Recovery From Surgery (NGC)

[Sheepdog]

Okay, so it has been nearly three weeks since my knee replacement and I'm still hurting some. I'm up and and walking, but anything involving standing for any length of time or even sitting upright in a chair brings an ache that is hard to ignore. Can any of you guys give me an idea of when I should be able to start doing some light work in the shop? I know what my doctor says, but I'd like to know what other "former victims" would say. Thanks...

[pete mcgee]

I haven't had a joint replaced, but I have had 3 shoulder rebuilds.
You have had bone cut and modified and an appliance glued in, it takes a minimum of 6 weeks for bone to heal, not to mention your knee was opened right up, muscles, tendons, knee cap all moved around, which they don't like.
That is major trauma to the joint and its telling you its not happy.
Your doctor has probably mentioned it being weak and painful for 3 to 6 months? With near full recovery within the year?
Listen to your doctor and your physiotherapist (usually a highly attractive female of the sadist type) they know what they're doing, do the exercises, you should notice an improvement daily after things settle down and it starts to get stronger.
Age and other medical issues can have an effect on the above.
3 weeks is still early days, it will get better from here.
Get well.

[Sheepdog]

Thanks, Pete. Sounds like you've met my physical therapist...

[LowRyter]

get well.  best of luck

[pete mcgee]

Thanks, Pete. Sounds like you've met my physical therapist...

It's in the job description.
 And they smile while they do it, ha ha

[redrider90]

Okay, so it has been nearly three weeks since my knee replacement and I'm still hurting some. I'm up and and walking, but anything involving standing for any length of time or even sitting upright in a chair brings an ache that is hard to ignore. Can any of you guys give me an idea of when I should be able to start doing some light work in the shop? I know what my doctor says, but I'd like to know what other "former victims" would say. Thanks...

If you are not seeing a physical therapist you should be. It is standard protocol to rehab knee and hip joint replacements.

[Sheepdog]

I have completed 4 days in the hospital and a little over two weeks at home under the supervision of several physical therapists. They tell me I'm ahead of schedule; hope they're right.

[Shorty]

The best part of my knee surgery was my sessions with the lovely but cruel "Brun Hilda" and her cohorts. They hurt me with stretches and leg lifts, but the massages and tens unit/ice were heavenly. I did PT for about a month. Hated to quit. 

[Nic in Western NYS]

Listen to the physical therapist and remember that her type of pain is really good for you.

[ohiorider]

Sheepdog, sounds like your recovery is on target.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery and that first wonderful ride after being out of the saddle for a while!

Bob

[Goosecoop]

I had my knee replaced Oct. 9, 2015. My physical therapist said there are 3 milestones in your thinking that occur:

1st which occurs in 3 - 6 months is "What the hell was I thinking?"
2nd occurs at 6 - 12 months and is "I'm glad I did this."
3rd is after 1 year and is "Now which knee was it?"

For me aching still comes especially when the weather changes, and it will take over a year to get rid of the clicking noise from the plastic on metal.
I was able to do some light work in garage at the 2 month mark for about an hour or two and then I had to take a rest and some pain meds.
What medication do they have you on? That also determines when you can stand or sit for longer periods of time. Also what is your range of movement? Can you straighten your knee yet? Bring it back to 130 degrees?

[Sheepdog]

I'm at about 95 degrees and I start-out patient physical therapy today. They have given me a prescription for Oxecodone, but I've been half-dosing and supplementing with Tylenol. I'm presently trying to just use the painkillers at bedtime, so I can sleep.

I'm anxious to ride again, but my first concern is just being productive again. Our farm is just a small affair, but there is always lots to do. I really want to get back to doing my part...even if it is just maintaining tools and such on my shop bench.

[Goosecoop]

It took me about 6 weeks before I could get out into my shop with crutches. I could stand for about an hour. Physical therapy will help a lot though it will hurt but you have to do it to get your range of motion back. Take your pan medication before you go to therapy. It will enable you to do more and to manage the pain afterwards.