Wow..five years have already passed since my total knee replacement surgery. As the saying goes..”where’s the time gone?” Anyways, it’s time for a tkr update. Thanks for reminding me of this. I am a success story for a tkr, and grateful for it.
* Nothing much has changed since my last update, actually. I am in good health except for my bionic knee.
* My knee still swells up when I overdo it. Sometimes it hurts, other times it does not.
* I can kneel, but not with as much flexibility as my “healthy” knee. That’s no big deal since I couldn’t really do that prior to my tkr surgery.
* I can walk without pain. That’s a crucial improvement, when compared to before surgery.
* I still am not on any medications. Considering my age, and the feedback from heavily prescribed friends, I am very proud of that fact.
* Sleeping is no problem at all. How grateful am I for that?! 
* Flexibility is around 93. That’s what it was prior to my tkr. Once again…no biggie. I would absolutely not have a manipulation done. Never even considered it. If someone else wants to do it, that’s their business.
* Sitting is fine as long as I take periodic breaks and stretch. That’s the same for any healthy person, though.
* Exercising daily is crucial for everything, including keeping the tkr operating well. I regularly engage in swimming, stationary bicycling, walking and stretching.
* My body is properly nourished, which plays a huge role in keeping everything operating well. I eat minimal processed foods and concentrate on getting plenty of nutritious, whole foods in my system.
* I maintain an ideal weight that is “weight-height proportionate” to reduce impact on my joints. That’s easily done with exercise and eating properly.
That’s about it for now. How’s your post-tkr update going?
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My doctor and therapist have recommended a manipulation — I have about 95 degrees ROM two months out. I was unable to aggressively start physical therapy right after surgery because the anastesiologist put in my epidural incorrectly so I had problems with pain management, or lack thereof. I’m curious why you wouldn’t have a manipulation.
Hi Camille,
Hope this helps.
Thanks for visiting my site and leaving your comment. Truthfully….I believe manipulations are another income source for tkr surgeons and medical professionals involved, with the procedures being far too easily recommended to patients. That’s my opinion. Many patients, however, do need them. And..who am I to say what works for someone else? Maybe the patients are requesting relief from their lack of ROM. I don’t know.
In my case, my knee ROM before the tkr was about where it is now. Therefore, a manipulation has never been recommended to me. And, I would not ever consider having one done for just that reason. Take a look around my site. You’ll see other postings and comments regarding knee ROM and manipulations.
Remember…everyone is different.
Keep in touch and good luck!
I agree your take on knee manipulations. I have seen many over the years however there has not been much success with them. Many of the patients I have seen that have had them, really were not willing to push themselves any harder than they had prior to the procedure.
Therefore,no change in the ROM after the manipulation. If your knee gives you a functional ROM after the initial rehab, go with it.