Total Knee Replacement & Recovery:

A Personal Journal & Practical Guide

Preface / Introduction

At 73, I’m an active guy: yoga, skiing, golf, RVing, and morning walks. Recently, my left knee staged a mutiny, leading to a total knee replacement. This journal captures my journey—warts, humor, and all—while offering tips for anyone going through the same process. Recovery isn’t linear; patience, planning, and a sense of humor are key.

Chapter 1: Discovery – That Grinding Feeling

Years ago, I started hearing grinding in my knees. A day on the slopes at Big Sky, MT, my left leg gave out. Ice, Advil, and knee braces helped temporarily, but a gym workout revealed my left leg had zero strength.

Dr. Mathew Rose diagnosed osteoarthritis: bone on bone. We tried cortisone and then Orthovisc injections, which worked miracles for over a year. Yet skiing, walking, and daily life revealed the limits. Eventually, surgery became inevitable.

Tips:

• Listen to your body—pain is a signal, not a badge of honor.
• Keep a knee brace handy during activities that stress your joints.
• Explore non-surgical options first, but know when to move on.

Chapter 2: Ski Season 2024 – When Things Got Real

Skiing again, snow conditions were rough. Rocks, thin snow, and awkward turns intensified knee pain. My right knee started screaming; walking became tough. I grabbed a cane and faced reality: surgery was no longer optional.

Real Talk:

• Knee pain doesn’t care about your vacation plans.
• Postpone fun if it saves long-term mobility.

Chapter 3: Surgery Prep – Not Just Legwork

Patient Partners Surgery Center in Gallatin, TN, became my prep zone. From walker practice to house modifications (goodbye rugs, hello shower chair), I learned how unprepared my home was for recovery.

Humor Break:

• Attempting to navigate stairs with a walker felt like a circus act.
• Shower chairs make you feel vulnerable but are worth every moment.

Chapter 4: D-Day – Lightning Bolt in the Knee

Surgery went smoothly. Dr. Rose warned me about the “knee blocker”—a painkiller that hits like lightning once it wears off. I walked 50 feet on day one. The pain was real but manageable. We developed and medication chart to keep us on track

Chapter 5: The ER Run – Not Always Fun

A swollen calf prompted an ER visit; fortunately, it was just a hematoma, not a clot. Major surgery will throw curveballs—expect them and keep a sense of humor.

Chapter 6: Weeks 1–4 – Learning to Walk Again

PT sessions with Steph were tough but vital. Showers, medication timing, and ice packs became our new reality. Flexion went from 75° to 117° by week four. The walker gave way to a cane, then independence.

Tips:

• Meal prep saves sanity.
• Keep ice packs in rotation.
• Invest in toilet rails and a shower chair.
• Track flexion: progress motivates.

Chapter 7: Weeks 5–8 – Finding Balance

I learned the fine line between pushing too hard and resting. Outdoor walks, gym visits, and careful RV maintenance became benchmarks. Swelling dictated pace, but slowly, confidence returned.

Humor:

• Overdoing it felt like a battle with my own leg.
• The cane? Comfort zone turned crutch.

Chapter 8: Weeks 9–14 – Regaining Strength & Confidence

Driving, walking, and climbing ladders returned. Flexion and strength improved steadily. Swelling persisted with overexertion, but I was regaining independence. By week 14, Dr. Rose declared my recovery outstanding.

Tips:

• Gradually resume hobbies.
• Watch for swelling; it’s your body’s caution flag.
• Keep a balance between exercise and rest.

Chapter 9: Life After Recovery – Lessons Learned

Summer workouts, yoga, and walking rebuilt flexibility and strength. A short RV trip tested stamina, preparing me for skiing again. Humor, patience, and persistence were my best tools.

Real Talk:

• Recovery is messy, non-linear, and frustrating at times.
• Celebrate small victories: standing, walking, kneeling.
• Keep your sense of humor; it makes the journey bearable.

Quick Tips & Takeaways:

• Prep: Shower chair, rails, ice packs, meal prep.
• PT: Flexion exercises, pacing, home practice.
• Pain management: Timing meds with PT, ice therapy.
• Lifestyle: Walking, yoga, gentle strength building.
• Motivation: Document progress, laugh at setbacks, celebrate milestones.

Closing Thought:

If you’re facing a knee replacement, know this: you will recover, you will walk again, and yes—you can ski, RV, and live your active life. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a few laughs along the way.