Inspired Post from the Total Knee Replacement Support Group for Kind People

Today marks 364 days since I had my total right knee replacement. I’m 57 years old. Year in review: - best decision I made as I gained my life back. - first 3 weeks I thought I would die and I’d made the most awful decision by having the surgery. - started physio BEFORE surgery. 3 weeks before. - was in hospital for 4 days as I kept fainting (crashing blood pressure). - started post op physio on day 7 and went 2 X a week for 8 weeks. - do your exercises 4-5 times every day. - went back to work 18 days post op (I have a desk job) but worked 1/2 days the first week as I was exhausted. - golfed first full round on day 71. Walking all 18 holes. - I “felt” my knee for about 7-8 months before I wasn’t thinking about it all the time. - it gets tired before my other leg. But no pain at all. - I still need to be careful. But I don’t not do something because of my knee. - ice machine is your best friend!!! Use it during every hour of the day for the first 4-5 weeks then go down to several times a day. Keep the swelling down or away. - the outside of my knee is still numb. Dr says it may stay that way. No big deal. - this is not surgery for the weak. You gotta be tough for this adventure. But we were made to do hard things. Be encouraged. I remember reading every post during those first weeks and thinking you are all lying that it will get better. But it does. Be encouraged. This too shall pass and in days/months to come it will be you writing this post to say “you got this” as you celebrate your one-year anniversary of having a new knee. You got this!! PS. So thankful for this community of strangers but oh such kindred spirits of knee warriors.