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Gardening After Knee Replacement

harmonyharmony Posts: 368
in Plants
Hi, I've just been put on the waiting list for knee replacements ( both knees 3-6 months apart if all goes well )
Has anyone had this done and how did it affect your gardening, I know you cannot kneel but I'm interested to hear of anyones experience. My main 2 hobbies are gardening and walking my dog and both are being affected at the moment and I am hoping both will be improved after recovery time. I would be grateful for anyones experience. Thanks

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,740
    I've no personal experience, but I know someone who plays a lot of very active golf after two knee replacements ... certainly his life has been transformed since the ops. 
     
    However, don't do what he did and ignore medical advice about when to start being active again ... he ended up back in hospital with sepsis ... just do as you're told and you'll be fine, with lots of happy gardening to look forward to.  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,027
    My sister had a replacement in February. She's diligent about the physio - that's the most important thing with any op or injury. I ripped my rotator cuff in a fall a few years ago, and made sure I did the exercises every day as instructed, including when I was out on hills. 

    She's been doing quite a bit in the garden, but is aware of her limitations just now. She's now walking a good bit further too - she can manage a couple of miles without any problem.  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,410
    I know it's not the same but I had a partial hip replacement late 2019. I thought that was the end to my gardening on the allotment but now I forget it has even been done.
    As mentioned above you must follow the rules although it may seem a long time to be out of action. I was unable to do anything for six weeks but it was well worth it. Probably three months before I was back to weeding. I was lucky it was Winter so didn't miss much gardening weather. My SIL's mother had a knee replacement and she is fine and we are no Spring chickens I can assure you.  :)
  • Bright starBright star Posts: 1,146
    I had total knee replacement 4 years ago and it’s been a very positive experience, I can play golf, walk for miles and continue gardening, I can kneel but have to wear knee pads and don’t put my full weight on the operated knee. Like Fairygirl said, physio is absolutely key to getting a good outcome even though it will be uncomfortable when doing it at first. Grit your teeth and work through the pain and think of all the things you’ll be able to do again. Good luck!
    Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

  • ElferElfer Posts: 329
    edited May 2021
    Both my dad and sister have had knee replacement surgery and agree with above, only thing I add is that they get you up and active as soon as possible, focus is on bending your knee and that requires physio and following their instructions on a daily basis. IIRC it takes around 2 to 3 months before they could fully bend their knee.
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    My lovely Irish friend is still umpiring hockey matches after 2 knee replacements at the age of 76.

    With typical Irish humour he said the only disadvantage is that he cant sit in front of the fire any more in case they melt.!
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • harmonyharmony Posts: 368
    Thank you everyone, really appreciate the posts
    Haha Newboy2 I will remember that one :)
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