Knee Replacement Surgery: A Patient's Journey
What is it really like to have to have joint replacement surgery?
Since Joint Replacement Awareness Day is this month, we wanted to shed light on this life-changing surgery by sharing a real life story of someone who went through it.
Jeff, one of our amazing patients who recently had a partial knee replacement was kind enough to answer some common questions others may have about the whole process. If your MD or PT has indicated that you’re a great candidate for joint replacement surgery, we hope this story dispels some of the mystery and anxiety surrounding the procedure (feel free to also share with friends/family who may need to hear this).
You’ll have to read to the end to see if Jeff thought it was all worth it.
What prompted you to have joint replacement?
I had been having pain in my left knee joint for a couple of years that I had treated with injections but which was getting progressively worse. When I could no longer walk in the park with my wife, and when every step was painful, I opted for partial knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty). I really didn't have much choice as I was bone on bone at that point and it wasn't going to improve on its own.
What would you say to someone who lives in constant pain but is afraid of a joint replacement?
I would say that if you want to return to a pain-free life and do what you enjoyed doing in the past, then get the surgery.
What advice do you have for someone to best PREPARE for Knee surgery?
I did exercises to strengthen the area around the left knee such as walking up and down flights of stairs.
**Click here to read more about what the American Physical Therapy Association says about preparing for (and recovering from) Knee Replacement.
What was Knee Replacement recovery like?
The period immediately post surgery was painful. I mostly stayed on the couch and did the prescribed physical therapy exercises. Eventually, after completing home PT, I started going to Iron Physical Therapy. In the beginning the exercises were pretty painful, but they were adjusted based on my pain levels and ability to flex and bend my knee and bear weight. All my physical therapists both in home and at Iron were very encouraging and helped me get through it.
Riding the stationary bike was quite a challenge at first, but it was gratifying to see the progress I made from not being able to do a rotation either front or back to being able to do full rotations in both directions.
What advice do you have for a good post-surgical recovery?
I would just say to follow the advice of your therapist, hang in there, and know that every day you are healing and making progress even if you think you're not.
How do you feel now? Was it all worth it?
Early on when things were the most challenging, I questioned if surgery was the right choice, but I am so happy that I did this procedure. I can now walk pain free in that joint and can again enjoy walks in the park with my wife and doing other things that I couldn't do without pain before surgery. It was definitely worth it.
Read more of our patient’s successful joint replacement stories:
Total Hip Replacement - Click here to read about Phil’s journey back to running, skiing and active time with his grandchildren
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) - Click here to read about how this young Crossfit Coach took on knee surgery.
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