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I decided to have my knee replaced when..
How my life changed after knee replacement

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Bi-Lateral Knee Replacement

hhaze
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June 27, 2018 I had double knee replacement. I am 49 years old and quite active. I’ve had degenerative arthritis my entire life and knew this was eventually going to happen. I fought it for years, but after yet another tear (meniscus and lateral ligament), I was at the end of my rope. I’ve been called brave. I just see it as crazy, but a necessity. I did not know how hard recovery would be with both legs out of commission. I truly thought I was stronger than this. I used a walker for a week. Then a cane. I’m still using a cane, but I can walk slowly without if need be. I can only bend at 80 degrees for left knee and 72 for right. They straighten well, at 5 for left and 2 for right. I never sleep. The longest stretch I’ve achieved in 5 weeks is 45 minutes. I can only sleep on my back, obviously. The frustration is high at this point. The “blues” are real. I’m used to working out 5 days a week. Sometimes twice a day. I know I have come a long way and I’m trying not to be hard on myself. I just wonder when I’ll have my life back. I can’t drive yet. Reflexes aren’t quite there. The recovery for bilateral versus uni os so much slower it seems.
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hhaze
Also would love to find out if anyone else has had hypersensitivity on the skin surrounding the knee after surgery. I cannot stand anything touching it. Definitely not clothing, no sheets or blankets, it makes my skin crawl to have something touch my knee area.
C0Rose
Hi, I'm having both knees replaced on 11/19 and I am terrified. I am also sick of constant pain. I've done a lot of research, watched videos, talked to people who've done it. The vast majority say it was worth the pain and work toward recovery. Did you work on range of motion first then try to strengthen your legs? Do you have help or do you live alone? I wish you the best. Roz
Grafj
I had bilateral unicompartmental knee replacement June 20th 2018, and now some 4 months later, I am mountain biking similar to how I was before, but my legs need strengthening again.

The feeling of the knees is so strange though - mainly the skin not feeling like it is mine and sensitive if it touches against anything.

After surgery they were really sensitive to anything touching them, I found that compression socks helped cope with that though.

Now, I can wear trousers and that isn't bad at all with the knees, but touching something against them is still weird.

I can't kneel on them properly - even on a kneeling cushion - I am hoping that will change long term.

Sleep was the hardest part - took ages to be able to get more than a few hours sleep - and found that a cushion / pillow between both knees really helped - as well as taking a naproxen just before bed (having had some food as well).

Driving is fine, but after a long drive it still hurts when I get out of the car, and I have to take a few steps before my knees 'loosen up'.
Ajesmum
I’m a 45-year old female fitness trainer (former Army Drill Sgt) and I must say, you are tough as nails! I dare not get both knees done at the same time! my doc recommended at least 4-months a part since I am so active! I’m now 6.5 weeks post op at 135 degrees flexion. extension was not an issue at all. Had a slight derailment when I pulled my IT band in swim therapy and that set me back a bit. I still have swelling and deep ache pains (like bruising) and sleeping is no joy at all. I can finally bend my knee when I sleep on my side but not for too long before I have to go straight again. I’m hoping to heal with
little pain by June as I have the left knee scheduled for July. I just can’t imagine having done both at the same time. you are very brave - keep taking the painkillers to help you get through PT! good luck!
Atlas_Aus
Hi,

Sorry to read this, hopefully by this time all is better. I am a side sleeper, have never been able to sleep on my back, hopefully it will sort itself out.
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