Booked my surgery

[fgarland]

I'm scheduled for August 15th for a minimally invasive knee replacement. Any thoughts about rehab and the time frame. I'm hoping to be back at work within 4 weeks. Is this realistic? Now that I finally am committed, I'm getting a bit nervous.

[AGATHA57]

Hi, I'm also booked for Sept. 20 surgery and am getting nervous. I will have bilateral knee replacements. I wish you the best of luck and want to hear from you afterwards. God keep you safe.

[BRENDA]

I Just Found Out Yesterday That I Need A Knee Replacement Because Of My Severe Arthistis I Am Bone On Bone.can You Let Me Know How Your Surgey Went? How Long Were You In The Hospital,how Was The Pain After? I Am 48 .

[frobbi]

I too have just booked my surgery. I will be having a bi lateral knee replacement on Nov 6th. Any one who has had it done please give me some input as to what to expect.

[Lesley]

to Brenda ,my right knee is also bone on bone arthritis,i am having some lubrication injections at the moment but i am not expecting miracles and a knee replacement is inevitable,the consultant and doctor that i have seen,dont seem to be very encouraging about it due to being 'too young'! but i do not want to be left with a limp and as worried as i am about the surgery,i need my mobility now,not when i am too old!What has your experience of this been? and how long have you endured the pain,what medication etc? Also have you been able to work ok?

[frobbi]

I am now 11 days post op! I spent 4 days in the regular hospital and 6 days in a residential rehab. I came home yesterday with a walker, cane, bath seat and commode. I had my first out patient rehab today and no longer need the walker in my home. I use the cane on the steps until I get more strength back.The commode fits over the regular toilet and is needed for the handles and the fact that it is higher. The bath seat sits in the tub so I can shower and don't have to climb over the tub ledge. Pain levels decrease daily so I have cut back on pain meds. They are extremely insistent that pain meds are taken so as to continue rehab. I get the staples out on Tues the 21st and hope to be driving in about 2 more weeks. According to those watching me walk, I already look better than before surgery. I'll try to continue with updates.

[kol13399@bigpond.net.au]

Last year I had partial knee replacement in my right knee which has been brilliant. Unfortunately, I now need a full knee replacement in my left knee due to a disease called"relapsing polychondritis" which causes the cartilage in my body to become inflamed, very painful and then break down; so "bone on bone" as some others here have called it. But my new surgeon is reluctant to do this 2nd surgery as I'm "only"(his words) 50! I'm virtually incapacitated and the pain for the last 6 days, in particular, has been so overwhelming, all I can do is crawl btw bed, bathroom and fridge. I live on strong pain meds and diezepam to stop muscle spasm which is affecting hamstrings right down leg. Any advice? How long do the exoerts want you to suffer before they operate?

[Jack E]

Had left knee replaced sept.20 and right knee nov.1. 2006. I am 59. Had to retire early becasue of the pain and not being able to stand on my feet for more than 15 mins. at a time. Still having pain in both knees, usually after sitting for a while, 10mins. or longer. The pain is not the same as before replacement,and I can tell it is getting better. PT is going good, go three times a week. I can walk without a cane or any other support,but perfer to have my cane just in case. Pain is about a 6 or 8 when I first stand up, but usuallly will drop to a 1 or 2 after a few steps.The pain med. does not seem to help at this point, putting a cold pack on the knee help after PT. I don.t think I will be able to go back to work till the end of Dec. Thanks for letting me get some of this out, feel kind of helpless not being able to drive.

[frobbi]

Thank you Jack for your post. I had a double knee replacement on Nov 6th and didn't even need the walker after I came home. I can do most everything without much pain but getting up from the sofa is horrible!!It feels as if everything is ripping apart inside but then I'm ok. Therapy 3x a week but will drop it to 2x a week. I still need 2 percocet prior to therapy but that's the only time I take it. Stupid, I know. I'm just so tired. Sleeping isn't fun when I am awakened while I try to turn over. Everyone says be patient, it will be worth it.Let's hope they are right for the both of us

[Fran]

Hi everyone:

I am really scared. I am a 72 year old lady. I have been really activie all my adult life. I go to the gym and work out almost everyday. Right now, I just ride the stationary bike for about 20 min. 3 times a week. My hip hurts bad also and my knee is swollen and I have a hard time walking or doing anything now. I went to the Core Institue, which is in the Phoenix area (where we live). the Orthopedic doc. said that I need knee replacement. It will be done on the 22nd of Feb, 07. What should I expect? I have a low tollerance for pain.

[frobbi]

Hi Fran,,I am 64 and had a double knee replacement in Nov. I won't kid you and tell you there is no pain involved,,there is. But the really good othopedic centers are good on pain management. You will have all the pain meds you need. The most important thing to remember is that this is one surgery where the recovery is up to you. PHYSICAL THERAPY! I was able to walk without aid in 2 weeks. I wasn't able to walk 1 block before and now I'm almost up to speed. Look into live in rehab for the first week. They really push you and it's what helped me. The day after I came home I started out patient rehab 3x week. I was discharged the 2nd week in Dec. I started going back to the gym doing the exercises that I did in rehab. The only problem I have is getting up from a sitting position. Other than that,,no probems. Some of us had problems sleeping,,me being one. After the Percocet I found AdvilPM worked well. Good luck