Knee surgery

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

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.

[rondog]

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.

[Pressman]

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.

[daengmei]

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.

[Winger Ed.]

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.:bigsmyl2:

[Hickory]

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.

[Hickory]

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.

[lefty o]

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.

[la5676]

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.

[Boaz]

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 .

[Hickok]

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!

[Conditor22]

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,

[wgr]

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.

[kens]

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

[xs11jack]

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

[djryan13]

I have mine scheduled for last week in March... Looking forward to no more pain....

[DCP]

Good advice here. In the end, the warm water pool got me over the hump. Pm me if you want to talk.

[Hickory]

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.

[Hickory]

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.

[6bg6ga]

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?

[lefty o]

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?

it is a way to get money, but generally when it comes to cutting the ends off bones and inserting foreign objects into the body, most tend to take the less aggressive things first to see if they'll work.

[PB234]

with a good doctor and team it should be a very good thing helping you to retain mobility. I suggest precooking many meals and freezing them prior so that eating is mostly effortless after you get home. Also get a chair for the shower to sit on while you are recovering. Handicapped toilet height is going to help. Watch out for he pain pills and be careful as they can be problematic after a while.

My bet is you will wonder why you waited so long.

[rondog]

it is a way to get money, but generally when it comes to cutting the ends off bones and inserting foreign objects into the body, most tend to take the less aggressive things first to see if they'll work.

Truth.

[rondog]

Re: pain pills - Honestly, for ME in MY world, I can't stand 'em.

Instead of knocking me out and making me sleep, they do the opposite. They wind me up and I sleep very fitfully, with CRAZY dreams and mind nonsense. I can't even take Melatonin pills. All opioids are off the menu. I have some Tramadol for back pains, but only if I NEED them, and only if I DON'T need to sleep.

I had some Dilaudids after shoulder surgery, flushed 'em down the gurgler. Was like taking mild acid to me.....

[lightman]

I've had several friends and family that have been through this. All of them say they would do it again. All of them also say to push the therapy early on while you are still on the pain meds.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Cortisone just annoyed my knees, but we tried Hyaluronic acid and it's worked rather well, it acts like you greased the knee joint. Not ready for knee replacements quite yet.

[Hickok]

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.Atta boy Hickory! If anyone asks "WHY?", ain't no use explaining, they will never "get it!"

[Randy Bohannon]

Seven knee surgeries, 32 yrs firefighting on a 110’ ladder truck . Research every kind of physical therapy, lots of different approaches and the more you know the better outcome. Dr says I am one of his star patients because I listen and learn.

[abunaitoo]

If you do get it, you need to push through the rehab.
Work hard at it.
Don't slack off even one day.
Have two friends that have had it done.
One worked through the pain, and is better than new.
He even went to Japan and climbed Mount Fuji.
The other guy was a wimp.
Didn't want to go through the pain.
Leg didn't get straight.
Have to go in and have it broken to try and straighten it.
Again didn't force through the rehab.
Leg is now bent, and doctor wants nothing more to do with him.
So...... he has one bent leg, with no pain. the other with lots of pain.
He's worse off than before.
Don't be like him.

[white eagle]

I have had both knee's replaced,the biggest mistake I have ever made
worse pain now than before,I think,anyway they are not pain free
range of motion is gone,I was a martial arts BB,and can't hunt any more
like I used to for me I would not recommend it to any one

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I have had both knee's replaced,the biggest mistake I have ever made
worse pain now than before,I think,anyway they are not pain free
range of motion is gone,I was a martial arts BB,and can't hunt any more
like I used to for me I would not recommend it to any one

Thanks for commenting on your results.
While I have heard many positive stories, I also had a close friend who had poor results like you, she was a life long farmer's wife and wasn't afraid of work or some pain, but her issue was the Knee got infected. She regretted that surgery every day for the rest of her life...RIP Darlene (she passed away 3 years ago). She always said she would have preferred to continue to hobble in pain helping her son in the vegetable fields and her flower garden (which was 2 acres), instead of after the surgery needing a walker, and not able to even enter the fields anymore.

As to your results and not being able to hunt anymore, Last summer I passed on a trip to SE Alaska, with a free place to stay, I just had to get there...anyway I would have loved to have gone on that trip, but the current condition of my knees would not allow it. So I have nothing to lose in regards to the risks of this surgery.

[Budzilla 19]

I had my right knee replaced in Jan. 2019, best thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yeah, the physical therapy was rough, to say the least, but now i'm back to work (pipeline work is tough for an old guy) and no more hobbling, no pain in the joint, and I dern sure don't regret it!! Push that PT early while you can, because if those leg muscles are not used, then atrophy sets in and now you got a pile of legwork to do!! Just my opinion.

[barrabruce]

I did well.
40yrs after they threw the cartridge in the bin and several total rebuilds.
Wore one side of me knee out . So I got it replaced.
The only thing left is a little bit of their wire and metal artwork and bone chips on the opposite side .
I had lost the main strengthening muscles around the joint.

I was the 1 in 10,000 and got a pulmonary embolism in each lung after surgery..
The medication made my knee bleed out into a sausage and range of movement reduced.

I got all tore up about knowing I would have to a manual manipulation .

It was nothing ...just knock you out and a bit sore for a few days.

My knee joints stability it what comes with the unit.

Kneeing is doable with preparation.

Getting on and off the floor is a challenge.

I lost some strength. 15-20 kg max for me now if I hug it and walk properly.

All in all after a year I caught up to the rest of the crowd.
I have less pain but other ways it is so more restrictive ...but you learn to get adapt and overcome.

Bad things are.
Twisting is mostly out.
Getting down is difficult with less range of movement.
Getting a thorn out of your foot highly unlikely.
I can’t lift things and put a lot of stain on my joint without sharp pain.
Uneven ground ..Stoney ground is torturous.

Good side.

I can walk much further than I could for years.
Stand up a lot longer.
Get around better.

Still get a sore knee but in different way.

It can be fun in the boat when you twist a little and it locks your knee up and slowly fall over. (don’t tell the missus )

Would I do it again.
Yep in-spite of it nearly killing me and my little aftermath hiccup.

All those exercises. You ain’t trying till you end up in a screeming slobbering mess.

Yep 3 years later and doing quite well thank you.

[farmerjim]

-







I had both done at the same time 6 years ago. As others have said, build up your muscles as much as possible before surgery. You will walk the same day as surgery. They usually do a nerve block, so you will not have too much pain for 3 days. When that little girl pushes your leg back at PT, They will hear you scream in pain several blocks away. But if you don't do it, you will walk with a limp for the rest of your life. One of my friends had his done 6 weeks ago by the same doctor that did mine. They have improved the procedure lots in 6 years.

[Hickory]

One thing about the after surgery pain, this is a good pain, unlike the bad pain before surgery that never gets better, the good pain will get better with each passing week. Until one day there is no pain and you realize you're now, better than you have ever felt, or at least better then you have felt in many, many years!!!

[Boz330]

Had mine done almost 7 years ago. Everyone has a different perception of the pain and results. I heard all of the horror stories prior to the surgery and was expecting the worse but was bound and determined to make it work. I had the left done on the 23rd of Sep. My day was 2 hr in the morning in a machine that flexed the knee. Another hour of exercises after that. Then I sat and read and started the process over around 3PM. In a little over a week I went to out patient PT which conveniently was nearly across the street from my shop so I went to work and did PT in the morning.
Three weeks after surgery I was deer hunting, carefully mind you but hunting. Two months and two weeks after the first knee I had the second replaced. It was a little slower because I didn't have the original knee on the other side to fall back on but it still wasn't bad. I used a walker for about a week after surgery and a cane for about 2 weeks after that. None of the PT was as bad as I was expecting but I tend to have a pretty high tolerance for pain.
My recommendations are similar to others but definitely find the best surgeon available. I had a buddy who took the local available surgeon who botched the job and he had to get it done 2 years later and is still having trouble. This was after I told him the whole thing was a cake walk. I don't tell anyone that anymore. It is pretty much up to you how it will go.
It will take awhile before you can kneel without some kind of padding and you won't have the range of motion of original equipment but it will be close and you will adapt. I don't even think about the fact that they have been replaced anymore. At first you will notice they make noise when you walk in a very quiet environment but you get use to it. I walk 5 days a week anywhere from 1.5 to 3 miles depending on my schedule. I didn't do anything special to get ready for the surgery but I was walking daily even with the pain but Celebrex minimized that pain.
As you can see some people have problems and some don't but it is definitely the best thing that I ever did.

Bob

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Thanks everyone, for all the info.

Boz, thanks for bumping this, I've been procrastinating the update.

I see the surgeon last Thursday (the 20th), he wasn't very confident that the insurance would pay for it. But the attending was. She said we should proceed with setting appointments and wait for the go ahead from the Insurance Co. We got the go ahead the next day (friday). Monday they did the MRI. They pushed out the surgery date to the end of April, due to the custom hardware that has to be made. So now we wait...I don't have any appointments until a week before the surgery.

I'm gonna try and take Boz's advice and walk more than I am now. I take a daily walk, about 6 blocks, that's about when the pain gets tough ...I'm gonna try to stretch that to 10 or 15 blocks.

[MrWolf]

I don't have knee issues other than arthritis but I do have a screwed up back. I would suggest looking into a treadmill that has the arm supports. After my back surgery to fix my legs, it would be impossible for me to use it without the supports for balance. Good luck with the surgery and PT.
Ron

[Boz330]

Thanks everyone, for all the info.

Boz, thanks for bumping this, I've been procrastinating the update.

I see the surgeon last Thursday (the 20th), he wasn't very confident that the insurance would pay for it. But the attending was. She said we should proceed with setting appointments and wait for the go ahead from the Insurance Co. We got the go ahead the next day (friday). Monday they did the MRI. They pushed out the surgery date to the end of April, due to the custom hardware that has to be made. So now we wait...I don't have any appointments until a week before the surgery.

I'm gonna try and take Boz's advice and walk more than I am now. I take a daily walk, about 6 blocks, that's about when the pain gets tough ...I'm gonna try to stretch that to 10 or 15 blocks.

Good luck, I hope it works as good for you as it did for me. I was 67 at the time and not ready to be an invalid.
Old age is my biggest Boogey man now. Spent the weekend doing some work around the farm and I am one sore puppy this morning, but I got everything done I wanted to do.

Bob

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Update:
I found out today, this same Day that our Governor put this 2 week 'Shelter in place" executive order in place, the Hospital has postponed my knee replacement surgery until June.

Since I can't believe they will start doing elective surgery by June, I opted for a full cancellation and a cortisone shot, instead. Maybe I'll start the process next winter...maybe earlier in the winter this time. Besides this virus thingy, I just can't waste a Minnesota summer recovering from surgery, I'd much rather do it during the Minnesota winter,

[fcvan]

My 81 year old Mom had a knee done about 4 years ago. She walked to the car with a walker (wheelchair out the door of course) ditched the walker the next day. PT 3 times a week for a month, twice a week for a month which she called 'inconvenient.' She doesn't walk 3 miles every day like she used to so Dad walks with her to Walmart/Burger King/whatever place they want to go, and then Dad goes home for the car. When my brother and I are there one of us gets the car so Dad can stay with Mom. Sometimes, Mom walks home with Dad, depends on how she feels that due to other health issues, not her knee.

Dad starts his Day (well, after Mom brings him breakfast in bed) watching the morning stock reports and Mom reads her Bible. After an hour or so, Dad hits the treadmill for 30 to 45 minutes. Blood pressure meds don't work for him, the treadmill does. And several walks a day are on his routine list, not bad for 80.

Getting older and dealing with the usual maladies comes with the territory. Mom and Dad grew up down the street from each other, having known each other since they were 5. Farm kids, raised by farm kids, Mom's people having come from Texas, Dad's from Oklahoma, you know dust bowl refugees who ended up in Central California. All of my Grandparents lived into their 90s, except Mom's Dad, help got injured on the farm which resulted in a blood infection. I wished I could have known him better.

The point of my little story here is having to wait another year for your surgery seems like a choice made with good intention and reason. You know you don't want to miss your summer there and will put up with the 'inconvenience' of a bum knee. Mom felt better the day after she had her knee done and wanted to do her own PT at home. Well, doctors and physical therapists don't like missing out on a 'billable hour,' just like attorneys. Enjoy your summer, I hope the shot helps, may God provide the strength and assurance that all will go well.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

fcvan, thanks.

Also, below is a more in depth update, I wasn't going to go into all these details (the hassle of typing it all out), but I was encouraged to do so, on my FB page, so I figured I'd cut n paste here too.
===================================

As I previously posted, I opted for surgery cancelation and a cortisone shot. BUT, my initial option from the Hospital was to postpone this surgery until June, (which would likely just be postponed again for obvious reasons.) I told them I was NOT willing to have this surgery during what is predicted to be the Peak of the flattened out curve of Covid-19. The Experts advising Gov Walz have predicted the peak, in Minnesota, of what will hopefully be a flattened out curve to be 14 weeks from now.

Could you imagine catching Covid-19, even if I were to just have mild flu-like symptoms, while trying to recover from surgery and trying to do the PT, with occasional visits to the Hospital PT department...Do you think those visits would even happen?
So my decision to get a shot, to tide me over until a farther in the future surgery date, was a NO BRAINER.

Also, I prefer the recovery to be during a season that isn't Summer. I will pursue the surgery in 9 or 10 months, depending on many factors ...I also hope my attempt to lose more weight by then, will have some success. I started watching carb intake a month ago (because of this surgery), and while I only have seemingly lost a couple pounds, considering the lack my of activity due to MN Spring icy conditions and a untrustworthy knee, I probably would have gained 5 lbs in the last month without doing the no/low carb diet.

As to my exact condition, this left knee is Arthritic, as well as, misalignment, as well as, torn cartilage, as well as areas of scar tissue & a floating chunk of bone above the knee cap from previous injuries. So I likely have some bone on bone areas as well. So I will obviously not procrastinate the surgery for any old reason.

So now I'm 21 hours into the cortisone shot, a HUGE improvement, me knee feeling great, but is still clicking some. ...And yes, I know there is the pain numbing agent in that injection that lasts 1 to 2 days ...and the cortisone really doesn't take effect for one to 2 weeks.

My many thanks to all of you who are concerned and have offered info and personal experience, as well as the many prayers.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Three weeks ago, I got a call from the Hospital Surgery Dept and the surgery is back on BABY !!!
:holysheep

BTW, the cortisone shot I got in March didn't do jack squat after the first few days :(
So I'm excited to get the surgery going again.

In the last couple weeks, I've had 6 different appoints with PT, surgery staff, social worker, family Doctor for Pre Op physical, Nurse appts for a dozen Lab tests(two appts, because they forgot some at the first appt) ...and last but not least, Today I got a Covid19 test.

Surgery is tomorrow morning, I need to be there at 4:45am :shock: that seems early.

Wish me Luck, and pray for me
:castmine:

[Scrounge]

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?

For some people, scoping is all you really need. And every stinking one of us is different, so there is no way to tell except by doing it. I've been avoiding surgery on my knees for 45 years. For me, once it was finally available, the cockscomb extract was the magic bullet. Got those injections about 8 years ago, and except for some occasional twinges this past couple of years, been pain free in the knees. Hips were another story. I've had both of them replaced. First one at age 54, 7 months after having it scoped. Second at age 59. I'm 65 now. Back is a PITA, though. Literally and figuratively. Had nerves burned in my lower back late February and early March, and was good until April. Looks like we need to go up a couple of levels and burn some more.

[rintinglen]

JonB, may only good things come out of this for you.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Sorry for lack of updates, I am limiting my online time.

The Surgery on Tuesday went well.
I was standing and walking 2 hrs and 10 minutes after the last staple was installed...I'm lucky I don't have problems with General anesthesia.

late tuesday afternoon, second visit with the PT person, he said I am way ahead of the curve, near 90º motion, he said.
I was discharged on Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday, I have to drive to Post-Opt Dr Appt, I got the A-ok.
Today (friday morning 8 am), I have to drive to my first PT appt.
All went well.
PT lady asked me for my goals, I said riding bike.
She said I am on track to be riding in 2 weeks, if I proceed as well as I have since I was in the hospital...Pretty happy where I am, since this is only Day 3 after surgery.

[cwlongshot]

Great to read man!! Been following in the back ground. Glad to read your doing so well esp so quickly!!

CW

[MrWolf]

Great news. Just keep going on the PT whether at home or somewhere else.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Day 4 Knee rehab: Opiates don't work for me.

Yesterday, after PT, I decide to switch from OTC pain meds to the prescribed Oxycodone (since I didn't need to drive anywhere for 60 hours). I learned two things.

One:
Zero pain (which I achieved with the lowest dose) isn't the best thing for me to do rehab. Don't know when to stop, got increased bruising.

Two:
Oxycodone makes me feverish (and increased heart rate). Not a good thing when fever is a symptom of infection, which I need to be on the watch for. Also impossible to sleep well, especially in this sultry summer weather where I am running a AC and ceiling fan. BTW, the fever drops out at about hour 5 of the dose.
So after the 3rd dose of Oxy wore off at 3am this morning, I returned to the alternating OTC regiment, which had been working pretty good for me. Then I slept well from 3am to 8am.
I suppose I should make this disclaimer:

I am still limiting my online time, which is typically a sedentary thing, which is bad for my rehab.

[Conditor22]

Jon, we like to know what you're doing but take care of yourself first. We can wait to hear about your progress.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Jon, we like to know what you're doing but take care of yourself first. We can wait to hear about your progress.

no worries, while previously, I have been known to be in front of the computer screen for many hours a day, currently I am limiting it to 30 minutes or two 30 minutes sessions per day.

[murf205]

I am having my rt knee replaced on Wednesday 7-1. Already had the left one done and 10 days afterwards, I was walking like a champ. First 4 or 5 days are tough but they get progressively better and after 2 weeks the staples come out and then only the incision itches due to healing. Get it done!
the pain you are having is not getting you anywhere. I practiced for mine by getting both shoulders replaced and they a bolt and a nut in my spine, before the 1st knee. No sweat, just make sure that your surgeon does a c-t scan of your knee before surgery so that he/she can mate the prostheses to your bone. Work diligently in therapy but don't try to do more that they tell you in the begining. The exercise bike will be a real thrill until you make a full revolution!

[winelover]

Staples? Had both knees done, one in 2014 and 2015, four months apart. No staples and dissolving stitches. Super glue, too, I'm guessing. Had a waterproof, gel like bandage, removed after the first month's check up.

Winelover

[earlmck]

Had both mine done about 6 years ago (7 weeks apart). The rehab folks really knew their business and I followed all their suggestions to the letter and was soon walking around the neighborhood pretty much pain-free. But the first hunting season which came along about 4 months after the last surgery I was disappointed because I was really having to "grampaw" up and down the hills. Second hunting season was better but still doing the "grampaw" shuffle going downhill. But by third season I was up and down hills (and ladders) with no problem. That's one thing I didn't ever find out beforehand -- how you keep getting better and stronger for about 3 years until the dang things really get to be a part of you.

[murf205]

Staples? Had both knees done, one in 2014 and 2015, four months apart. No staples and dissolving stitches. Super glue, too, I'm guessing. Had a waterproof, gel like bandage, removed after the first month's check up.

Winelover

Yep, my surgeon uses staples on the incision. They come out pretty easy once they are cut in the middle.

[Dieselhorses]

For some people, scoping is all you really need. And every stinking one of us is different, so there is no way to tell except by doing it. I've been avoiding surgery on my knees for 45 years. For me, once it was finally available, the cockscomb extract was the magic bullet. Got those injections about 8 years ago, and except for some occasional twinges this past couple of years, been pain free in the knees. Hips were another story. I've had both of them replaced. First one at age 54, 7 months after having it scoped. Second at age 59. I'm 65 now. Back is a PITA, though. Literally and figuratively. Had nerves burned in my lower back late February and early March, and was good until April. Looks like we need to go up a couple of levels and burn some more.

That's what I supposed to have done on March 19th. Dr. called me March 18th to give me the news of cancellation! They finally go back to me a few weeks ago to ask if I wanted to reschedule (which I haven't yet). I guess I better not wait too long, I'm 55 and keep debating whether this is is going to benefit me in the long run, or be debilitating. Also having issues with lower back pain (several epidurals).

[Dieselhorses]

no worries, while previously, I have been known to be in front of the computer screen for many hours a day, currently I am limiting it to 30 minutes or two 30 minutes sessions per day.

Glad you doing better! Two 30 minute sessions is a lot better than what I do and is a good reminder to just not sit too long!

[winelover]

Had both mine done about 6 years ago (7 weeks apart). The rehab folks really knew their business and I followed all their suggestions to the letter and was soon walking around the neighborhood pretty much pain-free. But the first hunting season which came along about 4 months after the last surgery I was disappointed because I was really having to "grampaw" up and down the hills. Second hunting season was better but still doing the "grampaw" shuffle going downhill. But by third season I was up and down hills (and ladders) with no problem. That's one thing I didn't ever find out beforehand -- how you keep getting better and stronger for about 3 years until the dang things really get to be a part of you.

Not in my case. I had my done so I could hunt, out of tree stands. First replacement was done three days after gun season began. Turned out so well, decided to have the second one done, so I'd be fully ready for fall hunting. That's what happened, exactly........... was able to safely make it up and down my tree stands. My acreage is nowhere near flat.

For those contemplating, get it done sooner than later. You'll be wondering why you put it off.

Winelover

[murf205]

I just got out of surgery yesterday at 11:00 and the therapist had me walk about 300’ this morning. Pain is not bad, about 3 or 4 on the 10 scale. Going home this afternoon.

[jonp]

Step dad in the wife's side career military. He is in his 70's and had both replaced at government expense. Told me it was the best decision he ever made

[jonp]

I just got out of surgery yesterday at 11:00 and the therapist had me walk about 300’ this morning. Pain is not bad, about 3 or 4 on the 10 scale. Going home this afternoon.

That's what the step dad said. First knee years ago was a drawn out process. Second one he was walking around the same day. Get it done!

[Land Owner]

Torn meniscus in Lt knee pulling two deer from a ravine in 2010 - arthroscopic surgery and PT that November.
Torn meniscus in Rt knee w/bone on bone arthritis in 2014 - arthroscopic surgery and PT that December.

Both knees weak and in pain from early 2016 through early 2019. Knee injections in early 2019. NO PAIN SINCE. Worked for me! Replacement looms - in the future.

Good luck in PT. Keep getting stronger.

[murf205]

Thanks for the well wishes. I am a pretty good PT'er. 1: because I am afraid not to and 2: because I have got fish to catch! I am giving these catfish a break right now but they are in trouble this fall.

[JerryCan]

Frankly, anesthesia is dangerous, I highly recommend losing weight, if you need to for that specific reason. Now, don't be alarmed, I myself have had to be put under general so many times it's insane. I was burned really bad in Afghanistan 20 years ago.
I was SF so I've parachuted many many times. HALO jumps really were hard on my knees. Plus, just diving for cover, kneeling on rocks. I had to get one knee replaced. Now, I was extremely fit, no extra weight, and I all I can say, I walked into the hospital in agony. And when I woke up if it hurt I didn't notice because it was so much less pain. Best of luck