Anybody have a total knee replacement? How bad was the recovery?

Everyone I know, except for 1, all said they wish they had done it sooner. The 1 that didn’t got an infection and the doctor did it wrong so they had to go back in and re-do it. His only advice is to make sure to use a great doctor.

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Can you kneel or squat?

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If you follow through with PT & doing your exercises you should be able to but I’m sure other factors like age & weight make a difference

I have not had it so take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt.

I’ve seen three family members get total knee replacement surgeries. Two did not stick with physical therapy and essentially stayed stationary due to “the pain after the surgery”. Both were exceptionally limited in mobility and constantly in pain. One was financially secure and actually had a second surgery on the same knee to remove scar tissue and attempt to restore mobility.

The one family member that did stick with the rehab said it sucked while it was going on, but is now walking around like they never had surgery.

My point being, from the outside looking in, it seems like the pain of rehab is WAY less than the pain of not doing it.

Thanks...84 year old mother going in tomorrow...she is in extremely great shape for her age, and slim, so hoping for a great outcome. Also an incredible surgeon on the case...I am just trying to get my brain ready for what to expect as her caretaker. Thanks for the info.

Had both knees done at same time. Was walking without a cane in 2 weeks. Normal weight. I worked out a lot prior to surgery and never missed PT after surgery. Was playing golf 3 months later. Can squat down well enough to align line on golf ball but not touch heels. I don't like kneeling as it feels funny. If necessary I kneel on a pad. It was worth it if you put in the work .

FIL had both done at the same time in 2004. Rehab was a bitch. However, he was big, out of shape, and now the anesthesia and PT rehab is much better than it was then. He still has no regrets. No issues with them in 20yrs. He cannot kneel.

Neighbor in her 70s had it done last year. Walked in the pool everyday in addition to PT. She is doing great now.

Had both replaced..right 2018 left 2021 (40 yrs of running) able to squat & kneel. Key is following the first 3 months of pt and exercise ..such as walking and biking..my running days are over..and it helps if you are not over weight..185 lbs for both (5'11). Glad I had it done..pain my getting bad and btw I am old 80.

Two of them. First one 15 years ago , awful recovering. Second on July 2023. Like night and day. Up walking first hour after surgery. Barely any pain during second recovery. Tylenol is all I took for second surgery. Well worth it. First surgery was by hand second was Mako robot.