Re: When to replace knees?

September 18, 2005

Hi, :

I had one TKR on June 30th. My OS told me that the longest I could expect to be off work was 3 months. I was back to work in 8 weeks, and I'm older than you are by 3 years and by the sound of it, less fit. However, I did have one good leg. While in PT, I reconnected with a friend from 10 years ago going to the same PT center who had both knees done a week before my surgery. She said the reason her OS recommended both at the same time was that she literally did not have a good leg to stand on. Obviously, too, one surgery is always better than two since every surgery carries risks. My friend was regaining movement and flexion at about the same rate I was, but she had more pain to deal with and more practical problems. She lives alone as well, and she required friends, neighbors and visiting nurses to help out for the first couple of weeks, but for the most part she got through her daily life OK. On the other hand, I

went home alone right from five days in the hospital and did OK around the house with a walker.

One factor in how soon you can go back to work is what type of job you have. Mine is sedentary, so I could go back sooner. My friend is a visiting nurse herself and her job requires lots of driving, stairs, caretaking, etc., so she will be off work longer. You will receive state disability payments while off work, correct? And your OS is in charge of deciding when you are ready to go back to work. Your payments should continue until then.

Please feel free to contact me directly or through the group if you have more questions. I could also probably put you in touch with my friend since her situation is closer to yours.

Romare

P.S. When I asked my doctor five years ago how I would know when it was time for the surgery, he said with great conviction, "YOU'LL KNOW." I share that wisdom with you. <scsilverthorne@...> wrote:

Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have been bothering me for several years. I have been going to a rheumatologist who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well as there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The rheum has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, one in PA and one in MA. Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am not a candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done one at a time, it

would be too much time off from work. How long should I wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will I have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family Med Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.Thanks for any help and advice.

September 18, 2005

---Hi ,

Did your Orthopaedic Surgeon say he/she would do both knees at the

same time?? I've never had mine replaced (YET!) but I would think

they wouldn't do both at the same time.

As for the time off work, ...

You don't HAVE to take FMLA (family Medical Leave Act) if you don't

want to. You can just take a note from your Dr saying you will be off

work from such and such date until such and such date because you

will be having total knee replacement. Tell them you will be on a

medical leave. NOT fmla. And be very careful what kind of papers you

fill out and sign at work. My place of employment automatically hands

out the FMLA papers to everyone who is going on a medical leave, and

some don't realize they do not have to fill them out and sign them.

A lot of companies try to fool their employees into taking FMLA so

they are limited to a certain number of weeks off per year.

Also, there is a law in this country called the Discrimination

Against People With Disabilities Act, and a company cannot fire or

terminate a person who is disabled due to a health disability.

I wouldn't think you could go home and be alone after having even one

knee surgery, much less two. Some people stay in a nursing home for a

couple weeks after having the surgery. Or, perhaps your insurance

would pay for a nurse to come in and help you for a week or two.

I wish you the very best. ..... Maxine

In Joint Replacement , " "

<scsilverthorne@y...> wrote:

> Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have

been

> bothering me for several years. I have been going to a

rheumatologist

> who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an

OS

> yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well

as

> there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The

rheum

> has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for

> sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without

> extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.

> I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters,

one

> in PA and one in MA.

> Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am

not a

> candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done

one

> at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long

should I

> wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will

I

> have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family

Med

> Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.

> Thanks for any help and advice.

>

September 18, 2005

Hi!

Here is a view from the best case scenario. I had TKR on my left

knee in June. Both knees need to be done, but the left was the one

with more weird problems. I just turned 46 so have a few years on

you and am also a bit overweight but have always been very athletic.

Anyway, I had absolutely NO problems with the surgery and the rehab

(unless you count the yucky itchy allergic reaction to Vicodin). One

of my jobs is teaching figure skating. I was back on the ice just

under two months after the surgery, not doing anything nuts, mind

you, but back on the ice. A few weeks ago I attempted step

Jazzercise for the first time in over two years and could do it! Not

as well as I think I'll be able to in the future, but better than pre-

surgery. I also live in a third floor apt. and did not have trouble

getting up and down the stairs using the one step at a time method.

The whole point of this is that you might want to choose the worst

knee and have it done first. The other knee may hang in there long

enough to give you more time to organize a second surgery. My sister

did stay with me for several weeks to help out. This was very

helpful, but if I HAD to do it on my own, it would have been possible

with only one knee done. Having two done at the same time would

probably make it a lot tougher.

Just having the one knee done for now has made a world of difference

in what I could do before and what I can do now. The soonest I would

get the right knee done is June, and it might last longer than that

with the now-strong left knee to carry it along.

Good luck to you as you decide what to do!

> Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have

been

> bothering me for several years. I have been going to a

rheumatologist

> who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an

OS

> yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well

as

> there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The

rheum

> has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for

> sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without

> extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.

> I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters,

one

> in PA and one in MA.

> Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am

not a

> candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done

one

> at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long

should I

> wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will

I

> have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family

Med

> Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.

> Thanks for any help and advice.

>

September 18, 2005

,

My mother had both of her knees done at the age of 80. They did them 3

days

apart. The surgeon said it worked better for older patients that way. After a

few

more days in the hospital she was moved to a nursing home for a week of rehab.

I

don't know how she would have managed without Dad to help at home, but she

would have been able to go back to work well within the 12 weeks you mentioned.

She was playing tennis by then.

You might have to hire someone to help you out for a while, make some meals,

etc. Maybe a daughter could visit for a week or two.

My mother LOVES her new knees. I'm sure you will be OK.

Joe Alvord, Eagle River, Alaska

> Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have been

> bothering me for several years. I have been going to a rheumatologist

> who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS

> yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well as

> there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The rheum

> has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for

> sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without

> extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.

> I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, one

> in PA and one in MA.

> Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am not a

> candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done one

> at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long should I

> wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will I

> have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family Med

> Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.

> Thanks for any help and advice.

>

September 18, 2005

,

There are no time frames for feeling better and going back to work. It also depends on your job. Somehow 12 weeks seems a bit early but if you work short hours and don't sit/stand for long periods. I don't know. It would also be up to you OS. Remember our bodies and healing time are all different. Twelve weeks seems like a really, really fast healer or a really really easy job or no job, person.You'll really need to discuss this with your OS because she or he will be able to judge how you are healing after the surgery. Also if I am not mistaken, your employer can't legally fire you for medical reasons.

Do you have short/long term disability at work? Just remember to read posts here but know that someone who says that you will be at a certain point at a certain time do not know because they are not living in your body.... Good Luck, Salem alvord_joe <joefish@...> wrote:

, My mother had both of her knees done at the age of 80. They did them 3 days apart. The surgeon said it worked better for older patients that way. After a few more days in the hospital she was moved to a nursing home for a week of rehab. I don't know how she would have managed without Dad to help at home, but she would have been able to go back to work well within the 12 weeks you mentioned. She was playing tennis by then. You might have to hire someone to help you out for a while, make some meals, etc. Maybe a daughter could visit for a week or two. My mother LOVES her new knees. I'm sure you will be OK.Joe Alvord, Eagle River, Alaska> Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have been > bothering me for several years. I have been going to a rheumatologist > who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS > yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well as > there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The rheum > has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for > sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without > extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.> I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, one > in PA and one in MA. > Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am not a > candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done one > at a time,

it would be too much time off from work. How long should I > wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will I > have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family Med > Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.> Thanks for any help and advice.>

for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

September 19, 2005

First off welcome to the boards scsilvert~ nice meeting ya.

I'm 35 yr. old ceramic on metal hip replacement patient. So I can't guide you with info on the knee issues as I am researching myself about that~ but in regards to your post.

I have been going to a rheumatologist who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS yesterday for another opinion. >>> I'm a believer in 2 minds are always better then one on any issue~ and agree with having the second opinion just for safe measure & to cover all bases. Is the first doc not advising the replacement be done until your 60 due to your weight issue or recommending you wait because they feel you have more time that your knees just aren't in bad enough shape to have the replacement yet ?

Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? >>> I wouldn't recommend anyone do either TKR nor THR and try to return home alone for the recovery process. You need someone available to help you out until you can get back to your feet about to do for yourself & get a rountine on track. Recovery varies patient to patient but most are back to doing for themselves in majority of tasking by the first 30 days baring complications. I would advise you look into going to a rehab facility which most insurances will cover if there is a medical necessity or maybe seeking a home health nurse.

September 19, 2005

When I asked my doctor five years ago how I would know when it was time for the surgery, he said with great conviction, "YOU'LL KNOW." I share that wisdom with you

>>> I agree Romare and I'm a firm believer in no one knows your body better then YOU! Although you have to realize doctors make recommendations to a patient generally by case proven history of their clients & medical knowledge of the issues at hand too. Some patients push beyond what is recommended by their orginal physician and seek out a second, third & even fourth doctor just to do "their perferences" after being told not to & why it isn't advisable for them~ Example not being a mini incision candidate due to weight or having replacement which has been advised against because of weight issues & told to loose before scheduling surgery etc. Those people are just asking for complications if they presist in finding a doctor to do just for sake of being pain free regardless. Yes make your choices wisely in terms of options available, doctors etc. and yes listen to your body closely~ it hurts for a reason... but also take heed in knowing a GOOD doctor don't cut "just because you want them to" either.

September 19, 2005

You don't HAVE to take FMLA (family Medical Leave Act) if you don't want to. Tell them you will be on a medical leave. >>> Maxine is the medical leave limited per employer as in sick days etc. available or what are the guidelines for your return limits ? Just curious~ my mom has health issues and is going through all that crap now. She's been off for almost 10 wks and doctors still won't release her to return she's pending additional testings. She did the FMLA opt I believe but now is worried she'll have to have way more time then orginally thought~ If your familar with the laws etc. on it all I'd like to know more to relay to her. If it's perfered not to be posted on the board because it's not topic specific to TK / THR then could you kindly e~mail me directly regarding the matter ? @aol.com

there is a law in this country called the Discrimination Against People With Disabilities Act, and a company cannot fire or terminate a person who is disabled due to a health disability. >>> Where exactly do you find the specifics on that lil law ? Through social security administration ? Would appreciate the direct link if you happen to have it also.

September 19, 2005

Just remember to read posts here but know that someone who says that you will be at a certain point at a certain time do not know because they are not living in your body.... >>> Agree 100% Salem. Not only does every patient have their own case & body issues.... but healing times and you'll also find that every doctor does it differently as well~ what one is limited to or guidelines on the length of time issued on restrictions etc. is different also. It's certainly a case by case thing~ the ONLY thing we've actually ALL got in common is having a body part that's went bad. LOL

September 19, 2005

Thanks for your reply. Yes the OS said he would do both at once.

They are equally bad. He told me there is no sense in me using a

cane, because there is not a " good side " . I'll have to check FMLA

policies here. I know that if I take time off for sick leave, I have

to use all (all 40 hrs, haha) of my sick time plus all my vacation

time. Then I get 40 hours of Short Term Disability. Long Term

Disability does not kick in until I have been out of work for 6

months - so that is a long time without a paycheck. The OS said that

many people opt to have both done at once because of the financial

factors.

Has anyone had surgery at the Texas Center for Joint Replacement? It

is north of Dallas. That is where the OS I saw is - and I like the

idea that they only do joint replacements.

> > Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have

> been

> > bothering me for several years. I have been going to a

> rheumatologist

> > who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an

> OS

> > yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as

well

> as

> > there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The

> rheum

> > has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up

for

> > sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without

> > extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.

> > I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two

daughters,

> one

> > in PA and one in MA.

> > Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am

> not a

> > candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done

> one

> > at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long

> should I

> > wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically

will

> I

> > have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family

> Med

> > Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.

> > Thanks for any help and advice.

> >

September 19, 2005

Thanks, Sassy. Nice to meet you too!

The Rheum feels that due to the limited life of joint replacements, no one should be given one before age 60. It is not because of my weight, or because my knees are not bad enough yet.

The OS felt differently. I asked him about rehab and he said that very few insurance companies will pay for it now. Occasionally if some one has bilteral surgeries and lives alone, they may get one week in rehab paid for. He also said that the decision is not made until after the surgery - so I wouldn't be able to count on it.

I have an office job - and spend most of my time at the computer. So hopefully, I could return to work earlier than if I had a job that required more time on my feet.

I am debating whether or not to see another OS for another opinion. It'll cost me a minimum of $50 - my co-pay, plus any xrays, blood tests, etc.

SassyLouYou@... wrote:

First off welcome to the boards scsilvert~ nice meeting ya.I'm 35 yr. old ceramic on metal hip replacement patient. So I can't guide you with info on the knee issues as I am researching myself about that~ but in regards to your post.I have been going to a rheumatologist who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS yesterday for another opinion. >>> I'm a believer in 2 minds are always better then one on any issue~ and agree with having the second opinion just for safe measure & to cover all bases. Is the first doc not advising the replacement be done until your 60 due to your weight issue or recommending you wait because they feel you have more time that your knees just aren't in bad enough shape to have the replacement yet ? Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? >>> I wouldn't recommend anyone do either TKR nor THR and try to return home alone for the recovery process. You need someone

available to help you out until you can get back to your feet about to do for yourself & get a rountine on track. Recovery varies patient to patient but most are back to doing for themselves in majority of tasking by the first 30 days baring complications. I would advise you look into going to a rehab facility which most insurances will cover if there is a medical necessity or maybe seeking a home health nurse.

for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

September 19, 2005

---This is what happened to me.

I had two surgeries for cancer in my arm in June of 2000. I did not

take a FMLA leave, I just took in a statement from my surgeon saying

that I was having surgery on such and such a date and would be off

work for X amount of time.

Due to the rarity of the cancer they had to go back in and remove

more of the surrounding structures.

I returned to work and for the first year and a half I had to return

to Mayo Clinic for tests such as MRI's and CT scans etc. every three

months. I had all my tests done on one day then the next day I had to

go back and see all the Drs and if they saw something they wanted to

check out further, it may end up being three days.

My employer doesn't count a visit to a Dr, even with a note from the

Dr for proof, as being an excused absence. You either take a hit as

an unexcused absence or use your vacation up. And then you may still

have some unexcused absences depending on how many Dr visits are

required.

So, I asked for a FMLA form after a couple years of this crap, and

they had to give me one, BUT!! they had two lines to be signed, not

one.

They had taken the Governments FMLA form and copied it, with an

addition that said I, the employee, gave my permission for my Dr to

divulge any information to my employer or my employers health

representative any time they requested it.

I filled out all my portions of the form, then had my surgeon fill

out his portion, and then I turned the form in.

In the mean time, I had a two-day trip to Mayo.

The woman from Human Resources came out to me and said, " You forgot

to sign this form. " I said, " No, I didn't. " She said I had to sign it

or I would be denied my FMLA. I replied that I hadn't FORGOTTEN to

sign it, I just wasn't going to give my Dr permission to divulge

anything about me to anyone other than the information he gave on the

form pertaining to the cancer and follow-up appointments, which was

all they really needed.

A week later she sent me an office memo stating that my FMLA was

denied due to the fact that I wouldn't sign the form.

I went to this web site;

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/fmla/faq.asp

I got the number off the site, called it, and the woman gave me the

ph. number of the nearest office in my state.

I called and spoke with a gentleman there and he said there is no

such thing as denying a FMLA once it has been signed by a Dr, and

what they did was illegal.

There ensued a battle between the government representing me and two

attorneys for my employer, and I won.

(So, if your mother or anyone is questioning anything, I would go to

that site, get the number and ask for the number of the office

closest to you in your state and ask some serious questions.

I've been at my place of employment for almost 22 years, so they

aren't exactly loyal to us either.)

THEN!, they tried to charge me the two days I had been gone for my

appointments, and HAD TAKEN VACATION FOR! against my yearly allotment

of 12 weeks. Well, the govt. jumped on them for that too.

Another woman where I work was off work for quite a while, and hadn't

even realized that she had filled out an FMLA form, and went beyond

the 12 weeks and they tried to terminate her. But, it didn't work

because the union stepped in that time.

That's what I meant by being very careful what you sign when your

employer gives you papers to fill out.

As for how long you can be out of work, ... we have a clause in our

contract that says we get short term disability up to 6 months, and

if we need to be out of work longer than that, we have long-term

disability, but we may need to pay the full premium for our health

insurance after 6 months.

If an employer allows or has allowed in the past, one employee to be

off a long time, but tries to deny another employee the same thing,

that's discrimination.

You should also know there are attorneys who handle just such things.

I mispronounced the Act I was referring to. It's the AMERICANS WITH

DISABILITIES ACT, and there is sooo much territory that it covers

that you could spend hours reading on the site.

http://www.ada.gov/adahom1.htm

I would think the Soc. Sec. Administration would have some info on

the subject too.

Sorry for the long post, but it's the only way I knew of to tell

you. Best of luck to your mother, ... and you too. ..... Maxine

In Joint Replacement , SassyLouYou@a... wrote:

> You don't HAVE to take FMLA (family Medical Leave Act) if you don't

want to.

> Tell them you will be on a medical leave. >>> Maxine is the

medical leave

> limited per employer as in sick days etc. available or what are the

guidelines

> for your return limits ? Just curious~ my mom has health issues

and is going

> through all that crap now. She's been off for almost 10 wks and

doctors still

> won't release her to return she's pending additional testings. She

did the

> FMLA opt I believe but now is worried she'll have to have way more

time then

> orginally thought~ If your familar with the laws etc. on it all

I'd like to know

> more to relay to her. If it's perfered not to be posted on the

board because

> it's not topic specific to TK / THR then could you kindly e~mail me

directly

> regarding the matter ? @aol.com

>

> there is a law in this country called the Discrimination Against

People With

> Disabilities Act, and a company cannot fire or terminate a person

who is

> disabled due to a health disability. >>> Where exactly do you find

the specifics

> on that lil law ? Through social security administration ? Would

appreciate

> the direct link if you happen to have it also.

September 19, 2005

Hi ,

I had a Hip replacement done five years ago and a knee replacememt done four years ago in nov. well I think my knee replacement turn out better then my Hip replacement .There was this on guy that was on this group he had both knees done at the same time and something happen where he couldn't bend his knees right and he was affraid to have another operation I haven't heard any thing more about him so I don't know what happen to him but I just wanted to let you know what could happen .

I know everyone is differant but I heard its good to exercises before your operation I wish I did that my dr never told me what to do before the operation and not that much after the operation .

Well I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- Thanks for your reply. Yes the OS said he would do both at once. They are equally bad. He told me there is no sense in me using a cane, because there is not a "good side". I'll have to check FMLA policies here. I know that if I take time off for sick leave, I have to use all (all 40 hrs, haha) of my sick time plus all my vacation time. Then I get 40 hours of Short Term Disability. Long Term Disability does not kick in until I have been out of work for 6 months - so that is a long time without a paycheck. The OS said that many people opt to have both done at once because of the financial factors.Has anyone had surgery at the Texas Center for Joint Replacement? It is north of Dallas. That is where the OS I saw is - and I like the idea that they only do joint replacements.> > Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have > been > > bothering me for several years. I have been going to a > rheumatologist > > who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an > OS > > yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well > as > > there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The > rheum > > has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for > > sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without > > extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.> > I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, > one > > in PA and one in MA. > > Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am > not a > > candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done > one > > at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long > should I > > wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will > I > > have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family > Med > > Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.> > Thanks for any help and advice.> >

September 19, 2005

But what about SDI--state disability insurance--that you have been paying into during your working years? That's what I lived on while off work. <scsilverthorne@...> wrote:

Thanks for your reply. Yes the OS said he would do both at once. They are equally bad. He told me there is no sense in me using a cane, because there is not a "good side". I'll have to check FMLA policies here. I know that if I take time off for sick leave, I have to use all (all 40 hrs, haha) of my sick time plus all my vacation time. Then I get 40 hours of Short Term Disability. Long Term Disability does not kick in until I have been out of work for 6 months - so that is a long time without a paycheck. The OS said that many people opt to have both done at once because of the financial factors.Has anyone had surgery at the Texas Center for Joint Replacement? It is north of Dallas. That is where the OS I saw is - and I like the idea that they only do joint

replacements.> > Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees

have > been > > bothering me for several years. I have been going to a > rheumatologist > > who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an > OS > > yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well > as > > there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The > rheum > > has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for > > sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without > > extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.> > I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, > one > > in PA and one in MA. > > Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am > not a > > candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done >

one > > at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long > should I > > wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will > I > > have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family > Med > > Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.> > Thanks for any help and advice.> >

Sara

The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. – Galbraith

September 19, 2005

It's called the Americans with Disabilities Act. Go to www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm. This will take you to the US Department of Justice ADA website.

SassyLouYou@... wrote:

You don't HAVE to take FMLA (family Medical Leave Act) if you don't want to. Tell them you will be on a medical leave. >>> Maxine is the medical leave limited per employer as in sick days etc. available or what are the guidelines for your return limits ? Just curious~ my mom has health issues and is going through all that crap now. She's been off for almost 10 wks and doctors still won't release her to return she's pending additional testings. She did the FMLA opt I believe but now is worried she'll have to have way more time then orginally thought~ If your familar with the laws etc. on it all I'd like to know more

to relay to her. If it's perfered not to be posted on the board because it's not topic specific to TK / THR then could you kindly e~mail me directly regarding the matter ? @aol.com there is a law in this country called the Discrimination Against People With Disabilities Act, and a company cannot fire or terminate a person who is disabled due to a health disability. >>> Where exactly do you find the specifics on that lil law ? Through social security administration ? Would appreciate the direct link if you happen to have it also. :)God bless you!

for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

September 19, 2005

Hi Joe,

I was just wondering what kind of work does she do at 80 years old ?that had to be hard having both knees done at once I had one done at 57 and it wasn't easy and I had a hip replacement done also at 56 . Well you have a nice day .

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- , My mother had both of her knees done at the age of 80. They did them 3 days apart. The surgeon said it worked better for older patients that way. After a few more days in the hospital she was moved to a nursing home for a week of rehab. I don't know how she would have managed without Dad to help at home, but she would have been able to go back to work well within the 12 weeks you mentioned. She was playing tennis by then. You might have to hire someone to help you out for a while, make some meals, etc. Maybe a daughter could visit for a week or two. My mother LOVES her new knees. I'm sure you will be OK.Joe Alvord, Eagle River, Alaska> Hi. I'll be 56 in a few weeks - a bit overweight. My knees have been > bothering me for several years. I have been going to a rheumatologist > who won't even think of TKR until I am at least 60. I went to an OS > yesterday for another opinion. Both knees are bone on bone as well as > there appears to be no cartiledge left under the kneecap. The rheum > has not even taken xrays since 2003. I have my 2 story house up for > sale because I can no longer walk up and down the stairs without > extreme difficulty. I can't walk more than 10-15 minutes.> I am a widow and live alone. I live in TX - I have two daughters, one > in PA and one in MA. > Can I do bilateral surgery and come home alone? The OS said I am not a > candidate for a partial replacement. If I were to have them done one > at a time, it would be too much time off from work. How long should I > wait before I do the surgery? And how much time realistically will I > have to take off work? I would have a max of the 12 week Family Med > Leave time - more than that and I would lose my job.> Thanks for any help and advice.>