topic Re: Knee replacement surgery in Community Chat

Knee replacement surgery

sabandrusty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:36:06 GMT

I get such good information from this forum, I wonder if I can ask the community if anyone has had knee replacement surgery - and if so, if you have any suggestions for someone going thru iit for the first time.

For example, I'm trying to prepare my house for recouping. Are there any tricks/tips to help me get around, bathe, etc. I have a walker ready. Also, fortunately I have a automatic lift chair that will keep my leg up.

Here's a question - the doctor's office asked if I wanted the "ice kit" to go around my knee while in the hospital. Its not covered by insurance and is around $200. You'd think the hospital can at least give me ice!

Thanks in advance!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Vivian — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:55:22 GMT

I had knee replacement surgery in December. I’m doing well. I think the most important thing in my case was being active before the surgery. It definitely helped my recovery. I will tell you that the first few days are painful but my surgeon and the nurses in the hospital did all they could to alleviate pain.

I stayed in the hospital for three days. They started PT immediately. For the first couple of weeks I had PT at home and a visiting nurse came too. You will be put on blood thinner for a few weeks and that needs monitoring. It is very important to keep moving, even in bed. Do ankle circles or extending and flexing your foot and do all the exercises the physical therapist gives you, even if you have to divide them up throughout the day.

Before I had the surgery, we bought a special seat to put on the toilet so that I didn’t have to bend my knee very much. It really helped. Try to find one with hand rails to help you get up. I was able to go up and down steps from the beginning so the bed we set up downstairs was a waste, but I didn’t realize that 40 years of going up and down the steps prepared me to do steps immediately. I did them one foot, then the other foot on the same step, one at a time.

i would definitely get that ice machine. I bought one and used it constantly. Also, it is very helpful during the first week or two at home to have an exercise band...not to do exercises but to lift your leg into the bed. It was painful to get my leg up and over so using the band around my leg and using my arms to lift it up really helped. Good luck!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:02:49 GMT

@sabandrusty I had both knees replaced at the same time last May.

It sounds .... well...a bit much...but it was actually very easy. Not many people have them both done at the same time but I talked my surgeon into it.

I was in rehab for 20 some days. The place was awesome. The care/Drs I had were wonderful. Every day I had a routine, my own room, etc.

They had 'markers' I had to complete before I left there. Things like ways to get in and out of a car (in the beginning), how to put on shoes and socks, pants, etc.

There are so many new items that one can buy that helps make everyday chores easy(ier).

I don't want to bore everyone here. I'd say do your homework before.

As far as what we in my family call the ice machine I just gave mine to my daughter. I bought the machine but never needed it at home.

My daughter (2 weeks ago) broke her leg in 2 places skiing). I sent her the machine and she says it's amazing (the surgeon told her she needed one).

I also sent her one of my hurricane, that grabber thing you see on TV, it's amazing for picking up things, and various items I'd used.

Soon, if you do the work (and it is work) to get those knees moving again, you won't even remember you have one or two (in my case) bionic knees. Ha!

Please come back on and let us know how you are doing. Annabelle.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

chrystaltree — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:09:34 GMT

I had my knee replacement surgery on 1/19 and even though I am still recoverning, I am thrilled with the results. Honestly, the ice kit should be the very least of your concerns now. I did not get one, I did not know they existed until the physical therapist came to my home. They used ice packs when I was in the hospital and I used ice packs or a a bag of frozen peas when I came home. It was fine. Icing is big..big part of recovery. If I knew about the ice machine, I would have bought one. My hospital PT was surprised that the hospital did not give me one. He said most hospitals do. I suppose hospitals and surgeons do things differently. In my case, the hospital guided me along the way from A-Z and even now I get weekly emails with tips, advice, reminders. I bought a toilet seat riser and and a bench shower chair. I still use the toilet seat riser because the toilet in hour bedroom is so low down. I had a nurse visit the day after I came home and I had PT and OT come to my home 3 times a week for the first three weeks. I used a walker for those first three weeks. The OT showed me how to take a shower with the shower chair. A month before my surgery, the VNA sent a PT to my home to advise me. I didn't have wires or cords or throw rugs or pets or anything else that could make me fall. She did suggest a straight back chair with sturdy cushion and strong arms and I had an occasional chair like that but I did purchase an egg crate seat cushion to use on the chair. But by the 2nd week, I could sit in and rise from any chair that had arms. I never needed to elevate my leg, actually it was the opposite. After week 1, it was walk walk walk around the house. And do the exersizes 2 times a day. They want you up and moving, not sitting. Ask your surgeon about pain control. My surgeon promised me that I would not have any pain or very minimal pain after the surgery. He believes in pain control because he wants his patients up and active and doing the PT from the day after the surgery and patient's can't do that if they have pain. So, prescribed Oxycodone for 30 days and I could take Tylenol and Motrin as needed. I had...and still have some stiffness but no pain. Not all doctors do that. I was off the walker on a cane after three weeks and then I had my PT at my local hospital (not the hospital where I had the surgery) and I had PT three times a week for 3 weeks and then 2 times a week for 2 weeks. I'm off the cane now but I will use it if I go to the mall or something. I'd also use it if I had to go up a long flight of stairs. I haven't taken or needed an pain medication for weeks. It's a miraculous feeling because I was in so much pain from that knee for 2 years and I took something every single day. I'm also walking better now than I did before the surgery. And it will get better and better for a year. My PT said that it can take up to 6 months for the stiffness and the numbness in my knee region to go away. Also, mentally I'm always thinking about my knee. He said by the 1 year mark, all of that will be gone and I will have reached my full potential and I won't even think about the surgery anymore.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

sabandrusty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:42:18 GMT

Thanks Annabelle!

I had a bad experience in rehab after my back surgery (it was actually just a nursing home) , so I'm going home right away with some help at home. I envy you having 2 knees done at once since I'll need my other knee done eventually!

Thanks for your comments on the ice machine. I'll rethink that expense if its portable and can be used again!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Meowingkitty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:48:50 GMT

I had mine last October and feel great. The ice machine is a God send. Well worth it but you can buy them off Amazon. The company that supplied them to my hospital billed my insurance and it was paid for. I guess it’s all in how they code it. I went to therapy four days after surgery 3 times a week for 10 weeks (until the end of the year because if I went into 2018 I would have to meet the deductible again) I was off all pain meds two weeks later and walking unassisted within two weeks also. I have had some ankle pain but my doctor said because he had to straighten my leg (I am extremely pigeon toed) I am having to use muscles I didn’t use before so that is causing odd pains. I still get tired if I walk to much but I’ve tromped around the Renaissance Festival, the Phoenix Zoo and a few other events without problems. I did not have any special equipment other than the walker and a cane. No special toilet seat, chairs or anything like that. I did make sure throw rugs were removed and we had plenty of food in the house but other than that didn’t really do much. I was only in the hospital overnight.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

SXMGirl — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:11:42 GMT

@sabandrusty, I have not had knee surgery, but my ortho thinks that I will need it soon--thanks to exercising too much. Anyway, my workout partner did have the surgery and says that she regrets not doing the exercises at home. She went to PT three times a week and thought that was enough. She says that if she had to do it over that she would do the assigned exercises twice a day, just like her friend who has completely recovered. So, my only suggestion is to do those exercises at home since they help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

hckynut — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:33:34 GMT

@sabandrusty

You might also post this on the Wellness Forum. There are many that post only there, and have a lot of experience with this particular surgery.

A good friend of mine Specializes only in Hip and Knee Repair and Replacement. He has told me many times that no 2 patients go through the exact same experiences because each patients joints are not exactly the same.

I have no personal experience with this, but should that time ever come, I will do it and the sooner the better. For me it is: Find the source of the problem/set a date, and think only about recovering. That is how I handle, and have handled, many physical and mental issues for decades. For me, that has always been my best way to approach these issues.

Best to you,

hckynut(john)

Re: Knee replacement surgery

grandma r — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:16:25 GMT

@sabandrusty Wishing you the very best with your surgery and recovery.

I had both knees done; it will be 9 years in June. I don't know what an ice kit is, but, ice will be your best friend! I used frozen bags of peas wrapped in kitchen towels.

A shower chair may be helpful.

The most important advice I can give is to do your exercises from PT several times a day and ice. Moving will become less painful when the staples come out. But, moving is important.

Try to keep a positive attitude and try not to get discouraged if you can't do something right away. Remember that you will have mobility back before you know it.

I wish you all the best!!!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

insomniac2 — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:54:19 GMT

Put ice cubes in a ziplock bag: it doesn't cost anywhere near $200 and will be just as effective!

(I just noticed that you were referring to getting ice while in the hospital. I guess I would have someone bring it in--$200 is an insane charge.)

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Drythe — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:10:56 GMT

@sabandrusty

I had my l. knee replaced for the 3rd time in November, this time is a success. Wheeeee!

Have you had your pre-op meeting? That is a good place to get questions such as yours answered. My insurance did pay for the cooling device and it was wonderful, but I think you can do as well without it.

You'll want non-skid socks to wear around the house, I never used a walker, but a cane is good to have.

Best wishes for a great procedure, and a speedy recovery.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

sabandrusty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:18:50 GMT

Thanks Vivian -

Your comments are so helpful! I'm glad you're having a good recovery. Sounds like the facility where you had your surgery is very progressive and attentive. My hospital apparently won't give an ice machine, the patient has to buy it. With your and Annabelle's

comments, I guess I'll go for it. Great tip on the exercise bands! I'll use that since I won't be swinging my leg side to side I suppose. Everyone talks about how moving around after surgery is so important. Living alone I won't have much of a choice on that. Fortunately my pain management doctor isn't stingy with the pain medicine either. I do worry about my cat is who is always underfoot and wants to sit in my lap when I sit down. His nose will be out of joint if he's ignored!

Thanks again!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

sabandrusty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:20:59 GMT

One other thing I wanted to ask - Did anyone find that their knees "clicked" after surgery. I read that could be a side effect and I think it would drive me nuts!

Thanks!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

SeaMaiden — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:34:27 GMT

Double knee replacement in 2013......best thing is ice in a gallon zip lock bag put that in another ziplock bag ....and then place in a large pillow case tie the end in a knot..best thing ever and cheap. I loved my ice packs!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

shoesnbags — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 19:49:42 GMT

@sabandrustywrote:
One other thing I wanted to ask - Did anyone find that their knees "clicked" after surgery. I read that could be a side effect and I think it would drive me nuts!
Thanks!

@sabandrusty

My TKR was eleven years ago in February, and there's never been any "clicking." I was only in my 50s and had trouble finding a doctor that would do a knee replacement because of my age. But an injury in my 30s from an auto accident and a family history of arthritis left that knee bone on bone by my 50s, in spite of an active lifestyle and thin build. Finally found a wonderful surgeon who does only knees and hips, and never looked back. That surgery gave me my life back. You will be so happy you did it!

Re: Knee replacement surgery

SeaMaiden — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 19:52:49 GMT

@sabandrusty No. No knee clicking.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

janeec — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 20:06:46 GMT

If you have more than one floor in your house, it is a good idea to have a walker on each floor. That way you don't have to carry it or do without.

As others have said, a shower chair is helpful, and a riser for the toilet seat.

Elastic shoe laces for your sneakers (sturdy shoes are needed for therapy) and a long shoe horn to help slide your shoes on. Sometimes people find the gadget for holding your sock while you put it on helpful.

Comfortable pants to wear for therapy as well.

The hospital will provide ice in ice bags but you may want something that will go around the knee and hold the ice on.

Lastly, paper and a pen placed near every place you may be seated. When you have questions, you can write them down and take them with you when you go to the doc or PT.

Best wishes for an easy procedure and recovery.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

chrystaltree — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 21:19:46 GMT

@sabandrustywrote:
Thanks Vivian -
Your comments are so helpful! I'm glad you're having a good recovery. Sounds like the facility where you had your surgery is very progressive and attentive. My hospital apparently won't give an ice machine, the patient has to buy it. With your and Annabelle's
comments, I guess I'll go for it. Great tip on the exercise bands! I'll use that since I won't be swinging my leg side to side I suppose. Everyone talks about how moving around after surgery is so important. Living alone I won't have much of a choice on that. Fortunately my pain management doctor isn't stingy with the pain medicine either. I do worry about my cat is who is always underfoot and wants to sit in my lap when I sit down. His nose will be out of joint if he's ignored!
Thanks again!

Pets! At the pre-op group meeting, we were advised to put pets in foster care or send them to stay with friends or relatives for few weeks after the surgery. You'll be on a walker and even if you aren't, your movement will be very limited and dogs and cats "sense" that you have hardware in your knee so even ones that aren't all over your feet normally....will be. They said something like 95% of post op falls after knee and hip replacements were due to cats and dogs.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Meowingkitty — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 21:29:02 GMT

@chrystaltreewrote:
@sabandrustywrote:
Thanks Vivian -
Your comments are so helpful! I'm glad you're having a good recovery. Sounds like the facility where you had your surgery is very progressive and attentive. My hospital apparently won't give an ice machine, the patient has to buy it. With your and Annabelle's
comments, I guess I'll go for it. Great tip on the exercise bands! I'll use that since I won't be swinging my leg side to side I suppose. Everyone talks about how moving around after surgery is so important. Living alone I won't have much of a choice on that. Fortunately my pain management doctor isn't stingy with the pain medicine either. I do worry about my cat is who is always underfoot and wants to sit in my lap when I sit down. His nose will be out of joint if he's ignored!
Thanks again!

Pets! At the pre-op group meeting, we were advised to put pets in foster care or send them to stay with friends or relatives for few weeks after the surgery. You'll be on a walker and even if you aren't, your movement will be very limited and dogs and cats "sense" that you have hardware in your knee so even ones that aren't all over your feet normally....will be. They said something like 95% of post op falls after knee and hip replacements were due to cats and dogs.

I have 6 cats and there is no way I would send them away. They stayed out of my way and were a great comfort. I would have been miserable without my kitties.

Re: Knee replacement surgery

Vivian — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 21:57:05 GMT

I disagree about moving pets out of the house. My beagle was a great source of comfort for me as I recovered. And yes, I have experienced some knee clicking. My physical therapist says it’s normal and I shouldn’t worry about it.