How Painful is a Total Knee Replacement?  

I like your pain scale. It should be adopted universally.

My knee replacement was extremely brutal. Yes brutal. The pain was at a 10 for 4 straight weeks. I was only on 5mg of pain meds and Tylenol. It was awful. I could barely walk, as my leg was extremely weak. So happy for those that had so much less pain. My doctor had to increase my pain meds because i couldn’t function. It was the hardest situation I have been though. I am now 7 weeks post-op and I am doing so much better.

I had my surgery 10 days ago and found it was easier then ever expected. After the first couple days I asked for pain meds only every 12 hours. I continue to do my therapy exercises everyday. Glad I had this done, even at my age of 81.

I am a 68-year-old male. Had robotic TKR two weeks ago. Pain has been nothing more than an annoying ache. Took NORCO for a few days but stopped due to fuzzy head and constipation. Pro Tip: Be sure to have MiraLax available and use it at first sign of constipation. Day three - Switched to Two Alieve and Two Tylenol 12 hours apart. Had about the same pain reduction effect as NORCO without side-effects. Iced and elevated often. Did not push for ROM during swelling. On walker for two days. Then cane for a few days only. Extension = 5. Flexion = 101. Now, two weeks out. Taking two Alieve and two Tylenol before bed. Back to general housework and light hiking. Pain is still a 2 or 3 but I just ignore it. I could knock it back more with meds, but feel it is better for me this way. Occasionally, wake up around 3:00 a.m. with some pain, so I just wrap with ice gel pack and go back to sleep. Overall, this TKR experience has been kinda mild - MUCH less pain and difficulty than expected. Pro Tip 2: Don’t watch too many videos about the horrors of knee replacement. Just stay in the present and make adjustments to issues in real time. Get off NORCO soon. Don’t let PTs push you hard into ROM when you are still significantly swollen. Muscles will return naturally. Gel ice packs cool the knee for about 15 minutes which is what you need to prevent tissue damage. Avoid ice machines. Eat fresh, healthy food. Stay hydrated. Cut back sugars and alcohol. Sleep whenever you feel like it. Relax. Smile. Wishing you all the best.

I'm 80 years of age and had my Knee replacement surgery 7 days aog. My worst day, by far was the Second day (70) when I felt I had hit a bick wall! Now feelingaround 7. Time is the great healer, roll on 12 months

I’ve had a few severe operations one nearly losing arm ,many surgeries and skin grafts and I’m telling you for me having a knee replacement is by far the worse.I’m three months post op and its not good. I do all that’s expected of me , I’ve gone back to work part time but it’s really painful. This op I believe isn’t for everyone. I was in pain before but now I’ve got pain and disability . The physio says legs straight fantastic bend really good, just can’t walk for more then 30 mins then I’m leaning on walls or having to stop and not move . I’m not having my other leg done too barbaric, people who haven’t had one or even surgeons you don’t know what it’s like and everyone’s different so it doesn’t help telling us how to feel. I hope anyone who’s having one soon that it goes well and the pains bearable.

Tony, you nailed this. I had a right knee replacement 1/9/20 and the nights were the most difficult for me. My wife, the dogs and I hiked 2.5 hours yesterday and my pain level was zero. To all the people out there that think this is never going to get better and they will never get their life back I am living proof that you can. My knee no longer swells after hard activity and to be honest I very rarely think it about it anymore. I worked hard in therapy, used my ice machine daily and elevated 4 or 5 times per day. Most of my pain started to lessen after 10-12 weeks and I was pain free after 18-20 weeks. My max pain range would be 7-8. I worked hard at therapy and I did my exercises at home. Once done with therapy I continued to work hard and push myself and my knee started responding positively. If you do not do YOUR PART you will not see optimum results. Before my surgery my knee was on my mind constantly because of the pain and swelling. Once in a while I will have a little stiffness but overall it feels pretty darn close to my real knee before my football injury in high school many years ago. I have more flexibility than I have had in over 30 years. This surgery has given me my life back and we can enjoy the outdoors like we did many years ago. Nothing but best wishes for anyone going through this journey and those getting ready to. I wish I would have had it done years ago.

I’ll tell you Tony…. It was pain beyond what I was able to imagine… I’ve had 5 babies… and you are right… that first 2 weeks was pretty significant pain… caused me to burst out crying several times because I didn’t feel I could cope…without meds….Im not sure what I would have done. After the first 2 weeks (week 2 was slightly better than week 1, but still excruciating) things got a wee bit better each day…. Thank goodness!!! For me… it’s been a slow heal… bend is slow also…. Am at 3 months and only bending at 90… but still improving slowly. Am seeing Dr tomorrow and may need MUA…. Hoping not 💗🙏Thank you for all you share on your channel 😊🙏💕

I had both my knees done about 14 months apart. The turning point on the pain was about week 4 to 5. I'm so glad I had it done. Very close to the knees I was born with.

I'm on day 10 post-op. I feel strong and healthy; anxious to get back to my life. I think the reason being for my positive recovery is due to how well prepared my body, mind and soul was. I've always exercised. I eat extremely healthy, buying and preparing my own meals. I do not smoke, drink, or do any drugs. My attitude is quite positive and first and foremost, I am a devout practicing Catholic. Life is unbelievable!

I had a TKR Oct 18th. It was done outpatient and I was able to discharge within an hour of arriving in the recovery room. My first day was ok because I still had the benefit of having the anesthesia in my knee. I was advised to take short walks 1x an hour on my 2nd day. The pain was a 7-8 especially at night so pretty intense. Day 3 was my first PT session which was only an assessment but the therapist was impressed that I was able to get a 90° bend 3 days after surgery. I was given some exercises to do and went to my post-op appointment right after where I got some x-rays and doctor was happy with my progress. Since then, I have had 3 more PT sessions and I am at 114° bend as of my 3rd visit. I was able to get full rotation on the bike sessions 2 (for 4 minutes and 6 minutes on the 3th visit) Tuesday will be my 4th session so I am hoping to see continued progress. I can't say that I have had "pain" since day 4 and I have been off the prescription pain killers (consistently) since day 2 post op, using Tylenol day 3-8 for break through pain. I will take my prescription meds an hour before my PT sessions but have not needed any other pain meds otherwise. I hope this helps someone.

I had both done at the same time. I have a high pain tolerance. My pain was the worst pain I've ever had. Even worse than childbirth. Scale of 1-10. It was 20 for the first week.

I just found this video and I am in my second week 2 days of a total knee replacement. I have trouble with pain meds( they make me nauseous and I get sick), so the doctor has put me on a medication called Gabapentin. This has been a life saver. I walk for 30 minutes,then row on the rowing machine for 15 minutes, then I do 4 sets of step up step down exercises. The pain is there but very tolerable. Then i ice the knee and I’m good. I love this video. Thank you sir for sharing. I hope I’m on the right track to recovery.

I'm 6 weeks into recovery and my pain is 8 or 9 during therapy. It's been a painful discouraging process. Chin up and power forward.

Insomnia hit me hard. Never slept sound the first 7 weeks, even with melatonin and Benadryl. My PA prescribed a sleep aid for me to get my body back on track. The pain I had curbed my appetite, too. In six weeks I lost 20 lbs. I am happy with that part!

I went in at 8AM was sitting in a restaurant at 3:30! Recovery was a bit longer 10 weeks! Rent the chair it really helps,and do yourPT. 6-8 months for full mobility! I was 75 at the time!

I had both knees replaced on November 3rd. The worst pain that l have ever felt in my life. Days and nights were hell. It took about five days for me to stand with a walker. I was in rehab for two weeks, terrible pain. Now after six months l am able to do things that l was not able to do in years. No pain, totally worth the suffering.

I am terrified thinking that next week I'm going for knee replacement, but watching these videos listening to testimony of different people I gain strength and courage. I know it is painful but better to do it once and be pain free. I'll come share my story when I'm done. Big thank to all of those who shared their experiences. ❤️

Tony, thank you. I had the Mako total knee replacement on 05/31/23. At 76 years old with osteoarthritis, my pain tolerance was extremely low. The oxycodone and oxycodone ER didn't' seem to touch the pain for at least 3 weeks, and at almost 6 weeks post-surgery, I've still not had more than 2 hours of continuous sleep during the night. PT is very difficult. My body's response to the drugs made it more difficult to concentrate. Yet I'm now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The muscles, tendons, ligament, or whatever that was cut to get into the knee still scream a bit, and amazingly, the bone itself, where the pieces went in, also hurt, but it's gradually subsiding. I write this for the sake of those who literally have a very low pain tolerance. Keep doing whatever you can, and keep bugging your surgeon, PA, PT, nurse navigator, or whoever, because they're your greatest professional help. Mine were definitely shocked at a my low pain tolerance, but are working with me. Will I have the other knee done? Right now I'd say a definite no, but looking at the videos and reading these other reactions tells me that perhaps, down the line, I might.

Love it when people who have never experienced the pain they are trying to explain to those who are the ones who have to actually deal with the PAIN and all the side effects of the pain medication.

I’m a 60 year old teacher. I received my first knee replacement last November (2020)and currently I am getting ready for my second knee replacement. I don’t like pain, but overall the pain was tolerable. My husband was awesome, but I had a good friend stay with me for the first four days. She helped me with my exercises and my medication. My suggestion is to do your exercises religiously because it’s going to help you later on. Also, take your medication around the clock. This will help with your exercises! You will weed off your meds later on. Don’t worry about becoming addicted! If you skip on your medication now, you will increase your pain; therefor you won’t want to do your exercises! Exercising is extremely important:-)

I am 3 weeks post BLTKR and think you nailed the pain time windows here. Up until 2 weeks post-op my pain levels were between 5-10 with one emergency trip to the ER due to a bout of blinding pain. But then around 2 week mark the intense surgical pain just dropped off over the course of a few days. Today is exactly three weeks post-op and it is the first time since surgery that I can read a book, it’s crazy to think my pain was so great that I was unable to read a book which is my favourite thing to do.

I’ve had 2 knee replacements, one in 2015 and the other in 2017 and even though I had quite a lot of pain, the worse part was having the staples removed. I’m now mainly pain free even though I’ve started having the odd twinges now. But I can now walk for miles. Glad I had it done. I was in my 50’s when I had them done.

Bilateral knee replacement. 72 years old at the time. Now 82 and doing great. Had rotator cuff surgery 25 years ago. Also doing great. About rehab. I would rather have my knees done again than my shoulder.

My surgery was 6 months ago. I was so afraid of getting constipated that I never took narcotics. I utilized ice, elevating, And stuck to my P. T. Exercises like my life depended on it. If I had any discomfort in the night, I threw off the blankets, did 30 front leg lifts, 30 side leg lifts, pain resolved, went back to sleep. During the day, I discovered that "motion is lotion" was actually true. Resisting the urge to curl up with a blanky and cry, movement (in the right way) was the best therapy of all. I'm a 65 yr. old female, having labored and birthed enough times to know that listening to and working with pain is always better than trying to get out of it by any means. And often that means getting all the education on the subject you can find. Not as abundant as you would think. That was the most painful part of all, alone, afraid, confused ,.... Then I found Tony's channel and it made all the difference. Frankly, I'm confused as to why I have a surgeon and 3 physical therapists, and yet I found the best help on some you tube channel. I should probably tell my surgeon that maybe his best follow up treatment plan could be to simply refer and direct his post op folks to Tony's channel. Then this whole TKR reality wouldn't be such a nightmare!!!

At 51 y/o I had my TKR done on 5/16/22 and to date I’ve completed my PT 3 weeks ago. And I’m feeling extremely elated with my progress. I’m almost back to 100%. Now for me day 3 was my worst by far on the pain scale. But it gradually wavered over the course of 3 weeks. I would suggest doing the pre surgery PT. As I did 6 weeks worth prior to my surgery date which helped tremendously. And did 17 weeks afterwards. Be sure to search out the best orthopedic surgeon you have available to you in your area. I wish that my wife pushed me to get it done sooner as my quality of life is back to what it used to be. I’m now walking 5 miles twice a week and while it’s sore afterwards I feel so much stronger now than in prior years. So if you’re thinking of getting a TKR don’t wait just do it you’ll be happy you did trust me. Don’t wait 7 years like me to get it done. Good luck to anyone thinking of having it done. You’ll do just fine.

Left knee was replaced January 28th, right knee was replaced May 14. I have a very low tolerance to pain and thought it was excruciating with the 1st knee. I never gave up, did all therapy and worked out 3x a day. 3 1/2 months later I could really see improvement just in time for 2nd knee. Now 4 months in on 2nd knee and am walking at a good pace every day. Left knee has loosened up a lot. I feel by January 2021 should be back to normal. NEVER GIVE UP. IT TAKES TIME AND A WANT TO!

I just had my second knee replacement yesterday. I am in excruciating pain right now. So bad that I’m shaking. I am fighting to keep my blood pressure up. Every time I stand up it drops. With the first one the bottom number was 36. Today with the second knee the bottom number is 46. They can’t do too many pain meds because of the blood pressure. This is horrible. I’m glad there are only two knees.

I had both knees done at the same time on 8/26/22. You nailed the pain scale. I would say the toughest period is the first 8-10 days, gradually getting better from there. I had many moments where pain jumped to an 8, maybe even 9 at times. This Friday will be 3 weeks from surgery date and my pain levels have dropped dramatically. I’m so happy I had this done. The reason I did both was it only made sense for me to go through the pain, the therapy, the time, etc only once. It was tougher than I thought it would be but I feel better already and see light at the end of the tunnel. The following are a couple things I’d like to mention. In the surgery prep they place tourniquets on your upper thighs to restrict blood flow during surgery. This causes pretty severe bruising with a lot of pain for about 80-85% of the people getting it done. The other issue I had was the sciatica pain caused from the tourniquets being used. This flared up my sciatica nerve and caused additional pain throughout the first couple weeks. I told my surgeon about it and he immediately put me on prednisone and I felt some relief pretty quick. This was a blessing. I’m mentioning this stuff to help you discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery and hopefully this will help alleviate some possible discomfort. Once I had the Sciatica pain under control it was so much better to deal with the pain from the surgery. The Tourniquet pain and sciatica pain is just as hard to deal with as the surgery itself. The key to remember here is no two surgeries are identical and everybody’s experience will be different. Best of luck to everyone.

What you have said is exactly 💯 I have had both knees done & I'm in week 2. What I experienced now is no where near what agonizing pain I was going thru before the surgery. I'm glad I done the surgery.

Tomorrow will be my mother's first full week after knee replacement. Your insights with those you've worked with were spot on after I just showed this to her because she also wanted me to find something to show my father about the recovery period/post op. Thank you.

I am at day 17. The pain was the worst for the first week or so. My base was about a 4, going up to a 5 or 6 when pain meds were due. I am now taking pain meds every 6 hours and keeping the pain level at a 3 or 4 when moving around. I think your assessment is correct. The first two weeks are the worst. After that, it is do-able with incremental improvement every day. I never regretted having the procedure done. I needed it! Only time will tell if it is worth it, needing 6 months to a year to properly judge. Rehab is slow and can be frustrating. Managing my own expectations are the hardest. I ask myself every day "Am I doing/feeling better today than I felt yesterday?" So far the answer has been yes. Keep up the good work with the videos! I appreciate the support for my journey!

I was 74 when my left knee was totally replaced because of degenerative arthritis. My pain was truly almost none. I stopped the heavy duty pain pills after four days and relied on Tylinol only except for PT days. I even stopped that after the 2nd week. I reached my PT goals during week 3 but continued until completing 6 weeks. I was blessed by having a great surgeon using the latest techniques and support staff and a high threshold of pain personally. I was walking within an hour of returning to my room and an introductory PT session within 4 hours of return to my room - which I walked to but rode back. I did the prep PT program prescribed and aggressively attacked the PT session. (Like in the Army - "More PT First Sergeant!") It was an excellent experience all in all...great doctor, great hospital and staff and awesome support at home. I tell everyone that my last significant pain was walking into the hospital.

I have had both knees done by 2 different surgeons AND 2 different knee’s (Attune & Stryker) First remember, the pain & discomfort you will feel will go away unlike the pain you felt prior to surgery. 1- The knee itself does not hurt but the skin/incision will be very sensitive. 2- The worst pain is created by the tourniquet they use on your thigh. It bruises your muscles & can make them not work for a few days. PT can help get them to “fire” again. 3- Nights can be the worst but sleeping with your knee outside the covers and using a pillow between your legs can help. 4- Your surgeon’s technique can eliminate a lot of the potential pain. Everything they do you have to heal from. So one of my surgeons was rough (I have the video of my surgery), the other surgeon (female) was not rough. The recovery was completely different. 5- Don’t start PT the week of your surgery, let your knee recover then start PT week 2. Remember, all of this post op pain is a pain that will go away 👍🏼👍🏼

I had my knee replacement surgery 5 days ago. What you said about questioning your opinion to have the surgery is where I am. My friend who had it 4 years ago is now being my coach to me on track. When you’re in pain and on a walker, I am losing my path. So my opinion is if you are going to have the surgery, find a friend that can keep you on your path.

Explaining pain levels in this way has really helped me out. At least now I know I am progressing as I should. I am 4 weeks today and am experiencing most of the things you have mentioned, super stiff in the mornings but gets better as I start my exercise routine.

I had a total knee replacement no pain at all. I was 80 yr Old took no pain meds and did rehab in the hospital one day and in the AM before I went home. Walked with a walker in the hospital but not at home. Walked up the step of our deck and in the house. I am 84 now and no problem, still no pain pill needed. Incision is just a thread line over the knee. It's all mental thinking. I went into this operation just like all other ops and in my mind three days and it will be all over and sure I ought it always worked. Good luck to all who undergoes your knee. I also had both total hips done with the same senarial

I had a total knee replacement 1 month and 2wks ago. I can honestly say this was the worst pain I've ever had. I'm thankful that I'm doing so much better now I'm still having mild pain but not nearly as I was I'm walking and driving I still can't bend it like I use to my physical therapist say that's normal and I want really be able to bend it like I did before. The pain does get better any they say about 6months from now I will be in a much better stage in my recovery 😊

Thanks for your insight. I am going for my total knee replcement surgery. It's a big heads up. Thanks A Million.

The total exhaustion exacerbates the pain. Your broadcast is very close to beyon point, especially from someone who hasn’t had TKR. Thank you

Thank you for a frank appraisal of what to expect - I had a TKR 6 years ago and have recently had a hip replacement on the same side (right) the hip replacement was much easier. I really like how you say you want to hear from people who have had the operation because you have never had one. There are too many people on RU-vid who give advice very easily who have absolutely no idea of the pain after a TKR. Thank you.

Reassuring video. Having my surgery on August 1 2023. Worry about the pain.

Had total left knee replacement on March 22, 2023. Don't mean to be redundant but be sure to do your home exercises regularly and also attend physical therapy and work as directed. If you can do home exercises like quad strengthening before surgery it would be a big help in healing. The first two weeks were painful but lessening of pain proceeded regularly after that. I needed help with toileting for the first few weeks but managed once I was able to better flex my knee. Make sure you do regular knee extension work. It will really pay off whenever you begin walking without assistance equipment. Just keep in mind, you will feel much better by 3 -4 months.

I had my left knee done in March 2021 and my right knee done in June 2021. My experience…This is a very painful healing journey. I had intense pain for the first 5 weeks and the opioids didn’t give me much relief. Nights have been very difficult. Everyday I told myself tomorrow will be better but to be honest the first 5 weeks it wasn’t. I started feeling some relief at week 6 but nights did not improve until 8 weeks. I am on week 9 of my second surgery and 5 months from my first and both knees still hurt and are stiff every morning. I have faithfully done my exercises 2 times a day and actually over did my activity more than once and had to take a week off. I have found more is not better and because I have a high pain tolerance I have pushed myself to hard at times. It is a balancing art to push just the right amount to bring healing and not harm. I love my New knees and I would do it again but be warned it hurts for a long time.

Day 0 hrs after surgery I was asked to stand up. Pain level 9. Day 1 asked to walk 150 ft pain level 9 walked 15 steps on stairs. Went home on day two started physical therapy at home pain level 6. Keep doing your exercises and do medicine. I went for slow walk with wife. Goal keep moving ice, meds, rest. Elevate leg don’t overdo it rest!

Hello, When I listen to you, I feel that I am addressing someone who really cares and comfort his patients . Now on the pain scale, I can determine the degree of my pain to the doctor, God bless.

Had TKR 7 days ago. Found your video to be spot on.

Thank you for your videos! They are very informative! I am a 76-year-old woman, exactly 5 weeks PO. I think I must be really lucky because I've never had really bad pain. Your expression of the mornings being worse, midday being best, and a person really being exhausted by it all in the evening is very true. They had me get up in the hospital in the afternoon after surgery. I went home the next day. I did have difficulty sleeping for about the first 10 days, but it was discomfort and achy, not pain. I started PT two weeks after surgery I really made an effort to try to stay with the program. Yesterday, at exactly 21 days PO, I walked 1.6 miles in addition to steps around the house. I think it was a little too far, as I was quite stiff this morning. I'm just going to go out right now and aim for 1.25 miles. My pain right now is zero. What I have is stiffness and swelling, but those are alleviated by walking and getting off my feet. And if I feel a need, I will use either ice or heat. As a point of reference, I am not in the best shape and I'm about 50 pounds overweight. But I feel very lucky. Also, I greatly appreciate your videos on extension and flexion. Those have helped. Thank you!

First week was tough. After that, continuous improvement. Now 16 weeks, PT X 2 a week, full range of motion, no pain. Way better than before surgery.

I've had over 3 surgeries on my left knee and nothing has helped me be pain free, and it will never be any better. I had my right knee replaced just over a year ago, and it's still getting worse every week. The doctors are trying to find the cause but with no luck. My balance is off because of my left knee no longer bending, I envy all those with success, and I hope it stays that way. Good luck

I had total knee replacement 3 years ago, have had scar tissue removed and exrays than had the nerves in my knee blocked and than nerves burned, now I have so much pain in my knee and upper leg so had a MRI done of my hip and waiting for results the pain is shocking 😢

I remember an Orthopedic surgeon stated that the first 3 months your knee owns you. I would say that is absolutely true. I am an experienced TKR patient now into my 4th week of recovery from second TKR. I tell everybody that to just expect me bitchin' about everything TKR for 3 months then I will start being a reasonable person again. LOL

I cried all day everyday from extreme depression after my surgery because of the anesthesia. I cried fir 40 days straight. The pain was horrible snd lack of sleep very difficult to deal with. I managed my physical therapy okay but dreaded nights. Now seven months in I am doing pretty well .

Tony, the most intense pain i endured was felt on days 5 & 6. In the ensuing days, i had no need for morphine and relied on Tylenol alone. Not surprisingly, after physio classes the first week, my pain was back with a vengeance. The most difficult for me is standing after a prolonged sitdown for meals. Stairs are a breeze if the basic rules are followed: up with the good, etc. Good sleep and rest are a must, as well as exercises. These videos by Tony i swear by. Clear, concise, and reliable information!

I am 93 years old and had a complete knee replacement on Nov.21/22. It took 2 years to find a Doc that would do the operation due to my age despite severe pain of an 8 at times, by your calculation of pain levels. The only pain relief my family Doc. would offer was Tylenol, which I found barely helped at all. I came home the next day after surgery, was cared for by my son who did an excellent job. For most of the first week, I was in bed, by day eight I could make it to the washroom using a walker. By the end of week three, I was exercising and by my six-week visit to my surgeon, my leg was pain-free and could bend backward even more than most could accomplish. Without this surgery, I had considered MAID as the pain was so severe, yet I was refused any medication except Tylenol.

Had my left knee replaced in June 2021. Pain was not as bad as I feared , maybe a 7 at worst but I was able to keep on top of it with narcotics in the first 3 weeks and lots of ice packs. Previously, narcotics have given me terrible constipation but the lower dosage wasn’t a problem. 12 weeks later I’m walking 3 miles a day and playing golf. Glad I had it done.

On the Universally adopted pain scale (Australia) and 3 days after surgery (one walking on a frame, one back at home) My knee pain AM is 7, Noonish 7 and night time 7. After 2 other joint replacements, I advise that people get up asap, do small exercises and get the heck out of the hospital system. Each time, I left the hospital rooms full of people with staff trying to get individuals mobile. It's very personal, pain is personal and in the long run, fear can be an ambulatory killer. We need to walk through that fear and pain.

Age 71. Had the left knee replaced 2 weeks ago. No way I can imagine doing this to my right knee. I always believed I had a high tolerance to pain. Been told that by several doctors. These 2 weeks have been hell. Makes me understand why my brother in law shot himself when they couldn’t control his mesothelioma pain. Morphine, oxy, nothing controls the pain. Hard to believe some of the things others have said about their results. I exercised before, and have kept them up. PT says I have advanced to a week five level by pushing through. I am not a wuss, but I will be glad to get some relief and sleep.

I’m six weeks out after a total knee replacement of my left knee. The anesthesiologist injected long acting pain medication with the epidural. I believe he said it was a long acting morphine medication. Surgery was on a Wednesday and I really didn’t have pain until Saturday. I controlled the pain with ice packs, Tylenol and a pain medication that the doctor gave me. Within 5 days I started physical therapy. The hardest thing for me to do at the beginning was getting in and out of the shower. I had very little swelling compared to some patients which may have helped to reduce the pain to some degree. The annoying aches were located behind my knee, with stiffness, and not being able to stand for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Continued movement is essential and by week 2 I was able to bend my knee to 109 degrees. You do have to push through the pain and that helps the recovery process. I’m extremely happy with my total knee replacement and can’t wait to get my right knee done.

I had TKR 2 weeks ago and I can say everything you say is right on. The first three days were pretty terrible, even though on the pain scale I would have to rate it at about a 7. Now, I am down to 1.5 doses of hydrocodone a day, and the pain is probably goes from 2-6 throughout the day. My experience of night time pain is the opposite of what you describe. It feels best at night. Perhaps because I have one of those ice machines, and I have an adjustable bed so I can elevate my leg above my heart. Morning is the worst. The most important take away is that the pain is not constant. It will vary throughout the day, so at worst you may have short bursts of extreme pain.

First two weeks was painful,very little sleep. I used pain killers as needed. Fourth week,still pain,less pain med. I’m on my fifth week now,no meds but sleeping a bit challenging. Pain still there but much less .I would say the first three weeks were the hardest. Thanks

Ditto on the pain scale. It should be universal. I had a TKR 12 weeks ago having lived with arthritic knee pain 24/7 for 15 years. Immediately, post surgery, that pain was completely gone. I had a number of new pains however, as a result of the surgery. I did the prescribed exercises, no more, no less (Important). And, I did notice a daily improvement each day, for the first 6 weeks. Staples were remover after 10 days. 14 days later, the dressing was removed and stitches were dissolved. The surface wound was healed, but inner healing takes longer. For the first 6 weeks, I noticed a daily improvement, I noticed a weekly improvement thereafter. After 4 weeks my knee was better than it had been for a decade and a half. Three months on, the knee is slightly warm to the touch, so, still healing inwardly. But I can now walk! My wife said to a friend, "It's like dating a new man. The other night, he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk. I can't remember when he said that to me last"! Still applying the ice pack to reduce the swelling. I can see how it takes 12 months for a full recovery, As for pain, it quickly reduces to discomfort and id nothing like the persistent pain I lived with for 15 years. Shane Guerin was my surgeon and I would recommend. OI hope this helps.

My pain from my Totally Knee replacement ranged from a 2 to 10 for the first 8 months...The Best description of the peak ( 10) of my pain is : " Taking your bottom lip and stretching it over your head"..Thank God for Pain Meds.

Tony thanks for your lucid and clear definition of the pain scale. I'm 71 and 26 days ago under went bilateral knee replacement. Yesterday I overdid my phase 2 ( weeks 3 and 4 ) physical therapy. I think I foolishly added 1 exercise of my own which was strapping a light weight to my ankles and doing about 40 repetitions of stepping up two steps. I did this for both legs. Later in the afternoon I had to visit my MD on a previously scheduled checkup. While out we decided to stock up on some groceries. Long story short I over did it. Left knee swollen up and a pain level of about 5/6. Today not game to exercise so just elevating knee above heart and frequently icing. Have you heard of problems like this from your other subscribers?

I'm at 6 months po and I'm still in alot of pain .. I had to go back to pain management... I went through 3 knee surgeries this summer .. I can't imagine doing another surgery... i'll loose my mind.. this was the hardest thing I've ever done... im 39 yrs and wonder what kind of life can I have ... thanks for the videos I've seen most of them...

I had a TKR at 67. At 69 I went Snow skiing. Just on easier runs then encouraged by that decided to give water skiing a go after a 6 year break. Any dramas were more psychological than physical. I'll head to the snow again, not sure about the water. My surgeon was awesome. Knee replacement for me was a complete success.

I had a right knee total replacement about 2-1/2 weeks ago. I seem to be an exception to the averages. My pain level was manageable from day one. It was definitely uncomfortable and with certain movements there was some sharp pain. My pain most of the time was more of a constant dull ache which spiked a little when I tried to walk or sit on the toilet or get out of a chair or get into the car. And I went home the day after surgery and had the most excruciating pain when I had to climb only 4 feet of steps to get into my house one day after my surgery. It was because I had no choice, but to put nearly a full load on the new knee. I was told not to drive until a minimum of two weeks, but on day five after my surgery, I decided to see if I can operate a vehicle with my right leg and foot. I tested my leg out, pressing the gas and brake pedal quite a bit before I actually drove my car. My knee was definitely sore and stiff, so I had to be careful to make sure that it didn’t freeze up on me and prevent me from pressing the gas or brake pedal. Getting in and out of the car was slow. I used my walker for about 5 to 6 days, and then I traded it in for a walking stick that I had. I really didn’t need a walking stick but it was a good reminder that I needed to be careful walking. Fairly close to the two week mark, I began walking without any aid at all. At 2 1/2 weeks now,I still have a lot of stiffness and pain at times, but I’m doing my exercises regularly. I am extremely pleased with how my recovery has gone. I still walk slowly, and with a little bit of a limp. I feel very blessed, because a friend of mine in his mid-60s did not have it this easy. He didn’t want anyone near his knee because it hurt so bad. I have never felt that way. I don’t think he drove until the third or fourth week. But then again, we have another friend, a lady who was 90 years old, who, although she doesn’t drive, did as well as I am doing. Peoples’ bodies and pain tolerance levels are all very different. I feel very blessed.

This week will be 7 weeks ago that I had total knee replacement. First 2-3 weeks pain was not fun. I stopped oxycodone after 2 weeks, but still should have been on it. But didn't like the way it made me feel. Things are going much better and glad now I had replacement.

I had a knee replacement in July of 2020. I had a very easy recovery. The pain was a lot less than I expected and it didn't last but a couple days. The post op pain was nothing compared to the years of pain I had in that knee before the replacement.......Here's a tip...keep your leg moving and keep up with your PT.

I had my first knee replaced 5/18/22 and the second on 7/28/22. It has been a difficult time. My first knee was doing well at 4 weeks and my pt cancelled my last week of therapy because I had accomplished all the goals. The second knee was more painful and slower to progress. I wasn't able to drive until week 6 with the second knee. At 6 weeks I began doing water workout classes and exercises on my own. I spend about 2 hours in the water 3 times per week. I still have tolerable levels of pain and stiffness but realizing that I've had 13 years of gradually declining mobility I believe it will be a long haul to get where I want to be. I can already do many things I was unable to do before surgery. It's been well worth the time and pain. I have worked and am working very hard to accomplish my goals. It is a must. Those I have talked to that have been unhappy with their new knees simply didn't do the work for the most part.

I had my knee replaced 3 weeks ago. The first two weeks were very difficult but I am starting to feel better now. I just started being able to sleep so be ready!

Neil S…I am 8 days into my TRK replacement recovery and have been quite lucky so far. I have had no pain but more what I would call excessive discomfort from the black bruising from ankle to groin and severe swelling. It’s the heat at night which has kept me awake for 2 nights but changing from a 13.5 tog duvet to a 3 tog improved things massively. I also use a cold gel pack which I was sent home with from hospital 2 or 3 times a day. Having the dressing changed twice has also been a big help as it released the swelling pressure which exposed my 38 staples. I am able to sleep on my side providing my 2 knees aren’t together due to the bruising through the axis of my knee. Bending the knee is difficult due to the swelling but that is improving daily. An issue when walking is lifting my heel to balance myself as my legs were a different length, a habit proving difficult to break. So far I’ve only taken paracetamol/ibuprofen regularly and not had to use the morphine which I was sent home with. Good luck to everyone who is recovering, especially the double knee patients. Finally, many thanks to all the NHS staff in Grantham hospital…the care was exemplary.

I had my knee replacement December 14 2020 I’m now into my 6 week post op and still experiencing pain. I have seen my Surgeon a week ago, and she told me my ex ray looks good and that everything seems to be going well. So why still pain. I’m still sleeping in my recliner chair. (The most comfortable:)) Love your videos

My hip replacement was a breeze I was not prepared for all the additional pain of knee pain after surgery even after seeing my husband having both knees replaced one in Spring other in Fall. My husband a rancher and now climbs 6 ft ladder with 50 lbs feed bag on shoulder and also throws 70 lb hay bails. There is life after surgery. I know it works just hard going through it.

I am doing well with being able to walk and even climb stairs, but I have significant pain in the calf, outside part of the knee. My PT says that this point which has the most complexity of the joint. I am exactly 4 weeks from my surgery. I am hoping the pain recedes each week with the stretching exercises. As mentioned on the video, the pain is worst at night and when I wake up.

PT was agony. 8-9 every single time. I have arthrofibrosis which prevented bending past 75. After a failed MUA & arthroscopic scar tissue removal I was told, "You get what you get." The different therapists used straps & help me down as 2 of them pulled with all their strength to get my knee to bend. I was told to take a (heavy duty) pain pill before each session & it did nothing.

I am 6 days post surgery. Pain is much worse than I was prepared for. Hard not to get discouraged. My wife took off to help and thank god she did. Nights and early morning are worse. This has to get better. Trying to limit the OXY by using Tylenol but can only take so much. Most of the pain is below the knee but also above the knee. Part of my problem is the temptation to think something more serious is wrong. Patience has never been my strong suit. Thanks for the video and for being a sounding board.

The pain of the surgery to Day 10 was uncomfortable, really not bad at all. The pain I feel with the exercises/stretches based on this scale is an 8/9 every time. I sweat, I shake, I feel nauseous - then I cry- I SOB. And then I do the next rep. I’ve been told I have worse joint capsule stiffness that 75% of people. I’ve had 3 prior surgeries -ages 16, 29, and 30. I am no wimp. And I am young -51 yrs old. I’m a past athlete, an exercise physiologist, and a hypnotherapist. I’m using everything at my disposal. I’ve recovered from rotator cuff surgery with a frozen shoulder post-op. That was nothing compared to this. I fight for every degree, every repetition. This pain is shaking me to my core - it’s coming close to breaking me. I’m at Day 18 post op.

Tomorrow’s will be 3 weeks since my surgery. The pain has subside a lot but the PT can be rough. One thing that really helped me was I bought one of those circulating ice machines that wraps around your knee. It turns off and back on every ten minutes. I would leave it on all night and it really kept the pain and swelling down. I purchased it on Amazon.

I am starting my third week of TKR. Your comments are right on target about knee pain. The first 10 days were the worst. Then the pain started going down. On day 11 I moved off of the painkiller medicine to over-the-counter Aleve. It could’ve been Excedrin or Tylenol. The surgeon cut out the metal staples today. The most painful part of the last two weeks was doing my exercises that involve bending the knee. No pain no gain

Had tkr 4 days ago and highest pain level was at 2. So far it's been going very well. Biggest problem is constipation. Had PT yesterday and I am ahead of schedule. Stopped taking oxycodone and now just on Tylenol.

Thanks for a great video. Was having difficulty with the pain scale and you nailed it. My surgery was six weeks ago on 4/13/21 and the first week was tough. Had surgery on a Tuesday, home on Wednesday and up the steps to our bedroom on Friday after PT. Hit the eight scale several times but going into the second week I was at a four level and had a great PT. I liked your pain scale mentioning that it was hard to breathe being an eight. At week five I started walking and am walking about 2 miles a day with no pain. The morning after I am a little stiff with minimum pain but have reached the level of walking without thinking about it. If needed I would have the other knee done without thought and a lot sooner.

I did my right TKR ten years ago. I almost didn’t think I was going to make it. Two weeks after my surgery, I was in the Emergency Room; my leg from my knee down had turned black. My body was rejecting my new titanium knee. The ER docs were great; they listened to everything I said. I am allergic to everything; the ER docs told me to go home and take the strongest allergy medicine that I had, and to not stop until my body started accepting my new knee. It took two weeks. Ten years later, the pain in my right knee is a Zero. I had Severe Endometriosis; for me, childbirth was a 9.5. My right TKR was a 9.5 on your pain scale. Here I am ten years later, and I have to do my left TKR. I have no choice. My left knee “buckles”, and I am going to fall if I don’t do something. Different surgeon, but he is top knotch. I am on the surgery calendar. I am scared. I am doing my exercises… I know therapy will be very painful. But, in the long run it is the only thing that actually helps. I have multiple flights of steps throughout my house; they are my own personal therapy. Those steps are why my right TKR has been such a success. Keep The Faith.

I had a partial right knee replacement and did well then had to have a revision so had a total knee replacement 13 years ago and it was the most painful surgery I ever had my orthopedic surgeon did not give good pain relief and I was never so miserable in my whole life. I still have pain in that knee and decided not to get the other knee done. I broke my right hip 2 and a half years ago and was walking without a walker or cane within 2 weeks. For me the pain was awful and I have a high tolerance to pain but of all the surgeries I have had it was the worse.

I only hit 8 on the pain scale my first day after surgery. After that my pain management was very good. I stopped taking medication around the clock after 2 weeks. Now I only take it at night to get better sleep.

Spot on thanks for validating my pain. Day 16 and pain is at a 6 sometimes a 7-8 at night. The hardest recovery I’ve ever had. Nurse practioner came on day 12 and helped tweak how I was taking meds so it helps by not lettting the pain peak to. 8-9 so it does not take so long for relief. I ice consistently and heat has reduced a lot. Must work thru stretching lifting leg to fight against scar tissue. But that’s another topic but the pain is starting to be more manageable. Worse was first 3-4 days 24 hours and then night was the worse still is. Morning is stiff evening 5:30 pm on pain starts setting in. Thankyou I hope my comments are useful.

I’ve had a knee replacement 5 weeks ago today. Worst pain I’ve ever had and I’ve had a dislocated hip in the past! The first few weeks were pretty bad. I’ve had intense pain in my hip and hamstring, probably because I hadn’t walked properly for several years. Here on week 5 I can go up and down stairs and do some light chores in the garden. Still having trouble getting a decent sleep as hip and knee pain wake me up several times and sometimes just can’t get comfortable to go back to sleep. I’m doing all my exercises and stretching but still have enough swelling to limit bend to about 90 degrees. I hope to get on top of the hip pain soon and increase range of motion. If you are having one done try to do as much preoperative stretching and strengthening first! Good luck!

What made my pain bearable was a canister that we would fill with ice and it was connected with a tube to a leg wrap that went around my knee and it circulated ice water around my knee. It really helped! I also slept in my recliner for a few months because I couldn't lay in bed with my knees on top of each other. And the therapy I received from first the in home therapist and then the regular physical therapy was spot on just right. It's been about 3 years now and I walk pain free. I am so glad I had it done.

I agree mostly with your overall assessment on post surgery knee pain. My PT's confirmed that it's a more intense recovery than most hips or other joints surgeries. I'm not sure I ever "normalized" after 5 days-I was a 6/7 for many months. Five years later I still seem to have many #2/3 days. I can't figure out how some folks do 2 knees at the same time and survive it !!

Hi Tony, Good Information on your video. I'd just like to pose a question. This is my 2nd knee replacement on the opposite knee. I am using my pain meds as prescribed and trying to stay ahead of my pain. For the most part, it's working well. My problem is that I am still having pain especially with exercise and like you said, it can really come on at night. I am now running low on meds with continued pain and basically am told, no more pain meds- thats it! I am not "seeking" drugs but since when did the "experts" stop believing the patient when they say that they are having genuine pain? A total knee replacement is a BFD! It seems too me that its better to medicate so that one can get through their exercise regimen, rather than not exercise to avoid the pain. I get why some patients don't push themselves. It's because they have a fear of being in pain and not getting appropriate refills.

Hi , new subscriber here😊thankyou for your content all the way from OZ🙌🏼😊.. I am 2 weeks today TKR , i'm 60 and weigh 43 kg and thankyou for your pain scale, so i am permanently at an 8 most of the time! it's Totally yuk!! and i am regretting having it done😩 i am exhausted from the pain. i have had tests to check for infection .. all clear .. no blood clots and just awaiting xray results. so good news in a medical point of view. I have 7 children and can honestly say that i have NEVER cried due to pain levels throughout any of my labours nor two CSections. This TKR has had me in tears soooo many times so far! and it's just constant right up to my hip. i cannot wait for a change to occur 🙏 at this stage i am saying .. NO way will i go back for my second one! thankyou for reading and i will continue to try and be the positive person i normally am.. breathe and meditate on healing 😊🙏

I’ve had both knees replaced, two years apart, and went back to work after 3 months.😊

It is the worst pain I have ever had, and still have 6 years later!

Some really good info in the video and the comments. Thanks to all. I'm 67 and have serious knee pain due to some of the things I've done in my younger days. As they say, payback is a bitc@. Lol. Anyway, my doctor says knee replacement is the only answer for long term relief but I've been hesitant to get it done because I live alone and can't get my cats to do anything for me. Not sure how I would manage the pain and take care of myself. Guess I'll figure it out eventually.

Best thing I ever had done, had both knees done and as soon as I woke up from surgery I KNEW the bad bones were gone along with the pain, the rehabilitation therapy was painful though

Before this, I had just watched a video of a computer-guided TKR - and now understand what underlies at least SOME of the variability in post-surgical pain. My main problem was medial compartmental osteoarthritis - there were a constellation of bone spurs, soft-tissue issues combined, and a fair amount of mal-alignment. Others may not have as great a degree of varus as I did, or are fortunate in that they didn’t need to have extensive soft-tissue work done - thus being spared that element of trauma. I had the inside of my patella capped - some don’t. Also, my surgery was performed with a tourniquet (known to amplify recovery pain). Considering all the factors of my operation - together with my sensitivity to many other things - I’m not the least bit surprised my pain was so severe ...and my recovery so challenging.

Your assessment is pretty accurate. The first week post op, I thought I had made a terrible mistake. By end of week 2. The worst pain was over. Weeks 3 thru 5 were weeks of great healing and regaining my independence. I am in week 6, and most nights ate still rough, but starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am 19 days out from a left total knee replacement. You hit it on the head. Nights are awful. My sleep has been rough. Last week, I had literally the worst pain of my life. I cried for over 3 hours. I couldn’t get away from the pain in my calf. The knee was fine. This was after having a Doppler to rule out a DVT. Went into PT the next morning and begged him to help me. Turns out it was all the blood pooled in my calf which was totally covered in bruising. He spent 35 minutes working the blood up towards the knee. I’ve not had pain worse than a 2 in my calf since then.

At 60, I suddenly developed swelling and pain. I knew I'd need to get some form of surgery for my knees, but as I watch this video I am breathing heavily, having difficulty seeing, very sensitive to sound and there's no way I can perform the simplest task. 3 years in a job that I sit in front of a computer screen along with 2 hours a day in commuting has literally stolen my once vibrant health. I'm reminded of the saying "move it or lose it."

Had left total knee replacement 1 year ago this month. Had a manipulation 2 weeks ago on same knee. Horrible pain and depression following surgery last August. Pain began to be tolerable at week 6. After one year have stiff knee and some pain. Manipulation has not helped. Back to ice and elevating. Would never do this again! 1 month update since manipulation: Doing much, much better!!!! I rented a CPM machine…miracle machine I swear! PT is over for now at least. Hoping to be released in one more week from surgeon. yay!