Re: TKR

[Guest guest]

Alisa,

Any suggestions for swelling of the knees other than ice and lay in bed all day with the legs elevated? I'm going nuts!

Tim T.

[Guest guest]

FILL YOUR MINDS WITH THOSE THINGS THAT ARE GOOD AND DESERVE PRAISE

HI BARBARA

WE ARE SISTERS UNDER THE SKIN. I AM SITTING HERE FEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF WITH KNEE PAIN, TOO. THERE IS NO WAY TO PUT MY LEG THAT DOES NOT HURT! A COMPLICATION IS THAT I HAVE A BRAND NEW HIP ON THE SAME SIDE. BY THE WAY, I AM 71 AND I HAVE A LOT OF LIVING YET TO DO!

I AM WRITTEN IN FOR A MARCH TKR, BUT WILL BE CALLED IF THEY HAVE A CANCELLATION. SO I HAVE TO BE READY TO GO WITH VERY SHORT NOTICE.

MY KNEE IS BONE ON BONE TO THE POINT OF DISLOCATION. MY 'SITTER' IS GETTING TIRED, TOO!

I WAS GIFTED WITH AN ELECTRIC LIFT CHAIR, WHICH IS GOING TO BE REALLY HANDY AFTER THE KNEE OPERATION. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE, DO GET IT. MY DAUGHTER FOUND THIS ONE IN THE WANT ADS FOR ONLY 250 AND I FEEL IT IS A WONDERFUL BARGAIN.

I HAVE BEEN IN THE POOL AT THE YMCA THREE TIMES A WEEK, DOING THE ARTHRITIS CLASS. IT HAS BUILT UP THE NEEDED MUSCLES VERY WELL. I RECOMMEND THIS IF YOU CAN DO IT.

ALL OF YOUR NERVOUSNESS WILL BE GONE WHEN YOU WAKE UP AFTER THE SURGERY AND SO WILL THE PAIN THAT YOU ARE HAVING RIGHT NOW. I AM DEPENDING ON THAT! HE TOLD ME THAT MY HIP PAIN WOULD BE GONE WHEN I WOKE UP, AND HE WAS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. THE HIP DOES NOT HURT! I AM HAVING A HARD TIME HOLDING MYSELF BACK FROM WALKING ON IT AND I WANT TO DRIVE SO BAD. I GRADUATE TO A CANE AND START DRIVING ON THE 28TH AND I MAY BE GONE ALL DAY LONG!. ALONE!

HANG IN THERE, SISTER. YOU CAN DO THIS! AND TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT AFTERWARDS, WILL YOU?

I am 48 and need to have a total knee. Arthritis and apparently no cartilage left. No wonder it has hurt so much. Anyway, I am now convinced I need it, wanted to know what anyone has for advice as to prepare. I am scheduled for December 1, so am trying to get as much holiday things done as possible. My dh is great and have an 18 year old ds. Live in a split foyer so have steps but won't have to go up and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of weeks. How much do you do after surgery? If I will be sitting alot, what kind of chair is best. Wondering how you feel afterward as to how much can you do? I know everyone is different, but this is all new to me. Have been trying to lose weight, but not being able to walk or do much hasn't helped. I am so tired of hurting and missing out on things, I am ready, it's just that I am not really sure what I am ready for. Know I am rambling, but am a little nervous. Appreciate any advice. Barbara

[Guest guest]

At 11/17/2003, you wrote:

Live in a split foyer so have

steps but won't have to go up

and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of

weeks.

How much do you do after surgery?

I was walking with a single crutch and driving after just over two

weeks. I was going for short quarter mile walks after three

weeks. Stairs were and still are a problem and I am almost 4 months

post op.

Awl Knotted Up - Custom woodworking

Don

Bowen

donb@...

Valley Center, CA

http://www.braingarage.com

[Guest guest]

At 11/17/2003, you wrote:

>MY KNEE IS BONE ON BONE TO THE POINT OF DISLOCATION.

I was bone on bone at the time and in pain all the time. After surgery the

pain was very different but did not keep me awake nights. I did have pain

for several months but that was because I pushed the exercise and was

walking without aids as soon as possible. Now the pain comes like today

when I have been up on it, I climbed a ladder several times fixing a vent

on a trailer.

>I HAVE BEEN IN THE POOL AT THE YMCA THREE TIMES A WEEK, DOING THE

>ARTHRITIS CLASS. IT HAS BUILT UP THE NEEDED MUSCLES VERY WELL. I

>RECOMMEND THIS IF YOU CAN DO IT.

My doctor told me that swimming was the best possible exercise followed by

the bicycle. I do not have ready access to a poll but I do take my bike

out as often as possible.

I am 57 and now almost 4 months post op. There is still muscle pain but

that is going away as I gain strength. The doctor told me this last week

that he does not want to see my until teh one year anniversary.

Awl Knotted Up - Custom woodworking

Don Bowen donb@...

Valley Center, CA

http://www.braingarage.com

[Guest guest]

Go for it Barbara! I had a total hip two years ago and last December (after Christmas) I got rid of my bone on bone right knee. I have had no pain since then. It is a God send! There were some pains from the incision, but no bone on bone pain. I was full weight bearing from the beginning on both my hip (uncemented) and knee (cemented) and I was transferred to the hospital rehab unit on day 4. I only stayed there 4 days because I wanted to be home a few days with my son before he returned to college from Christmas break. I had a home nurse check my blood weekly and home PT until 6th week. At that time I could drive and took myself and my walker to PT at local rehab/gym. I started with aqua therapy and progressed to regular PT. I used a walker for about 8 weeks. I got a carpenters apron and tied in on my walker to help me carry the portable phone, a drink, a book, etc. around. I was in the CPM machine for 6-8 hours a day for a month so I spent a lot of time reading, watching tv, napping on the bed. I would get up for meals and walked around some each day. I sat on the sofa or a recliner (unreclined as I couldn't get the footrest down by myself.) I had someone with me part of the day for about 4 days at home, until everyone was convinced I could handle it alone. I learned to move dishes from one cabinet top to the next as I moved my walker along to the table so I could get my own meals if I needed. Everyday it got easier. Biggest difference between the THR and the TKR was that surgeon let me shower with knee as soon as the IVs were removed. It seemed to be weeks before with the hip. It amazes me that a shower could mean so much. I returned to my high school teaching job at eight weeks and I had a lot of help from my students. I sat and they came to me mostly.

It was hard work but no regrets. I do water aerobics and I am still trying to lose weight but it is determined to stick with me to the bitter end. Good luck, will pray for you to have a speedy recovery. Kathi

-----Original Message-----From: bh65201 [mailto:hinshaw9@...]Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 1:15 PMJoint Replacement Subject: TKRI am 48 and need to have a total knee. Arthritis and apparently no cartilage left. No wonder it has hurt so much. Anyway, I am now convinced I need it, wanted to know what anyone has for advice as to prepare. I am scheduled for December 1, so am trying to get as much holiday things done as possible. My dh is great and have an 18 year old ds. Live in a split foyer so have steps but won't have to go up and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of weeks. How much do you do after surgery? If I will be sitting alot, what kind of chair is best. Wondering how you feel afterward as to how much can you do? I know everyone is different, but this is all new to me. Have been trying to lose weight, but not being able to walk or do much hasn't helped. I am so tired of hurting and missing out on things, I am ready, it's just that I am not really sure what I am ready for. Know I am rambling, but am a little nervous. Appreciate any advice. Barbara

[Guest guest]

*****I pushed the exercise *****

Hi Don.. I truly believe the words you wrote about pushing the exercise is the key to recovery.. I have said before that when I had my TKR in August last they didn't use that machine that keeps the joint moving at all and I was up walking in the hospital 2 days after the surgery, with a walking frame of course.. On the third day I was allowed to walk all I wanted on crutches and on day 5 I was allowed to attempt walking down several steps and because I could I went home the following day, day 6.. I didn't have to do rehab or anything but had to see a physio therapist once a week who supervised my exercise program which I did at home.. It was stressed on me that when exercising,if it started to hurt to back off and NOT push things.. it is now 3 months down the track and I can do almost everything I want but having said that I have been told to be sensible and above all, DON'T RUN or do anything to lessen the life of the new knee.. In other words, look after it and it will serve you well..

It really amazes me when I read people are running and doing all kinds of sporty things over there and it makes me wonder how long do they expect the new knee to last..

Take care mate..

Graham...

[Guest guest]

Hi, I had TKR on my right knee on Oct 10 2003. This was after

suffering for 6 months after having a arthoscopy in April where they

removed cartrlidge. My knee was bone on bone too so I feel for ya.

I am 52 years old and was told I was too young to have TKR but found

a great surgeon who had other patients around our age.

Since May of 2003 I went to a local swimming pool and did some

excercises to build up muscle and flexibility. If you have access

to a pool prior to surgery this would help. Most surgeons will give

you a book of exercises to do. Tightening up the quad muscle (the

top muscule on your thigh) will help. These will be excerises that

you will do after surgery.

I am a very tall woman, 6foot 1 so the following may not be very

helpful to you.

I had to have my left achilles tendon reconstructed and reattached

two years ago. I had a ramp placed on the front of my home, you will

be able to go up steps after knee surgery so you might not need a

ramp. I used a hip chair (used for those recoverying from hip

surgery) to sit in. I had a friend make a stand to take a wingback

confortable chair and raised it several inches. THe stand is very

sturdy and I used it after the knee surgery. I had to have a small

plastic stepstool to place my feet on. I only use chairs with arms

so I can have support getting up. I have an office chair on wheel

but it is stablized on a non=skid rug and sit there sometimes.

I had a hard time finding a comfortable postion, either in bed or in

chairs, so moved around alot. I think this was good in one way as I

was not in one position too long, but kind of tiring. My neighbor

who is a few years older than me had the same problem after he had

both knees replaced at same time but that doesnt mean you will have

this occur with you.

I live alone so I rented a wheelchair to use in my kitchen so I can

fix meals, do dishes etc. I use a walker in the rest of the house

to get around and now use a cane whenever possible. So I have been

pretty independant, except for laundry, groceries and house cleaning

which I hire done.

The surgery went well and I was walking the next morning. The

physical therapy group in the hospital was very supportive and

encouraging. I was in the ortho ward of the hospital for 4 days

and 4 days in physical rehab at the hospital. I did this because I

live alone, you probably wont be in as long. The staples from the

knee were removed two week after surgery so I could shower. I had

Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OP). I had at home

PT for two weeks and then after 3 1/2 weeks after surgery drove to

PT locally and still going there twice a week. The OP came once and

checked out the house and was there on my first shower day.

Next Monday is my 6 week checkup with the surgeon.

If possible keep yourself surrounded by positive people. Some

people will have horror stories about surgeries but if possible stay

away from their influence. Keep yourself positive, each day you

will get better and find yourself in less pain (but dont be afraid

to use pain medications as prescibed!)

After 5 weeks I was down to 1 or two pain pills a day. I walk

several times each day outside for fresh air and to get my

walking 'gait' back.

I hope this helps, good luck to you and keep me up on your surgery.

Janie

> I am 48 and need to have a total knee. Arthritis and apparently no

> cartilage left. No wonder it has hurt so much. Anyway, I am now

> convinced I need it, wanted to know what anyone has for advice as

to

> prepare. I am scheduled for December 1, so am trying to get as

much

> holiday things done as possible. My dh is great and have an 18

year

> old ds. Live in a split foyer so have steps but won't have to go

up

> and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of weeks.

> How much do you do after surgery? If I will be sitting alot, what

> kind of chair is best. Wondering how you feel afterward as to how

> much can you do? I know everyone is different, but this is all

new

> to me. Have been trying to lose weight, but not being able to

walk

> or do much hasn't helped. I am so tired of hurting and missing

out

> on things, I am ready, it's just that I am not really sure what I

am

> ready for. Know I am rambling, but am a little nervous.

Appreciate

> any advice. Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hi, I had TKR on my right knee on Oct 10 2003. This was after

suffering for 6 months after having a arthoscopy in April where they

removed cartrlidge. My knee was bone on bone too so I feel for ya.

I am 52 years old and was told I was too young to have TKR but found

a great surgeon who had other patients around our age.

Since May of 2003 I went to a local swimming pool and did some

excercises to build up muscle and flexibility. If you have access

to a pool prior to surgery this would help. Most surgeons will give

you a book of exercises to do. Tightening up the quad muscle (the

top muscule on your thigh) will help. These will be excerises that

you will do after surgery.

I am a very tall woman, 6foot 1 so the following may not be very

helpful to you.

I had to have my left achilles tendon reconstructed and reattached

two years ago. I had a ramp placed on the front of my home, you will

be able to go up steps after knee surgery so you might not need a

ramp. I used a hip chair (used for those recoverying from hip

surgery) to sit in. I had a friend make a stand to take a wingback

confortable chair and raised it several inches. THe stand is very

sturdy and I used it after the knee surgery. I had to have a small

plastic stepstool to place my feet on. I only use chairs with arms

so I can have support getting up. I have an office chair on wheel

but it is stablized on a non=skid rug and sit there sometimes.

I had a hard time finding a comfortable postion, either in bed or in

chairs, so moved around alot. I think this was good in one way as I

was not in one position too long, but kind of tiring. My neighbor

who is a few years older than me had the same problem after he had

both knees replaced at same time but that doesnt mean you will have

this occur with you.

I live alone so I rented a wheelchair to use in my kitchen so I can

fix meals, do dishes etc. I use a walker in the rest of the house

to get around and now use a cane whenever possible. So I have been

pretty independant, except for laundry, groceries and house cleaning

which I hire done.

The surgery went well and I was walking the next morning. The

physical therapy group in the hospital was very supportive and

encouraging. I was in the ortho ward of the hospital for 4 days

and 4 days in physical rehab at the hospital. I did this because I

live alone, you probably wont be in as long. The staples from the

knee were removed two week after surgery so I could shower. I had

Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OP). I had at home

PT for two weeks and then after 3 1/2 weeks after surgery drove to

PT locally and still going there twice a week. The OP came once and

checked out the house and was there on my first shower day.

Next Monday is my 6 week checkup with the surgeon.

If possible keep yourself surrounded by positive people. Some

people will have horror stories about surgeries but if possible stay

away from their influence. Keep yourself positive, each day you

will get better and find yourself in less pain (but dont be afraid

to use pain medications as prescibed!)

After 5 weeks I was down to 1 or two pain pills a day. I walk

several times each day outside for fresh air and to get my

walking 'gait' back.

I hope this helps, good luck to you and keep me up on your surgery.

Janie

> I am 48 and need to have a total knee. Arthritis and apparently no

> cartilage left. No wonder it has hurt so much. Anyway, I am now

> convinced I need it, wanted to know what anyone has for advice as

to

> prepare. I am scheduled for December 1, so am trying to get as

much

> holiday things done as possible. My dh is great and have an 18

year

> old ds. Live in a split foyer so have steps but won't have to go

up

> and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of weeks.

> How much do you do after surgery? If I will be sitting alot, what

> kind of chair is best. Wondering how you feel afterward as to how

> much can you do? I know everyone is different, but this is all

new

> to me. Have been trying to lose weight, but not being able to

walk

> or do much hasn't helped. I am so tired of hurting and missing

out

> on things, I am ready, it's just that I am not really sure what I

am

> ready for. Know I am rambling, but am a little nervous.

Appreciate

> any advice. Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara!

No worries about the knee....it will be better after surgery.

I had both of my knees replaced in February of this year.

The day after surgery they had me get up and walk across the room...no pain.

The next day I ventured into the hallway with a walker. Next day I went up

and down hallway with crutches.

I went home on day 6...spent a lot of time using the constant passive

movement (CPM) machine. Nurses at the hospital said I was the best patient

ever for using the CPM....I ran it day and night...6 hours per leg. After

about 4 days it gets kinda boring.

Had in home therapy....after 10 days, she said she didn't know why she was

there...

Then I had therapy at a rehab place. It was good....but had to do twice as

much since it was both knees.

Now, if I'm going to a mall or something where I'll be doing extended

standing around, slow movement, I use a cane.

However, I can walk two miles without problem with no cane...

I'm still weather sensitive....I can tell when the hurricanes start

forming....

Going up stairs is not a problem....coming down is not as good. My left leg

is still the worse one but much better than before. No more of the pain I

had before.

Go in to surgery with a good attitude, realize that recovery takes some

time....and exercise exercise exercise. I don't exercise anymore, seem to

get enough at work. Do quite a bit of walking and have gotten to prefer it

to riding one of our little buggies.

Take care and let me know how things go!

Tim T.

TKR

I am 48 and need to have a total knee. Arthritis and apparently no

cartilage left. No wonder it has hurt so much. Anyway, I am now

convinced I need it, wanted to know what anyone has for advice as to

prepare. I am scheduled for December 1, so am trying to get as much

holiday things done as possible. My dh is great and have an 18 year

old ds. Live in a split foyer so have steps but won't have to go up

and down much. Will have in home therapy for a couple of weeks.

How much do you do after surgery? If I will be sitting alot, what

kind of chair is best. Wondering how you feel afterward as to how

much can you do? I know everyone is different, but this is all new

to me. Have been trying to lose weight, but not being able to walk

or do much hasn't helped. I am so tired of hurting and missing out

on things, I am ready, it's just that I am not really sure what I am

ready for. Know I am rambling, but am a little nervous. Appreciate

any advice. Barbara

[Guest guest]

It depends on the physician, and what all he had to do, if she still

needs the walker. It is unusual to still have that much pain 3 months

since surgery. Did she have physcial therapy to help her initially?

Has she been back to the doctor recently? Does the doctor know how

much pain she is in, and lack of function? He should really be

involved. If the joint is ok, then prehaps another round of P.T. for

several weeks would help, sometimes it is lack of muscle control that

causes the joint to not position itself correctly.

Marilyn, P.T.

Jolley Feathers wrote:

Hi all, my name is Regina. My mom had

TKR on September 16th and she is having a really hard time.

Here is

her story and some feedback would be greatly appreciated. I am typing

this as

she narrates it to me on the phone. So it may seem out of order. LOL

First knee surgery was 20

years ago when she was 35 she had

dislocating knee cap since child hood so they fixed that and torn

cartridge.

They took the tendon on outside of leg and pulled over the knee cap and

graphed

it to the bone below. They cleaned up arthritis while they were in

there. She

can’t remember everything but there was about 5 things they did. She

went

back 6 months later to take the staple out from where they had stapled

the

tendon down. They had to remove the staple because it was coming out

itself. She

was told that her body was rejecting the metal that the staple was made

out of.

Her knee did not dislocate anymore but she ended up with really bad

arthritis.

September 16th

she had TKR surgery on her left

knee. They had to go in through the old incision on the outside of the

knee

instead of down the middle of the knee because it would have been to

close to

the other scar to do it properly. They had to tunnel through to the

joint

through scar tissue. The replaced the total knee joint. She believes

they

cemented in the knee.

It has been three months

now and she still can not walk

without a walker. She was told to not take her pain pills so she only

takes 1 a

day but feels that she needs more. She still has swelling and the knee

is warm

to the touch. She has horrible pain. She says it feels like it is in

the bone

pain and if you press on the knee it hurts. She said it feels heavy and

it

locks up on her now and then. When she is standing it will stiffen and

lock and

she will lose her balance. She can’t do anything without the walker.

She

says she can feel in it there and she feels like she wants it out of

there.

After 2 weeks it felt loose and felt like it clunks in there. But she

has had

x-rays since then and they say it looks fine. She said it also feels

like it is

grinding.

Has anyone else

experienced it like this and is it normal to

not be walking without the walker after 3 months?

Thank you,

Regina Jolley

[Guest guest]

I did end up calling the doctors advice

nurse. She was very nice and was able to talk to me. She called and gave my mom

a pep talk and she seems to be doing better now. When my mom gets depressed she

quits taking all meds. So she had stopped her naperson and her antidepressant.

So the nurse got her back to taking that. The nurse said that this is normal

for my mom to have pain like this because of the way they had to do the

surgery. Also because after 6 weeks she had to go back and be put to sleep and

have the knee manipulated. It has been 6 weeks since they did that. The nurse

said that when they do that she basically had to start over with healing.

I am planning a trip down there but I can’t

go until May L I just started a new job this April and I need to be there for a

year before I can take a vacation.

Thanks for your help J

Regina

-----Original

Message-----

From: Marilyn

[mailto:mwelton@...]

Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003

8:54 PM

To:

Joint Replacement

Subject: Re:

TKR

Regina: it sounds

like your mother has had quite a bit of therapy. I would think that the

therapist would have been in contact w/ the doctor if there appeared to be

something out of the normal with your mother's new knee. You might try contacting

the P.T. before going to the doctor. With the new HIPPA laws, (privacy

laws) they may not talk w/ you without your mother giving them

permission. You also may be very correct in worrying about her

depression. Again, a doctor question.

Good Luck, it is very difficult to interpret things from so far away. Is

there any way you can go visit for a week and see what is really going

on? Sometimes that helps both of you.

Marilyn

birdienest@...

wrote:

She does still go to PT three times a week. She says

that it hurts so bad

while they are working her that she crys. She also

does exercises at home. She

had 12 session of PT at home, 12 at the PT office

and now she is on her third

set of 12 at the PT office. Once that is over I am

not sure that her insurance

will pay for more She has not seen her doctor

for a while and she don't see

him again until the end of January. She is in such

a depressed state now that

she won't even call him. Her doctor is a hour away

and she just don't have the

energy to go see him. I see her getting more and

more depressed and that part

scares me. I am going to call the doctor myself

today. But not much I can do

since I am two states away!

Thank you

Regina Jolley

Quoting Marilyn <mwelton@...>:

> It depends on the physician, and what all he

had to do, if she still

> needs the walker. It is unusual to

still have that much pain 3 months

> since surgery. Did she have physcial

therapy to help her initially?

> Has she been back to the doctor

recently? Does the doctor know how much

> pain she is in, and lack of

function? He should really be involved.

> If the joint is ok, then prehaps another

round of P.T. for several weeks

> would help, sometimes it is lack of muscle

control that causes the joint

> to not position itself correctly.

>

> Marilyn, P.T.

>

> Jolley Feathers wrote:

>

> > Hi all, my name is Regina. My mom had

TKR on September 16th and she is

> > having a really hard time. Here is her

story and some feedback would

> > be greatly appreciated. I am typing this

as she narrates it to me on

> > the phone. So it may seem out of order.

LOL

> >

> >

> >

> > First knee surgery was 20 years ago when

she was 35 she had

> > dislocating knee cap since child hood so

they fixed that and torn

> > cartridge. They took the tendon on

outside of leg and pulled over the

> > knee cap and graphed it to the bone

below. They cleaned up arthritis

> > while they were in there. She can't

remember everything but there was

> > about 5 things they did. She went back 6

months later to take the

> > staple out from where they had stapled

the tendon down. They had to

> > remove the staple because it was coming

out itself. She was told that

> > her body was rejecting the metal that

the staple was made out of. Her

> > knee did not dislocate anymore but she

ended up with really bad

> > arthritis.

> >

> >

> >

> > September 16th she had TKR surgery on

her left knee. They had to go in

> > through the old incision on the outside

of the knee instead of down

> > the middle of the knee because it would

have been to close to the

> > other scar to do it properly. They had

to tunnel through to the joint

> > through scar tissue. The replaced the

total knee joint. She believes

> > they cemented in the knee.

> >

> >

> >

> > It has been three months now and she

still can not walk without a

> > walker. She was told to not take her

pain pills so she only takes 1 a

> > day but feels that she needs more. She

still has swelling and the knee

> > is warm to the touch. She has horrible

pain. She says it feels like it

> > is in the bone pain and if you press on

the knee it hurts. She said it

> > feels heavy and it locks up on her now

and then. When she is standing

> > it will stiffen and lock and she will

lose her balance. She can't do

> > anything without the walker. She says

she can feel in it there and she

> > feels like she wants it out of there.

After 2 weeks it felt loose and

> > felt like it clunks in there. But she

has had x-rays since then and

> > they say it looks fine. She said it also

feels like it is grinding.

> >

> >

> >

> > Has anyone else experienced it like this

and is it normal to not be

> > walking without the walker after 3

months?

> >

> >

> >

> > Thank you,

> >

> >

> >

> > Regina Jolley

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

It will be time to do it when you and your doc decide you can no longer

continue w/ your quality of life because of your disability. But,

please realize, a TKP rehab is alot different from a THP rehab. Knees

are alot harder to rehab, more pain, more struggle to get your range of

motion back. The new knee prostheses and approaches are really good,

though, and the rehab time is improving. Just be forwarned that it will

be different from your hip surgery.

Marilyn

mariemusial wrote:

>

>I'm 49, was just advised last week I'll need my knee replaced. Had my

>hip replaced 10 years ago, it's been wonderful. Any advice on how

>I'll know it's time to do something? I was told the implant they'll

>use should last about 20 years, and I do plan on taking really good

>care of it.

>Thanks-God Bless!

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

I just wanted to say that my Hip operation was harder on me I had to learn how to walked again and go up and down stairs I still hate those steps outside where their nothing to hold on to only your cane I had my knee replace I throught it was earier then the hip I was still in pain . Its been four years since my hip replacement and I still have a hard time . Well you have a nice day .

SusieMarilyn <mwelton@...> wrote:

It will be time to do it when you and your doc decide you can no longer continue w/ your quality of life because of your disability. But, please realize, a TKP rehab is alot different from a THP rehab. Knees are alot harder to rehab, more pain, more struggle to get your range of motion back. The new knee prostheses and approaches are really good, though, and the rehab time is improving. Just be forwarned that it will be different from your hip surgery.Marilynmariemusial wrote:>>I'm 49, was just advised last week I'll need my knee replaced. Had my >hip replaced 10 years ago, it's been wonderful. Any advice on how >I'll know it's time to do something? I was told the implant they'll >use should last about 20 years, and I do plan on taking really good >care of it.>Thanks-God

Bless!>>>>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Thank you so much Carol for your kind reply to my first

post

> 2/11/05 (about types of TKR (fixed bearing and rotating platform).

> We were not convinced the doctor's choice was based on facts, only

> that he had been doing the fixed bearing for 30 years.

>

> I posted a message again 10 days later, and I'm hoping there is

> someone here who will share their experiences with one type of knee

> replacement or the other.

>

> It's not been easy for Dave, he had MAJOR surgery in 2003 to remove

> cancer from his spine, then in 2004 another location in his spine

was

> diagnosed as inoperable. HOWEVER, it was through listening to the

> experiences of others in the Chondrosarcoma group, that caused us

to

> seek other opinions and alternative treatments that got Dave where

he

> is today.

>

> Please, would someone share their experience with one or the other

of

> these knee replacements?

>

> Thanks so much,

>

> Connie

Connie,

I did not see your first message, but I have a simple site on knee

replacement and implants that may be helpful

http://www.totalkneeinfo.com

[Guest guest]

> Connie,

>

> I did not see your first message, but I have a simple site on knee

> replacement and implants that may be helpful

>

> http://www.totalkneeinfo.com

Thank you so much my-new-knee! I did order the pamphlet and have

received it. What kind of knee did you get? Fixed? Did you have

major surgery, or minimally invasive? Did you go through a

decision process to decide what was best for you, or did your doctor

just dictate what was going to happen?

Thanks again!

Connie

[Guest guest]

Connie,

You might have ordered a pamphlet from one of the links or ads on my

site-I do not have anything for order. I have not received an implant

myself, I was involved with designing them for a while at an implant

manufacturer

All of the info on my site is free and is meant to give to basice

background on knee replacement, surgery, implants etc. Also, it is

not intended to provide medical advice.

Glad you found what you needed.

http://www.totalkneeinfo.com

> > Connie,

> >

> > I did not see your first message, but I have a simple site on

knee

> > replacement and implants that may be helpful

> >

> > http://www.totalkneeinfo.com

>

> Thank you so much my-new-knee! I did order the pamphlet and have

> received it. What kind of knee did you get? Fixed? Did you have

> major surgery, or minimally invasive? Did you go through a

> decision process to decide what was best for you, or did your

doctor

> just dictate what was going to happen?

>

> Thanks again!

>

> Connie

[Guest guest]

> Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who

has had TKR recently over the past year.

> Sherry

Sherry,

I am in my early 50's and had a TKR 1 1/2 yrs ago. I stayed in the

hospital 3 days and went home. The recovery was painful at times. PT

works on the knee to get it back where it needs to be. I was off work

3 months. Used a cane almost 2 1/2 months. The knee still gets stiff

if I fail to exercise it. I was able to drive after the stitches came

out, about 2 weeks, but I had the left one done. If it were the right

side, I prob could not have driven so soon. I had in home PT fro

about a month then went to the clinic.

Valeri

[Guest guest]

I had one TKR done in Mid November. I pretty much needed a lot of 24/7 care for about 5 weeks. Then just someone looking in now and then. I used a cane for about another 6 weeks, then got frid of that. I still had a good deal of stiffness and am very cautious about walking down stairs. I do about 5 miles a day on my bike and life 20 b weights on my leg to strengthen it. It continues to improve but more slowly that I had guessed.

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of S.A.M.Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 12:48 PMUndisclosed-Recipient:;Subject: TKR

Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who has had TKR recently over the past year.

Everyone I talk to who has had this done has a

vastly different opinion and recovery ranges from

a few weeks to a couple years.

I'd like to have them done both at the same time

so I only go through the agony once. Also, how

did you fair at home and did you have 24/7 help

for awhile?

Sherry

[Guest guest]

I am 58, and just had a TKR on my left knee on April 7th. I had the staples removed yesterday because they were causing irritation and that was at 11 days. My original appointment was 3 days later so no big deal. Anyway, I feel like I am actually doing pretty good. I can't imagine doing them both at once though, you basically don't have "a good leg to stand on". I need a good leg to help get in and out of bed, etc. I am doing the PT, and am progressing well. The doctor was very pleased when I saw him yesterday. I still take vicodin....maybe 1 every 4 or 5 hours and that is less during the day every day. Night time I am still getting still and that is why I am writing this at 2:15 a.m.!

But all in all, I feel like things are going well, the pain is definitely not what I imagined it would be and I am about ready to give up the walker. I mostly use a cane during the day, but I do want that walker at night if I get up because I don't want to take any chances.

Sandi

____ Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who has hadTKR recently over the past year.Everyone I talk to who has had this done has avastly different opinion and recovery ranges froma few weeks to a couple years. I'd like to have them done both at the same timeso I only go through the agony once. Also, howdid you fair at home and did you have 24/7 helpfor awhile?Sherry__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I would continue using the walker at night until you really feel comfortable with just a cane. The consequences of a fall are just too great. It will only be another week or two.

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of sandiSent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 4:15 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: TKR

I am 58, and just had a TKR on my left knee on April 7th. I had the staples removed yesterday because they were causing irritation and that was at 11 days. My original appointment was 3 days later so no big deal. Anyway, I feel like I am actually doing pretty good. I can't imagine doing them both at once though, you basically don't have "a good leg to stand on". I need a good leg to help get in and out of bed, etc. I am doing the PT, and am progressing well. The doctor was very pleased when I saw him yesterday. I still take vicodin....maybe 1 every 4 or 5 hours and that is less during the day every day. Night time I am still getting still and that is why I am writing this at 2:15 a.m.!

But all in all, I feel like things are going well, the pain is definitely not what I imagined it would be and I am about ready to give up the walker. I mostly use a cane during the day, but I do want that walker at night if I get up because I don't want to take any chances.

Sandi

____ Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who has hadTKR recently over the past year.Everyone I talk to who has had this done has avastly different opinion and recovery ranges froma few weeks to a couple years. I'd like to have them done both at the same timeso I only go through the agony once. Also, howdid you fair at home and did you have 24/7 helpfor awhile?Sherry

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I would never encourage a friend to have both hips

done at the same time to avail double hospitalization.

I had TRHR and having a good leg to stand on for

recovery was VERY important.

RUTH

--- sandi <vanillarwc@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

> I am 58, and just had a TKR on my left knee on April

> 7th. I had the staples removed yesterday because

> they were causing irritation and that was at 11

> days. My original appointment was 3 days later so

> no big deal. Anyway, I feel like I am actually

> doing pretty good. I can't imagine doing them both

> at once though, you basically don't have " a good leg

> to stand on " . I need a good leg to help get in and

> out of bed, etc. I am doing the PT, and am

> progressing well. The doctor was very pleased when

> I saw him yesterday. I still take vicodin....maybe

> 1 every 4 or 5 hours and that is less during the day

> every day. Night time I am still getting still and

> that is why I am writing this at 2:15 a.m.!

>

> But all in all, I feel like things are going well,

> the pain is definitely not what I imagined it would

> be and I am about ready to give up the walker. I

> mostly use a cane during the day, but I do want that

> walker at night if I get up because I don't want to

> take any chances.

>

> Sandi

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ____ Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's

> or early 60's who has had

> TKR recently over the past year.

>

> Everyone I talk to who has had this done has a

> vastly different opinion and recovery ranges from

> a few weeks to a couple years.

>

> I'd like to have them done both at the same time

> so I only go through the agony once. Also, how

> did you fair at home and did you have 24/7 help

> for awhile?

>

> Sherry

>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Sherry,

I just had a TKR on my left knee on 18 March 05. I did have someone

around 24/7. It is a good thing!!! I'm VERY independant but couldn't

have done it without help.

I just turned 44 on Saturday. I'm using only a cane now & I'm doing

therapy twice a week. I'm at 88% today and the therapist thinks I

should be doing better. I'm sore - I have good days & bad.

Hope this helps & email me w/any other questions. I really do

believe everyone heals differently!

Good luck,

Sherrie

> Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who

has had TKR recently over the past year.

>

> Everyone I talk to who has had this done has a

> vastly different opinion and recovery ranges from

> a few weeks to a couple years.

>

> I'd like to have them done both at the same time

> so I only go through the agony once. Also, how

> did you fair at home and did you have 24/7 help

> for awhile?

>

> Sherry

[Guest guest]

I just found out our insurance won't pay for TKR

until December. They won't pay for the $450.00

X-Rays either as it was for a pre-existing condition.

I knew I couldn't have surgery till December of 05.

My husband didn't take out insurance until he was

at the job for a year...big mistake. The clause states

I have to wait until 18 months after the insurance

goes into force. So, not much I can do.

I have other medical conditions as well. I had

Barretts Disease and am supposed to have an

endoscopy annually but he had a different job

when I had my last one several years ago so there too, zip. I can't have a colonoscopy but can have

a mammogram.

If his employer changes carriers then I'm gonna

have to start all over again. I am really depressed

over this. Might just give up and opt for the rest of

my life in a wheel chair like the doctor suggested as

he doesn't think I'm a good candidate for surgery

even though my knees are totally gone and walking

more than a few minutes is agony.

Sherry

Re: TKR

Hey Sherry,I just had a TKR on my left knee on 18 March 05. I did have someone around 24/7. It is a good thing!!! I'm VERY independant but couldn't have done it without help.I just turned 44 on Saturday. I'm using only a cane now & I'm doing therapy twice a week. I'm at 88% today and the therapist thinks I should be doing better. I'm sore - I have good days & bad.Hope this helps & email me w/any other questions. I really do believe everyone heals differently!Good luck,Sherrie> Is there anyone on this list in there late 50's or early 60's who has had TKR recently over the past year.> > Everyone I talk to who has had this done has a> vastly different opinion and recovery ranges from> a few weeks to a couple years. > > I'd like to have them done both at the same time> so I only go through the agony once. Also, how> did you fair at home and did you have 24/7 help> for awhile?> > Sherry

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob,

I wanted my right Knee done but my dr talked me into having my right Hip done first and seventeen monthes later I had my right Knee done well I didn't walked any better I went for checkups for four years and I tell him I was having pain and all he could tell me is I had bad scar tissues so for a year I didn't go to a dr this last month I saw a Radiology and I had a bone Density test done they said I was ok but I had Arthritis in my back then I had a x-ray done of my spine and I have bad Arthritis in my Spine so I 'm wondering if I really needed my Hip replace . My new Arthritis dr told my I had Bursitis in my right hip, I was 57 when I had my hip replacement done and almost 59 when I had my knee replace the only thing is I thing its better if your married or have a girlfriend or boyfriend to talked to its hard when your by yourself but its up to you and your dr if you have both your knees I know someone on this group had both knees and he had a hard time and was affraid to have another operation.Well I wish you luck and have a nice day. I had my Hip operations 5 years ago and my knee operations 3 years ago I'm 62 now.

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- I am 57 years old and am considering knee replacement on both knees.I was wondering what others who have experienced it think about the various proceedures such as the less invasive type and I realize that it probably depends on the severity of my damage.I injured both in high school and had cartialage removal surgery (1965).About 15 years ago I had them scoped.They are bothering me more and more, arthritis,limited flexibility,bowing out,etc.What about doing both at the same time? I am going for consultation next week with hopes of having them both done soon.Bob Weathers

[Guest guest]

You seem to have been down the list of ways to deal with knee OA

without surgery. Sounds like surgery is the next step, unless

you plan to be restricted by your pain!

I'm 76, had arthroscopy on 1 knee 15 years ago, use a cane for

long walks, have had cortisone inj. in both knees, & had synvisc

in May 05. But nothing was helping any more (except the

steroid, which raised my blood sugar a lot). I travel as often

as possible & didn't want to quit.

When I thought it over 1 day I realized that I couldn't put my

full weight on either knee & I was about to be out of

commission. So I asked to have the worse knee replaced & my

ortho surgeon said yes, so I had a TKR on Nov. 15 05.

The surgery was not a big ordeal, though it is major. In 4 days

I was home; I had 2 weeks of home PT, then 4 weeks of

out-patient PT. I was uncomfortable for a while & took the

prescribed pain meds. Haven't needed them in several weeks.

I can stand up straight again, put weight on that side, use that

leg to walk better, etc. The OS says that it takes 3-6 months

to recover fully, so I expect more improvement before we go

bird-watching in May. I can walk 1/2 mile at a fair pace. Went

back to exercise in the pool at the Y last week & that was a big

help.

For me, this op has been a success, with great relief from pain

& a necessary increase in strength & mobility.

Barb in MI

Barbara Ward

Macomb County, Michigan

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