I had my first knee replacement 19 years ago. At that time, when you woke up from the surgery, your leg was in a CPM machine (continues passive motion) and I have wondered if that is still in use now? Did you have it? After the surgery, it was routine to go right to Skilled Care, in-house, for 10 days .OH! The torture! and then home. The CPM went home with you. I've forgotten all the details, but the CPM was to be used a certain number of hours a day . It was painful, but appreciated, because very few if any, would get that much exercise otherwise. It stayed hooked up on my bed, and I could put myself in and out of it by myself. I used it a lot at night, and believe it or not, I did sleep quite a bit with it on. At home, it was my choice to stay by myself. (My DH died in 1982) I preferred to rest, eat, and sleep whenever I chose to, and not have to be disturbed. Family and friends made sure I had food, and all required goodies, and came by from time to time in the early evenings. Six weeks following surgery it was physical therapy at the gym. Had the second knee done ten years later. Same routine. Ice packs? Before you have the surgery get a couple large bags of frozen peas, and put them in the freezer, ready on demand. Doctor recommended. After all these years my knees do cause pain, but without that surgery I probably would be in a wheel chair. Hang tough! maire_cate, just read your post. When I had my first one, I asked the surgeon to do both; he wouldn't, and back then no other surgeon would either. You did really well. Sue

I was my Dad's primary caregiver through two recent TKRs. The first was May 2012; the second was 5-months later - SAME KNEE. The first TKR resulted in worsening pain; no amount of PT would have helped. The prosthesis was the wrong size, and not aligned properly. (It was done by an experienced, board-certified surgeon who is the director of Joint Replacement at the hospital.) My Dad is still recovering from his October 2012 surgery (different surgeon) - VERY SLOWLY, but we have to keep in mind that he is recovering from the trauma of TWO surgeries. My point is (similar to sephia) is to be fully informed ahead of time. The Bonesmart website has been an invaluable source of information, and is a great support group. The above cases are "exceptions". I have heard and read about many successful outcomes, and I wish you the best. Please keep us posted. Here is a link that might be useful: Bonesmart

I want to thank everyone for your good wishes. I will answer some of your questions. I am still going to to PT 3 days a week. My knee is doing very good & my range of motion is 125 which they say is great. My problem is my ankle. The Dr said when you have knee surgery your ankle will swell but when I fell the first time I hurt it. By the end of the day the ankle is 3 times the size it should be. I am having PT on that too. marie-ndcal, they have checked me for everything you asked about & all was normal. lisa fl, I am not home alone, my husband is here with me. I am not doing too much but my body was run down with that many surgeries in 1 year. 1 surgery was planned but the others were not. jemdandy, I know there has to be a reason for my passing out but no one has been able to find out why. I do not get tunnel vision before I pass out. I was talking to my husband & in the middle of saying something I stopped & was on the floor. I have no warning at all. This is not the first time I have passed out, this has happened over the years & many many tests. I don't think there is a test out there that I have not had & all have come back that I am fine.

Sorry I'm so late in getting back with responses to all of you. I sincerely appreciate the time you've taken to write and help me get past my fears. And each of you have touched on different aspects of the surgery/recovery process and shared valuable information and experiences. I need to have both knees done as they are both "bone on bone", but actually do not hurt all of the time. That makes it easier for me to question if I'm doing the right thing. I used to enjoy walking as a form of exercise, but now have trouble with any distance walking. I do water aerobics instead. I can not shop on concrete floors for more than 30 minutes. I find myself not doing things I used to if it involves much walking and that feels very limiting. I did get a RX for "pre-hab" PT to get in shape for surgery knowing it was in my future. I did that for several months last summer and have continued with the exercises at home. I've also been doing water aerobics for the same reason. I'm slowly getting prepared. Fori: I'm hearing a lot of comments about people wishing they would have done it sooner. I hope I feel that way! Rita: I hear you-that's why I'm not waiting. Gscience: Your sister sounds like she really turned it around! Hhireno: What the bff's boyfriend is now doing is really encouraging! Aok: Your MIL gives me hope! Jmc & 3katz: I hope I'm one of those wishing I had done it sooner! Iowa: Hoping for results like your dad and not your aunt!! Cawaps: Yes, the risks are one of my fears. I always think I will be the one that is the exception and things will go wrong. And my doctor does a spinal block and I've never had one. Cooper: That is why I'm going thru with it now, rather than waiting. Mojomom: Your DH gives me hope! Maire_Cate: I wish I had the nerve to have both done at the same time and could get it all over with at once. I don't. I do use a pad now for gardening and also one inside for any kneeling purposes. Glad to hear you can still garden. I may need to purchase a garden cart. Westsider: I do hope your pain has lessened and things are looking up. Anglo: I am hoping the pre-hab will pay off. Faron & Maire: I've heard great things about the ice machine and have already purchased one and it is the Breg! Southern Vesta: I think I, too, have gone thru the grief stages. I haven't had other surgeries affect me like this. Kathy Yata: Sounds like you've come a long way and your trike sounds interesting. Thanks, Liz