Re: Knee Suggestions Please

[Guest guest]

I had my knee replaced 4 days ago so I am still a newbie in the advice

department on that, but I did have an ankle fusion 4 years ago and your

experience with collapsing knee sounds similar to my last few months with the

ankle. Funny how once you make the final decision to go for the surgery your

joint just seems to throw in the towel

Anyway, my suggestion would be to switch to crutches at this point. There is no

point in trying to be stoic anymore. Your surgery is just 2 months out so give

yourself ALL the help you can find. Stores like Costco, Home Depot, Walmart all

have those scooter things - USE them. Otherwise avoid long walks and use the

crutches, even around the house. In my final weeks they were beside the bed and

I could not even make it to the bathroom without them.

So go ahead ....give up being brave. The surgery is coming so use every tool you

can to get through till then. Good luck.

Carolyn

>

> I know this group is for people who have had their knee replaced (or are going

to have it done). I am in the latter category, but in the meantime, I must wait

another 2 months before my surgery.

>

> The past week, or so, my right knee has been VERY unstable. It keeps slipping

out of joint and I have to just stand there and try to get it back in.

Naturally, the pain when it goes out is horrible. I find myself mainly walking

stiff-legged. That is making everything sore. I have to actually THINK about

how to walk correctly, and even then most of the time I cannot. When I am

sitting, it is fine. It is just when I am standing and walking. It even is

okay on stairs, believe it or not!

>

> What can I try? I bought a couple knee " stabilizers " , but they are useless.

Which is better for the pain - hot or cold? I have a wrap thingy that can go

either way. I am quite concerned about being able to wait. I am seeing the

surgeon on June 8, but I really doubt he will have any suggestions. I am using

my cane when I am out, but that still doesn't help that much.

>

> Thanks for any advice!

>

> in PA

> THR - 8/07

> Bilateral TKR - 7/22/10

>

[Guest guest]

I would NOT feel safe with crutches. My other knee is awful, too - hence the

bilateral replacement. So leaping around on crutches with my supposed " good "

leg would be a disaster. I am using my cane more. And yes, I use the scooters

when I can. I do not try to be brave, just very careful. Everything is in

s-l-o-w motion so I can be sure my knee is going to stay in joint when I take a

step.

> >

> > I know this group is for people who have had their knee replaced (or are

going to have it done). I am in the latter category, but in the meantime, I

must wait another 2 months before my surgery.

> >

> > The past week, or so, my right knee has been VERY unstable. It keeps

slipping out of joint and I have to just stand there and try to get it back in.

Naturally, the pain when it goes out is horrible. I find myself mainly walking

stiff-legged. That is making everything sore. I have to actually THINK about

how to walk correctly, and even then most of the time I cannot. When I am

sitting, it is fine. It is just when I am standing and walking. It even is

okay on stairs, believe it or not!

> >

> > What can I try? I bought a couple knee " stabilizers " , but they are useless.

Which is better for the pain - hot or cold? I have a wrap thingy that can go

either way. I am quite concerned about being able to wait. I am seeing the

surgeon on June 8, but I really doubt he will have any suggestions. I am using

my cane when I am out, but that still doesn't help that much.

> >

> > Thanks for any advice!

> >

> > in PA

> > THR - 8/07

> > Bilateral TKR - 7/22/10

> >

>