Total Knee Replacement and Hyaluronic Acid Shot experiences?

[andfor]

@Injured Again Great update and progress. From your picture I see the scar still has dark red color to it, is that still the case? My doc told me when the scar turns the same skin color as the rest of your knee, the healing is done. Anyways, if you're still healing there's still room for improvement.

I'm now 1 year and 2 weeks post bilateral TKR. I thought about providing and update on my surgery anniversary, but with having just moved across the country things got in the way. You're post motivated me to provide my update. My scars are healed, no dark red color, doc says additional healing/improvement can continue up through 18 months. Ability to straighten the legs and get into a primal squat are excellent. I have not used a compass to measure my flexion, but guess around 135 to 140 degrees both knees.

My biggest setbacks are behind me. The lower back and hip pain are gone, that was a residual of the TKR's. With very minor pain and only on occasion, I'll experience some pain on the outside of my knees, in the ligaments/tendons. Mostly the right knee, but it's mild and occurring less and less. No pain meds (NSAID's) anymore.

I rate my pain recovery 99.9%, my movement 80%. My biggest hold up with movement is sprinting at high speed and moving backwards. My first 2-3 steps is good. But I feel like I am around 50% of my sprint capability. I've been going to the turf soccer field 1 or 2 times weekly for the last month. The cushion surface is a good place for me to do sprints, agility drills, etc. I am improving in the area, but it's super slow. I think I can get my sprinting/agility back to around 80% that for me would raise my overall movement to around 90% or so.

Sorry to hear about your knee stiffness after sitting with it bent. For me, I don't have that anymore but am optimistic for you that will improve.

Overall I'm a fan of my TKR's. Hope all the fellow knee pain warrior out there are doing well, getting the care they need and continuing to keep moving.

All the best!

 

[djNEiGht]

well done @andfor & @Injured Again

 

[atatu]

@Injured Again Great update and progress. From your picture I see the scar still has dark red color to it, is that still the case? My doc told me when the scar turns the same skin color as the rest of your knee, the healing is done. Anyways, if you're still healing there's still room for improvement.

I'm now 1 year and 2 weeks post bilateral TKR. I thought about providing and update on my surgery anniversary, but with having just moved across the country things got in the way. You're post motivated me to provide my update. My scars are healed, no dark red color, doc says additional healing/improvement can continue up through 18 months. Ability to straighten the legs and get into a primal squat are excellent. I have not used a compass to measure my flexion, but guess around 135 to 140 degrees both knees.

My biggest setbacks are behind me. The lower back and hip pain are gone, that was a residual of the TKR's. With very minor pain and only on occasion, I'll experience some pain on the outside of my knees, in the ligaments/tendons. Mostly the right knee, but it's mild and occurring less and less. No pain meds (NSAID's) anymore.

I rate my pain recovery 99.9%, my movement 80%. My biggest hold up with movement is sprinting at high speed and moving backwards. My first 2-3 steps is good. But I feel like I am around 50% of my sprint capability. I've been going to the turf soccer field 1 or 2 times weekly for the last month. The cushion surface is a good place for me to do sprints, agility drills, etc. I am improving in the area, but it's super slow. I think I can get my sprinting/agility back to around 80% that for me would raise my overall movement to around 90% or so.

Sorry to hear about your knee stiffness after sitting with it bent. For me, I don't have that anymore but am optimistic for you that will improve.

Overall I'm a fan of my TKR's. Hope all the fellow knee pain warrior out there are doing well, getting the care they need and continuing to keep moving.

All the best!

How does your sprinting ability now compare to before the TKRs ?

 

[andfor]

How does your sprinting ability now compare to before the TKRs ?

Not as good. I'm convinced it's a recovery process thing and need more time. What is good is the pain is gone. There is some pain when trying to sprint, but it's the tendons and ligament, not the joint. It is getting a little better each time I'm on the court or doing agility drills on the turf. So for the time being I'm optimistic. If I feel like I hit a ceiling that I should be able to break through but can't on my own, I'm going to look for a personal trainer.

 

[Injured Again]

Glad you are doing so well after you having a TKR. It gives me and others as well sort of a roadmap as to what to expect. I appreciate your updates going along the way. I am scheduled to have a TKR here in a few weeks. So I at least know sort of what to expect going by your journey. Good luck and best wishes to you.

Best of luck with the procedure. If you have any questions, please post them here, and provide updates as things happen.

 

[Injured Again]

@Injured Again Great update and progress. From your picture I see the scar still has dark red color to it, is that still the case? My doc told me when the scar turns the same skin color as the rest of your knee, the healing is done. Anyways, if you're still healing there's still room for improvement.

I'm now 1 year and 2 weeks post bilateral TKR. I thought about providing and update on my surgery anniversary, but with having just moved across the country things got in the way. You're post motivated me to provide my update. My scars are healed, no dark red color, doc says additional healing/improvement can continue up through 18 months. Ability to straighten the legs and get into a primal squat are excellent. I have not used a compass to measure my flexion, but guess around 135 to 140 degrees both knees.

My biggest setbacks are behind me. The lower back and hip pain are gone, that was a residual of the TKR's. With very minor pain and only on occasion, I'll experience some pain on the outside of my knees, in the ligaments/tendons. Mostly the right knee, but it's mild and occurring less and less. No pain meds (NSAID's) anymore.

I rate my pain recovery 99.9%, my movement 80%. My biggest hold up with movement is sprinting at high speed and moving backwards. My first 2-3 steps is good. But I feel like I am around 50% of my sprint capability. I've been going to the turf soccer field 1 or 2 times weekly for the last month. The cushion surface is a good place for me to do sprints, agility drills, etc. I am improving in the area, but it's super slow. I think I can get my sprinting/agility back to around 80% that for me would raise my overall movement to around 90% or so.

Sorry to hear about your knee stiffness after sitting with it bent. For me, I don't have that anymore but am optimistic for you that will improve.

Overall I'm a fan of my TKR's. Hope all the fellow knee pain warrior out there are doing well, getting the care they need and continuing to keep moving.

All the best!

I’m Asian and have a tendency to keloid and develop pigmented scars that will never lose that dark color. Based on my other surgical scars, some that are 20+ years old, the way it is now is the best it’s going to be and it is actually better than the ones I have on the rest of my body. Battle scars!

I found that running on a cushioned turf field was the best way to regain my running speed. But initially, my limiters were hip flexibility. It seems the months after surgery where I did things with limited hip mobility really tightened things up. I had to do a lot of stretching before I felt I could sprint freely. What I found helped most was to warm up thoroughly and then do “bounding” type running where the stride length and knee lift are exaggerated. Initially, it was kind of scary to land on my repaired knee when bounding but I eventually got over it. It was at that point when the bounding really helped me to use my hip mobility to run. Since you have two new knees, I can imagine that challenge to be much greater.

Otherwise, great to hear of your recovery story! You were inspirational to me when I was in the early stages and your progress helped me to get through difficult times. Continued best of luck going forward!

 

[djNEiGht]

How does your sprinting ability now compare to before the TKRs ?

after my ACL, it was a confidence issue after I got my strength and mobility back. I expect it to be the same after my TKR

 

[andfor]

after my ACL, it was a confidence issue after I got my strength and mobility back. I expect it to be the same after my TKR

Right! That's a big part of my improvement needed in this area. I can't hurt myself sprinting, but my subconscious seems to go into protect mode when I accelerate more than 3-5 steps. It will get better.

 

[mctennis]

Best of luck with the procedure. If you have any questions, please post them here, and provide updates as things happen.

Thank you for your offer. I am sure I will have some questions through this process.

 

[andfor]

Played in a 90 minute liveball clinic last night. Aside from my forehand disappearing, I had a few improved moments sprinting for wide balls and poaching. Had a few clunky moments but overall another slight uptick in movement and sprinting since the last time on court last week. Pain level ZERO!

 

[djNEiGht]

Played in a 90 minute liveball clinic last night. Aside from my forehand disappearing, I had a few improved moments sprinting for wide balls and poaching. Had a few clunky moments but overall another slight uptick in movement and sprinting since the last time on court last week. Pain level ZERO!

great to hear. I still jump in on some beginner liveball to help the students and when my body is warmed up I can play decent. I have jumped in on the intermediate and advance liveball if they need the coaches to rotate and if anything, I'm just gassed due to decreased cardio.

 

[djNEiGht]

Met with new ortho recently after my two other ortho docs didn't pan out.

surgery date 111824

i feel like a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders!!! Last night I coached the kids court and jumped in a couple points. Then when class ended, I jumped in on an intermediate court and kinda pushed myself a bit more out of my comfort zone. Legs really feeling it.

 

[Injured Again]

Met with new ortho recently after my two other ortho docs didn't pan out.

surgery date 111824

i feel like a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders!!! Last night I coached the kids court and jumped in a couple points. Then when class ended, I jumped in on an intermediate court and kinda pushed myself a bit more out of my comfort zone. Legs really feeling it.

You’ve got about a month, so my suggestion would be to work as hard as you can now to build range of motion and strength. Equip yourself with some essentials - an ice machine/cooler with a knee wrap, a bunch of 6” elastic wraps to be able to wrap your entire leg from ankle to upper thigh, and a walker to help you get around that first week to ten days.

I’ve written lots about pre and post surgical stuff but if you have any questions, I’m happy to help.

Best of luck!

 

[djNEiGht]

You’ve got about a month, so my suggestion would be to work as hard as you can now to build range of motion and strength. Equip yourself with some essentials - an ice machine/cooler with a knee wrap, a bunch of 6” elastic wraps to be able to wrap your entire leg from ankle to upper thigh, and a walker to help you get around that first week to ten days.

I’ve written lots about pre and post surgical stuff but if you have any questions, I’m happy to help.

Best of luck!

thank you. I appreciate all that you have shared.

have an appointment with my primary care to get cleared for surgery. still waiting to get appointment with my cardiac dr for clearance

 

[Al34]

@Injured Again Great update and progress. From your picture I see the scar still has dark red color to it, is that still the case? My doc told me when the scar turns the same skin color as the rest of your knee, the healing is done. Anyways, if you're still healing there's still room for improvement.

I'm now 1 year and 2 weeks post bilateral TKR. I thought about providing and update on my surgery anniversary, but with having just moved across the country things got in the way. You're post motivated me to provide my update. My scars are healed, no dark red color, doc says additional healing/improvement can continue up through 18 months. Ability to straighten the legs and get into a primal squat are excellent. I have not used a compass to measure my flexion, but guess around 135 to 140 degrees both knees.

My biggest setbacks are behind me. The lower back and hip pain are gone, that was a residual of the TKR's. With very minor pain and only on occasion, I'll experience some pain on the outside of my knees, in the ligaments/tendons. Mostly the right knee, but it's mild and occurring less and less. No pain meds (NSAID's) anymore.

I rate my pain recovery 99.9%, my movement 80%. My biggest hold up with movement is sprinting at high speed and moving backwards. My first 2-3 steps is good. But I feel like I am around 50% of my sprint capability. I've been going to the turf soccer field 1 or 2 times weekly for the last month. The cushion surface is a good place for me to do sprints, agility drills, etc. I am improving in the area, but it's super slow. I think I can get my sprinting/agility back to around 80% that for me would raise my overall movement to around 90% or so.

Sorry to hear about your knee stiffness after sitting with it bent. For me, I don't have that anymore but am optimistic for you that will improve.

Overall I'm a fan of my TKR's. Hope all the fellow knee pain warrior out there are doing well, getting the care they need and continuing to keep moving.

All the best!

Hi All
I had a TKR 2 months ago, went well,extremely painful at first but now manageable. I think we all have expectations that are extremely high for our ‘new knee’. I’m in my early 60s, like most people here I think I’m in my 30s!!
We just don’t take into account the wear and tear on our body over a very long period.
My surgeon was honest before the operation and said that singles on a hard court would be too much with a high chance of needing a revision in a few years. He did say that doubles on clay would be a realistic goal. I think we need to give the recovery period as long as possible, for me I’m focusing on 6 months at the moment, if I need longer it’s ok. Before the op I had difficulty walking without pain, so everything is a bonus.
For TKR when nothing else has worked, we don’t really have a choice.
Good luck to all.
Al

 

[Injured Again]

Hi All
I had a TKR 2 months ago, went well,extremely painful at first but now manageable. I think we all have expectations that are extremely high for our ‘new knee’. I’m in my early 60s, like most people here I think I’m in my 30s!!
We just don’t take into account the wear and tear on our body over a very long period.
My surgeon was honest before the operation and said that singles on a hard court would be too much with a high chance of needing a revision in a few years. He did say that doubles on clay would be a realistic goal. I think we need to give the recovery period as long as possible, for me I’m focusing on 6 months at the moment, if I need longer it’s ok. Before the op I had difficulty walking without pain, so everything is a bonus.
For TKR when nothing else has worked, we don’t really have a choice.
Good luck to all.
Al

It’s interesting to me the different opinions that orthos have regarding return to sports post-TKA. My ortho, who I think has now done six players at my club, was fully open to my return to singles tennis with the understanding that it would likely lower the lifetime of the knee but that because my physicality would decline as I aged (I’m now 63), that it would probably still last my lifetime. My PT has worked with me to build as much strength as possible and to use that strength to cushion impact.

I have my one year follow up in a couple of months and will ask all the same questions again. I’m still holding back a little bit on court but have the intention to resume 100% effort should the ortho give me the go ahead.

The very best of luck to you as you continue your recovery. You are absolutely right that everything beyond walking without pain is a bonus, and that I need to be grateful for the “everything else” every day!

 

[andfor]

Hi All
I had a TKR 2 months ago, went well,extremely painful at first but now manageable. I think we all have expectations that are extremely high for our ‘new knee’. I’m in my early 60s, like most people here I think I’m in my 30s!!
We just don’t take into account the wear and tear on our body over a very long period.
My surgeon was honest before the operation and said that singles on a hard court would be too much with a high chance of needing a revision in a few years. He did say that doubles on clay would be a realistic goal. I think we need to give the recovery period as long as possible, for me I’m focusing on 6 months at the moment, if I need longer it’s ok. Before the op I had difficulty walking without pain, so everything is a bonus.
For TKR when nothing else has worked, we don’t really have a choice.
Good luck to all.
Al

Congratulations on your TKR. The first 2 months pain after surgery are tough for sure. It does get better every day, I'm sure you notice that. @Injured Again makes a good point that ortho's opinions being mixed on the level of activity for post TKR recipients. I believe I published a study by the NHS showed little difference in wear between a very active group and sedentary group of post-op TKR's over 15 years. I have to say I'm the furthest from a doc and know my doc would cringe at what I just wrote. Most orthos are conservative and for the most part want little to do with their patients running, or high impact post surgery. There are a number of ortho publications that say tennis doubles is okay. My doc approves of doubles.

1 yr and 3 months post bi-lateral TKR I can still see improvements. I play doubles and in clinics on both clay and hard. No difference is post play pain, it's a zero! I do play cross-court singles on clay and hard when I can find folks that like that format.

Best of luck and keep up with your daily PT!

 

[Al34]

Congratulations on your TKR. The first 2 months pain after surgery are tough for sure. It does get better every day, I'm sure you notice that. @Injured Again makes a good point that ortho's opinions being mixed on the level of activity for post TKR recipients. I believe I published a study by the NHS showed little difference in wear between a very active group and sedentary group of post-op TKR's over 15 years. I have to say I'm the furthest from a doc and know my doc would cringe at what I just wrote. Most orthos are conservative and for the most part want little to do with their patients running, or high impact post surgery. There are a number of ortho publications that say tennis doubles is okay. My doc approves of doubles.

1 yr and 3 months post bi-lateral TKR I can still see improvements. I play doubles and in clinics on both clay and hard. No difference is post play pain, it's a zero! I do play cross-court singles on clay and hard when I can find folks that like that format.

Best of luck and keep up with your daily PT!

 

[Al34]

Thanks for the positive message, I’m sure that I’ll get back on the courts sometime, but I don’t want to put pressure on myself and take the time that I need, but once a tennis addict always a tennis addict, I’ll be back for sure.

 

[andfor]

Thanks for the positive message, I’m sure that I’ll get back on the courts sometime, but I don’t want to put pressure on myself and take the time that I need, but once a tennis addict always a tennis addict, I’ll be back for sure.

Go at your own pace for sure. I started with a ball machine and folks who would hit to me in one spot. Toughest part is getting over the surgical pain, then building strength. After about 2 months of PT in the clinic, then another 2 months on my own, for me the weight room has provided the biggest gains. I still do a little PT that includes stretching everyday, and now mix in a couple of days in the weightroom and a couple days of cardio. I also walk alot. Tennis doubles now 1-2 times a week.

Everyone's recovery and rehab needs vary, you'll find your way back to the court in no time. All the best.

 

[djNEiGht]

less than 2 weeks till surgery. My excitement is still there to finally get this done but now my anxiety is going up. I had a cough/fatigue/sore throat this past weekend but seems to be gone. I don't want to go to the hospital only for it to be cxld because I am sick/have covid.

anxiety also building up as it's a major surgery. I've had x4 arthroscopies (including ACL Replacement) all on the same leg and in 2019 I had another surgery to address a torn Aorta. I had complications from my 2019 TEVAR surgery and those tough moments creep back into my head. Also loosing my father-in-law a week after his hip replacement...yes...i'm scared.

trying to stay positive and keep my Faith.

 

[andfor]

less than 2 weeks till surgery. My excitement is still there to finally get this done but now my anxiety is going up. I had a cough/fatigue/sore throat this past weekend but seems to be gone. I don't want to go to the hospital only for it to be cxld because I am sick/have covid.

anxiety also building up as it's a major surgery. I've had x4 arthroscopies (including ACL Replacement) all on the same leg and in 2019 I had another surgery to address a torn Aorta. I had complications from my 2019 TEVAR surgery and those tough moments creep back into my head. Also loosing my father-in-law a week after his hip replacement...yes...i'm scared.

trying to stay positive and keep my Faith.

Gonna be a life changer for the better for you! All the best!

 

[djNEiGht]

Gonna be a life changer for the better for you! All the best!

thank you

 

[Al34]

Gonna be a life changer for the better for you! All the best!

Don’t worry all will be good, I was the same, but 100% glad I did it. First few weeks for me was tough but now after 2 months all good and looking forward to advance. Good luck

 

[djNEiGht]

Don’t worry all will be good, I was the same, but 100% glad I did it. First few weeks for me was tough but now after 2 months all good and looking forward to advance. Good luck

thank you

 

[Injured Again]

less than 2 weeks till surgery. My excitement is still there to finally get this done but now my anxiety is going up. I had a cough/fatigue/sore throat this past weekend but seems to be gone. I don't want to go to the hospital only for it to be cxld because I am sick/have covid.

anxiety also building up as it's a major surgery. I've had x4 arthroscopies (including ACL Replacement) all on the same leg and in 2019 I had another surgery to address a torn Aorta. I had complications from my 2019 TEVAR surgery and those tough moments creep back into my head. Also loosing my father-in-law a week after his hip replacement...yes...i'm scared.

trying to stay positive and keep my Faith.

Being nervous is natural so if you can, just accept that it’s ok to feel that way. I sure was anxious too!

There will be some tough times, especially the first couple of weeks. But once you make it through and have that first time where you can do something without the discomfort you previously had, just have faith that it continues to get better as you heal.

The very best of luck with your surgery! I feel like I’ve monopolized this thread during my recovery so now it’s time it becomes yours to document your recovery!

 

[djNEiGht]

@Injured Again your insight on your journey is valuable to many in this thread. And I hope to add to that. Keep sharing away.

 

[Injured Again]

@Injured Again your insight on your journey is valuable to many in this thread. And I hope to add to that. Keep sharing away.

It looks like the forum was down for much of the past two weeks and this is the first time I‘ve been able to get on. Your surgery is somewhere in these few days and I wanted to give my best for your operation and recovery.

 

[Al34]

@Injured Again your insight on your journey is valuable to many in this thread. And I hope to add to that. Keep sharing away.

Hi
I hope everything went well with your surgery and that it wasn’t delayed. Let us know how you’re getting on, it’s great to have this forum where we can communicate and hopefully get some support. It’s difficult explaining our situations to people who haven’t gone through it and for me it’s helped a lot to read the posts and realize that hopefully we’ll get to a point where it’s in the past and we can get back to normal.
All the best to everyone

 

[djNEiGht]

Happy Tuesday everyone

Not feeling the typing type at the moment...

Surgery 111824 and discharged the same day with pain pump, pain pills, and blood thinner. Slept fairly well the first night. Moderate pain

Next couple days the swelling was bad and pain levels fairly high. I consider myself to have high pain tolerance and have pulled myself from narcotics on to over the counter meds in previous surgeries. This time I'm on the clock with my pills. I can't sleep through the night without being woken up from pain.

I thought I could get by with the ice packs from the freezer but ordered an ice therapy machine from the big rain forest site. That thing has been wonderful.

back to sleeping, I'm on a very comfortable inflatable queen bed in the living room. The two 10 lb dogs don't give me enough space and want to cuddle all the time. But after a week of being on that mattress i'm ready to transition upstairs to sleep in my own bed. I've been able to negotiate the stairs for a few days now and think I can make that move.

PT started 3 days post-op. Most of the session was already exercises I was discharged with with a couple of other exercises new to me. PT moved my leg back and forth and it felt good to have some movement.

home exercises heel pumps, glute flex, calf raises, etc... I also have a walker with x2 wheels up front and my mother-in-law has a x4 wheel walker that i've used to do laps in the driveway.

I was able to have a proper bath this past weekend and my dressing was removed leaving the steri-strips covering the staples/sutures.

PT session 2 later today. I have been fortunate to have my parents drive me around the 1st couple of days and today my brother and my wife will help me. I do not have the strength to lift my left leg into the car to drive myself.

Take care everyone and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

 

[mctennis]

Happy Tuesday everyone

Not feeling the typing type at the moment...

Surgery 111824 and discharged the same day with pain pump, pain pills, and blood thinner. Slept fairly well the first night. Moderate pain

Next couple days the swelling was bad and pain levels fairly high. I consider myself to have high pain tolerance and have pulled myself from narcotics on to over the counter meds in previous surgeries. This time I'm on the clock with my pills. I can't sleep through the night without being woken up from pain.

I thought I could get by with the ice packs from the freezer but ordered an ice therapy machine from the big rain forest site. That thing has been wonderful.

back to sleeping, I'm on a very comfortable inflatable queen bed in the living room. The two 10 lb dogs don't give me enough space and want to cuddle all the time. But after a week of being on that mattress i'm ready to transition upstairs to sleep in my own bed. I've been able to negotiate the stairs for a few days now and think I can make that move.

PT started 3 days post-op. Most of the session was already exercises I was discharged with with a couple of other exercises new to me. PT moved my leg back and forth and it felt good to have some movement.

home exercises heel pumps, glute flex, calf raises, etc... I also have a walker with x2 wheels up front and my mother-in-law has a x4 wheel walker that i've used to do laps in the driveway.

I was able to have a proper bath this past weekend and my dressing was removed leaving the steri-strips covering the staples/sutures.

PT session 2 later today. I have been fortunate to have my parents drive me around the 1st couple of days and today my brother and my wife will help me. I do not have the strength to lift my left leg into the car to drive myself.

Take care everyone and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Glad you are on the mend. I agree, you need to make sure you take your pain meds on a regular schedule. Keeping the pain down is easier than trying to get the pain down once it arrives.
Have a great Thanksgiving.

 

[Al34]

Happy Tuesday everyone

Not feeling the typing type at the moment...

Surgery 111824 and discharged the same day with pain pump, pain pills, and blood thinner. Slept fairly well the first night. Moderate pain

Next couple days the swelling was bad and pain levels fairly high. I consider myself to have high pain tolerance and have pulled myself from narcotics on to over the counter meds in previous surgeries. This time I'm on the clock with my pills. I can't sleep through the night without being woken up from pain.

I thought I could get by with the ice packs from the freezer but ordered an ice therapy machine from the big rain forest site. That thing has been wonderful.

back to sleeping, I'm on a very comfortable inflatable queen bed in the living room. The two 10 lb dogs don't give me enough space and want to cuddle all the time. But after a week of being on that mattress i'm ready to transition upstairs to sleep in my own bed. I've been able to negotiate the stairs for a few days now and think I can make that move.

PT started 3 days post-op. Most of the session was already exercises I was discharged with with a couple of other exercises new to me. PT moved my leg back and forth and it felt good to have some movement.

home exercises heel pumps, glute flex, calf raises, etc... I also have a walker with x2 wheels up front and my mother-in-law has a x4 wheel walker that i've used to do laps in the driveway.

I was able to have a proper bath this past weekend and my dressing was removed leaving the steri-strips covering the staples/sutures.

PT session 2 later today. I have been fortunate to have my parents drive me around the 1st couple of days and today my brother and my wife will help me. I do not have the strength to lift my left leg into the car to drive myself.

Take care everyone and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Great to hear that you’re on your way. The first few weeks are definitely the worst, but the positive is to know that it can only get better. Once I realized that it was going to take time, I accepted that and now I try to do what I can and focus on the future without putting a date on when I will feel totally back to normal. As a result I’m more relaxed about the process.
Have a great thanksgiving and look forward to an even better Christmas
All the best

 

[Injured Again]

The first couple of weeks are definitely the toughest. For me, it was the swelling that caused a majority of the pain, even when my leg (and it was my ENTIRE leg) didn’t look that swollen. I ordered several rolls of six-inch wide elastic wraps with velcro on the end, and wrapped my entire leg from thigh to ankle. Once the compression reduced the swelling, my pain went down significantly. I think I bandaged my leg for the first two to three weeks at night to help me sleep.

I was told not to drive until I was off the heavy duty pain meds. Fortunately, I think I was able to do without after the first week or so, and I drove myself to the mall to mall-walk in the mornings with the seniors, of which I am one so I didn’t feel out of place.

Best of luck with the continued recovery!

 

[mctennis]

First two to three weeks is the worst, you are correct. Ice helped a lot to take the swelling and pain away, still does. Pain meds on a regular schedule. Don't skip doses because getting the pain down after it gets bad is almost impossible to do. The swelling, like you said, caused the most pain. I still have pain in my shin area for some reason. I'm two months out of surgery and it is getting better every day. Off the walker and cane. Steps is the only thing I have trouble with, more cautious than anything. Making sure of my footing.
Still some PT through next month, down to just once a week.
Not sure if I would do this knee surgery again on the other knee, so far.

 

[Al34]

First two to three weeks is the worst, you are correct. Ice helped a lot to take the swelling and pain away, still does. Pain meds on a regular schedule. Don't skip doses because getting the pain down after it gets bad is almost impossible to do. The swelling, like you said, caused the most pain. I still have pain in my shin area for some reason. I'm two months out of surgery and it is getting better every day. Off the walker and cane. Steps is the only thing I have trouble with, more cautious than anything. Making sure of my footing.
Still some PT through next month, down to just once a week.
Not sure if I would do this knee surgery again on the other knee, so far.

I am past two months out of surgery as well, same problem with stairs. The swelling was going down and I was really pleased with the progress, I then had a couple of hard PT sessions that put me back a bit. The frustrating thing is for me that the improvements don’t happen in a steady progression, it’s a bit one step forward, one or two back. My physio keeps saying the the real progress is between three to four months, so staying positive for that.

 

[mctennis]

I am past two months out of surgery as well, same problem with stairs. The swelling was going down and I was really pleased with the progress, I then had a couple of hard PT sessions that put me back a bit. The frustrating thing is for me that the improvements don’t happen in a steady progression, it’s a bit one step forward, one or two back. My physio keeps saying the the real progress is between three to four months, so staying positive for that.

Yes, that is what my surgeon and PT serson says as well, more improvement after about 4 months. So every day is one day closer. Keep plugging along......and stay positive!

 

[djNEiGht]

I was able to get into my car. It's been a challenge without someone helping me lift my surgical leg. Drove the car after having to jump start it. Tomorrow I should be driving myself to PT.
The stability is a little better and I leave the walker outside the kitchen as I prep the dogs meals....or shoot...even my own meals. getting dressed is slightly easier.

The pains I'm feeling now are sharp hot pins/pokes. Sometimes if I'm getting poked from outside...and then sometimes poked from the inside. Sitting is really painful. I just worked on my parents Christmas card/photos and ugh...feels bad. Okay...10 more minutes before bed time meds.

I don't know how long I can stand. I had to do some cooking for a potluck (simple stuff) and that wore me out. Wonder how soon I may be able to tolerate stringing. I would say I average about 20 minutes per racquet. Would be nice to help some of my customers and make some pocket money again. But of course...I'll not rush it.

Have a great week everyone.

 

[Happi]

The bad thing is I'm hitting the ball as well as any time in the last several years. I do have some days when the knees are fairly decent and on one of those, I beat an age group player in the 55's with a UTR of 12.xx and he was trying. I'm rallying weekly now with guys my age who were division 1 standouts in their day and holding my own.

A 55 with a UTR of 12.xx is pretty amazing as this is womens pro level

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[Injured Again]

I’m 11 months out from my surgery and my knee is still improving. The most importent thing for me has been to continue to work and rehab it. Everyone will heal at their own pace.

Stairs became easy for me with both range of motion and rebuilding of quadriceps strength when the leg is nearly straight. For those of you who have a straight scar directly over your knee, the surgery involved cutting of your quadriceps tendon so they could flip your kneecap upside down and out of the way to access cutting away the bone and insertion of the implant. So it’s basically like you have a ruptured tendon that needs to heal, and all of the associated strength loss with that.

When the bottom of your kneecap was visible, they would have evaluated the condition of the gliding surfaces and may have inserted a “button“ to glide on the transplant. It’s also likely they corrected, within reason, any anatomical abnormalities like my bowl-leggedness. In any case, the kneecap is likely in a different position than before, and will hurt when you get the knees over your toes like when going down stairs. The pain will go away with time.

Best wishes for continued healing!

 

[Injured Again]

A 55 with a UTR of 12.xx is pretty amazing as this is womens pro level

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View this content on Instagram

See this post:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...ic-acid-shot-experiences.724005/post-17516237

I had mis-typed UTR when I intended to say WTN, and that post was from long ago before they changed the WTN to its current rating convention. If I remember correctly, the guy is right at a UTR of 8 and I think is a WTN now of between 20 and 22.

I wish I could hang with a UTR 12!

 

[Al34]

I’m 11 months out from my surgery and my knee is still improving. The most importent thing for me has been to continue to work and rehab it. Everyone will heal at their own pace.

Stairs became easy for me with both range of motion and rebuilding of quadriceps strength when the leg is nearly straight. For those of you who have a straight scar directly over your knee, the surgery involved cutting of your quadriceps tendon so they could flip your kneecap upside down and out of the way to access cutting away the bone and insertion of the implant. So it’s basically like you have a ruptured tendon that needs to heal, and all of the associated strength loss with that.

When the bottom of your kneecap was visible, they would have evaluated the condition of the gliding surfaces and may have inserted a “button“ to glide on the transplant. It’s also likely they corrected, within reason, any anatomical abnormalities like my bowl-leggedness. In any case, the kneecap is likely in a different position than before, and will hurt when you get the knees over your toes like when going down stairs. The pain will go away with time.

Best wishes for continued healing!

Thanks for the explication that explains a lot ! I have a doctor friend who explained that after surgery the reason it’s so difficult to play tennis is that they have removed the anterior cruciate ligament. He didn’t however explain the effects of that other than saying I wouldn’t be able to pivot on that leg and changing direction quickly is not really possible.

 

[Happi]

See this post:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...ic-acid-shot-experiences.724005/post-17516237

I had mis-typed UTR when I intended to say WTN, and that post was from long ago before they changed the WTN to its current rating convention. If I remember correctly, the guy is right at a UTR of 8 and I think is a WTN now of between 20 and 22.

I wish I could hang with a UTR 12!

Ah I get it now, makes sense. WTN 12 is still a really good player, and congrats for hanging in there at your age (same as mine).

I got back into this thread as a good friend am double partner is having a half knee replacement. Lots of really good info.

Hope you have recovered well and back at your former strenght.

 

[Injured Again]

Thanks for the explication that explains a lot ! I have a doctor friend who explained that after surgery the reason it’s so difficult to play tennis is that they have removed the anterior cruciate ligament. He didn’t however explain the effects of that other than saying I wouldn’t be able to pivot on that leg and changing direction quickly is not really possible.

As far as I know, it is unusual to lose any ligament during a typical knee replacement. I have retained all of my ligaments and I had no problems twisting on my knee even very early in the recovery process. This video is from my first time back on court after my left knee replacement, on day 19. The stability was good even though my left foot was planted when I was hitting forehands.

I know this because I was overcompensating for my bad left knee and my right knee was also painful, so I thought early on that I would have to do both knees within a short timeframe. I half-kiddingly asked my ortho that since I was getting both knees done, would it be possible to make the implant longer so I could regain some height I had lost due to aging. He said he gets asked that but it isn’t possible because they don’t cut the ligaments so the limit is how much slack they have. He then went on to say they preserve all the ligaments in the operation.

I have a friend who tore his ACL skiing in younger days, and his knee replacement required a longer recovery due to weakness in his bone at the site of the ACL reattachment that was probably done 25-30 years ago. But he still has his ACL after the knee replacement and is back to playing tennis almost daily.

It has been discussed that doctors seem to have widely varying opinions about how much return to sport can be expected, even though I would assume the joint itself and the replacement techniques are similar. Obviously you should follow the instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon as there might have been something unique with your particular replacement, but it’s probably worth asking if your ligaments were retained.

 

[Injured Again]

Ah I get it now, makes sense. WTN 12 is still a really good player, and congrats for hanging in there at your age (same as mine).

I got back into this thread as a good friend am double partner is having a half knee replacement. Lots of really good info.

Hope you have recovered well and back at your former strenght.

Thanks. One of the things I discovered was that my age hasn’t affected my ability to recover like I thought it would. Starting in my earlier 50’s, I decreased the volume and intensity of my gym sessions thinking I had to do that or risk chronic injury.

After my knee replacement, which was when I was age 62, I was super determined to get back to full capability, and I literally was rehabbing 3-5 hours a day, seven days a week. As my knee healed and I got stronger, I found my body could handle that kind of workload even though I was pushing some pretty heavy weights. So if anything, I’m stronger than I have been at any time in the last decade. I do sleep a lot though - as much as 10-12 hours after really hard physical exercise days in a row, and that has been my key. My wife has lost her ability to sleep as much as her younger days and she mostly is around six hours a night. There are days I go to sleep three hours before and wake up three hours after she does. That isn’t the greatest, but it does give me an excuse not to do as many household chores….

Half knee replacements are supposedly a lot easier to recover from, but my ortho is not a fan of doing them. I believe his experience was that an inordinate number of partial knee replacements went on to have a full knee replacement. But that might just be his personal bias. I know the practice where he works does a fair number of partial knee replacements and all the doctors are very highly rated.

 

[Al34]

As far as I know, it is unusual to lose any ligament during a typical knee replacement. I have retained all of my ligaments and I had no problems twisting on my knee even very early in the recovery process. This video is from my first time back on court after my left knee replacement, on day 19. The stability was good even though my left foot was planted when I was hitting forehands.

I know this because I was overcompensating for my bad left knee and my right knee was also painful, so I thought early on that I would have to do both knees within a short timeframe. I half-kiddingly asked my ortho that since I was getting both knees done, would it be possible to make the implant longer so I could regain some height I had lost due to aging. He said he gets asked that but it isn’t possible because they don’t cut the ligaments so the limit is how much slack they have. He then went on to say they preserve all the ligaments in the operation.

I have a friend who tore his ACL skiing in younger days, and his knee replacement required a longer recovery due to weakness in his bone at the site of the ACL reattachment that was probably done 25-30 years ago. But he still has his ACL after the knee replacement and is back to playing tennis almost daily.

It has been discussed that doctors seem to have widely varying opinions about how much return to sport can be expected, even though I would assume the joint itself and the replacement techniques are similar. Obviously you should follow the instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon as there might have been something unique with your particular replacement, but it’s probably worth asking if your ligaments were retained.

The video is unbelievable, I think you must have a bionic knee ! Apparently the ACL is almost always removed because the new replacements don’t need it. I’m seeing my surgeon in January and I’ll definitely ask him.

Thanks. One of the things I discovered was that my age hasn’t affected my ability to recover like I thought it would. Starting in my earlier 50’s, I decreased the volume and intensity of my gym sessions thinking I had to do that or risk chronic injury.

After my knee replacement, which was when I was age 62, I was super determined to get back to full capability, and I literally was rehabbing 3-5 hours a day, seven days a week. As my knee healed and I got stronger, I found my body could handle that kind of workload even though I was pushing some pretty heavy weights. So if anything, I’m stronger than I have been at any time in the last decade. I do sleep a lot though - as much as 10-12 hours after really hard physical exercise days in a row, and that has been my key. My wife has lost her ability to sleep as much as her younger days and she mostly is around six hours a night. There are days I go to sleep three hours before and wake up three hours after she does. That isn’t the greatest, but it does give me an excuse not to do as many household chores….

Half knee replacements are supposedly a lot easier to recover from, but my ortho is not a fan of doing them. I believe his experience was that an inordinate number of partial knee replacements went on to have a full knee replacement. But that might just be his personal bias. I know the practice where he works does a fair number of partial knee replacements and all the doctors are very highly rated.

As far as I know, it is unusual to lose any ligament during a typical knee replacement. I have retained all of my ligaments and I had no problems twisting on my knee even very early in the recovery process. This video is from my first time back on court after my left knee replacement, on day 19. The stability was good even though my left foot was planted when I was hitting forehands.

I know this because I was overcompensating for my bad left knee and my right knee was also painful, so I thought early on that I would have to do both knees within a short timeframe. I half-kiddingly asked my ortho that since I was getting both knees done, would it be possible to make the implant longer so I could regain some height I had lost due to aging. He said he gets asked that but it isn’t possible because they don’t cut the ligaments so the limit is how much slack they have. He then went on to say they preserve all the ligaments in the operation.

I have a friend who tore his ACL skiing in younger days, and his knee replacement required a longer recovery due to weakness in his bone at the site of the ACL reattachment that was probably done 25-30 years ago. But he still has his ACL after the knee replacement and is back to playing tennis almost daily.

It has been discussed that doctors seem to have widely varying opinions about how much return to sport can be expected, even though I would assume the joint itself and the replacement techniques are similar. Obviously you should follow the instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon as there might have been something unique with your particular replacement, but it’s probably worth asking if your ligaments were retained.

As far as I know, it is unusual to lose any ligament during a typical knee replacement. I have retained all of my ligaments and I had no problems twisting on my knee even very early in the recovery process. This video is from my first time back on court after my left knee replacement, on day 19. The stability was good even though my left foot was planted when I was hitting forehands.

I know this because I was overcompensating for my bad left knee and my right knee was also painful, so I thought early on that I would have to do both knees within a short timeframe. I half-kiddingly asked my ortho that since I was getting both knees done, would it be possible to make the implant longer so I could regain some height I had lost due to aging. He said he gets asked that but it isn’t possible because they don’t cut the ligaments so the limit is how much slack they have. He then went on to say they preserve all the ligaments in the operation.

I have a friend who tore his ACL skiing in younger days, and his knee replacement required a longer recovery due to weakness in his bone at the site of the ACL reattachment that was probably done 25-30 years ago. But he still has his ACL after the knee replacement and is back to playing tennis almost daily.

It has been discussed that doctors seem to have widely varying opinions about how much return to sport can be expected, even though I would assume the joint itself and the replacement techniques are similar. Obviously you should follow the instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon as there might have been something unique with your particular replacement, but it’s probably worth asking if your ligaments were retained.

I think you must have a bionic knee the video is incredible. I see my surgeon early in January and I’ll definitely ask, I think the new replacements don’t need the ACL and it’s removed.

 

[Al34]

I think you must have a bionic knee the video is incredible. I see my surgeon early in January and I’ll definitely ask, I think the new replacements don’t need the ACL and it’s removed.

 

[Injured Again]

The video is unbelievable, I think you must have a bionic knee ! Apparently the ACL is almost always removed because the new replacements don’t need it. I’m seeing my surgeon in January and I’ll definitely ask him.

After your post, I did some digging around in PubMed and you correct that the ACL is or was typically removed. I didn’t know that!

This study from eight years ago seems to be among the first to question whether ACL/ PCL sparing surgery should be normally performed as it offers better knee kinematics after total knee replacement:

ACL status in arthroplasty patients, why not to preserve? - PMC

Introduction: Only 70–85% of patients that had total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are satisfied with their knees. The need for a near to normal knee kinematics is crucial and maybe the solution to their needs. Addressing the cruciate ligaments during ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

and here’s an ortho’s website talking about that same thing.

ACL Preserving Total Knee Replacement Great Neck, NY | ACL Surgery Dix Hills, NY

ACL preserving total knee replacement is an advanced surgery performed to replace a damaged knee joint with a prosthesis while preserving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

www.longislandhipandknee.com

My ortho’s website doesn’t mention ACL/PCL sparing at all, which is why I assumed it was just normally done. It does mention return to sports, and as I had said before my ortho was fully on board with my return to competitive singles tennis.

Joint Replacement & Hip Replacement Surgery | Proliance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Our highly recognized joint replacement surgeons use the latest in joint replacement surgical techniques and technologies to restore patients to health.

www.posm.com

It would be interesting to know what your surgeon says. I have my one year follow-up shortly and I’ll also ask. I had a couple of MRIs prior to my surgery so possibly my ortho could tell my ligaments were intact and healthy, and so could be retained? Maybe that’s why he was willing to accommodate my ultra-aggressive rehab routine? And possibly this is why some people here have reported significantly different advice regarding post-replacement activities.

 

[djNEiGht]

hello TKR warriors!

I'm still struggling to sit. My ROM is better but it hurts. I've returned to light duty at work albeit remotely. This gives me an opportunity to ice/elevate multiple times a day.

I have my post op follow up next week and i'll ask about the ACL which I had replaced 2009. I'm also still on narcotics will again attempt to just use tylenol for today.

 

[Injured Again]

@djNEiGht Keep working at it. You’re still early in your recovery and that’s the most painful part. At some point, you’ll likely find the internal swelling goes down and the pain levels decrease significantly. Hang in there!

 

[Injured Again]

I reached out to a couple of people who recently had knee replacement surgeries and neither of them knew about whether or not their ligaments were preserved. They’re playing tennis with minimal stability issues so I’m curious.

My one year follow-up appointment is on January 7th.