Thoughts on bilateral TKR

[Guest guest]

Perhaps I am too soon out to give an opinion (18 days), but I am personally glad

I did both knees the same day. My surgeon had no qualms about doing them

together. He said they were both AWFUL and he doubted either leg could have

done all of the work post op. I knew that was not the case either.

I am still using a walker full time, but I can take a few steps without support

if I have to. Yes, I have pain, but not too bad. I am only taking about 4-5

Vicodin a day and I am taking just one oxicontin a day as well. They seem to be

enough so I am not writhing in pain. I can get up out of a chair a bit easier

every day. I still need arms, or some sort of elevation, but it is getting

better.

My staples are out and I have no signs of infection. I have steri strips on my

knees and they will be there until they fall off by themselves. I am taking

Coumadin and was never made to wear the stockings. YEAH!! That would have been

a real hassle.

I am using a CPM machine at night. I put in about 3-4 hours a leg during the

night. I am able to sleep fine with them. I had the machine set at 90 degrees

last night and am bumping it up a few degrees a night.

I have home PT for about 2 weeks and will them go to outpatient therapy. I am

hoping to be able to drive about 4 weeks post op. I will have to be off my

narcotics and have enough strength and speed with my legs/feet - primarily my

right, of course.

Yes, I was in a lot of pain in the beginning, but it is getting better. I

recommend doing them together IF you have the courage to do so AND if both of

your knees are equally bad like mine were.

Maybe I will have some set backs, but I will get through them. I have to. I

need to be back at work teaching instrumental music the end of August!

in PA

Bilateral TKR - 7/22/10

Left THR - 7/2007

[Guest guest]

Great to hear things going so well, !

Jackie

Jackie on

Borntodrum.org

Womendrummers.org

Girightshotline.org

510-332-5998

On Aug 9, 2010, at 2:53 PM, " musician12858 " <musician12858@...> wrote:

> Perhaps I am too soon out to give an opinion (18 days), but I am personally

glad I did both knees the same day. My surgeon had no qualms about doing them

together. He said they were both AWFUL and he doubted either leg could have done

all of the work post op. I knew that was not the case either.

>

> I am still using a walker full time, but I can take a few steps without

support if I have to. Yes, I have pain, but not too bad. I am only taking about

4-5 Vicodin a day and I am taking just one oxicontin a day as well. They seem to

be enough so I am not writhing in pain. I can get up out of a chair a bit easier

every day. I still need arms, or some sort of elevation, but it is getting

better.

>

> My staples are out and I have no signs of infection. I have steri strips on my

knees and they will be there until they fall off by themselves. I am taking

Coumadin and was never made to wear the stockings. YEAH!! That would have been a

real hassle.

>

> I am using a CPM machine at night. I put in about 3-4 hours a leg during the

night. I am able to sleep fine with them. I had the machine set at 90 degrees

last night and am bumping it up a few degrees a night.

>

> I have home PT for about 2 weeks and will them go to outpatient therapy. I am

hoping to be able to drive about 4 weeks post op. I will have to be off my

narcotics and have enough strength and speed with my legs/feet - primarily my

right, of course.

>

> Yes, I was in a lot of pain in the beginning, but it is getting better. I

recommend doing them together IF you have the courage to do so AND if both of

your knees are equally bad like mine were.

>

> Maybe I will have some set backs, but I will get through them. I have to. I

need to be back at work teaching instrumental music the end of August!

>

> in PA

> Bilateral TKR - 7/22/10

> Left THR - 7/2007

>

>