Re: experiences with recovery +BLKR
Welcome! I do believe it depends upon how fit you are prior to the surgery for your muscle memory to return. I am 17 months post op from BTKR. I believe I had a wonderful recovery because I took the time to learn what to expect during the surgery (watched the video of an actual surgery), had worked on my upper body strength prior to surgery, was very aware of what bones would be cut & where, and had arranged for help within my home business so I could keep working post op.
I am a licensed family child care provider (for 6 preschool and 3 school age children) and had my BTKR on 6/18/08. I had GA and a femoral nerve block in each leg. I was in the hospital until the afternoon of 6/20 when I transferred to the rehabilitation hospital. I had PT, and OT each day. I was released after I could maneuver 13 stairs up and down, take care of my own bathing, and get around on my own with a walker and crutches. I was released on 6/26. I had 9 children return to my home on 6/30. I napped both in the AM and PM, slept in a recliner lined with a twin size feather bed in a sheet I had made to fit the recliner. I stayed on one level for most of the summer. I had PT at home 2-3 times a week for about 4 weeks. I had to skip a week due to my incisions splitting after the staples were removed.....
I was on crutches outside of the home about a month. I did not have a walker at home, did have a chair for the shower, did have a high rise toilet seat with handles. I am so very glad I had both knees done at the same time. One surgery, one recovery and I worked them evenly. I used the book Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation (check the book section on here) as it covers pre-op and post-op for an entire year. It also covers expectations.....
I returned to downhill (alpine) skiing on Feb 1, 2009. I plan to ski this winter as well. I have gotten my life back and rarely think about my knees during the day. I would do it again in a heart beat so that I could enjoy life.
I wish you well with your surgery!