Ten years ago I had a total knee replacement. Everything went fine as I remember it. I’m scheduled to have my other knee done now. They told me I would be having a pain pump this time. Do I really need it? I seem to remember getting along just fine without it last time.

Pain pumps are used now to deliver drugs directly to the joint. The pump is designed to make it possible to release a small amount of numbing agent and narcotic to the surgical site. The goals are good pain relief and less need for strong narcotic medications.

They seem to work well, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. Patients are able to sleep better and function better. Some studies show faster recovery in rehab. With less pain, the patient can move better and with less stiffness and fewer compensatory movement patterns.

It sounds like your previous experience went well for you. But many times we don’t recall the extent of pain and dysfunction experienced years before. So give it a try at least for 24 hours and see how you like it. Anything that gets you up and moving again is worth a second look.