Total Knee Replacement Surgery

I had one knee totally replaced so it's certainly not the same thing, but I'll share my experience. I was in alot of pain prior to my surgery and swam through most of it, but honestly didn't even want to get off the couch most days because of the imminent pain. Eventually I gave in to my doctor's recommendations and had my right knee replaced. This was on May 13th of last year. The positives: I am pain free today. I swam in my first meet 10 months after the surgery and achieved 7 out of 9 personal bests. Swimming was a big help in the recovery especially kicking. I am no longer depressed. (mostly caused by persistent pain) Strength is better than before the surgery. Can take on many activities that I could not before. Blood loss was not an issue. There are many more benefits but mostly all related to removing the pain from day to day living. The negatives: Post operative pain is intense (although I now would say if I my other knee went I wouldn't hesitate to have it replaced). Rehabilitation is tough and painful especially in the early going. (You have to push through - this task is not for wimps). Rehabilitation can take quite a while (3-6 months). The pain killers required can really knock you for a loop. (wasn't sure if this should be in the positive column or not :) ) It was about 2 months before my doctor let me get back in the pool. When I did pushing off the wall was the most difficult along with range of motion on the flip turns. However, if you don't push too hard the flip turns are actually a great way to build back the muscles in your legs. Using fins was beneficial provided you don't overdo it. By 4 months I had rejoined my team practices and could mostly keep up but fatigue was an issue for a little longer. By 7 months, I started pushing myself pretty hard swimming 5-6 times at 3500-4000 yards per practice. I am still improving and my knee feels more normal every day. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can answer, but I am sure double knee replacement is more difficult and definitely requires recovery and rehab at a facility (which I would recommend).

I had one knee totally replaced so it's certainly not the same thing, but I'll share my experience. I was in alot of pain prior to my surgery and swam through most of it, but honestly didn't even want to get off the couch most days because of the imminent pain. Eventually I gave in to my doctor's recommendations and had my right knee replaced. This was on May 13th of last year. The positives: I am pain free today. I swam in my first meet 10 months after the surgery and achieved 7 out of 9 personal bests. Swimming was a big help in the recovery especially kicking. I am no longer depressed. (mostly caused by persistent pain) Strength is better than before the surgery. Can take on many activities that I could not before. Blood loss was not an issue. There are many more benefits but mostly all related to removing the pain from day to day living. The negatives: Post operative pain is intense (although I now would say if I my other knee went I wouldn't hesitate to have it replaced). Rehabilitation is tough and painful especially in the early going. (You have to push through - this task is not for wimps). Rehabilitation can take quite a while (3-6 months). The pain killers required can really knock you for a loop. (wasn't sure if this should be in the positive column or not :) ) It was about 2 months before my doctor let me get back in the pool. When I did pushing off the wall was the most difficult along with range of motion on the flip turns. However, if you don't push too hard the flip turns are actually a great way to build back the muscles in your legs. Using fins was beneficial provided you don't overdo it. By 4 months I had rejoined my team practices and could mostly keep up but fatigue was an issue for a little longer. By 7 months, I started pushing myself pretty hard swimming 5-6 times at 3500-4000 yards per practice. I am still improving and my knee feels more normal every day. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can answer, but I am sure double knee replacement is more difficult and definitely requires recovery and rehab at a facility (which I would recommend).