you will ask yourself why did I wait so long. It is a journey but once recovery is over with, you really won’t think about it much. I did the stairs to the top of Saint peters last year, and I had no issues with my left knee. You won’t be in your house for 6 to 8 weeks, it’s more like two or three weeks. Just don’t rush it, but you have to push it. You have to do your exercises.
Hello Robin, thanks for joining the conversation. I am not sure if you are the same Robin above (?) but just wanted to say thank you for your valuable information. I have just bought a treadmill for when I am at home, and would be overjoyed to be at of the house by 2 or 3 weeks. Just the motivation I need. Thank you Lily x
I have had 2 total knee replacements and only wished I had done so ten years earlier. Recovery time was about 6 weeks but slightly less than 3 months after my last TKR, I did a “lazy, crazy triathlon”–a quarter mile swim, 5 mile bike ride and 2 mile walk at a nearby beach. I can hike, climb stairs, keep up with grandkids, and completely enjoy traveling abroad both on cruises and land tours. I did search carefully for my surgeon and selected one who also specialized in sports medicine. My assumption was that he would really encourage physical activity. Do the physical therapy diligently. And I recommend doing some of the PT exercises before the surgery to build muscle memory.
Hi Susan, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you for this lovely positive message :) I have just bought myself a treadmill so I can begin working as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get back to normal life :) Lily x
The best prep for surgery in my opinion is the mental preparation for it and the active creation of desired outcomes
there is a program called Preparing for Surgery by Peggy Huddleston, RN that does this. I’m a body worker and wellness coach so I looked into this prior to having bunion surgery. I visualized the surgery and its outcome. I told myself aim would be manageable and I would have no infections and I would be walking easily within 8 weeks. I wrote some affirmations which a prop nurse promised she would read while I was under anesthesia. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks as bones were cut and pins needed to see. I have no pain or arthritis though I do have scar tissue from the immobility. As for pain I only took Tylenol for 3 days. I hope you’ll put peggy Huddlestons work into your prop plans. Good liuck
Hi Peg, thank you for joining the conversation. I couldn’t agree more. As a psychotherapist and counsellor for over 20 years this is something I used to tell all my clients. I feel so fortunate and happy that this is going to be done soon! Lily x
Had my left knee replaced in July 2024. Had surgery on a Wednesday, stayed overnight in the hospital and on Friday was at physical therapy. Don’t delay in the physical therapy and do the homework they recommend at home. You are exercising your muscles pre-op is a plus. Best of luck and know you made the right decision.
Hi Pani, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you so much for this. You are absolutely right. I have been doing aqua aerobics for the last 5 months, and have just bought a treadmill as I know I won’t be able to go in the water for a while. Lily x
Good Luck! I am on a very similar journey.
Hi Patti, thanks for joining the conversation. I am really excited to get going :) Lily x
Follow your P.T. guidance. And keep moving.
For me straightening my leg all the way then bending it is my biggest challenge. Gets stiff and sore. Especially in the mornings. It’s normal. Do my stretching first thing so I can walk the way I need to.
Keep in mind everyone heals differently.
You got this!
Hi Karyn, thank you for joining the conversation and your motivation! I know the work you do in the first few days/weeks make all the difference later on so will be working hard! Lily x