Replacement knee joint

[peterhore]

I've suffered from a torn meniscus for many years and most recently arthritis in my left knee.
It hasn't ever stopped me walking the Camino and last year when I volunteered at a hostel I walked there to get myself into the right frame of mind. I only have to be careful going downhill or over rough ground - and I admit to the occasional Ibruprofen-popping (though not on the scale that some pilgrims have disclosed elsewhere on this group!)
A consultant surgeon now recommends it's time for a knee replacement joint.
There must be pilgrims out there who've had this surgery and I wonder
1.What's your experience of this surgery?
2.How long is recovery?
3.What has been the effect on your Camino?
Any other advice, please?
Peter

 

[HeidiL]

I won't say I LIKE what you wrote - but I'm following, because I have a knee replacement (or a meniscus replacement) in my future and want as much information as possible.

So far, a set of special exercises three or four times a week, Arthrotec and sports tape are keeping me on the Caminos, but this won't last forever...

 

[Deleted member 3000]

My wife just had a knee replacement. Instead of having more pain each week, she has less. That is something worth looking forward to. Doctors oversell the speed of recovery, so the patient needs to be, well, patient.

 

[blueskywa]

My partner had bilateral total knee replacements at the same time in Oct 16, 3 months after returning from the CF. He never thought he'd walk properly again but we leave for the del Norte in May! Luckily I'd say it has been very successful as he can walk now with no pain at all. I think the ups and downs of the del Norte will be challenging but we are in no rush and have allowed at least 8 weeks. The Frances took 7 weeks. Lucky we are retired...The recovery period for everyone is different but his surgeon said allow at least 1 year. I wish you well and positivity will get you over the line... Buen Camino Peter

 

[J F Gregory]

My wife had a full knee replacement and her goal after surgery was to walk the Camino. The aftermath of the surgery was painful. JUMP AHEAD 13 MONTHS: We walked the Camino from SJPDP to Finisterra and are planning to walk the Norte in October.

 

[TMcA]

Fred is right. A year after Total Knee Replacement surgery most people's swelling is gone and the new knee functions well. However, as another poster mentioned, the first months are at least somewhat difficult. It starts with a hangover from the anesthesia, constipation, and difficulty sleeping. Probably the week after your surgery you will start physical therapy which has its painful moments as the therapist forces the knee to improve its range of motion. Somewhere between one and three months you will be able to engage in physical activities that were part of your life with your old knee - cycling, hiking, and, in my case, skiing. Doing these things one month out is relatively unusual; three months out is more typical. If you overdo anything during this period, you will not damage the new knee, you only create swelling and soreness in the soft tissues surrounding the knee.

Statistically, I believe that 90 or 95% of patients experience good outcomes. But some people populate the 10 and 5% whose outcomes are disappointing. Ask your surgeon about this. If, prior to surgery, you are not fit and/or you are overweight, these factors may work against you.

Finally, my surgeon used a customized prosthetic. You can read the description in the link below. These prosthetics are somewhat new and the surgeon using them should have some experience using them.

I am not a surgeon or medical professional, but I believe what I have stated is accurate. PM me for more info if you wish.

Good luck.

Tom

https://www.conformis.com/custom-made-knee-implants/

 

[t2andreo]

In addition to the very good information in the posts above, I will add my two cents. As you plan for this surgery, consider that there are two varieties of replacement joints.

First, there are standard duty knees, hips, elbows, and shoulder replacement parts. These are designed to last a finite span of time, but are intended to facilitate 'normal' life activities. They are not intended for heavy duty use.

Second, the OTHER type of joint available is called an athletic joint: knee, hip, elbow, etc. In general, this is a heavier duty joint, intended for someone who participates regularly in more rigorous athletic activities. IMHO, this is the replacement part you want, if you can swing it. The surgery and rehabilitation are the same. It is the lifespan of the joint and durability that is in play.

I am in watchful waiting mode. Eventually, I will have to have my knees done as well. I am holding out for the heavier duty, athletic grade replacements.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sixwheeler]

Recovery varies by individual. You'll be fine afterwards but build your strength slowly. MOST IMPORTANT: get physiotherapy immediately post surgery. You should be fine afterwards.
Good Luck

 

[peterhore]

Fred is right. A year after Total Knee Replacement surgery most people's swelling is gone and the new knee functions well. However, as another poster mentioned, the first months are at least somewhat difficult. It starts with a hangover from the anesthesia, constipation, and difficulty sleeping. Probably the week after your surgery you will start physical therapy which has its painful moments as the therapist forces the knee to improve its range of motion. Somewhere between one and three months you will be able to engage in physical activities that were part of your life with your old knee - cycling, hiking, and, in my case, skiing. Doing these things one month out is relatively unusual; three months out is more typical. If you overdo anything during this period, you will not damage the new knee, you only create swelling and soreness in the soft tissues surrounding the knee.

Statistically, I believe that 90 or 95% of patients experience good outcomes. But some people populate the 10 and 5% whose outcomes are disappointing. Ask your surgeon about this. If, prior to surgery, you are not fit and/or you are overweight, these factors may work against you.

Finally, my surgeon used a customized prosthetic. You can read the description in the link below. These prosthetics are somewhat new and the surgeon using them should have some experience using them.

I am not a surgeon or medical professional, but I believe what I have stated is accurate. PM me for more info if you wish.

Good luck.

Tom

https://www.conformis.com/custom-made-knee-implants/

Thank you - very interesting - will look for similar website in U.K.

 

[peterhore]

In addition to the very good information in the posts above, I will add my two cents. As you plan for this surgery, consider that there are two varieties of replacement joints.

First, there are standard duty knees, hips, elbows, and shoulder replacement parts. These are designed to last a finite span of time, but are intended to facilitate 'normal' life activities. They are not intended for heavy duty use.

Second, the OTHER type of joint available is called an athletic joint: knee, hip, elbow, etc. In general, this is a heavier duty joint, intended for someone who participates regularly in more rigorous athletic activities. IMHO, this is the replacement part you want, if you can swing it. The surgery and rehabilitation are the same. It is the lifespan of the joint and durability that is in play.

I am in watchful waiting mode. Eventually, I will have to have my knees done as well. I am holding out for the heavier duty, athletic grade replacements.

Hope this helps.

Thank you - I had no idea there was an ‘athlete’ grade replacement knee and will quiz my surgeon more closely

 

[peterhore]

Thank you everyone for you advice (and on another thread about hips!) and having read, marked and learned, I choose to go for the arthroscopy and chondroplasty, and now 6 weeks later am up to 10k paces a day and ready for my next long walk.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Peter

 

[cameronon]

My brother had the same operation a few years ago. At the beginning of the recovery period, he felt persistent pain and was unable to sleep. He could only use the cold therapy machine to relieve the pain. According to the judgment of the doctor, the recovery time is usually one year, but it also varies from person to person. The older the recovery time, the longer it is inevitable.
Cold therapy machine for knees