Knee Replacement

[Guest guest]

Hello - I'm a very active 40 y.o.  Doing a lot of research, because I need a

total knee & a total hip.  I'm a smaller f. & if I do a total knee I want a

zimmer, because it's gender specific.  The journey knee ( & Nephew) is also

a good option.  If you choose one of those knees you want an ortho who's had a

lot of experience putting them in.  Both knee types have websites & physician

locators.   I've had 2 professional docs tell me not to do a total knee at 40

y.o.  I'm going to try cartilage replacement with Dr. Dunn in Florida,

www.Iagh.com

This is how I feel about my research so far.  Best wishes -

________________________________

From: gainesbunch <gainesbunch@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:29:36 PM

Subject: knee replacement

Hello,

I am new to the group. I am 45yo and have had 4 previous arthoscopic surgeries

on my knee. I am know facing a replacement. I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon

on Monday and I wondered if anyone has any suggestions of questions I should

ask.

I should add that I have a heriditary neuropathy and it scares me to have this

kind of major surgery. I will be talking to the doctor about that as well.

Anyway, I just would appreciate any input anyone can give me about a knee

replacement.

Thank you,

Jo G

NM

[Guest guest]

At my last pre-op apptmt. with Dr. Coon, my OS, he said Zimmer and others found

their smaller knees worked well on women so began calling them gender knees as

a marketing ploy, they weren't really designed for women, just smaller.

He has been a designing surgeon for Zimmer for many years, has done over 4,000

" quad sparing " knee replacements, he only does knees.

I have one Zimmer high flex gender knee that is working out well but opted for

the new Stryker Triathlon X3 this time. Same size as the gender knee.

You mainly need a surgeon who has done a very high volume of TKRs with low

infection rate. The prostheses sites don't tell the whole story, my OS uses

many different prostheses depending on patient needs.

Hollie

> Hello - I'm a very active 40 y.o.  Doing a lot of research, because I need a

total knee & a total hip.  I'm a smaller f. & if I do a total knee I want a

zimmer, because it's gender specific.  The journey knee ( & Nephew) is also

a good option.  If you choose one of those knees you want an ortho who's had a

lot of experience putting them in.  Both knee types have websites & physician

locators.   I've had 2 professional docs tell me not to do a total knee at 40

y.o.  I'm going to try cartilage replacement with Dr. Dunn in Florida,

www.Iagh.com

>

> This is how I feel about my research so far.  Best wishes -

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: gainesbunch <gainesbunch@...>

> Joint Replacement

> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:29:36 PM

> Subject: knee replacement

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello,

>

> I am new to the group. I am 45yo and have had 4 previous arthoscopic surgeries

on my knee. I am know facing a replacement. I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon

on Monday and I wondered if anyone has any suggestions of questions I should

ask.

>

> I should add that I have a heriditary neuropathy and it scares me to have this

kind of major surgery. I will be talking to the doctor about that as well.

>

> Anyway, I just would appreciate any input anyone can give me about a knee

replacement.

>

> Thank you,

>

> Jo G

> NM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My main questions were:

Will I be able to kneel? (I found there are prostheses and surgeons where you

can kneel afterward)

How many TKRs have you done? (Hopefully over 200)

What is your infection rate? (Hopefully under 1%, if they don't answer this

directly get ready to move on)

Then, what prostheses do you use and which would you recommend for me?

(then read up on the prostheses, how much flexion, etc.)

What restrictions will I have? (With my surgeon I hardly have any, can ski, and

all sorts of things)

After a number of OS interviews you can get a feel for this interviewing, always

good to find a doc by good review from another patient.

Hollie

> Hello,

>

> I am new to the group. I am 45yo and have had 4 previous arthoscopic

surgeries on my knee. I am know facing a replacement. I am seeing the

orthopedic surgeon on Monday and I wondered if anyone has any suggestions of

questions I should ask.

>

> I should add that I have a heriditary neuropathy and it scares me to have this

kind of major surgery. I will be talking to the doctor about that as well.

>

> Anyway, I just would appreciate any input anyone can give me about a knee

replacement.

>

> Thank you,

>

> Jo G

> NM

>

[Guest guest]

I had my staples out on Wednesday. I am still in a lot of pain but it was

nice to be free of them.

I have been doing exercises since the day of my operation and I have physio

twice a week right now. If my incision is completely healed I go swimming in

9 days. I had been going on a regular basis before my surgery and they say

that probably helped a lot as I was way more mobile than most people right

from the beginning despite a high degree of pain and swelling. Although

being 40 years younger than a lot of the patients probably didn't hurt

either.

It was far more painful than I anticipated and I underestimated how long it

would be before I could do my usual routine around the house as far as

spending time at my desk went. I spend a lot of time on my computer normally

and I still can't sit for very long at a time at my desk so that has been

hard. I don't like to use my laptop much as I find it about 100 times harder

to do everything on it which pretty much sucks all the enjoyment out of it.

I probably have to go through all this again in as little as half a year or

so but at least I will go into the next one with a better idea of what it

will be like. Of course it could be completely different the second time

around but I won't be underestimating the pain anyway.

Gareeth

Joanna Hoelscher wrote:

> By four weeks, I was going to the health club and doing the

> exercises I'd gotten in physical therapy and as soon as the last

> stitch was completely healed (at about 5 weeks - I had one that was

> stubborn), I was back working out in a pool and I can't tell you how

> much that helped, if you have access to one. In fact, my physical

> therapist told me there was nothing he could do for me that would

> help as much as just walking in the water. Increases your mobility

> but doesn't hurt at all because you're practically weightless in the

> water.

[Guest guest]

,

In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared and no

young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was reading lots of

horror stories.

It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on it's way

to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that leg. I am getting

ready to do the second one within the next few weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't

go back and have more surgery. I was in the hospital 2 days and went home on

the third. I was already walking.

I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I can

answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up using a small

hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a surgeon, unlike you who

has one, and found a great OS at a small hospital in our Metro area.

Hugs,

Donna R

knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend told

me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.� I've been

reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee replacement.� I have a

doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I first started having knee

problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic surgery on the left knee and I was

good to go up until now.� I have played tennis for over 30 and just worn my

knees out plus I have osteoarthritis throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are

both giving me problems but the left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I

look forward to reading your stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for responding. I will also be going to a small hospital. 

I'm concerned about infection, I hear horror stories about those???  Did you

have any problems with these??  How large is your scar??  What kind of knee do

you have??  I hope I'm not asking to many questions but I'm trying to find out

as much as possible.  Thank you again. 

From: Donna Rae <rae900@...>

Subject: Re: knee replacement

Joint Replacement

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:35 AM

 

,

In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared and no

young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was reading lots of

horror stories.

It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on it's way

to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that leg. I am getting

ready to do the second one within the next few weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't go

back and have more surgery. I was in the hospital 2 days and went home on the

third. I was already walking.

I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I can

answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up using a small

hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a surgeon, unlike you who

has one, and found a great OS at a small hospital in our Metro area.

Hugs,

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Dear , I am three months post surgery, TKR. My scar is 6 inches long, which

seems rather long to me. I am doing well and went to a very small regional

hospital that treated me like a queen and I had absolutely the best care and no

worries of infection whatsoever. I have a DePuy knee and it is doing the job.

The truth is, nothing and I mean nothing will be able to replace the exact knee

you were born with. So get that idea out of your head. BUT you will, with time

and patience, and I can't stress those two things enough, get back on your feet

and live your life again. Most important thing you can do is PHYSICAL THERAPY, I

repeat, PHYSICAL THERAPY. Suck it up and do it!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will pay off in

spades.

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Thanks .  I am dreading this surgery but then I don't want to live like

this forever?  I'm not a very patient person.  Do you remember your leg

hurting below your knee before the surgery, I'm had trouble with my legs hurting

for a while now but they can never find anything wrong with them.  I guess you

just have to get use to that scar, right?? I'm glad you are doing well after

your surgery,  what can you do at 3 mo. post op??? Thanks again,

From: Donna Rae <rae900webtv (DOT) net>

Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:35 AM

,

In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared and no

young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was reading lots of

horror stories.

It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on it's way

to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that leg. I am getting

ready to do the second one within the next few weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't go

back and have more surgery. I was in the hospital 2 days and went home on the

third. I was already walking.

I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I can

answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up using a small

hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a surgeon, unlike you who

has one, and found a great OS at a small hospital in our Metro area.

Hugs,

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Dear :

I am 4 1/2 mos. post surgery, left TKR. My scar is 9 " long. I also

am doing well, went to a small regional hospital also. No infection

worries, but they did make certain that I had no infections going on in

my body before the op. They said if I had a urinary infection, they

would not do the op. until that was well-cleared up. Luckily I had a

clean bill of health and the op. went on as scheduled. They kept me 5

days in hospital due to some extra stitches he put in the side of the

knee - did not want me to bend it more than 60 degrees until the

stitches were healed up. Then I was sent home, with visiting nurse to

check out my house, advise me, then p/t person dropped in to recommend

mild exercises. The next week I started p/t at the hospital, went 3x/wk

for 2 months, dropped back to 2x/wk, now 1x/wk with exercises specified

for me to do at home.

I can now walk stairs normally, but I still hang on to the banister,

and going down twinges the knee a bit. No cane, I gave up the walker

after a month and a half, used a wheelchair for going to the movies for

the 1st 3 mos. as low seats were a problem.

To prep for the op., I worked with hand weights to strengthen my

arms and shoulders, and practiced sit-ups to strengthen the abs. When

stuck in the hospital bed for the 5 days after the op., the sit-up

practice came in handy - the nurses all wanted to help me sit up but I

was pleased that I could do it myself. At home, I had a raised toilet

seat with little side hand-rails, which really helped getting down and

then up. That's what the arm strengthening was for. I used a living room

chair with an extra cushion so it was higher, using the chair arms to

get seated and then to get up.

I am still on mild pain pills as the knee still twinges a bit if I

have no drugs in the system. I am hoping to give them up soon. I do not

regret the operation, and I can already tell that the new knee is

stronger than the other one. I was given a handicap hang-tag for my car

and I generally use it to get the close-in parking spots, especially

while there is still ice and snow underfoot. I do not wish to fall and

bruise the area.

Do you exercises, like said below, and think about what the

knee felt like before the surgery. It's way better, for me. Yours will

be good too.

Cheers, Adrienne Ward

=================================================

Kohn wrote:

>

>

> Dear , I am three months post surgery, TKR. My scar is 6 inches

> long, which seems rather long to me. I am doing well and went to a

> very small regional hospital that treated me like a queen and I had

> absolutely the best care and no worries of infection whatsoever. I

> have a DePuy knee and it is doing the job. The truth is, nothing and I

> mean nothing will be able to replace the exact knee you were born

> with. So get that idea out of your head. BUT you will, with time and

> patience, and I can't stress those two things enough, get back on your

> feet and live your life again. Most important thing you can do is

> PHYSICAL THERAPY, I repeat, PHYSICAL THERAPY. Suck it up and do

> it!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will pay off in spades.

> [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

>

> Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A

> friend told me about this group so I thought I might get some good

> info here.� I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know

> about knee replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since

> 1995, when I first started having knee problems.� At that point he

> did arthoscopic surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until

> now.� I have played tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out

> plus I have osteoarthritis throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are

> both giving me problems but the left one is worse so he would do that

> knee.� I look forward to reading your stories to help me through

> this ordeal

> �

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Adrienne, glad to hear that you are doing well.  I have played tennis

for over 30 years and I have lots of upper body strength, now the sit ups is

another story.  I am not good to exercise just to exercise but I guess I

should get my butt in gear and do some!!  I have been riding a stationary bike

off and on for a couple of months.  I really appreciate all the info that I am

getting and all of your stories have helped me so much,  It's good to know that

you aren't alone in this!!!! Thanks again.

>

> From: Donna Rae <rae900webtv (DOT) net <mailto:rae900% 40webtv.net> >

> Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

> Total_Joint_ Replacement

> <mailto:Total_ Joint_Replacemen t%40groups. com>

> Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:35 AM

>

> ,

>

> In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared

> and no young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was

> reading lots of horror stories.

>

> It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on

> it's way to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that

> leg. I am getting ready to do the second one within the next few

> weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't go back and have more surgery. I was in

> the hospital 2 days and went home on the third. I was already walking.

>

> I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I

> can answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up

> using a small hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a

> surgeon, unlike you who has one, and found a great OS at a small

> hospital in our Metro area.

>

> Hugs,

>

> Donna R

>

> [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

>

> Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A

> friend told me about this group so I thought I might get some good

> info here.� I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know

> about knee replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since

> 1995, when I first started having knee problems.� At that point he

> did arthoscopic surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until

> now.� I have played tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out

> plus I have osteoarthritis throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are

> both giving me problems but the left one is worse so he would do that

> knee.� I look forward to reading your stories to help me through

> this ordeal

> �

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

My scar is about 5 inches standing and 6 inches sitting and bent.

I had no problems with infections before or after. I was advised to get

antibacterial soap from the drug store and wash my leg for 2 days before

surgery. I don't know if that is what others do or not.

I was treated so well by nursing staff I couldn't appreciate them enough.

I have a Stryker knee and my surgeon used the one that best fit. I trusted him

to use his judgment.

I really did the same as you are doing and asked as much as possible and got

myself mentally ready also. I had not had surgery and am 70 years old this Feb.

I had my house and any supplies here and was really over ready. I was home in 3

days and up and down stairs in a week and gave up walker very soon as I have a

small house and used a cane for balance. Have you found the book on Knee

surgery yet. I think it is in the list they have here somewhere. I can get

mine out and let you know the name of it.

I appreciated reading it ahead of time. I did trust the recommendation of those

who worked with me and had a spinal and didn't want to be awake to hear what

they were doing. They suggested the spinal would give me relief from the pain

for the first 48 hrs too.

I just didn't have any problems with the exception of a PT who got vigorous a

few times. Sometimes it helped and sometimes it was just too vigorous. Because

it was my left leg, I was driving myself to PT within a couple weeks by not

taking meds until I got there. I lived close by. And I went about 15-18 times.

The first week they came to my house as it was over a weekend and they wanted me

started on PT right away.

Please ask any questions you have. I would be happy to answer them.

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Donna, would you or anyone else know of any good books to recommend for

preparation for a THR? Barb in Florida

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading

your stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Donna, thank you so much for your post.  The more I info I get the better I

feel. Your's is a great story, thank you, thank you!!! I am totally scared to

death!!!!  It will be my left knee first and then I'm sure the right one down

the road, they are both bad but I'm going to take it one at a time.  So happy

that you have a good story!! 

From: Donna Rae <rae900webtv (DOT) net>

Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:35 AM

 

,

In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared and no

young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was reading lots of

horror stories.

It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on it's way

to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that leg. I am getting

ready to do the second one within the next few weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't go

back and have more surgery. I was in the hospital 2 days and went home on the

third. I was already walking.

I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I can

answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up using a small

hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a surgeon, unlike you who

has one, and found a great OS at a small hospital in our Metro area.

Hugs,

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

,

I just know you are going to be as surprised and shocked as I was. I came out

of surgery laughing. I don't know if I thought I wasn't coming out or what.

I went in at 5:30 AM on a Tuesday and went home on Thursday at 3 or 4 PM. I

felt good. And I was up and walking around. I thought I would need my daughter

to stay with me and by the time I got settled, I told her to go home. I had the

phone and could call her if I needed her.

I only did showers like they told me until the scar was all healed. Any opening

could let an infection in, so I just showered the first week or two. I was

waiting to get in my whirlpool tub, but I didn't until they would let me.

I took meds like I was suppose to and did the PT at the office and here at home

part of the time.

The Book is:

Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation

By: Brugioni, MD and Jeff Falkel, PHD

It has everything in it. You may want to just borrow it from the Library.

Good luck,

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Thanks Donna.

From: Donna Rae <rae900webtv (DOT) net>

Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:35 AM

 

,

In Nov, '09, I went in for my first left knee surgery. I was so scared and no

young chick. I had not had any kind of surgery then, so was reading lots of

horror stories.

It went so well. I was ready when I went in. The left knee is well on it's way

to being healed and it doesn't hurt to walk any more on that leg. I am getting

ready to do the second one within the next few weeks. I was afraid I wouldn't go

back and have more surgery. I was in the hospital 2 days and went home on the

third. I was already walking.

I did lots of reading like you are, and lots of asking questions. If I can

answer any questions, please ask. Because of my fears, I ended up using a small

hospital and was so glad I did. I still had to find a surgeon, unlike you who

has one, and found a great OS at a small hospital in our Metro area.

Hugs,

Donna R

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] knee replacement

Hello, my name is and I've got to have my knee replaced.� A friend

told me about this group so I thought I might get some good info here.�

I've been reading and talking to everyone that I know about knee

replacement.� I have a doctor that has been with me since 1995, when I

first started having knee problems.� At that point he did arthoscopic

surgery on the left knee and I was good to go up until now.� I have played

tennis for over 30 and just worn my knees out plus I have osteoarthritis

throughout my body!!!� Now my knees are both giving me problems but the

left one is worse so he would do that knee.� I look forward to reading your

stories to help me through this ordeal

�

[Guest guest]

Hi! There are as many variations on recovery as there are people. The better

shape you are in before the surgery, the better you will be after. Recovery

takes time and work. The more work you put in, the better off you are.

There are many people here that can help you, if you are more specific. Knee

replacement surgery is not a walk in the park, but if you could walk in the park

you wouldn't have to go through it.

Joan, presently in North Yorkshire, TKR 12/09

________________________________

From: ar_jyoti <ar_jyoti@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Mon, January 31, 2011 11:16:50 AM

Subject: Knee Replacement

Hi,

Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

Thanks

Jyoti

[Guest guest]

Jyoti,

I had both knees replaced. One at a time. My surgeon wouldn't do both

together. I was very happy that happen.

It seems like I had very little problems with either surgery. I got ready for

the surgeries and other than I could have done the second one sooner than I did,

I wouldn't do anything different. I was amazed at my age, (70) the 3 days in

the hospital, in on Tues and out on Friday, the minimal amount of problems.

I did read the " Book " and was one who was so afraid to go in, that even I was

surprised at the few problems. I did take pain pills and have few physical

problems for my age, but I just thought it was going to be so much worse. I

certainly was glad I did them one at a time. I got back to driving after the

first (left one) fairly soon. It took a bit more for the other.

One of the main things I did was what people here said were good ideas, and

follow the orders of my Surgeon.

Donna R

Knee Replacement

Hi,

Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

Thanks

Jyoti

[Guest guest]

glad to hear your surgeries went well. How long before you could get cleared to

drive? I miss driving but its only been a month since my tjR.. Im looking

forward to spring and doing some walking and rockhounding with my beloved collie

and sheltie. Your doing great at 70,, hope I do as well, linda in montana

From: Donna Rae

Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 1:11 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject: Re: Knee Replacement

Jyoti,

I had both knees replaced. One at a time. My surgeon wouldn't do both together.

I was very happy that happen.

It seems like I had very little problems with either surgery. I got ready for

the surgeries and other than I could have done the second one sooner than I did,

I wouldn't do anything different. I was amazed at my age, (70) the 3 days in the

hospital, in on Tues and out on Friday, the minimal amount of problems.

I did read the " Book " and was one who was so afraid to go in, that even I was

surprised at the few problems. I did take pain pills and have few physical

problems for my age, but I just thought it was going to be so much worse. I

certainly was glad I did them one at a time. I got back to driving after the

first (left one) fairly soon. It took a bit more for the other.

One of the main things I did was what people here said were good ideas, and

follow the orders of my Surgeon.

Donna R

Knee Replacement

Hi,

Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

Thanks

Jyoti

[Guest guest]

I didn't really get " cleared " to drive. He said I could drive after I wasn't

taking pain pills. So I quit taking them until I got to PT. I would take half

one after I got there. And wouldn't take more until I was home. It was very

close and that was with my first knee which was my left. It took a bit longer

for my right. By about a month and a half I was driving with the first knee.

Donna R

Knee Replacement

Hi,

Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

Thanks

Jyoti

[Guest guest]

My buddy had his TKR in January of 2010.  He found out yesterday that his fibia

was cracked & they would have to do a revision and go deeper.  Ugh! 

in TX

[Guest guest]

Jyoti,

Bilateral knee replacement is a very effective way to go for replacing both

knees but there are added risks simply from being in the operating room for an

extended time. Time in the operation for joint replacement has a direct

correlation with complications particularly from infections. Although infections

are a relatively low probability, you should be aware of that.

There are alternate strategies for bilateral knee replacement, for example,

doing one then doing the other two weeks later as the first replacement has been

established as effective and healing well. That tends to overlap the recovery

period and minimize the overall impact on one's life in terms of lost time but

incurs two hospital stays. My wife's ortho surgeon's nurse elected that

approach.

Bilateral does get the whole thing over with quicker than doing one then the

other and avoids the risk of your deciding not to do the second after having the

first done. Knee replacements can vary markedly even for the same person with

both going smoothly to both having complications, only the acid test of going

through with it proves the outcome. But, if you are in decent shape and no

complications arise, you should be back at things fairly quickly, that is, in

just a few months. Driving is entirely dependent upon, first, your ability to

get off pain meds (I suggest Tramadol as it is non-narcotic) and, second, your

ability to flex your knee quickly for safe braking. It is not normal driving

where you are at risk, it is the unforeseen event where reaction time is

important and it may hurt to move your knee quickly and slam on the brakes. Use

sound judgement for when to drive.

As for complications, the one you want someone there to fend for you on is

infection, either of the joint or superficial infection, typically arising from

the staples. If you have any such thing, a superficial one is much preferred but

needs to be noted and acted upon quickly and effectively. Read information

available in the files section on how to recognize and have someone reliable

with you.

Rich L

>

> Hi,

>

> Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

>

> Thanks

>

> Jyoti

>

[Guest guest]

So sorry hope all goes well will be thinking of you both.

Sharon LeVine

Re: Knee Replacement

My buddy had his TKR in January of 2010. He found out yesterday that his

fibia was cracked & they would have to do a revision and go deeper. Ugh!

in TX

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: " Rich " <rluxt@...>

> Bilateral knee replacement is a very effective way to go for replacing

> both knees but there are added risks simply from being in the operating

> room for an extended time. Time in the operation for joint replacement has

> a direct correlation with complications particularly from infections.

> Although infections are a relatively low probability, you should be aware

> of that.

==========================================================

My brother had both knees replaced at the same time. There were two

surgeons - brothers - so the time in the operating room was not extended.

This was in the Fort Worth, TX area, about 8 years ago.

[Guest guest]

I am six weeks out from having both knees replaced at the same time. It has not

been easy but progress has been steady. I am 50 years old and in fairly good

shape. I cn say that i remember much from week one except that pain management

was key.They put me in PT the day after surgery and had me on a walker. I used

the walker for about three weeks and then moved onto a cane for the nexxt few

weeks. I am now walking with out the cane for about 90% of the time. I have been

able to dirve since about week 4. I have also pushed it real hard in rehab. I

work out for about an hour per day with streching and flexation excersizes. I

also go to Therapy three times per week. My doc allowed me to go back to work

part time for two weeks and back to fulltime this week, However I still have a

long way to go even though i am doing better than the ave. Pain management is

critcal. I am still on pain meds and take them 2 to 4 times perday. Sleep is

tough. I just can not find a comfortable postion. I hope to say that it was

worth doing them both at once at some point but i am not ther yet. This is my

story and all people are different. There are a ton of varialbes that affect

recovery. Be sure to adk the doc many many questions. God bless and I hope all

turns out well for you.

>

> Hi,

>

> Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success rate

in both knee replacement surgery.

>

> Thanks

>

> Jyoti

>

[Guest guest]

I know I had been told not to use any pillows under my legs for sleeping. This

killed me! Eventually I did start to use some, because I knew that getting a

good night's sleep was VERY important to faster healing and my well being. Just

being able to bend my knees a bit with some pillows was SO much more

comfortable. Then I gradually started to try to get on side or the other, even

if for just s short time. That also helped.

Perhaps you should also back off the exercises some and don't push yourself

quite as hard. Then maybe you won't NEED as many pain pills. Another thing,

even though you say you are off the cane 90% of the time, maybe you should use

it a bit more. This will also alleviate some of the pain. I was using a cane

any time I was out of the house at 6 weeks. I am pretty sure at 6 weeks I was

only taking the " real pain pills " about once a day (before bed). The rest of

the time I took just come alleve or tylenol if needed.

Good luck!

in PA

Bilateral TKR - 7/22/10

Left THR - 7/2007

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Can anybody advice post operation complexity/ recovery period and success

rate in both knee replacement surgery.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> > Jyoti

> >

>