Re: Well, I'm thinking about knee replacement.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@Auntie CC wrote:
I had my knee replacement done last May. For some patients the proceedure does not bring much relief. If you were my friend I would tell you only get surgery AS A LAST RESORT! When you go to a surgeon they will want to do surgery. You have time to think about it. Good luck in any case.

@Auntie CC

A GOOD Ortho Surgeon does not push surgery. According to my Ortho Hip/Knee Specialist friend: The stronger and leg flexion degrees before surgery, the better the outcome.

I personally know at least 20-25 that have had this surgery, several of them were back to ice skating. These are not young ones, most well into their 60's, and 1 lady that I know from skating was 80 when she had hers done, was back skating in 12 weeks.

hckynut(john)

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@qualitygal had both knees done in 2013. Both hips in 2015. Best thing I ever did. I was fortunate to have one best Joint surgeons in Western Washington... Dr Robert Barrett. Be sure your surgeon is skilled... has done hundreds of knee replacements. My doctor actually designed the implants that went into my knee.

grandma r · ‎10-26-2010

@qualitygal Wishing you the best. I waited until I could barely stand before opting for the TKR. On June 6th it will be 12 years!!! I had both done at the same time. Yes, it was difficult, however, well worth it. And, now, they use a quad sparing approach which aids in recovery.

Prior to surgery I was given sets of exercises to do, which were helpful. Once my staples were removed PT kicked into high gear. My surgeon told me to take 1 pain pill 30 min prior to PT and elevate and ice after. Ice will become your best friend; 20 min on, 20 min off. It really does help.

I will say that everyone heals differently. Don't compare yourself to anyone else or go by expectations in a pamphlet. Do your exercises at PT and at home; the more you strengthen your legs, the better off you'll be. And, give yourself permission to cry or get angry or whatever on days you feel like things are taking too long. By opting to have surgery in nice weather you can at least be outside. For me, that was a great help.

I wish you great success with your surgery. You will be happy you did it.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

@grandma r wrote:
@qualitygal Wishing you the best. I waited until I could barely stand before opting for the TKR. On June 6th it will be 12 years!!! I had both done at the same time. Yes, it was difficult, however, well worth it. And, now, they use a quad sparing approach which aids in recovery.
Prior to surgery I was given sets of exercises to do, which were helpful. Once my staples were removed PT kicked into high gear. My surgeon told me to take 1 pain pill 30 min prior to PT and elevate and ice after. Ice will become your best friend; 20 min on, 20 min off. It really does help.
I will say that everyone heals differently. Don't compare yourself to anyone else or go by expectations in a pamphlet. Do your exercises at PT and at home; the more you strengthen your legs, the better off you'll be. And, give yourself permission to cry or get angry or whatever on days you feel like things are taking too long. By opting to have surgery in nice weather you can at least be outside. For me, that was a great help.

I wish you great success with your surgery. You will be happy you did it.

Thank you for the kind words. I'll do All I can to prep and hopefully all will be ok.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

Knee replacements definitely improved my life; I would never be able to meet the demands of my life today without good knees. I have no pain or discomfort; 8 years after the first procedure and 3 after the second.

This surgery is a major health commitment and not something you have done, heal, and forget. Any infections in the body can affect your implant. I don’t know anyone who wore out their implant and had to have it replaced, but I certainly have NO intentions of willingly replacing my implants.

chlema · ‎05-22-2010

@Boehm Collector After reading your mother's experience I was wondering if you were my daughter lol. I say that because your mother's experience is the same as mine - fantastic surgeon, no exercises to strengthen, and was released early from rehab both times because I met expectations. First knee done last year in May, 2nd done in September at the age of 79. And I can walk now without a cane and with no pain - tho do experience some stiffness when it's cold out but that disappears after a few minutes.

OkeyDokey · ‎06-04-2010

People who have knee replacements due to severe arthritic conditions do very well. Getting to 100% is a process, but most make it, and are very happy they had surgery. People who have knee replacements because of instability of the knee with minimal arthritic change often end up wishing they had waited. And someone here already posted it, but a reputable joint surgeon will NOT push surgery. They will tell you the facts and let you tell them if and when you are ready.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@OkeyDokey wrote:
People who have knee replacements due to severe arthritic conditions do very well. Getting to 100% is a process, but most make it, and are very happy they had surgery. People who have knee replacements because of instability of the knee with minimal arthritic change often end up wishing they had waited. And someone here already posted it, but a reputable joint surgeon will NOT push surgery. They will tell you the facts and let you tell them if and when you are ready.

@OkeyDokey

Good info you gave to those considering TKR. It would be I that mentioned the reputable surgeon. She/he is where you start if you are considering this surgery. Without doing that?

hckynut🏒

hckynut(john)

hyacinth003 · ‎03-12-2010

I have no personal experience with one.

However, my father had one and my brother had both knees done (at different times).

They were both VERY pleased with the relief and increased mobility they got from them.

My brother had to stop working as an electrician though, as you are not allowed to be on bended knees.

They were very glad they had them.

Hyacinth

OkeyDokey · ‎06-04-2010

You are allowed to be on bended knees, though it may be extremely uncomfortable to do so becasue of tissue that scars down around the tibial tuberosity. Especially if a job requires being on knees for long periods of time.