Golf after total knee replacement?

[dfvxc]

on both legs

Hi all,

My father had total knee replacement surgery on both his legs some months ago. I'm still away from home and haven't seen him since the surgery. I've heard that one can still play golf after the surgery, but I haven't heard any details beyond that.

He and I started to learn golf together, and I would love to play together with my father and have him enjoy the game.
Can he still enjoy the game? What does he need to watch out for in his swing?

Any info/experience would be much appreciated.

[KevCarter]

Hi dfvxc,

 

I can't give you specifics, but a good friend of mine had both knees replaced at the same time at the age of 65 (approx). 3 Months later he was hitting balls, 6 months later he was playing full bore with no pain. Your dad and my friend must be very tough SOB's to have both done at the same time. I can't imagine ever going through the pain and therapy they need to get back, but it can be done!

 

Good luck with your dad, I hope it works out as well for him as it did my friend!

 

Kevin

[tam]

My grandpa had both his knees replaced, but not at the same time. The first one he had done when he was in his early 60s. Against doctor's orders, he was out golfing and drinking beer 3 weeks (yes, weeks!) after the surgery. Same thing when he had the second one replaced about 5 years later. He said that the pain from the surgery was nothing compared to the pain he had before.

 

My mom is a nurse at a surgery center where they do lots of joint replacements. She rants all the time about double knee replacements; she hates them. She says it takes so much longer for people to recover and regain their strength, because it hurts so much for them to get up and do anything let alone exercise or physical therapy. If you have at least one decent leg, you can get around better and get, literally, back on your feet a lot sooner.

 

Anyway, for what it's worth, my grandpa I think enjoyed golf a lot more after the knee replacements because it was a lot less painful. But like I said, he had one done at a time, and his recovery time was very short compared to having both done at once.

 

Good luck to your dad and wishing a speedy recovery.

[dfvxc]

Thanks so much Kev and tam for sharing your experiences!

 

Kev, LOL yeah my dad is indeed a tough SOB. I'm in my early twenties and his mental and physical toughness still amazes me. I'm most definitely too pampered..

[chappy1]

Not exactly the same but my dad had 1 knee replaced in Aug last year, within 3 months he was walking and playing a few holes within 4 months 9 holes was a breeze and from 6 months on 18 holes was no problem.

 

I play with him almost every week and he hasn't felt this good in a looooooong time.

 

Good luck from me to your dad.

 

Ditto Kev's sentiments your old man is one tough SOB.

 

Cheers

[Logie]

ITs a bit late, but my dad plays alot of squash with someone who had both knees replaced. If he can play squash, theres no reason why you cant be golfing.

 

Just dont be greedy, give it 3-6 months and easy into it slowly, then you will be back playing with no worries!