Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The surgery typically involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee and replacing them with artificial components made of metal alloys, plastics, or polymers. This procedure can be life-changing, offering improved mobility and reduced pain for individuals with severe arthritis or injury.
A Personal Journey
As someone who has been active and worked in the health and wellbeing industry most of their adult life, I began experiencing knee problems in my late 40s and early 50s. These initially presented as the usual aches and pains, which x-rays revealed to be arthritis. Despite my efforts to stay fit and practice yoga regularly, my knees deteriorated significantly over the next decade. By the age of 60, I was told that both knees required full replacement surgery. While not surprising, the news was still daunting.
I decided to proceed with the first knee replacement without delving too deeply into the details, fearing it might deter me. The surgery was performed under a spinal epidural with sedation. The first night was a blur, but the morning after, I was up and walking with assistance from a frame and then sticks. I stayed in the hospital for a couple of days until the physiotherapy team was confident in my ability to manage basic mobility and navigate stairs with the help of sticks.
Returning home was a comfort, but the reality of recovery quickly set in. I was signed off work for six weeks, naively expecting to feel great and mobile by the end of that period. Reality proved otherwise.
The Early Weeks
I ordered a Limbo’s cover to keep my knee dry during showers, as the wound couldn’t get wet. I also hired an ice compression machine from Game Ready, which I highly recommend. Using it about five times a day for a month significantly reduced swelling, and I often performed my physiotherapy exercises after icing.
Sleeping downstairs became necessary for the first few weeks to ensure easy access to a bathroom. Managing medication was another challenge, as some pain relief made me nauseous, but finding the right balance was crucial for managing pain and inflammation.
Initially, everything felt tough. However, within a short time, I was moving with a bit more ease and learned to appreciate the need for rest and sleep as my body healed. Minimising visitors during the early weeks proved essential, as rest was paramount.
Progress and Rehabilitation
By the six-week mark, I felt proud to walk into my consultant’s office stick-free for my post-operative review. While the progress was promising, I was advised to work on achieving full knee extension, a challenge I’m still addressing.
At this stage, I returned to my YMCA gym for a consultation to design a rehabilitation program for my knee. The gym team patiently guided me through exercises aimed at improving mobility and strength. We worked on both knees, knowing that the second knee surgery was on the horizon, and I wanted it in the best possible condition beforehand. Their expertise and encouragement have been invaluable, particularly on days when the recovery process felt overwhelming.
Reflections
Reflecting on this journey, I can say the experience has been more challenging than I anticipated. As someone accustomed to regular exercise, the frustration of temporary limitations has been significant. However, I remain optimistic, visualising the life-changing difference once both knees are fully rehabilitated.
Hiking, a long-time passion that became increasingly difficult due to knee pain, is now back within reach as is cycling and getting fully back into my yoga. While I’m still on this journey, I look forward to a future filled with active and comfortable living, thanks to the support of my gym team and the opportunities this surgery has given me.
