Re: KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

My sister had knee replacement surgery in September and the surgery itself went well. She suffered urosepis about 2 weeks after surgery and ended up in the ICU. My advice is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep that from happening.

She told me that she liked to wear the depends incontinence garments because getting to the bathroom was slow going and she had some accidents.

The most important thing is Physical Therapy and pain control. The surgery aftermath is quite painful. Take your medications as prescribed and use ice to help the pain. I am a RN and suggest you ask your doctor about taking something like Miralax because narcotics will constipate you.

Push yourself and do your suggested PT exercises at home. It is important that that knee work begining immediately and even though you may hurt, push those exercises so you get full function. Good luck!

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

Get ice packs, 1 for the freezer and another to use so you can always have a frozen 1 read to go. I think I would get 3.

ChouChou · ‎03-13-2010

I am a retired RN age 80. I have had both knees replaced. My left knee was replaced in September'22 and the right knee in December '22 - 3 months apart. Both were outpatient surgeries. I was discharged home on the same day for both surgeries. Mine were done at a Kaiser SoCal hospital. For pain control I was given a nerve block in the operated leg while still in the OR. What this does is give you a couple of relatively pain free days. This helps you get up and walk with minimal pain. It wears off in two days. I had spinals both times. Post op in my room the PT got me up and walked me (with a walker) around the nurse's station and to the PT room. She had me climb the three stair PT stairs two times. I was then walked back to my room. Had lunch and was offered pain meds which I did not need. That nerve block was wonderful! I rested for about two hours and then had another PT session. Still pain free. My dh picked me up at 5:30 pm, bought me a Jersey Mikes turkey club and brought me home.

Home Health PT came the next day and started my regimen. She came daily for two weeks and then I did 4 weeks of outpatient PT. The only time I needed pain meds was at night. The second surgery was the same. Both times I was sent home with an ice machine. We live in a 2nd floor condo. My husband did the food prep and cleaning. I purchased a toilet seat riser and a shower chair. I had a Cubii prior to the surgery. I used it faithfully post op and used Egg Weights for upper body strength.

I am now 1 year + post op. I walk everywhere; have no knee pain ; and, am just sorry that I didn't do it sooner.

Do not think that I am Wonder Woman. I am 30lbs overweight, have osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation. This is doable.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@qvc chick

With both knee replacements, I started PT with new athletic shoes. I immediately learned not to put a new knee into old worn shoes! Shoes are replaced often, as in every 12-18 months on ones I wear frequently.

qvc chick · ‎03-10-2010

Well, Knee surgery is this week. So very anxious. Fear of the unknown lol.

I asked the physician assistant and she told me not to worry about getting ice machine. That I could just use bags of peas, etc. My walker and cane and toilet seat are getting delivered today.

Wish me luck!

chlema · ‎05-22-2010

@qvc chick wrote:
Well, Knee surgery is this week. So very anxious. Fear of the unknown lol.

I asked the physician assistant and she told me not to worry about getting ice machine. That I could just use bags of peas, etc. My walker and cane and toilet seat are getting delivered today.

Wish me luck!

I had both knees replaced 3 months apart when I was in my late 70's and believe me I was a nervous wreck before the first surgery. Strangely the morning of, a calm came over me and I felt so much at ease, surprised me. So I can understand how you are feeling, but afterwards you will be so happy you had it done. I'm 84 now and although I have aches & pains from old age the knees are great! So my thoughts will be with you this week and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@qvc chick Best of luck to you. I will keep you in my prayers.

The worse part is the anxiety and anticipation leading up to the surgery.

You will get through this.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I have no firsthand experience with a TKR, @qvc chick, but wanted to send well wishes your way.

Alsace Gal · ‎11-25-2014

@qvc chick wrote:
I am having knee replacement surgery next week. My right knee is bone on bone for past several years.

It will be outpatient surgery. Dr said next day I will start PT.

Any tips or insight? Please no doom and gloom!

I wish you a speedy recovery and more adventures to come your way after you've healed!