Partial Knee Replacement Recovery

[TJFRMLA]

I'm going in 5/21. I'm 54 and in fairly good health. Realistically how long can I expect to be housebound? Can I drive after 2 weeks? (automatic and the surgery is on my non-driving left knee) I'm starting to panic....:-(

Any information would help.

 

[Skeet]

A lot of it depends on you. I would think you might be able to drive in 3-4 weeks, but if you are on pain meds, you may want to rethink it. I had my left knee done and I have a stick shift, so I waited until almost 8 weeks so I could do it without meds.

The housebound part for me is more due to lack of energy than ability to get out. We went to dinner and the movies at 4 weeks. It was uncomfortable both places. I couldn't sit still for long. It was hard. Now I can do it without much challenge (9 weeks).

Even though I had cabin fever, I really didn't want to get out that much in the first couple of weeks. I was just learning to deal with things. Once I got off the crutch, then I started getting out more. A short trip to the store with my husband or daughter and I was ready for home. I also suffered with depression (it's common so watch for it) and that made me not want to go anywhere or do anything other than complain

I think having the surgery during better weather will be good as you can get out for walks or even just to sit in the sunshine. You'll be fine. Don't start freaking out yet... wait until you're closer to the day (LOL).

All the best to you.
Skeet

 

[gatiger]

For me, and I had a TKR so a PKR may be different, driving or riding didn't make much difference. The time in the car, getting into the car, getting out of the car, those were on the 'no way' list at 2 weeks. Other folks may have different experiences, but I would say driving at 2 weeks PO is a little ambitious.

 

[gatiger]

Letters, also use the time between now and surgery date to get in as much exercise as possible, bike, squats, anything that will work your legs. If you have some specific reason for needing to drive at 2 weeks out, consider your options.

 

[Josephine]

Definite no to driving at 2 weeks! 4 maybe - 6 definite. Don't be fooled by the "partial" bit - it's still a major op as is the MIS approach. People think small incisions mean a small op - not true!

 

[TJFRMLA]

Thanks so much...I'm just freaking about the down time. I'm a "housemouse" and a big scifi reader so being inside and stationary is kind of like a mini vacation.
DVD's, knitting, reading, internet, artwork,...I'll be real busy. I'm just scared about the whole knee pain thing. I have severe arthritis and have been on pain medication for about 2 years. (Seriously, I can create a full financial spreadsheet on vicodin and never drop a number) My whole family has the big A so I knew it was coming. But the knee thing caught me off guard and the SYNVISC treatment is like taking asprin for labor pains....why bother!

This board is a lifesaver!!!! Yea!!!!

 

[Doug]

You may find that the first two weeks you are sleeping, resting, and watching t.v. more than reading and the other activities... I bought and was given a huge stack of books/magazines. I would attempt to read, make it through 1-2 pages and go to sleep.
I'm going to have one heck of a pay per view bill when it comes in. The problem though is that I didn't see most of them...Yep, fell asleep. You have to let your body rest and recover. If you push it, it (the knee) will make you pay.

 

[kath]

TJ______ When I went for my 2 week check up, I was released to drive. I had my left knee, total replacement done. I did not give it a shot until a few days later, but when I did it was okay for just a little while. Sure wouldn't plan on a long nice drive that's for sure. Now the big thing is what kind of vehicle do you drive? I drove my husbands car first, he has a Murano, small suv thing, it was very easy to get in and out of, makes a huge difference. I have a Pontiac Bonneville, much much lower, lots of leg room, but harder to bend down and get in and getting out a bigger challenge. I do have a bad right knee though also (getting it replaced in 3 weeks) anyway that part was hard. I felt much better around 4 weeks and I have been driving every day since in my car without a problem. If you don't have to drive and don't have to rush back to work or have children to run around so on and so forth, take it easy. Relax, you can actually enjoy this after time if you look at it the right way. This next time for me I am much more ready. I am ready to doze off watching chick flicks and just relaxing. Don't try to rush it, that's what got us all into trouble, just read back a month or so at some of our postings, most of our troubles were because we were all so anxious to drive, to go out, to get to work, so on and so forth. Doug knows the deal probably better than any of us.