Re: Left knee replacement next week

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/28/2011 7:28:37 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

Bowen1957@... writes:

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the brea

thing tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months

Same problem with me. I had a spinal block and could not feel anything from

my waist down. I did not need the tube down in my throat. Worked OK except

I did not get feeling back for about 7 hours after surgery. My sleep apnea

gets worse when I lay on my back so I had to buy a recliner chair to sleep

in for at least two months. I just hit the 5 year CPAP machine use where

Medicare will buy a replacement CPAP machine. My practical nurse will not

write a new prescription as she says everything is working OK. Any ideas how

to get a new prescription?

Brickey

[Guest guest]

Brickey it doesn't matter if you have no feeling for 12 hours, I would think

that would be a good thing.

don't know about CPAP machines someone else might be able to help there.

-- Re: Left knee replacement next week

In a message dated 4/28/2011 7:28:37 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

Bowen1957@... writes:

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the brea

thing tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months

Same problem with me. I had a spinal block and could not feel anything from

my waist down. I did not need the tube down in my throat. Worked OK except

I did not get feeling back for about 7 hours after surgery. My sleep apnea

gets worse when I lay on my back so I had to buy a recliner chair to sleep

in for at least two months. I just hit the 5 year CPAP machine use where

Medicare will buy a replacement CPAP machine. My practical nurse will not

write a new prescription as she says everything is working OK. Any ideas

how

to get a new prescription?

Brickey

[Guest guest]

Marie

I have had both of my knees replaced in the last year and a half. I also have

sleep apnea, and spent some time researching the options , anesthesia-wise, when

I had the first one done. I found that I did not need to have general anes., and

that there were other options, with the conscious sedation, a spinal and femoral

block. I am in the Chicago area, and not sure where you are. Both times I had

no issues with anesthesia, and with the block, the first day is actually very

comfortable pain-wise. I think the good balance is getting the pain meds right,

but not too much, so you can move around the first few days with assistance, but

are not hurting too much. Good luck with your surgery, and hope it's a better

experience. I am five months out since my last surgery, and don't regret either

one. The better quality of life is so worth it.

Kim

>

> Hi,

>

>

>

> I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

>

> I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

>

> It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

>

> I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

>

> My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

>

> Marie

>

[Guest guest]

Marie,

I am 63 yrs. old and had both knees replaced at the same time in Aug. 2011. It

was minimally invasive surgery and although the first couple of weeks were hard,

I was up and doing almost everything I did before in just 4 months. I was in

the hospital for 5 days where I started PT right away and then I went

immediately home where I continued my physical therapy for a couple of weeks

before heading to PT in town. (I exercised on a recumbent bike before the

surgery to strengthen my muscles and I think it helped a lot.) I used a walker

for about 3-4 weeks at home and then a cane. (but after 4 months, the cane was

just in my way and I gave up carrying it.) My doctor does not put you on the

machine that bends your knees, nor the compression stockings. I had the booties

that inflate for your circulation while in the hospital. He also prefers, if

possible, that you go home instead of to a rehab facility. He feels patients

try to do more at home then when they are in a facility. At home, they told me

to get up and walk a little bit every hour and not to put my knees on pillows.

If I wanted to use pillows, then to put them under my heels. I was also told

not to sit in a recliner because they preferred my knees to be straight out, not

bent. I did work hard at the PT but I was extremely happy at the strides I

made and within 4 or 5 months people were saying they could not believe I was

out and about walking on two new knees. (and I was, by that time, driving our

pickup truck which is quite high to step into) I am thrilled with my results

and wish you and everyone else awaiting knee replacements the same success. For

me, it is so nice not to have any pain in my knees any more. I understand your

concerns about having young children running around you. Perhaps they will

enjoy being helpful to you though. My advice, think positive.

Pat in Pennsylvania

bilateral TKR Aug. 16, 2010

Left knee replacement next week

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie

[Guest guest]

Marie,

I also had two new knees but not both at the same time. I had one in Nov of 09

and one in March of 10. My Surgeon wouldn't do both at the same time.

Both times I was up and driving within a month and a half. I did all out

patient PT and came home immediately following surgery.

I also had a spinal both times and wouldn't do anything different. I did lots

of icing and elevating and walking. And I didn't have much trouble at all. But

I did look for a good surgeon! I did min. invasive both knees. You should do

fine. I was 69 and 70 and no one could have been as scared as I was. I hadn't

been near a hospital since I had my kids. LOL

Hugs,

Donna R

\

Re: Left knee replacement next week

Marie,

I am 63 yrs. old and had both knees replaced at the same time in Aug. 2011. It

was minimally invasive surgery and although the first couple of weeks were hard,

I was up and doing almost everything I did before in just 4 months. I was in

the hospital for 5 days where I started PT right away and then I went

immediately home where I continued my physical therapy for a couple of weeks

before heading to PT in town. (I exercised on a recumbent bike before the

surgery to strengthen my muscles and I think it helped a lot.) I used a walker

for about 3-4 weeks at home and then a cane. (but after 4 months, the cane was

just in my way and I gave up carrying it.) My doctor does not put you on the

machine that bends your knees, nor the compression stockings. I had the booties

that inflate for your circulation while in the hospital. He also prefers, if

possible, that you go home instead of to a rehab facility. He feels patients

try to do more at home then when they are in a facility.

At home, they told me to get up and walk a little bit every hour and not to

put my knees on pillows. If I wanted to use pillows, then to put them under my

heels. I was also told not to sit in a recliner because they preferred my knees

to be straight out, not bent. I did work hard at the PT but I was extremely

happy at the strides I made and within 4 or 5 months people were saying they

could not believe I was out and about walking on two new knees. (and I was, by

that time, driving our pickup truck which is quite high to step into) I am

thrilled with my results and wish you and everyone else awaiting knee

replacements the same success. For me, it is so nice not to have any pain in my

knees any more. I understand your concerns about having young children running

around you. Perhaps they will enjoy being helpful to you though. My advice,

think positive.

Pat in Pennsylvania

bilateral TKR Aug. 16, 2010

Left knee replacement next week

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie

[Guest guest]

Marie.....you are the very first person I have ever seen that said you had

minimally invasive surgery also. I know I was thrilled with it. Sounds like

you were very happy too!

Pat In Pennsylvania

Left knee replacement next week

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie

[Guest guest]

Pat,

I am Donna R and I just attached to your emial when I replied. Sorry.! But I

learned about Min invasive here!

Donna R

Re: Left knee replacement next week

Marie.....you are the very first person I have ever seen that said you had

minimally invasive surgery also. I know I was thrilled with it. Sounds like

you were very happy too!

Pat In Pennsylvania

Left knee replacement next week

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie

[Guest guest]

No problem Donna. I learned about it when I was searching for a Dr. I found

the one I used on the internet! He is one of the few who will do two knees at

the same time in my area. Also, he teaches other doctors how to do minimally

invasive TKR surgery. I believe they cut less with this method and the scar is

shorter. I feel so fortunate to have had two knees done at the same time and to

have recovered so quickly.

Pat

Left knee replacement next week

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie

[Guest guest]

Hi Brickey,

Is there something wrong with your c-pap? They last forever pretty much. Funny,

I also have apnea but I wasn't awake when they put tube in throat.

Jeff

________________________________

From: " Skippyfj@... " <Skippyfj@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 29, 2011 12:53:59 AM

Subject: Re: Left knee replacement next week

In a message dated 4/28/2011 7:28:37 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 

Bowen1957@... writes:

I have  sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the brea

thing tube  goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months

Same problem with me. I had a spinal block and could not feel anything from

my waist down. I did not need the tube down in my throat. Worked OK except

I did  not get feeling back for about 7 hours after surgery. My sleep apnea

gets worse  when I lay on my back so I had to buy a recliner chair to sleep

in for at least  two months. I just hit the 5 year CPAP machine use where

Medicare will buy a  replacement CPAP machine. My practical nurse will not 

write a new  prescription as she says everything is working OK. Any ideas how

to get a new  prescription?

Brickey

[Guest guest]

Wow, I want to thank everyone for their replies. I'm sorry that I'm doing mass

reply. I get daily digest so its difficult to reply to each person.

I saw the Dr today for my pre-op and learned more about the type of surgery I

will be having. Yes, its minimally invasive but my scar will probably be about

the same as my right knee, about 12 inches. This is because I'm overweight and

that length of incision is needed to make room with all my fatty layers. He

said it could be as little as 6 inches but to prepare for at least 8-10.

YIKES!!!!!!!!

Even though I had my right knee replaced in 2004 I still have nightmares about

the pain I went through. The past few nights I haven't slept well due to panic

and anxiety attacks.

Since there will be 2 grandkids under three years old the Dr wrote orders for me

to go to a rebhab place for 10-14 days. After that I should be able to go to

outpatient PT in town.

Again, Wow, thanks for all the replies.

Marie

[Guest guest]

I had hip replacement surgery 4 weeks ago and I can add that they no longer put

a tube down your throat and put you completely under here any more. I had an

epidural and anesthesia to keep me sleeping so that part is lot safer these

days. I had my rehab in home for the first two weeks and I'm hoping you can have

this also.

On Apr 28, 2011, at 8:46 PM, twinmom42 wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday

May 3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is

less invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

>

> I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

>

> It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

>

> I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004.

What should I be prepared for?

>

> My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

>

> Marie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Marie,

It is certainly understandable why you would want to go to rehab instead of

trying to dance around the toys of two toddlers. Walking is hard enough with a

walker or whatever without having toys or little ones in the way. (at least for

the first couple of weeks) I hope you are not working yourself up too much

about the pain. I know I was told that I should ask for pain meds whenever I

needed them in the hospital and was sent home with them also. I was told to

take them and not try to " tough it out " too soon. They were there to help me

feel better so I could heal. Also, they told us to be sure and take them before

the previous dose wore off since it was easier to maintain feeling no pain then

to not take them and then all of a sudden be miserable and have to start all

over again. They said not to worry, we are not going to let you get addicted to

them. I should hope they will be doing the same thing for you in the hospital

and afterwards. I was never one to take a lot of extra meds, but if you are

feeling less pain and feeling pretty good, then you will be able to concentrate

and work on the exercises and walking. Follow doctors orders, take your meds

and work on your PT. Also, let family and friends help you. You will see how

you will improve a little each day. And most of all, try not to work yourself

up too much. Remember, things continually get better and they are probably not

as bad as you remember with your first TKR in 2004. I am sure everyone on here

will be rooting for you.

Pat in Pennsylvania

Bilateral TKR August 2010

Re: Left knee replacement next week

Wow, I want to thank everyone for their replies. I'm sorry that I'm doing mass

reply. I get daily digest so its difficult to reply to each person.

I saw the Dr today for my pre-op and learned more about the type of surgery I

will be having. Yes, its minimally invasive but my scar will probably be about

the same as my right knee, about 12 inches. This is because I'm overweight and

that length of incision is needed to make room with all my fatty layers. He said

it could be as little as 6 inches but to prepare for at least 8-10.

YIKES!!!!!!!!

Even though I had my right knee replaced in 2004 I still have nightmares about

the pain I went through. The past few nights I haven't slept well due to panic

and anxiety attacks.

Since there will be 2 grandkids under three years old the Dr wrote orders for

me to go to a rebhab place for 10-14 days. After that I should be able to go to

outpatient PT in town.

Again, Wow, thanks for all the replies.

Marie