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Thread: Knee surgery

  1. #1
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    Knee surgery

    I've been thinking, I need to start the process of investigating if I'm ready for a Knee replacement ...Because if I am, this is the time of year, I'd prefer to have it done.

    Let's backup the truck
    I've had bad knees for 20 years. Besides the heredity thing (my Mom had knee replacements in the late 1980s, she was the age I am now), I also abused my knees in my early 20s playing aggressive volleyball.

    16 months ago
    I tore the meniscus in my right knee. The doctor xray'd it, as well as my left knee. They said both knees are bad and while your right one hurts, your left knee is worse, and you can expect to have to do something sooner or later. Well, they gave me an injection of cortisone in the injured right knee, and it got better.

    Fast forward to this winter
    My left knee has been bugging me more and more...it may have been from a pretty good slip on the ice, and while I didn't fall, I twisted my leg/knee pretty good. So Tuesday, I made a call to the clinic to make an appointment. I figured I'd have to wait days/weeks to get in to the specialist I seen 16 months ago. Well, I got in on Wednesday (the next day), I sure was surprised.

    They took a bunch of xrays, and we talked about the problem ...not only is my left knee worn out, it's misaligned. They would have tried some cortisone again or other things, if I wasn't crazy about surgery ...But when they knew I was board with knee replacement, they said it was probably the best option. And since I was anxious for a early surgery appt, we chose the earliest one available (April 2), and I meet with the surgeon on Feb 20.

    There is one complication
    I have a SS pin in my left femur, from a motorcycle accident in 1977, so that may dictate what type of knee replacement they can do, and may have to do a MRI. I guess for one style knee hardware, they need the exact dimensions of the bones for the custom hardware that needs to be made. They told me, they usually don't do that type, due to insurance, because it's more expensive, but it is the better way to go, I guess? So, if that's true? maybe that SS pin that I've been carrying around in my leg for 43 years, has become a golden egg?

    I sure hope my PT goes well.
    I'll keep you all posted.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
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  2. #2
    Boolit Master rondog's Avatar
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    I'm looking at needing my right done, but my research is telling me it's no fun. I'm on a local gun forum, and there's a discussion running there about this subject. A lot of info there scaring me - such as losing weight first, strengthening the leg first, putting grab bars in the shower first, putting a seat riser on a toilet, a seat for the shower, time off from work, climbing stairs, not being able to drive for a long time, etc., etc......

    I'd say do some asking around here and anywhere else you can, gather as much info possible.

  3. #3
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    Recovery will complicate your life, and do put those grab bars in the shower and around the "throne". Then do everything they tell you in rehab. That is key, do what they tell you, every time, all the time.

  4. #4
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    Wife had total knee replacement Dec 12, at 66yo. Her range of motion did not improve enough at 8 weeks so she had to do a "manipulation". Knocked out in a surgical setting and they moved her leg through max rotation to break loose the internal scarring (can't recall, may have been another term). She had probably stopped short of making it hurt during all the physical therapy even though she knew. I just don't think she understood how much pain to endure, but this can happen no matter what for some people. You have to make it work till it's healed completely I think. Don't fail to push it some for the gain you need. So now 2 weeks later she almost manages without a cane when before the manipulation the had just stopped the walker use

    I have to say I hope you don't have to manage many stair steps.
    Most of the tanks are gone and the windows don't rattle anymore. I won't be able to sleep now.

  5. #5
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    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
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    A buddy had one done, and was glad he finally did.

    Do what they tell ya during the recovery, you'll be fine.

    I told him during the recovery period, he'd better be on his best behavior,
    he was pretty easy to whoop right about then.
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    In life: We are given tests, and learn lessons.


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  6. #6
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    Hickory's Avatar
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    Exercise and strengthen your knee as much as possible BEFORE surgery, when you can't do any more rep's, do 10 more. This will make recovery faster and less painful.
    Political correctness is a national suicide pact.

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    only to God and my own conscience.

  7. #7
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    Another thing, after surgery exercise that knee no matter how much it hurts, this is no time to prove to others that you are a wuss.
    Show'em your a tough Indian.
    The stationary bike will be your best friend, try to wear it out.
    Don't worry about hurting your knee, your knee is not there anymore, all you will be doing is stretching the muscles and if you have done that before the surgery recovery time will be shorter and less painful.
    A year from now you'll realize it was one of the best things you have ever done in your life.
    Political correctness is a national suicide pact.

    I am a sovereign individual, accountable
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  8. #8
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    lefty o's Avatar
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    along the lines of what others have said, do the PT. dont half *** it. my father had both of his done, on the first one he didnt really do the PT like he should, and made recovery much longer. the 2nd one he played by the docs PT rules, and did much better.
    Last edited by Mr_Sheesh; 02-16-2020 at 01:23 PM. Reason: Censor Bypass

  9. #9
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    Do it.

    I hobbled on a bad knee for over 16 years, max NSAID meds, cortisone shots until they didn't work anymore. Was still farming at the time. Always thought I didn't have time for rehab. I retired, did the surgery, now wished I'd done it years ago. Rehab wasn't that bad, IMHO, compared to all the misery I went through limping for 16 years. Don't short change the importance of the PT afterward, some do, and regret it. Do all they ask you to do and do some more at home.

    Oh, if I didn't say if plain enough, DO THE PT.

  10. #10
    In Remembrance / Boolit Grand Master Boaz's Avatar
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    I had my right knee replaced about a year and a half ago . It is a blessing ! The PT is kind of hard for about two weeks and gets easier . After I had mine I was sitting at the table drinking coffee about five in the morning exactly thirty one days after surgery . It came to ...There's no pain ! I wiggled my knee around , slapped it a couple of times and it was true ! No pain .

    I had drug that leg around for three years having no having insurance so it was a real awakening . They have the replacements figured out . I have had both shoulders replaced since July . I going to PT now and doing great ! Yea it's a little hard on you but well worth it .
    No turning back , No turning back !

  11. #11
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    Hickory is 100% right.

    My knee was worked on twice before, and over a period of many years just got worse until it was bone to bone. Total replacement, and now I wish I had done it sooner. The gals at re-hab worked with my knee some 2 months before I had it replaced, and it really helped after the surgery. THEN they worked my knee again after the replacement and in one month, I was back on a my motorcycles riding again. God is good!

    I would do it all over again, it really worked!
    Maker of Silver Boolits for Werewolf hunting

  12. #12
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    Guess it depends on the type of Knee surgery.
    My sister (65 yrd old wimp) had both knees done over a period of 3 months.

    she was up and walking (painfully) on them the day after surgery

    Wish you the best,

  13. #13
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    wgr's Avatar
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    had my left one done the right hurt more because I was favering it over the left one. don't have any pain in eather one now.

  14. #14
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    Good luck.
    The technology has progressed so much you will be up and around real soon.

  15. #15
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    Just a bit of idea. My Ortho surgeon is talking to me about a 1/2 knee implant in both knees. The 1/2 knee surgery is much better if you qualify for it. They open you with a 4 inch opening and you usually leave the hospital the same with only a couple of weeks of therapy. Guys, talk to your surgeon!!!!!
    Ole Jack
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  16. #16
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    I have mine scheduled for last week in March... Looking forward to no more pain....

  17. #17
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    Good advice here. In the end, the warm water pool got me over the hump. Pm me if you want to talk.
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  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hickok View Post
    Hickory is 100% right.

    My knee was worked on twice before, and over a period of many years just got worse until it was bone to bone. Total replacement, and now I wish I had done it sooner. The gals at re-hab worked with my knee some 2 months before I had it replaced, and it really helped after the surgery. THEN they worked my knee again after the replacement and in one month, I was back on a my motorcycles riding again. God is good!

    I would do it all over again, it really worked!
    Funny that you should mention riding motorcycle. Three weeks after my knee replacement I was riding my motorcycle to PT with my cripple stick across handle bars! Someone stole my handicap card after the fifth or sixth time. Oh well, he might have needed it more than me.
    Political correctness is a national suicide pact.

    I am a sovereign individual, accountable
    only to God and my own conscience.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by JonB_in_Glencoe View Post
    There is one complication
    I have a SS pin in my left femur, from a motorcycle accident in 1977, so that may dictate what type of knee replacement they can do
    If your insurance will pay for it, get a total knee replacement, anything less is only second best and you may have problems with it!
    I had a total knee replacement and unless I think about it, it is as it felt when I was 19 years old, no pain, zero!!!
    The doctor can remove the pins.
    Political correctness is a national suicide pact.

    I am a sovereign individual, accountable
    only to God and my own conscience.

  20. #20
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    I had my left scoped almost two years ago and I'm starting to have trouble again. Was told by the specialist were going this route and see if it works before replacing the knee. Another way to get more money? Do it twice?

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