Knee replacement surgery went very well. Post surgery Followup

[jiminbartow]

Well, I underwent the knee replacement surgery on July 25 and it went very well. It helps to have a great surgeon. Since pain is one of the main obstacles to recovery from this surgery, he installed a pain pump that, for several weeks, will automatically inject a strong pain medication deep into the joint so that I am feeling very little pain. Everyone at the hospital said he was the only surgeon that did this compassionate practice that alleviates so much pain. They sent an ice machine home with me and it is a big help in keeping down pain and swelling. We started PT at the hospital the day after surgery and I was sent home when I was able to go up and down stairs where I will continue with home PT. My only concern is that in my zeal to get up and around, I might do too much and cause undo swelling, pain or damage. My male discharging nurse, a fellow military man, who was an army veteran, recognized this, noted that I was a Marine and said “don’t be a hero. Do enough, but not too much. Follow the regimen and results will happen”. Advice I am trying to follow. I am already up and walking with a walker and am able to bend it to over 90 degrees. I understand the importance of preventing infection so I am using a lot of hand sanitizer to keep my hands clean before touching my leg. I am also keeping my cats away from me until I am out of danger, plus my wife is an incredible help to me. Everyone says the second knee is easier because you know what to expect. I believe it and am looking forward to getting the left knee done as soon as my right knee has recovered enough. Thanks again to everyone. Your advice helped me prepare and to ask the right questions as well as know what to expect. Jim Patrick

[George House]

Good for you Jim. Sounds like prayers took hold. I’m glad to hear you’re recovering nicely….

[John.Zibell]

Your discharge nurse gave good advice. Are you also going to a PT clinic? Those folks can do wonders for you. I had a knee replaced in 2020 and yes it is painful and the ice machine saved my life. I had a hip replaced last December and I will say the hip is much easier.