Can anyone give me a pretty good run down on post-op knee replacement?

I have heard and read that it is hard.I would like to how long before you could do little things, recovery period , how you manage pain etc.
anyone know of a good book on post knee replacement? I would appreciate any knowledge you have from experience. Thanks!

I have been an orthopedic nurse for 25 years and yes it use to be a very painful and difficult surgery. I wont say its easy but the usual hospital stay is 3 days for a total knee replacement. I cant say for all surgeons but the ones I work with have their patients up the day of surgery if its done early but defiantly the next day if not. Pain control the first day is usually Demerol IV and after that Lortab seems to work very well for bone pain. I have seen many knee replacements and many returns to get the 2nd one done with nothing but rave reviews on how it has improved their lives. Some people go to rehab. for a week or two after the hospital but most just do outpatient physical therapy..Yes it is hard and it all depends on you and your motivation but from what Ive heard it is very much worth it.

It is a hard thing to go through. My dad had it done, and he is not the same...it's been over a year ago that he had surgery. He can get around a lot better than he ever has been able to, though. Just be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and when you are on a limited exercise/walking plan...be sure to watch your weight. My dad put on some weight and it didn't help him at all.

I live in Canada I am 64 years old -I had a total knee replacement on my right knee six years ago- I was in the hospital for 5 Days -but it was the best thing I ever had done-
they get you up the very next day to do exercise- When I returned Home there was no more pain and I could do a lot more around the house than before I had the surgery -I read a book on knee replacement it gave a general Idea of what happens but the surgeon I had did some things a different way -It was great to be able to walk out of the hospital with no cane or crutches and no more pain - - -I am waiting now to have my left knee done can hardly wait for them to call me- I hope they can get me in soon -I do not know were you live but I live in the Province of Ontario and every one is covered under OHIP Hospital insurance -so every thing was paid for
so there was nothing I had to pay