Updates from Suzie Andrade

From Tears to Tools: 5 Emotional Surprises After Knee Replacement and How to Cope with Each One

Let’s be real, sister—total knee replacement recovery is not just about physical healing. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and if you’re anything like me (or 99% of our Titanium Group), you’ve probably felt all the feels in a single afternoon.

One minute you’re queen of the recliner, nailing your exercises and dreaming about hikes and heels… and the next? You’re crying over a sock that won’t go on right. Girl, SAME.

This isn’t just in your head. Between the pain, the swelling, the weird sleep schedule, and the sudden craving (or total disinterest) in food—it’s a lot. And don’t even get me started on well-meaning friends and family who ask, “Wait, you’re still in pain?” 😳

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE OVER IT (BUT YOUR KNEE'S NOT): THE TRUTH ABOUT RECOVERY TIMELINES

 Knee replacement recovery isn’t just about physical healing (actually far from) — it’s also an intense mental and emotional journey. If you’ve ever felt frustrated during your recovery, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that frustration isn’t your enemy — it’s actually a sign that you’re learning?

Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, recently shared a powerful insight about resilience. She explained that the emotion most associated with the "learning space" — the gap between what we know and what we're figuring out — is frustration. And let’s be honest, few things throw you into the deep end of the learning space 


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FROM STIFF TO STRONG: My Secret Weapon for Easing Post-Knee Replacement Tightness

If you’ve ha d a knee replacement, you know the struggle is real when it comes to leg tightness. That stiff, cranky feeling? It’s not just in your head. I see so many people mention calf pain and IT band tightness after surgery, and let me tell you—I was right there with you.

My secret weapon? A massage gun.

But before you start going to town on your leg like a jackhammer, let’s talk about how to use it the right way. Done correctly, it can be a game-changer for tight muscles. Done wrong?




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15 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Week 1 of Knee Replacement Recovery

 But here’s what I realized: the more you prepare before surgery, the smoother that first week will be. I saw it firsthand when I had one knee replacement where I was winging it and another where I was much better prepared. (Spoiler alert: the prepared knee healed way better!)

So, I’m sharing 15 questions you must ask yourself before you roll into the OR to ensure Week 1 goes as smoothly as possible

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PREHAB LIKE A PRO: THE BEST EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN BEFORE KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

PREHAB LIKE A PRO: THE BEST EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN BEFORE KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
One of the biggest complaints after knee replacement is stiffness. Prehab exercises improve your range of motion, helping you avoid that “cement block” feeling post-surgery. The more you can move now, the easier it will be later.
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Meet Suzie Andrade

 
I was 41 when I was told that I needed a knee replacement and then likely my other knee would face the same fate.

stopped playing softball.
stopped walking just to walk. 
I stopped using stairs and curbs. (Yes, CURBS!)
stopped parking miles away from the store simply to get extra steps. 

One day, I was on the beach, walking through sand and cursing every painful step. I wanted to walk to the water, but it was not possible. The water’s edge was too far. It was that moment I decided enough.

I drew the proverbial line in the sand and made a decision to get it done. I was 43 years old. 

I was 45 for my left knee replacement and 46 (7 months later) for the right knee replacement, because I pushed the knee too long before replacing it.  I had my right knee replaced at 48.

I had no idea that in that pain I would find purpose. I am so grateful that each of the joints have way surpassed my expectations for recovery. Mostly because I knew they would. I had no doubt they would. 

I now share the Yetter Getter Mindset and the way I got through those recoveries in a thriving free community on Facebook.

It’s where you belong.  I Am Titanium

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