First Day After TKR: What To Expect

The surgeons discuss what happens on the first day after a total knee replacement (TKR). They discuss what is normal and what is abnormal. IF YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR NEUROLOGIC SYMPTOMS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY OF YOUR SYMPTOMS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[lencavallaro]

Had one both knees replaced one month apart (May and June 2022). Surgical pain was moderate at worst, PT was the toughest part. I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle with no limp in early October and went skiing in January. I’m back to walking 18 when I golf. My legs feel 10 years younger. I feel like my surgeon gave me my life back.

[luluvaesau]

I just had a total knee replacement on Tuesday. Is really not bad, is just the pain and swelling. But I watch one of your video you guys said control my pain, stay on top of my meds. And that’s what im doing . So my advice is PRAY BEFORE YOU GO SURGERY AND THE GOOD LORD WILL HELP YOU THRU❤️😇❤️

[GaryNichols]

I've had both TKRs done in the past 14 months (plus 1 THR). By far, the worst part was the PT and pressing myself to the limit. But other than the PT, I had very little pain and healed great and am fully active today. A friend had a TKR just one week after my first one. He refused to push himself and said he would do nothing if it hurt. He claimed the body would heal on its own and was not designed to be in pain. To this day, he has very little flex in his knee and is in pain with every step. He brought this on himself. When the surgeon and PTs tell you to go all in, they are saying it from knowledge and experience. I am glad I chose to listen to that knowledge and experience.

[SaveHawaiiReefs]

Two additional items to warn patients about: one, if your surgeon uses a nerve block you will feel some period of no pain after the surgery -, Maybe even 24 hours. However, when the nerve block wears off you might be slammed with pain. Make sure you’ve started the pain meds ahead of this point in time. Two, icing according to instruction given by the surgeon really helped.

[jenniferelmslie]

Dr. Zalzal was my surgeon for both my knees. Excellent doctor! Can’t say enough about his candour, skill and now with these videos, I see his humour and fun side. They are right about everything they say, but depression and a feeling of isolation should be mentioned. My husband was there for me totally, supported me, took me to every appointment, but I still felt alone, sad, cried a lot. Maybe it was the narcotics? I also didn’t feel great about having each knee done until about week 6, then I felt great, optimistic, and hopeful. After both knees done, healed, my world has opened up and life is great! That, and a good stool softener...!

[musicallover]

I have had both knees replaced and I agree with this video! But my knees feel very good now (one year post op) and it was totally worth it. Thanks to all ortho docs who dedicate their career to helping people move better. I am also a PT, so I have helped others through it. Hang in there folks, you can do it!

[peterinburlington]

I had my right knee done Nov. 2 and it's been a great experience actually. My surgeon did it robotically I really haven't had much pain and the only "discomfort I experienced was more like muscle pulling above and below the knee. I have done the PT exercises and will be done in a couple of weeks. I'm a bit stiff in the morning, but like an old car, once I get moving I'm fine. I am having my left knee done the end of September and will be interested how this goes. I had watched your videos before my surgery and am very glad I did. They were a great help.

[janemaas]

Both knees done. I love them. Used ice for the little bit of pain I had. I was in PT before they sent me home the afternoon of my surgeries Walked with walker to my bedroom at home. PT 3x per week and at home.
I know everyone has different levels of pain tolerance but I’m lucky to be tolerant of high pain levels. Now walking 3-4 miles a day. I’m truly blessed. If you are having knee surgery, hang in there. Your life is going to change for the better. 🤗

[MH-rnsm]

Thank you for the great videos! I had a TKR in January and could not be happier with the result. I urge anyone waiting for surgery to see a physiotherapist for pre-op exercises - I attribute my rapid recovery to being well prepared before surgery, and doing the post op exercises faithfully afterward. There is pain and discomfort for a few weeks but keep reminding yourself with each day you are healing and getting stronger.

[micheles.]

I had double full knee replacement in December. I watched this the day before my surgery. Thank you! It helped me get through my first 24-48 hours once I got home. I had to do it without any pain meds due to horrible side effects, but I made it through and now a little over 5 months post op I’m very happy i did it the way I did. I can now get on the floor and play with my grandchildren and actually take a walk without being in pain.

[halfabee]

I had my second knee replacement 14 August 2023. Left knee was replaced 10 March 2022. The first day I came too and my right leg was numb from hip to toes for 8 hours at least if not 12 hours. The anesthetist used too much anesthetic in the epidural. No problem with eating. Next was my bowels would not open had to have a catheter. (In fact everyone in the ward of 4 had the same issue all had different operations).
Whilst numb I was got out of bed by physiotherapist and squatting down bent my knee in reflection past 90 degrees.
Day 2 was pain full my guts were not working and I eat on day one. I had the worst constipation ever. Exceptionally pain full.
Right knee carried on improving. Went up and down stairs on crutches.
Constipation was cured with so much laxative in every orifice.
Day 3 getting about on crutches and I was discharged.
5 weeks later I had an appointment with my Orthopedic surgeon. 120 degrees of reflection and 5 degrees short of getting my leg out straight. Wound had healed up very nicely. Knee was still swollen and red and I was discharged with the option of further consultation if required. I was walking unaided.
Start of week 6 I had watched a youtube video on how to straighten my knee and practiced the exercise once reduced the straightening to 2.5 degree. Had a physiotherapy appointment and discharged with the option of returning any time in the next 9 months. Compared to my left knee recovery the right knee recovery was traumatic, painful and fast.
For my left knee I was still using crutches for months after.
I presume it was my experience of the left knee replacement which made my right knee recovery so fast.
As I had my reclining stationary bike in place and I had a full body panel for red light therapy.
Using the red light panel twice a day (12 hours apart) expenetionaly improved my recovery.
I started using the bike in week 2 just going back and forward. It only took 2 sessions before completing a complete cycle.
By week 5 I was doing 50 revs per minute for 30 minutes at a resistance of 4.
On day 14 after the operation I stopped taking strong painkillers switching to paracetamol every 6 hours taken with colchicine twice a day.
That bring my recovery to 5th October 2023.
I also iced my knee have a stack of 12 ice pads in my freezer. As and when I felt like it. When the temperature went to 30 degrees centigrade in august I had to purchase additional ice pads.
I learnt a lot from my first left knee replacement.

[carlinglin]

Doing the right knee in four days. These videos are very helpful.

[laurachesvick]

My first day after knee surgery and it is incredibly hard and painful just getting out of a chair standing up using a walker. I didn't expect that much pain and difficulty

[leatherindian]

Had my right knee done at 57. I was walking the same day but at that time they would keep you several days. I took no narcotics after the first day and relied on Tylenol and cannabis. I pushed hard but with caution. Once healed I heavily kneaded the scar to work out the scar tissue. Five years later I have over 135 degrees of motion and have no pain in that knee with the exception of occasional pain from my kneecap (once every couple of months) but the kneecap was never resurfaced.

I used a cane to walk and had a handicap sticker for parking. Now, I can walk all I want and usually park at the far end of the parking lot for exercise. No regrets and I must give credit to an excellent surgeon and team. It was my second best surgery. My best surgery was my 2019 kidney transplant. 😊

[kenore]

Had one done on 3rd of Jan. Worked on strengthening and mobility pre-OP, worked on post operation PT. This led to a really good outcome. The worst part was not being able to find a comfortable way to sleep.

[debclark]

I literally had a TKR outpatient surgery today 3-25-22. So far I’ve had a pretty positive experience. I had the surgery at 10am and it is now midnight. The pain has been controlled with a nerve block prior to surgery and by the pain meds prescribed. I’ve been up and around several times beginning in the recovery room. I was pretty anxious about getting the surgery but I’m glad that I went through with it. I know there may be tougher days ahead with the recovery process, but at this point I would recommend getting the surgery if it is something that you need to get back to a better activity level. Thanks for your very informative videos!

[nancygiven]

Just had my second knee surgery yesterday home today.
Thank you for these videos they helped me with the first knee and they will with this one too. One thing I can add is that moving your leg gets so much easier the more ya do it 👍🏼👍🏼

[Malcont]

I watched all your TKR videos prior to my TKR 5 weeks ago. I appreciate everything you have posted. Thanks to you and my doctor and PA, I can honestly say I walked into the hospital in more pain than I walked out with! I went in with some nerves, and thinking I would do my other knee in a year, now I am excited to do my other knee in 3 mos. Thank you for the videos.

[gingergarrett]

I had TKR almost 1 yr ago and I'm so glad I did it! I would say for myself after about 2 days post up everyday got better! And the cool thing was I could actually see the improvement! Do what your surgeon says! I started w physical therapy at home for a couple weeks and then transitioned to outpt rehab. Keep working/ bending your knee as recommended. I am still getting improved ROM! No more pain of arthritis! Good luck to you!!!

[pamgordon]

I loved that you said to start the exercises before surgery. It helped alot. I had both knees done in the last eight months. It was totally worth it.