[5String43]

I had a knee replacement in 2008. My case apparently is not at all typical, according to my doc, but here's how it went for me:

Surgery July 2, a Wednesday. Supposed to stay in the hospital for five days, get out Monday or so.

Man, the hospital is a terrible place. Hot, cold, noisy - I talked the doc into releasing me on Thursday - he said he'd do it if I could be comfortable on pain meds taked orally. So - home Thursday afternoon with some pretty powerful drugs, which I took only when I absolutely needed them. I was so happy to get out of that place.

Went for my first drive on Saturday - leg very stiff, very tough getting into, and out of, my car at the time - a 3 Series. Sneaked out while my wife was running an errand. She was not pleased that I had done this. But I needed to.

Went back to work the following Tuesday - would have gone Monday but my wife, who looks after me like a mamma bear, would not allow this.

Was hiking across the Scottish moors exactly a month later.

Now, some comments would seem to be in order:

My doc told me that for whatever reason, I seem to have a high tolerance for pain.

I just decided that this surgery was not going to slow me down and get in my way - I decided I would heal as quickly as possible. I promise you, it can come down to being merely a matter of will.

It is not easy. Getting around was tough. I was reliant on having an automatic transmission. For the first week I was totally reliant on a cane. I did not use a crutch as that would have been too unwieldy around the office.

The most telling thing that happened was about a month later - a woman in the office told me, "Well, you must be feeling better - it's good to see that you've finally got some color back."

Total recovery? At least a year, and it's critical that you do the rehab, and work hard at it.

Payoff? My steel knee works great. Absolutely terrific.

Three downsides: The metal knee appliance doesn't bend to as great an angle as the OEM item; and when I sit for a long time in one position, as one might while on a long drive (think Lost Angeles to the Frisco Bay), the bones aches a bit - I mean, after all, they've got being metal wedges jammed into them. Also, the appliance absolutely lights up the magnet thingy in the airport security line. You will be sentenced to a complete search each and every time you fly.

But I'd do this again in a heartbeat - and may have to, eventually, as the other knee also is damaged.

That said, I will note that I've a pal who had his done a year before mine - he is still troubled by his knee. So as always, your results may vary.

Good luck with it - it is doable.

-JFT