FabSwingers.com forum: Knee replacement

By *aavee OP Man
6 weeks ago

Poole

Has anyone had a knee replacement with a good outcome? My wife is due to have one soon and all I'm hearing from friends (apart from 2) that they are in worse pain after and some are saying they wish they hadn't had it done.

Thanks

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By *ifewantsmore777Couple
6 weeks ago

North West

Although not a full replacement yet - I have that joy still to come. I have had multiple surgeries and had all ligaments replaced with artificial ones. In the early days post surgery I was in more pain than the actual injury ever gave me - I could never get comfortable when relaxing and would have considered amputation if it had been an option due to the pain.

I’m now 13 years since the main surgery and I’m pretty much pain free - just the stiffness that comes from having a dodgy knee.

I am glad it was done as I now have an almost normal life, I run, I gym, I walk - I’m always aware it’s there and never stop thinking about how i do those things but it has at least allowed me to do them.

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By *uri00620Woman
6 weeks ago

Croydon

"Has anyone had a knee replacement with a good outcome? My wife is due to have one soon and all I'm hearing from friends (apart from 2) that they are in worse pain after and some are saying they wish they hadn't had it done.

Thanks "

My friend has it done a couple of months ago. Honestly I couldn't believe how quick recovery was. He was walking up stairs within 3 days. He really researched the surgeon who was performing it and did a lot of exercise beforehand which really helped. Any pain was much less than he anticipated. Doing the exercises after is important too.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
6 weeks ago

BRIDPORT

I have not experienced it personally but know many who have had this surgery and not a single one of them regrets it, quite the opposite.

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By *alandNitaCouple
6 weeks ago

Scunthorpe

I know several people who have had it don, one who had both knees done 3 months apart. The general view is that the oporations are positively life changing.

It seem that the outcomes are particularly dependant on following the doctors' recovery plan, doing exercises, etc..

The person who had both knees replaced went from sleeping on the settee because they couldn't get up the stairs, to a complete return to normal.

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

I've had both my knees replaced approx 11 and 9 years ago. I'm very thankful because the pain i had before was extremely bad and badly affected my life. After the initial recovery i was like a new person

not 100% painfree etc but better than before. The only problem after was that i can't kneel, that is painful.

I have to give a warning about the pain in the first month after surgery though. Initially you are on strong pain meds such as morphine. Take whatever they offer you as you need to get moving. I was out of bed the next day and it does hurt but it's worth it, thats why it's best to take every pain med they offer you so that you get moving. Physios get you moving using a walker and then crutches and by day 3 i was up and down stairs and went home.

At home i had a raised loo seat and boards to get into the bath. I had physio twice a week for about 6 weeks plus had exercises to do at home. Keep doing them as your recovery will be better

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By *dalisqueWoman
6 weeks ago

land of make believe

I'm waiting for a knee replacement 🩵

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By *oodmessMan
6 weeks ago

yumsville

Know someone that''s had it, they were on morphine every four hours for around 10 weeks with a waking night alarm as if they missed it, the pain increase past that window was too much - so taking at say 5hrs taking it meant it kicking in at 5.5-6hrs, with and hrs of teeth pulling shock as opposed to more general dropping a brick on your foot shock I suppose???.

They were done private, had wound infection, the stitches were too tight meaning skin elasticity isn't good, though pain is reduced to prev. The weeks after the procedure though are by no means pleasant though. One thing they used was an extra long elastic exercise band under their foot to help get out of bed easier - if that's help to anyone.

It's part reason I am doing casual squats around the house.

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

Snapped my ACL playing rugby in 97ish,and after 6 ops on the knee had a full replacement just over 2 years ago.

Was back to work after 8 weeks,but after another 3 months i took another 8 weeks off to get a decent range of movement and never looked back since.

Been a great success but don't skimp on the rehab,no pain no gain for sure and took me long enough to get a good bend again.

Good luck,it's an extremely painful process but been worth it for me.

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

Not a knee but my mum had both of her hips done and is extremely happy with the outcome.

It sounds pretty traumatic, but after the first one was done and healed she couldn't wait to get the second one done. I asked why she was so excited to go through that again and she said that it was amazing to not be in constant pain on one side.

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

"Snapped my ACL playing rugby in 97ish,and after 6 ops on the knee had a full replacement just over 2 years ago.

Was back to work after 8 weeks,but after another 3 months i took another 8 weeks off to get a decent range of movement and never looked back since.

Been a great success but don't skimp on the rehab,no pain no gain for sure and took me long enough to get a good bend again.

Good luck,it's an extremely painful process but been worth it for me."

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By *uenevereWoman
6 weeks ago

Scunthorpe

Not a knee replacement but my mum has had both elbows replaced.

The pain beforehand was excruciating and she had limited mobility.

The pain of rehabilitation afterwards was awful but worth it. Pushing through and doing as advised, is incredibly important to achieve the results at the end.

There's always those that don't go to plan, but most joint replacements I'm aware of, have been a great improvement overall.

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By *oodmessMan
6 weeks ago

yumsville

"Not a knee replacement but my mum has had both elbows replaced.

The pain beforehand was excruciating and she had limited mobility.

The pain of rehabilitation afterwards was awful but worth it. Pushing through and doing as advised, is incredibly important to achieve the results at the end.

There's always those that don't go to plan, but most joint replacements I'm aware of, have been a great improvement overall. "

Reminds me of my mum after a car accident needing her rotor cuff done. You'd walk in to get a brew and she'd be stand against walls circling arms. It'd look silly as but if she hadn't have done it at the time for as long as she did I expect simple things like dressing or brushing hair would be out of the question now.

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By *ichaelsmyMan
6 weeks ago

doiglas

i was told that i needed both knees replaced but that they would not do it until i retired and slowed down.

they only last so long before they wear out and need to be replaced again.

this is something that they can only do once or twice as it is actually really major surgery.

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By *aavee OP Man
6 weeks ago

Poole

Thanks everyone for you detailed replies, it's much appreciated xx

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By *ocktoplaywithMan
6 weeks ago

Derby

I had my first one done jan 21. The pain I had in the weeks following was excruciating and I had some very low moments. But as time went on I was glad I’d had it done and had the other done 11 months later.

Covid restrictions meant I didn’t get much physio on the first one but was receiving it almost immediately on the second.

4 years later and I’m glad I had both done, generally pain free, a bit of aching but not on the level it was before. Only downside is I struggle to kneel down which is difficult when I’m repairing machinery.

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By *r.ZeusMan
6 weeks ago

Basgiath War College

Thanks "

I know a couple of people that have had it done with good success for both. One has even replaced both knees

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By *cobMan
6 weeks ago

here

Thanks "

Both a colleague and my Dad have had both knees done and both had a huge new lease of life, both would say you have to put a lot of effort into the physio afterwards to get a decent outcome.

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By *d247Couple
6 weeks ago

la cock

I had a total knee replacement 3 months ago and all good, happy to answer any questions.

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By *vaRoseWoman
6 weeks ago

Ankh-Morpork

Met a lady in the optician yesterday, she was 5 days post op and up on her feet doing really well. She said once they sort the pain management it’s been plain sailing so far

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By *appycouple300Couple
6 weeks ago

Dorset

Thanks "

Yes I had it done 10 years ago. Brilliant. PM if you want to know what I did on rehab

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By *rindnbump V2Couple
6 weeks ago

Our little world of Kinky Fuckery in Durham

Think everyone's situation is different. I had a TKR just over 2 years ago. Recovery didn't go well and at one point I had to use a wheelchair if I wanted to go out.

I'll never be able to fully straighten or bend my leg again but still pleased I had the surgery as the pain beforehand was unbearable.

Best advise I can give your friend, is to strengthen their leg muscles as much as possible prior to surgery and to prepare themselves mentally for the pain post op.

Hope their operation goes well 💞

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

I had both knees done, not at the same time.

The pain after was extreme, sometimes even with pain kilkers it was unbearable but i found it best to take the painkillers as often as i could, that helped best with the pain.

It's best to exercise, do physio as often as possible, it helps prevent any problems.

I did have to use a wheelchair to go to watch football as there wasn't any parking close by. Otherwise i used my crutches.

Each night i got my partner to massage around the operation site, it was an odd feeling because nerves had been cut, but it helped me relax

I was off work for 6 months as i had a very physical job, it required lots of standing, walking, etc, even then it was difficult when i first went back, i was on phased return which was best.

Even now i hate kneeling as it's very painful but in general it's much better

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By *tockton GentMan
4 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

I'm due to have a partial knee replacement in July and looking forward to getting back to being as physically active as I used to be.

My brother had a total knee replacement, or rather resurfacing, last year and is really pleased with the results. Within a couple of months he was walking unaided, i.e. no walking stick.

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By *elvet RopeMan
4 weeks ago

by the big field

Kind of 50/50.

Ranges from someone who could barely walk until it was replaced to a friend who died on the operating table (though tbf, his heart was in worse condition than his knee).

I know someone who messed about and didn't get it done and now they're almost crippled and in constant pain and its too late to get it sorted out

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By *weetpea2000Woman
4 weeks ago

Wexford

Total knee replacement a few years ago, private sector.

You'll be walking with crutches and up and down stairs before you're discharged home.

Took approx 5 months off work.

Script for 35-40 tablets a day, phased out over 6-8 weeks.

Sleep was non existent for 6-8 weeks, lucky if I got 2 hours a night. That was a tough part you don't hear about.

Start physio and massage asap, twice weekly.

Used crutches x2 for 3-4 weeks.

Then x1 occasionally.

Buy a massage roller, cups for cupping and Bio oil or similar...use daily.

I can kneel, it just feels different on the replacement side.

Pm me if you've any questions relating to any of the above.

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By *attooed_BlueeyesMan
4 weeks ago

Tameside

As a physio who works with orthopedic patients like those with knee replacements, 80% of the outcome is down to the patient. We know if you're not doing the rehab. Yes the surgeon does make a difference, but mostly they are doing exactly the same thing as eachother

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By *oodmessMan
4 weeks ago

yumsville

[Removed by poster at 10/06/25 06:38:31]

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By *oodmessMan
4 weeks ago

yumsville

"As a physio who works with orthopedic patients like those with knee replacements, 80% of the outcome is down to the patient. We know if you're not doing the rehab. Yes the surgeon does make a difference, but mostly they are doing exactly the same thing as eachother"

I wonder if a physio has ever needed a physio and thought, I'll do it myself or found them really good.

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By *attooed_BlueeyesMan
4 weeks ago

Tameside

" I wonder if a physio has ever needed a physio and thought, I'll do it myself or found them really good."

I would probably see a physio, it can be very difficult to diagnose yourself, lots of times the positions for tests are impossible without someone controlling the limb for you. Like I'd know what to do afterwards, but I'd definitely see a colleague to diagnose something.

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By *uvs2watchherCouple
4 weeks ago

newcastle

I had it done 8 years ago. Was back at work on footings building houses after 10 weeks. No problems. Pain was bad for the first couple month's but now it's like it never happened x. My other one. Well I wish they'd never done it xxx

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By *rincess_nikki_transgurlTV/TS
4 weeks ago

salford

Saw an operation done a couple of years back. Very simple bit also very brutal. The guy was awake but spinal blocked. Lots of sawing, hammering and chiseling. More B&Q than NHS was the quote I heard.

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By *ife does not knowMan
4 weeks ago

Hull

I have had total replacement on both knees.

The only thing I can say is “ do the exercises the physiotherapist sets, and more, get a cold compress for the night time, because it will get hot “.

I can kneel and walk for miles.

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By *augar40Man
4 weeks ago

bromsgrove

hi I had a knee replacement in feb , it was the best thing I had , what I would say is build your muscles up in the leg beforehand and make sure you do your post exercises as that's key one more note it is a painful opportunity but only for a few days

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By *umagainandagainMan
4 weeks ago

Altrincham

I know a few people who had them done. They all say the recovery is painful but only one out of seven regrets it.

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By *ootylover25Man
4 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

Thanks "

My uncle had had both done and wished he had done it sooner. Goes skiing and plays golf no issues.

I need mine done but they are reluctant to do it still

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By *tockton GentMan
4 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

"I need mine done but they are reluctant to do it still "

They probably think you're too young for a knee replacement yet.

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By *haron1701ETV/TS
4 weeks ago

Southport

Mine both need doing. Constant severe pain and now and again swell up alarmingly.

Apparently I need to get back the muscle mass I have lost (atrophy?) but that's proving to be very difficult as I can barely move them.

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By *ootylover25Man
4 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

"I need mine done but they are reluctant to do it still

They probably think you're too young for a knee replacement yet."

Thats one of the excuses they used. I've already had an amic procedure but they dont think it worked like it should have. Had 2.5yrs of rehab got discharged saying no more they can do, next step is a replacement (that was almost 10yrs ago now) and still won't do it 🤷

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By *rindnbump V2Couple
5 days ago

Our little world of Kinky Fuckery in Durham

"I need mine done but they are reluctant to do it still

They probably think you're too young for a knee replacement yet.

My consultant was reluctant to give me a knee replacement, stating I was too young (I was 50 at the time). I told him I had no quality of life and couldn't carry on the way I was. I also asked him what percentage of his patients were my age. Can't remember exactly what he said but it was higher than expected.

Maybe ask your consultant the same question of change your consultant.

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By *ortyairCouple
5 days ago

Wallasey

Had my knee replacement in October last year. The pain for the first three weeks was excruciating but like others have said you need to get moving ASAP and do the exercises religiously.

I was up on crutches from the day I got home and was able to get up and down the stairs a couple of days later.

Luckily my hubby had converted one of our downstairs room into a gym and I was able to accelerate my exercises and within a few more weeks I was much better.

As well as exercises I also looked after the scar, if you dont this can cause you some pain. It feels weird, sometimes painful to touch the scar but you have to remember you are now touching where your nerves have been cut and exposed were they weren't before. Keep massaging it and I promise you'll benefit from it.

Lastly you'll have to practice kneeling. This is similar to the massaging the scar, in that it feels weird and painful but this lessens with practice. It hardly causes me any issues.

All in all, apart from the first three weeks which were agony im not going to lie, the operation is absolutely worth it. Even the scar isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, just a fine line, that's already starting to fade,

Mrs x

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