TKR

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/19/2008 8:17:19 P.M. Central Standard Time,

judywade109@... writes:

They've always given me a xanax when I'm getting ready at the hospital.

HI everyone,

I've been reading but don't post very often. I'm just now planning a

bilateral knee replacement. My consult is Nov and I'm terrified. Does anyone

know if

doctors and give you something to keep you calm before the surgery? I'm

afraid I won't make it in the front door of the hospital! LOL

Judy

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[Guest guest]

Judy,

I think a lot has to do with your confidence of your surgeon.  After being told

by my primary physician, pulmonary physician, and my original sports medicine

ortho physician that I have the best in the area and one of the best on the east

coast and after seeing he has taught at the Mayo clinic I am " currently "  not

concerned with my scheduled surgery.  Or maybe I've been in pain so long that

doing something has to beat doing nothing.  Good luck

 

TKR

HI everyone,

I've been reading but don't post very often. I'm just now planning a bilateral

knee replacement. My consult is Nov and I'm terrified. Does anyone know if

doctors and give you something to keep you calm before the surgery? I'm afraid I

won't make it in the front door of the hospital! LOL

Judy

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[Guest guest]

See if you can get the first surgery in the a.m., you are so tired you don't

care. They usually do put Versed or some other forgetting drug in your IV

right away. I remember them putting in the IV, then starting some meds and

asking me to move over to the surgical table. They were in the process of

asking me to turn on my side when everything was gone. The next I remember I

was in recovery and feeling fine because the drugs during surgery are good.

I know it seems terrifying and I only had one TKR but ultimately, you won't

remember much of the bad and when you have recovered you will be so thrilled

at the lack of pain and at the range of motion you have.

TKR

HI everyone,

I've been reading but don't post very often. I'm just now planning a

bilateral knee replacement. My consult is Nov and I'm terrified. Does

anyone know if doctors and give you something to keep you calm before the

surgery? I'm afraid I won't make it in the front door of the hospital! LOL

Judy

------------------------------------------------------------

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Garage overflowing? Click for steel buildings that are durable and easy to

install.

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mqmEW0g/

[Guest guest]

Hi, I had a lot of anxiety the night before and the morning of my THR.  When I

was getting ready for the knees, I asked for something for anxiety.  I was

allowed to take ativan (maybe spelling it wrong) and told to tell the

anesthesiologist that I took it. 

Re: TKR

In a message dated 10/19/2008 8:17:19 P.M. Central Standard Time,

judywade109@ excite.com writes:

They've always given me a xanax when I'm getting ready at the hospital.

HI everyone,

I've been reading but don't post very often. I'm just now planning a

bilateral knee replacement. My consult is Nov and I'm terrified. Does anyone

know if

doctors and give you something to keep you calm before the surgery? I'm

afraid I won't make it in the front door of the hospital! LOL

Judy

************ **New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.

Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out

(http://local. mapquest. com/?ncid= emlcntnew0000000 2)

[Guest guest]

Judy,

I probably missed it. Who is your surgeon?

Re: TKR

Judy,

I think a lot has to do with your confidence of your surgeon.  After being

told by my primary physician, pulmonary physician, and my original sports

medicine ortho physician that I have the best in the area and one of the

best on the east coast and after seeing he has taught at the Mayo clinic I

am " currently "  not concerned with my scheduled surgery.  Or maybe I've been

in pain so long that doing something has to beat doing nothing.  Good luck

 

TKR

HI everyone,

I've been reading but don't post very often. I'm just now planning a

bilateral knee replacement. My consult is Nov and I'm terrified. Does anyone

know if doctors and give you something to keep you calm before the surgery?

I'm afraid I won't make it in the front door of the hospital! LOL

Judy

[Guest guest]

HI,

The surgeon I found is

Godbout Brett P MD I'm just now searching. any suggestion for surgeons on the

east coast?

Judy

RE: TKR

Note: Original message sent as attachment

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[Guest guest]

East Coast is a big area. I am in Southern NJ and am going to a surgeon at

Pennsylania Hospital in Phila, Pa. Dr Bartolozzi supposedly gets patients

from all over the country.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

RE: TKR

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[Guest guest]

There's a great surgeon in Asheville, NC at Blue Ridge Bone and

Joint...Dr. Karegeannes

There's a great surgeon in Celebration, FL...Dr. Dore

There's a great surgeon in Columbia, SC at Midlands Orthopedics...Dr.

Peele

All 3 have done surgery on me...Dr. Karegeannes specializes in problems,

infections, problems after infection...

I would highly recommend all 3...

Harold

On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 4:00 PM, shihtzumom wrote:

East Coast is a big area. I am in Southern NJ and am going to a surgeon

at

Pennsylania Hospital in Phila, Pa. Dr Bartolozzi supposedly gets

patients

from all over the country.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

RE: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] TKR

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[Guest guest]

It's normal to have some pain/swelling towards the end of 6 mos.but it

should not be all the time.6 mos is pretty much the outside window that I

was given and that I experienced with any pain/swelling for a normal knee

replacement. I'd go back and see your OS.

Harold

_____

From: Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of allie6154

Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 10:22 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject: TKR

I had a TKR on Oct 28, 08, which was a result of a fall I had at work

approximately 3 years prior to it.

I still have some swelling on the inside of my knee as well as burning and

pain all the time. I only take 1 Vicodin at the end of the day so I can

sleep.

Is this normal or should I go see my ortho?

[Guest guest]

You are just barely six months out of surgery. When in doubt, go see your

orthopedist, but I think you may just be experiencing some nerve healing. The

nerves are the last tissue to heal, they take a long time up to 12 months. This

is the main reason why a lot of people say they dodon't feel " normal " until a

year after the surgery. It's not just the pain nerves, it's also the nerves

that give you joint pressure and position sense that are healing. I remember

with my first TKR a year later being insecure going down hills and steps without

a cane.

Give it some more time. Nerve pain is stinging, burning stuff that comes and

goes with activity. It's different from muscle and incision pain. Also, your

knee and all the muscles around it are still realigning in the " new " position

and getting used to working together that way.

Annie Pal

PT in SC

>

> I had a TKR on Oct 28, 08, which was a result of a fall I had at work

approximately 3 years prior to it.

>

> I still have some swelling on the inside of my knee as well as burning and

pain all the time. I only take 1 Vicodin at the end of the day so I can sleep.

>

> Is this normal or should I go see my ortho?

>

[Guest guest]

Doug,

Welcome to the group.

The statement is true for most people. Once you have severe arthritis it's not

going to get better.

I posted recently about my positive results from my tkr and all I can say is

that it's made a major difference in my life. I also have diabetes, cardiac

issues and apnea and none of those will prohibit your surgery.

If you have any questions please contact me. I'm always happy to share my

positive results which I believe are more the norm than the many people with

issues that tend to post more often here and on other sites.

Jeff

________________________________

From: <douglasswearingen@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:35:16 PM

Subject: TKR

As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug.  I reside in southern New

Mexico.  I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee since my last

knee surgery that was about 30 years ago.  I have had two knee surgeries being

caused by an accident when I was a child playing football with my two brothers.

Anyway I an considering a TKR.  I have been told by the orthopaedic surgeon that

the knees will never be any better than they are now.  I do not know how true

that statement is.

As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems, sleep apnea, and

a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia.  So I have been in the process of

filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4 months as my doctors tell

me I am disabled and can forget working.

I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on going

through TKR.  I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have to be done

at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has been put on it for

the past years.

Thanks for any information shared.

By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I would second Jeff's post that from a perception point of view, it

sometimes appears that knee and hip replacements are less than

successful for a large segment of people. The opposite is of course

true as the vast majority of people have a remarkable success and

regain the quality of life that was impossible with knees and hips

causing agony when used.

Most people find sites like this prior to operation and ask questions.

When the operation is a success, they are back out among the living

and tend to stop posting. Those with problems remain or find sites

because they are looking for answers and support.

This is NOT intended to be derogatory towards those who post with

problems but merely pointing out that the user base is skewed somewhat

-- especially in terms of complete success versus problems.

Recovery from knee surgery is much harder than recovery from hip

replacement in my own personal experience. I have only had hip

replacement but my neighbor has had both and after 7 weeks is still in

pain and doing extensive physical therapy. Of course that's early on

in terms of knee replacement (from what I have read.

On Nov 21, 2009, at 7:51 AM, Scharff wrote:

> Doug,

> Welcome to the group.

> The statement is true for most people. Once you have severe

> arthritis it's not going to get better.

> I posted recently about my positive results from my tkr and all I

> can say is that it's made a major difference in my life. I also have

> diabetes, cardiac issues and apnea and none of those will prohibit

> your surgery.

> If you have any questions please contact me. I'm always happy to

> share my positive results which I believe are more the norm than the

> many people with issues that tend to post more often here and on

> other sites.

> Jeff

>

> ________________________________

> From: <douglasswearingen@...>

> Joint Replacement

> Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:35:16 PM

> Subject: TKR

>

> As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in

> southern New Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of

> the Knee since my last knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I

> have had two knee surgeries being caused by an accident when I was a

> child playing football with my two brothers.

>

> Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic

> surgeon that the knees will never be any better than they are now.

> I do not know how true that statement is.

>

> As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems,

> sleep apnea, and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I

> have been in the process of filing for Social Security Disability

> for the past 4 months as my doctors tell me I am disabled and can

> forget working.

>

> I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on

> going through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will

> have to be done at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress

> that has been put on it for the past years.

>

> Thanks for any information shared.

>

> By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Doug. For me the decision to get TKR came down to a simple " do I want to

walk or not? "

I tried everything before deciding, spent lots of time with a great Physical

Therapist trying to build up the leg muscles so my knee would not have to bear

such a load, got Synvisc which didn't work for me, I was living on cortisone

shots.

I finally noticed my life was getting smaller and smaller, a very gradual

process...I was not going places because of walking or stairs or just pain, but

all this occurring at a subconscious level.

I now have both knees TKR'd (also both hips resurfaced) and I'm so glad I did

it. I had a successful surgery, relatively quick recovery. I'm now 7 months

out from second TKR and I can do anything, even ski! Walking and stairs no

longer bother me.

I do not have the other health problems you do, so cannot address those. I do

have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which I thought might make recovery more difficult

but didn't.

But find an extremely good surgeon, even if he/she isn't in your town. Most

joint replacement problems are caused by surgeon error. One good measure is how

many of the same procedure he has already done. Personally, I would not go to

anyone who has done less than 200 and I've only gone to surgeons over the 1,000

procedure mark. The infection rate of the hospital is important to ask about

too, in my case it was .004%.

Good luck,

Hollie

>

> As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in southern New

Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee since my last

knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I have had two knee surgeries being

caused by an accident when I was a child playing football with my two brothers.

>

> Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic surgeon

that the knees will never be any better than they are now. I do not know how

true that statement is.

>

> As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems, sleep apnea,

and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I have been in the process of

filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4 months as my doctors tell

me I am disabled and can forget working.

>

> I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on going

through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have to be done

at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has been put on it for

the past years.

>

> Thanks for any information shared.

>

> By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

>

[Guest guest]

Greetings,

I am 47, had a TKA 11/4/09. It has been very complicated. Strictly

speaking of the knee, I will agree that replacing a rotten knee will NOT get

you what you hope for. I hoped for a pain free, mobile knee without

swelling. As the process got closer to surgery I found out more and more

about the limitations of TKA; swelling will likely continue for 6-12 mos

post op, pain may continue for a year. Following surgery I was in much

greater pain than prior to surgery, *but the pain is different. it is a

injury pain and now a healing pain.* Believe it when you read that people

have depression after TKA. I'm just a bit over 2 weeks into this and have

what a PT friend calls " buyer's remorse " . I have been told that in 6-12

months the worst will be behind me. I only hope as much. My surgery went

relatively smoothly despite my surgeons concerns about my many previous

surgeries complicating this one. My knees were malaligned since birth. I

also have young onset alzheimer's. I now have seizures, just since

surgery. This has negatively impacted my rehab.

I'm 2.4 weeks since surgery. Active flex is 95, active extension is -5 (5

past zero). I am having little problem with pain during the day, but the

nights KILL me. I have deep, bone crushing pain. Using ice and medication

and meditation. Starting to get massages to try and lower my

anxiety/stress/speed healing. Good luck!

On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM, <douglasswearingen@...>wrote:

>

>

> As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in southern New

> Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee since my last

> knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I have had two knee surgeries

> being caused by an accident when I was a child playing football with my two

> brothers.

>

> Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic surgeon

> that the knees will never be any better than they are now. I do not know how

> true that statement is.

>

> As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems, sleep

> apnea, and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I have been in the

> process of filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4 months as my

> doctors tell me I am disabled and can forget working.

>

> I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on going

> through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have to be

> done at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has been put

> on it for the past years.

>

> Thanks for any information shared.

>

> By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

>

>

>

--

Diane Thornton

www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

www.lefthandedknitting.net

[Guest guest]

Diane,

You're only a very short time out of surgery and perhaps your expectations were

unrealistic. If you continue with pt and home program the pain should lessen and

the swelling will go down. I have to disagree with your statement that you'll

not get what you what you hope for. You have to give this some time to be

effective. You had major surgery just 2 1/2 weeks ago and your body went through

a pretty severe trauma.

Pain, swelling and some depression are all quite normal for the amount of time

since your surgery. To get past all this you need to be consistent with your

exercises and medication.

Try to relax a little and give your new knee some time to heal

Jeff

________________________________

From: Diane Thornton <leftoutknitter@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2009 5:17:50 AM

Subject: Re: TKR

Greetings,

I am 47, had a TKA 11/4/09.  It has been very complicated.  Strictly

speaking of the knee, I will agree that replacing a rotten knee will NOT get

you what you hope for.  I hoped for a pain free, mobile knee without

swelling.  As the process got closer to surgery I found out more and more

about the limitations of TKA; swelling will likely continue for 6-12 mos

post op, pain may continue for a year.  Following surgery I was in much

greater pain than prior to surgery, *but the pain is different.  it is a

injury pain and now a  healing pain.*  Believe it when you read that people

have depression after TKA.  I'm just a bit over 2 weeks into this and have

what a PT friend calls " buyer's remorse " .  I have been told that in 6-12

months the worst will be behind me.  I only hope as much.  My surgery went

relatively smoothly despite my surgeons concerns about my many previous

surgeries complicating this one.  My knees were malaligned since birth.  I

also have young onset alzheimer's.  I now have seizures, just since

surgery.  This has negatively impacted my rehab.

I'm 2.4 weeks since surgery.  Active flex is 95, active extension is -5 (5

past zero).  I am having little problem with pain during the day, but the

nights KILL me.  I have deep, bone crushing pain.  Using ice and medication

and meditation.  Starting to get massages to try and lower my

anxiety/stress/speed healing.  Good luck!

On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM, <douglasswearingen@...>wrote:

>

>

> As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in southern New

> Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee since my last

> knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I have had two knee surgeries

> being caused by an accident when I was a child playing football with my two

> brothers.

>

> Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic surgeon

> that the knees will never be any better than they are now. I do not know how

> true that statement is.

>

> As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems, sleep

> apnea, and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I have been in the

> process of filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4 months as my

> doctors tell me I am disabled and can forget working.

>

> I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on going

> through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have to be

> done at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has been put

> on it for the past years.

>

> Thanks for any information shared.

>

> By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

>

> 

>

--

Diane Thornton

www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

www.lefthandedknitting.net

[Guest guest]

I sympathize with your feelings but you are only two weeks out of

surgery. There is no one who has had a knee replacement who hasn't had

significant discomfort after surgery -- especially after doing the

exercise which are necessary for a full recovery. You also appear to

have some other significant medical conditions making the operation

and rehabilitation more difficult

However, there are excellent pain killers which alleviate pain and no

one should have to experience KILLING pain -- as you phrased it.

If the pain is that bad, speak to your OS about better pain killers.

No one has knee replacement (or even hip replacement) on a whim. Most

people opt for surgery because the pain of the knee or the hip has

become so bad that it is debilitating and circumscribing their daily

existence. Recovery from hip surgery is easier than knee surgery but

for almost everyone, knee surgery is a " cure " for the knee which

enables them to regain a normal life.

Again, after roughly two weeks, most people with knee replacements are

depressed, swollen and experiencing pain -- but almost every person

when asked a year later would do it again.

On Nov 22, 2009, at 2:17 AM, Diane Thornton wrote:

> Greetings,

>

> I am 47, had a TKA 11/4/09. It has been very complicated. Strictly

> speaking of the knee, I will agree that replacing a rotten knee will

> NOT get

> you what you hope for. I hoped for a pain free, mobile knee without

> swelling. As the process got closer to surgery I found out more and

> more

> about the limitations of TKA; swelling will likely continue for 6-12

> mos

> post op, pain may continue for a year. Following surgery I was in much

> greater pain than prior to surgery, *but the pain is different. it

> is a

> injury pain and now a healing pain.* Believe it when you read that

> people

> have depression after TKA. I'm just a bit over 2 weeks into this and

> have

> what a PT friend calls " buyer's remorse " . I have been told that in

> 6-12

> months the worst will be behind me. I only hope as much. My surgery

> went

> relatively smoothly despite my surgeons concerns about my many

> previous

> surgeries complicating this one. My knees were malaligned since

> birth. I

> also have young onset alzheimer's. I now have seizures, just since

> surgery. This has negatively impacted my rehab.

> I'm 2.4 weeks since surgery. Active flex is 95, active extension is

> -5 (5

> past zero). I am having little problem with pain during the day, but

> the

> nights KILL me. I have deep, bone crushing pain. Using ice and

> medication

> and meditation. Starting to get massages to try and lower my

> anxiety/stress/speed healing. Good luck!

>

> On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM,

> <douglasswearingen@...>wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in

> southern New

> > Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee

> since my last

> > knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I have had two knee

> surgeries

> > being caused by an accident when I was a child playing football

> with my two

> > brothers.

> >

> > Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic

> surgeon

> > that the knees will never be any better than they are now. I do

> not know how

> > true that statement is.

> >

> > As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems,

> sleep

> > apnea, and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I have

> been in the

> > process of filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4

> months as my

> > doctors tell me I am disabled and can forget working.

> >

> > I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had

> on going

> > through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have

> to be

> > done at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has

> been put

> > on it for the past years.

> >

> > Thanks for any information shared.

> >

> > By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

> >

> >

> >

>

> --

> Diane Thornton

> www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

> www.lefthandedknitting.net

>

>

[Guest guest]

Greetings;

I had TKR 10/28/09. I had the same hopes. Following surgery I also was

in much

greater pain than before. But it had abated somewhat. And it is

swolllen, but that

has gone down some also. Depression is a problem, I am on valium for

that, it

also helps with spasms. I use ice, and oxycodone - but they are trying

to wean

me off the oxy (1 every 6 hrs instead of 2 every 4 hrs). The nights are

not as bad

as daytime, I sleep on my back normally, and they let me put a VERY

small pillow under

the new knee. The oxy and the valium make me sleepy during the day, so I

take 2 naps a day

which helps. Massages help. When they took the staples out a week ago it

helped a lot. Now I just have a row of little bits of tape, that

theoretically come

off at the next doc visit Dec. 8. I will have a 14 " scar but who cares

when you

are 69 and do not do beach blanket bingo anymore. If " active flex " means

how much you can bend the knee, I can do 87 with reasonable pain and 90

with HUGE pain.. My P/T says it will get better. Luckily I have a wonderful

husband who drives me to doc and P/T , plus takes me out to dinner and lunch

several times a week.

I have a friend who had TKR in mid-August and was dancing with his wife

(polka!) last week. He says do all your rehab, it will work out eventually.

I am choosing to believe him, but I am going to nag my doc about

inadequate pain meds.

I hope you start improving. I was pretty down and depressed at the

2 week point but it got better.

Good luck.

////Adrienne

Diane Thornton wrote:

>

>

> Greetings,

>

> I am 47, had a TKA 11/4/09. It has been very complicated. Strictly

> speaking of the knee, I will agree that replacing a rotten knee will

> NOT get

> you what you hope for. I hoped for a pain free, mobile knee without

> swelling. As the process got closer to surgery I found out more and more

> about the limitations of TKA; swelling will likely continue for 6-12 mos

> post op, pain may continue for a year. Following surgery I was in much

> greater pain than prior to surgery, *but the pain is different. it is a

> injury pain and now a healing pain.* Believe it when you read that people

> have depression after TKA. I'm just a bit over 2 weeks into this and have

> what a PT friend calls " buyer's remorse " . I have been told that in 6-12

> months the worst will be behind me. I only hope as much. My surgery went

> relatively smoothly despite my surgeons concerns about my many previous

> surgeries complicating this one. My knees were malaligned since birth. I

> also have young onset alzheimer's. I now have seizures, just since

> surgery. This has negatively impacted my rehab.

> I'm 2.4 weeks since surgery. Active flex is 95, active extension is -5 (5

> past zero). I am having little problem with pain during the day, but the

> nights KILL me. I have deep, bone crushing pain. Using ice and medication

> and meditation. Starting to get massages to try and lower my

> anxiety/stress/speed healing. Good luck!

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Doug,

I had bilateral TKR surgery in July. I had severe osteo-arthritis, with

contractures (greater than 45 degrees on the left and greater than 20 on the

right). I also have a history of cellulitis in the left leg (four bouts in 25

years), and lymphadema (which delveloped because of the cellulitis).

My recuperation has been longer than many others in this group. A big part was

due to the fact my knees were in such bad shape at time of surgery.

Additionally, I didn't wear the compression stockings for the lymphadema (knee

high, heavier than TED hose), for almost two weeks and the lymphadema swelling

began again. I was in the hospital for a week. Surgery on the left was on a

Thursday so I went in that morning, and right knee was operated on Monday.

Three days after the second surgery, I moved to an in-patient rehab facility and

got intensive therapy. I spent a little more than a week there. (Thursday to

following Saturday.) I began wearing the compression stockings mid-way through

rehab....after several requests/discussions with my physiatrist.

Seven weeks post-op, I developed a case of cellulitis near my new knee in my

left leg. If you aren't familiar with it, cellulitis is an infection in soft

tissue. Once you've had it, you're prone to get it again. Anyway, I ended up

back in the hospital for four nights. I missed a week of Physical Therapy

because of it, and once I resumed, I had a set-back with particularly flexion in

that leg.

At this stage, four months after surgery, I have extension near 0 degrees on my

left leg (from a deficit of greater than 45 degrees contractures) and flexion at

110. My right knee I have 117 degrees flexion and 9 degrees extension. I have

done more than my fair share of comparing my progress with others here on this

list. There are others who have better ROM than I do, much earlier in their

recovery, and I have had to learn to NOT compare.

I still have some pain...mostly in the quads above my knees when standing, as

well as near the top of one scar from a huge mis-shapen golf ball sized scar

tissue. Strength and endurance for longer periods of standing and distance

walking are improving. I will be going back to work in the near future, which

is a milestone.

All in all, I am thrilled with how I feel. It's been a tough road, but I am so

glad I had it done. I was miserable prior to surgery. Every step I took hurt,

I felt like crying daily, and it was no way to live at 49. I am able to do more

now, four months post-op than I was able to do for a long time prior to surgery.

[Guest guest]

Hi Doug,

I live in southeastern NM. I had my TKR in June. It has been slow going but is

gradually getting better. I also have diabetes, HNPP (a hereditary neuropathy)

and venus insufficiency all of which have impacted my recovery. I had my

surgery done in Amarillo. One thing I would stress is to search for a good

surgeon. As you know I'm sure, finding good doctors in our part of the world

can be difficult but is absolutely vital for this type of surgery.

I had injured my knee in 8th grade (I'm 46 now) and had 4 previous surgeries on

it.

If you have further questions, just ask.

Jo G

New Mexico

[Guest guest]

Diane, I agree with others here that 2 weeks is like barely out of the surgery

room. TKAs are NOT a painless procedure, and at two weeks you are just getting

ready to pass the high pain phase.

I've had depression periods with each of my 4 joint surgeries (2 TKAs and 2 hip

resurfacings), I believe it to be part of the healing. It passed.

I sure got what I hoped for with my knee replacements, at 7 months I can do

anything, I was barely walking before surgery.

About swelling, the initial post op swelling goes away fairly soon. Swelling

from arthritic inflammation which is usually not big swelling can last, but

cortisone to the butt will take it down. Some people don't have any long term

swelling.

After I got over the big post surgical pain I took pain meds at night to prevent

me from waking up in pain as I got in weird positions while sleeping.

Since you have these misaligned knees since birth, your recovery could take

longer, but I just stuck it out until 4-5 months and things were so much better,

now I don't have pain.

Good luck and just hang in there for a few months,

Hollie

> Greetings,

>

> I am 47, had a TKA 11/4/09. It has been very complicated. Strictly

> speaking of the knee, I will agree that replacing a rotten knee will NOT get

> you what you hope for. I hoped for a pain free, mobile knee without

> swelling. As the process got closer to surgery I found out more and more

> about the limitations of TKA; swelling will likely continue for 6-12 mos

> post op, pain may continue for a year. Following surgery I was in much

> greater pain than prior to surgery, *but the pain is different. it is a

> injury pain and now a healing pain.* Believe it when you read that people

> have depression after TKA. I'm just a bit over 2 weeks into this and have

> what a PT friend calls " buyer's remorse " . I have been told that in 6-12

> months the worst will be behind me. I only hope as much. My surgery went

> relatively smoothly despite my surgeons concerns about my many previous

> surgeries complicating this one. My knees were malaligned since birth. I

> also have young onset alzheimer's. I now have seizures, just since

> surgery. This has negatively impacted my rehab.

> I'm 2.4 weeks since surgery. Active flex is 95, active extension is -5 (5

> past zero). I am having little problem with pain during the day, but the

> nights KILL me. I have deep, bone crushing pain. Using ice and medication

> and meditation. Starting to get massages to try and lower my

> anxiety/stress/speed healing. Good luck!

>

> On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:35 PM, <douglasswearingen@...>wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > As an introduction to the group, my name is Doug. I reside in southern New

> > Mexico. I have been suffering from Osteo-Arthritis of the Knee since my last

> > knee surgery that was about 30 years ago. I have had two knee surgeries

> > being caused by an accident when I was a child playing football with my two

> > brothers.

> >

> > Anyway I an considering a TKR. I have been told by the orthopaedic surgeon

> > that the knees will never be any better than they are now. I do not know how

> > true that statement is.

> >

> > As well I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac problems, sleep

> > apnea, and a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia. So I have been in the

> > process of filing for Social Security Disability for the past 4 months as my

> > doctors tell me I am disabled and can forget working.

> >

> > I would like to hear about the experience other persons have had on going

> > through TKR. I am relatively sure the other knee (right) will have to be

> > done at some point strictly from the aspect of the stress that has been put

> > on it for the past years.

> >

> > Thanks for any information shared.

> >

> > By the way in case anyone wants to know my age is 56.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Diane Thornton

> www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

> www.lefthandedknitting.net

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone for all the messages about their experiences with TKR.  The

market I am looking in for the surgeon is in the Albuquerque, NM area.  I

reside in T or C, NM which is short for Truth or Consequences, NM named after

the game show from the 1950's.  I reside about 150 miles south of Albuquerque

which is the largest market for health care around here.

 

________________________________

From: Jo Gaines <gainesbunch@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 2:39:51 PM

Subject: Re: TKR

 

Hi Doug,

I live in southeastern NM. I had my TKR in June. It has been slow going but is

gradually getting better. I also have diabetes, HNPP (a hereditary neuropathy)

and venus insufficiency all of which have impacted my recovery. I had my surgery

done in Amarillo. One thing I would stress is to search for a good surgeon. As

you know I'm sure, finding good doctors in our part of the world can be

difficult but is absolutely vital for this type of surgery.

I had injured my knee in 8th grade (I'm 46 now) and had 4 previous surgeries on

it.

If you have further questions, just ask.

Jo G

New Mexico

[Guest guest]

Hi Doug,

I had a right TKR on August 20 and a little shy of 8 weeks later, on Oct 13, had

a left TKR. I just turned 58 and don't have any other major health problems

and am not overweight. I live a little south of Santa Fe, NM and after

deciding that their local hospital was not going to be the place to go for my

surgeries, I started researching hospitals and OS in the Albuquerque area.

Presbyterian in Albq seemed to have the lowest infection rate and I got good

references for two Orthos at New Mexico Orthopedics....Dr. Archibeck and Dr.

Junick. Both do a high volume of knee replacements at Presbyterian. I went

with Dr. Archibeck for my surgeries.

Since I live out of town and in a rural area, home health came out to my home

for Physical therapy. I'll be starting outpatient PT on Tuesday.

Archibeck does not do the quad sparing technique...incision is down the middle

of the knee...closes with glue and staples. I was in the hospital for 3 days

both times (typical for his patients without problems). He likes using a

spinal and femoral block (sedation is also used so you sleep through the

procedure).

It is a major surgery and recovery is painful. I'm still taking 3 or 4

Percocet daily and working on switching over to Tramadol for pain control at

this point. At 3 months post op for one knee and 6 weeks post op on the other

knee, I'm able to walk without the walker or cane. Flexion is 124 on my first

knee and 117 on my second knee with both being at about -4 extension.

I Definitely continue to have swelling at this point that worsens through the

day. I have purchased a recumbent exercise bike to help with my rehab. I

go through range of motion exercises several times a day and try to move around

as much as possible. Endurance is still a major problem and I'm just now

getting to the point where I can stand long enough to prepare a meal or two.

Like everyone else has said, recovery varies from person to person. I am glad

that I had it done and even though my PT said that I was ahead of schedule with

what I can do, I'm still frustrated with the slowness of the progress. This

is not something that you get over quickly and I've also had my bouts of

depression.

I'm content with who did my surgery and felt that he was very qualified.

Surgery wait time was approximately 3 months. :-(

Shirley in Cerrillos, NM

Re: Re: TKR

Thanks to everyone for all the messages about their experiences with TKR. The

market I am looking in for the surgeon is in the Albuquerque, NM area. I reside

in T or C, NM which is short for Truth or Consequences, NM named after the game

show from the 1950's. I reside about 150 miles south of Albuquerque which is

the largest market for health care around here.

________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks Shirley,

I have been seen at New Mexico Orthopaedics but not be the two particular

doctors you mentioned.

Doug

________________________________

From: Shirley <whispertoeva@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 5:35:35 PM

Subject: Re: Re: TKR

 

Hi Doug,

I had a right TKR on August 20 and a little shy of 8 weeks later, on Oct 13, had

a left TKR. I just turned 58 and don't have any other major health problems and

am not overweight. I live a little south of Santa Fe, NM and after deciding that

their local hospital was not going to be the place to go for my surgeries, I

started researching hospitals and OS in the Albuquerque area.

Presbyterian in Albq seemed to have the lowest infection rate and I got good

references for two Orthos at New Mexico Orthopedics. ...Dr. Archibeck and Dr.

Junick. Both do a high volume of knee replacements at Presbyterian. I went with

Dr. Archibeck for my surgeries.

Since I live out of town and in a rural area, home health came out to my home

for Physical therapy. I'll be starting outpatient PT on Tuesday.

Archibeck does not do the quad sparing technique... incision is down the middle

of the knee...closes with glue and staples. I was in the hospital for 3 days

both times (typical for his patients without problems). He likes using a spinal

and femoral block (sedation is also used so you sleep through the procedure).

It is a major surgery and recovery is painful. I'm still taking 3 or 4 Percocet

daily and working on switching over to Tramadol for pain control at this point.

At 3 months post op for one knee and 6 weeks post op on the other knee, I'm able

to walk without the walker or cane. Flexion is 124 on my first knee and 117 on

my second knee with both being at about -4 extension.

I Definitely continue to have swelling at this point that worsens through the

day. I have purchased a recumbent exercise bike to help with my rehab. I go

through range of motion exercises several times a day and try to move around as

much as possible. Endurance is still a major problem and I'm just now getting to

the point where I can stand long enough to prepare a meal or two.

Like everyone else has said, recovery varies from person to person. I am glad

that I had it done and even though my PT said that I was ahead of schedule with

what I can do, I'm still frustrated with the slowness of the progress. This is

not something that you get over quickly and I've also had my bouts of

depression.

I'm content with who did my surgery and felt that he was very qualified.

Surgery wait time was approximately 3 months. :-(

Shirley in Cerrillos, NM

Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] Re: TKR

Thanks to everyone for all the messages about their experiences with TKR. The

market I am looking in for the surgeon is in the Albuquerque, NM area. I reside

in T or C, NM which is short for Truth or Consequences, NM named after the game

show from the 1950's. I reside about 150 miles south of Albuquerque which is the

largest market for health care around here.

____________ _________ _________ __

[Guest guest]

Folks

I had two (2) total knee replacement one in 5/09 and one in 04/08. My

osteo-arthitis was so bad I had made groves in the knees where there had been no

miniscus. Bone on bone. I cried every day attempting to walk to my car in the

Company parking lot. Exactly 932 steps each way. I began counting the steps to

take my mind of the pain. I used a cain for so long my lower back (S1L5, L5L4,

L4L3 were compressed and giving me siatica). If anything could go wrong, it

happened to me. I weigh 270 lbs. Never could walk or go up the stairs (15 of

them) in my own home. I used to do something I called the Turtle, which is

crawl up the stairs like a turtle.

Today, I walk almost normal. No cane. Swelling has been gone for ??? never

noticed one day I looked and it was gone. I started walking just around the

cul-de-sac, and going up and down the stairs more and more. I don't use the

electric carts any more in the store, but still smile at those that do.

Please, please...get them done and make sure that you have a positive attitude.

Do your rehab. Get up off your butt as soon as possible. I was up and walking

in the hospital before the therapist came to help me. I was bound and

determined that I wouldn't be in a wheelchair the rest of my life.

If you need anything, or just want to vent...let me know. I can listen. :-)

" Hello, my name is and I am a Yorkieholic! "

Sonnett (18 yrs), (5 yrs), Tinker (16 yrs), (18 yrs), Meesha (14

yrs) - My little Angels at the Rainbow Bridge.

Peaches (15yrs), Jackie (12yrs), Token (11yrs), Simon (8yrs), Barbie (7yrs),

Star (6yrs) and Zoe's (2yrs) Mom

6 Yorkies, 1 Maltie, and 1 Pitbull who thinks she is a Yorkie). God help me!!

" Yorkie addiction is the uncontrollable urge to love more than one...and the

euphoria afterwards is undescribeable. "

@...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

That's great news, congrats. Have you noticed that having your new knees have

helped your back? I have severe back problems and it has been much better since

the surgery. I also lost 50 lbs since the surgery and that has also helped with

the back pain (except for today!)

Jeff

________________________________

From: <@...>

Joint Replacement Surgery

Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 1:54:25 PM

Subject: Re: TKR

Folks

I had two (2) total knee replacement one in 5/09 and one in 04/08.  My

osteo-arthitis was so bad I had made groves in the knees where there had been no

miniscus. Bone on bone.  I cried every day attempting to walk to my car in the

Company parking lot.  Exactly 932 steps each way.  I began counting the steps to

take my mind of the pain. I used a cain for so long my lower back (S1L5, L5L4,

L4L3 were compressed and giving me siatica).  If anything could go wrong, it

happened to me.  I weigh 270 lbs.  Never could walk or go up the stairs (15 of

them) in my own home.  I used to do something I called the Turtle, which is

crawl up the stairs like a turtle. 

Today, I walk almost normal.  No cane.  Swelling has been gone for ??? never

noticed one day I looked and it was gone.  I started walking just around the

cul-de-sac,  and going up and down the stairs more and more.  I don't use the

electric carts any more in the store, but still smile at those that do. 

Please, please...get them done and make sure that you have a positive attitude. 

Do your rehab.  Get up off your butt as soon as possible.  I was up and walking

in the hospital before the therapist came to help me.  I was bound and

determined that I wouldn't be in a wheelchair the rest of my life. 

If you need anything, or just want to vent...let me know.  I can listen.  :-)

" Hello, my name is and I am a Yorkieholic! "

Sonnett (18 yrs), (5 yrs), Tinker (16 yrs), (18 yrs), Meesha (14

yrs) - My little Angels at the Rainbow Bridge.

Peaches (15yrs), Jackie (12yrs), Token (11yrs), Simon (8yrs), Barbie (7yrs),

Star (6yrs) and Zoe's (2yrs) Mom

6 Yorkies, 1 Maltie, and 1 Pitbull who thinks she is a Yorkie).  God help me!!

" Yorkie addiction is the uncontrollable urge to love more than one...and the

euphoria afterwards is undescribeable. "

@...