Which Knee First?

Galcyclist · #1 February 1st, 2010, 06:25 PM

I am scheduled to get both knees replaced. Right on March 22 and left on April 19. When I was scheduled for surgery six weeks ago, the right knee was the "bad one" and it was recommended that I get that one done first. For the last several weeks, the left one has become the "bad one". I spoke with the OS office today and was told I could change my mind at about two weeks before my first surgery. The big question I have is how to decide which one is the "bad one". I can straighten out the right knee fairly well, but straightening the left knee is a real struggle. When I go down steps, I automatically let the left leg lead. But then the right knee has it's times too. I still have alot of time before surgery, but feel so torn. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been down this road. Thanks!

Jen

**Josephine** · #2 February 1st, 2010, 06:57 PM

What a shame you can't get them done both together! But it's a tough call and I think if it was me, given the picture you've painted, I'd probably resort to flipping a coin!

cotton1958 · #3 February 1st, 2010, 07:02 PM

Obviously my vote would be for having them done the same time...cannot imagine going through it twice in such a short time. But that's all I know, is doing it together. One of my knees was worse than the other. Not sure what to tell you there. I guess I'd do whichever the OS picked.

Good luck to you!

ship4 · #4 February 2nd, 2010, 04:44 AM

My OS replaced both at the same time because he stated I needed a good leg to stand on if I had one at a time done. Unfortunately I did not have a good leg to stand on....... so I had them both done!
Does your OS refuse to do them both at the same time? I do know some OS will not do them both at the same time because insurance companies will only pay for one rather than 2 during the same surgery. Sad but true.....
Only you know which leg is the stronger one to use for the first recovery. You will have to work hard to get the first replacement stronger post op for the second surgery. Good Luck!

Max Wallace · #5 February 2nd, 2010, 05:24 AM

Get both at once, two knees , two surgeons, one surgery, one recovery, one very exciting new life!

Good luck!

Galcyclist · #6 February 2nd, 2010, 08:01 AM

Really wish I could get them done at the same time. My OS won't do it and I really tried! I considered switching docs, but I feel very comfortable with him and his reputation is excellent. He has also done surgeries for my mom and other people I know. I feel I'm in very good hands. He says he won't do both at the same time because the results are not as favorable than doing them one at a time. I was very disappointed but opted to stay put.

Was just wondering if there were any other folks out there who were one knee at a time and had to choose.

Jen

**Josephine** · #7 February 2nd, 2010, 09:12 AM

There have been a few but I think they are members who've moved on and no longer post. Which I suspect (hope) means they are doing well!

calling_all_angels · #8 February 3rd, 2010, 01:27 PM

Hi Jen,
I had a OS who would only do one knee at a time. Both of my knees were beyond bad!!! My OS did the mine 6 and a half weeks apart. (and as I said before the knees were bad.) I had a hard time with the 2nd one. Wished there had been more time between the 2. But others have had it done and had no problems. So it can be done and when you have 2 bad knees let your OS tell you which one he thinks should go first if you are not sure which to do. But please do not rush the 2nd one if you need a extra week or so don't be afraid to tell you Doctor. Jo told me to wait.......... but I did not want to rock the apple cart so I went and had it done and then wished I had done as Jo told me. Please keep me posted. I want know how you are doing every step of the way!!!

See Jo I am saying it for all to HEAR Jo was RIGTH!!! lol

cindy88fan · #9 February 3rd, 2010, 02:03 PM

Jo is one very wise lady!!!!

I don't think I could have handled having one done at a time. I was going to do it that way but then with the help of everybody here I chose to do both at the same time and am very happy I did that!

Oldie · #10 February 3rd, 2010, 03:27 PM

Jen,, I had the same problem not knowing what knee to have done first. My left knee was bone on bone and had bothered me for many years off and on, but about 2 months before I was to have TKR on it, my right knee got very painful, had it xrayed and was told it had very severe arthritis. My OS agreed with me to do the right one ffirst since it was bothering me the most at the time. And thats what happened, and then as I got more active with it, the left one became more painful, and so had it done 5 mos. after the first one. I was very fortunate,had a very good recovery from both TKR's. Good luck!

Galcyclist · #11 February 5th, 2010, 04:59 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments--especially Calling and Lou! I've started keeping a "knee journal" day by day--nothing major, just a couple quick notes as to how my knees are feeling. I'm starting to wonder if the pre-surgical PT exercises are having an impact as well. Both legs are feeling stronger but I really notice the right more so. Also, I look at how long it takes me to get my knees moving in the AM and getting them to straighen out. The right is more responsive while the left takes alot of stretching and massage to get straight. Thankfully, I have some time to ponder this and I really love hearing from others on the board! Appreciate it!

Jen

**Jamie** · #12 February 5th, 2010, 09:39 AM

Jen, your journal is a great idea. It is such a help months from now to look back and realize how much you have progressed.

**Josephine** · #13 February 5th, 2010, 01:43 PM

Yes, a great idea. Does help to motivate and encourage you.

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