Knee replacement

[sodamo]

Wasn't sure but maybe this belonged under Customization

Tentatively scheduled for 4th of Jan for a partial knee replacement in Honolulu. It will be the British model- has a bearing, but I don't know about a zerk LOL

Any comments and words of wisdom from those who have gone before me appreciated

Merry Christmas

 

[Bird]

I'm not sure just how much a "partial" knee replacement is, but I had complete one done on Aug. 30. You may not want to read all of the Bad Knees thread, but of course some of our other members have had it done, too. Just work at the physical therapy and it ought to be OK.

 

[WayneB]

Bird would certainly know. And when he tells you to follow the PT. Scare tissue can also be major problem and usually happens to people that do not stick with the physical therapy program.

 

[sodamo]

WOW I read the whole thread - very informative. Seems I fit the profile: over 60, overweight, right knee worst than left....

Bird, sure sounds like you are doing super. A role model and inspiration.

A partial knee replacement is supposed to be less intrusive, 3" incision and quicker recovery. My ortho uses a British design and claims in right patient as effective as a total.

I fly to Honolulu Monday, 3 Jan. Operation is Tues and I fly back Thur the 6th. The flying back part has me most concerned even though I know it's done all the time.

The hardest part may be the inactivity of my "to-do" list. Maybe once I'm recovered I can get back to being more productive.

 

[Dennisfly]

Given the lack of leg room on todays airlines, the flight back would be my concern too. Maybe you can make special arrangements, in advance, for a first class, or bulkhead seat that will be suitable. You certainly wouldn't want the person in front of you to recline their seatback right into your knee, which seems to be a common occurrence now.

 

[Bird]

WOW I read the whole thread - very informative. Seems I fit the profile: over 60, overweight, right knee worst than left....

Bird, sure sounds like you are doing super. A role model and inspiration.

A partial knee replacement is supposed to be less intrusive, 3" incision and quicker recovery. My ortho uses a British design and claims in right patient as effective as a total.

I fly to Honolulu Monday, 3 Jan. Operation is Tues and I fly back Thur the 6th. The flying back part has me most concerned even though I know it's done all the time.

The hardest part may be the inactivity of my "to-do" list. Maybe once I'm recovered I can get back to being more productive.

David, I went in on a Monday morning for the surgery that morning and went home Thursday very shortly after noon. I don't know how much different your surgery will be, but I've got a 5" incision scar. And I could bend the knee 90 degrees right away after surgery. I only had a 10 mile car ride home from the hospital, but I don't think you'll have a problem with the flight. Are you going to have a physical therapist come to your home for awhile? I had a good physical therapist come to the house the first two weeks, then I went to outpatient physical therapy 3 days a week.

 

[mrmikey]

I had a total knee replacement done on June 8 this year due to an accident 10 years ago. After 2 scopes in the past 5 years the last one being two years ago they finally decided it had to be replaced.

I just went back to work last week even tho I could have gone two months ago. It was done thru comp so I had to do what they told me. As for a plane flight be sure you can, flying after surgery is not recommended, blood clots from inaction as well as the reduced pressure. I was supposd to have mine done out of province, fly up and train back was what they told me.

In hospital two days, couldn't sleep well for at least two weeks after due to waking myself up by moving the knee. The drugs gave me some real funky dreams so I had to do without and rely on acetomeniphen (sp). Use a pillow between the knees when you sleep it'll keep them at the right angle, I found the bad knee 'hanging' down hurt the worst.

Be sure to follow the physio, when I started (1 week after surgery) I couldn't even make a full revolution with the pedals on an exercise bike. Ice works for swelling and there'll be lots of it. Even after you're done therapy keep up with the flexing exercises or it'll stiffen up again.

It was my left knee so I could drive a limited distance, 20K, after the first week but any more than that the inactivity while driving would cause throbbing......Mike

 

[sodamo]

Given the lack of leg room on todays airlines, the flight back would be my concern too. Maybe you can make special arrangements, in advance, for a first class, or bulkhead seat that will be suitable. You certainly wouldn't want the person in front of you to recline their seatback right into your knee, which seems to be a common occurrence now.

When I checkin for my flight over, I hope I can get assigned a bulkhead for my return flight. As this is a fairly common occurrence, I don't anticipate any problem. Of course, given how they do things these days, there'll probably be a $100 upcharge.

David, I went in on a Monday morning for the surgery that morning and went home Thursday very shortly after noon. I don't know how much different your surgery will be, but I've got a 5" incision scar. And I could bend the knee 90 degrees right away after surgery. I only had a 10 mile car ride home from the hospital, but I don't think you'll have a problem with the flight. Are you going to have a physical therapist come to your home for awhile? I had a good physical therapist come to the house the first two weeks, then I went to outpatient physical therapy 3 days a week.

I was quite impressed with your rehab/recovery. I can only hope to do as well.
The flight is less than an an hour and my wife will pick me up at airport, so as long as I get a decent seat, should be OK. We are 20+ miles from town, so I really hope I can get at home therapy to start. I know when my wife was doing chemo it took quite a chunk out of the day. As you still doing the recumbent bike? We have a Bowflex treadclimber which I'm hoping is appropriate and helpful early on. I had to quit using it a few months ago once knee became too painful and untrustworthy.

I had a total knee replacement done on June 8 this year due to an accident 10 years ago. After 2 scopes in the past 5 years the last one being two years ago they finally decided it had to be replaced.

I just went back to work last week even tho I could have gone two months ago. It was done thru comp so I had to do what they told me. As for a plane flight be sure you can, flying after surgery is not recommended, blood clots from inaction as well as the reduced pressure. I was supposd to have mine done out of province, fly up and train back was what they told me.

In hospital two days, couldn't sleep well for at least two weeks after due to waking myself up by moving the knee. The drugs gave me some real funky dreams so I had to do without and rely on acetomeniphen (sp). Use a pillow between the knees when you sleep it'll keep them at the right angle, I found the bad knee 'hanging' down hurt the worst.

Be sure to follow the physio, when I started (1 week after surgery) I couldn't even make a full revolution with the pedals on an exercise bike. Ice works for swelling and there'll be lots of it. Even after you're done therapy keep up with the flexing exercises or it'll stiffen up again.

It was my left knee so I could drive a limited distance, 20K, after the first week but any more than that the inactivity while driving would cause throbbing......Mike

I scheduled my flights according to info from the nurse, so hopefully it will be OK. Flying to and from Honolulu for major surgery is a fact of life here. I had hoped to have it done at a local hospital, but couldn't get scheduled until March, but I'm passed the point of tolerance. I'm quite appreciative of PT given my wife was disabled in a headon in '98. Crushed pelvis and all 4 extremities mangled in various degrees, she spent 5 months in the hospital and years of PT. I cannot envision her letting me slide on PT :laughing: I already have scripts for 10-325 hydrocodone/APAP. I don'texpect to be driving for a couple weeks, except the tractor to keep up the mowing :thumbsup:

 

[ultrarunner]

Are you scheduled at Queens?

I know people come from distant lands to have surgery there... you should be in good hands.

The biggest problem we see is people not following Doctor's orders... either not doing enough or many trying to do too much...

 

[sodamo]

Are you scheduled at Queens?

I know people come from distant lands to have surgery there... you should be in good hands.

The biggest problem we see is people not following Doctor's orders... either not doing enough or many trying to do too much...

Nope, Kuakini, not too far from Queens. I believe my ortho, Dr Owens, is associated with both. Here on Big Island, he operates at North Hawaii in Waimea.

My wife had her cancer surgery at Queens, awesome hospital.

 

[Loren49]

Hope the surgery goes well for you - my wife is about 3 weeks post op and is progressing pretty well. The physiotherapy has been a challenge but she realizes how important it is. We're in a rural area yet are only 8miles from the hospital so the 2 times a week to PT is easy.

Loren

 

[Bird]

As you still doing the recumbent bike?

Probably not as much as I should, but yes, I still use it, not so much for the knee as just for general exercise.

 

[Mike Costello]

I've had 2 total knee replacements and I can truthfully say it was the best thing I ever had done. Too many years in automotive and 12 hour days on concrete ruined my knees. I put up with the pain for many years until I had the surgery--what a difference!
I had each knee done a year apart which gave me some time to work the new knee before doing the next one.
Here's some advice based on experience:
1) Do exactly what your Doctor says to do, especially your Physical Therapist.
2) Exercise,exercise,exercise--keep that knee moving because the more you use it, the better it will flex later on. I can't emphasize that point enough because it's really the key to a good knee in the future.
3) Don't be afraid to work your knee--it's pretty tough. Just use conmmon sense.
4) Be patient, don't get discouraged. There's going to be painful days and good days. Everyone heals differently. Rest assured you will make progress.

It took me about 6 mo of use between surgeries before each knee began to really loosen up. That was about 3 years ago and I'm moving around better than ever. The best thing--no more pain. In fact, most people don't realize I have had 2 knee replacements. Good luck, Mike.

 

[sodamo]

Hope the surgery goes well for you - my wife is about 3 weeks post op and is progressing pretty well. The physiotherapy has been a challenge but she realizes how important it is. We're in a rural area yet are only 8miles from the hospital so the 2 times a week to PT is easy.

Loren

Great to hear she is doing well. So how has it been on you? My wife tends to think I can be a pain when I'm the patient.

 

[sodamo]

I've had 2 total knee replacements and I can truthfully say it was the best thing I ever had done. Too many years in automotive and 12 hour days on concrete ruined my knees. I put up with the pain for many years until I had the surgery--what a difference!
I had each knee done a year apart which gave me some time to work the new knee before doing the next one.
Here's some advice based on experience:
1) Do exactly what your Doctor says to do, especially your Physical Therapist.
2) Exercise,exercise,exercise--keep that knee moving because the more you use it, the better it will flex later on. I can't emphasize that point enough because it's really the key to a good knee in the future.
3) Don't be afraid to work your knee--it's pretty tough. Just use conmmon sense.
4) Be patient, don't get discouraged. There's going to be painful days and good days. Everyone heals differently. Rest assured you will make progress.

It took me about 6 mo of use between surgeries before each knee began to really loosen up. That was about 3 years ago and I'm moving around better than ever. The best thing--no more pain. In fact, most people don't realize I have had 2 knee replacements. Good luck, Mike.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll take the example of experience over thoughts of theory any day.

 

[WVBill]

I've had 2 total knee replacements and I can truthfully say it was the best thing I ever had done. Too many years in automotive and 12 hour days on concrete ruined my knees. I put up with the pain for many years until I had the surgery--what a difference!
I had each knee done a year apart which gave me some time to work the new knee before doing the next one.
Here's some advice based on experience:
1) Do exactly what your Doctor says to do, especially your Physical Therapist.
2) Exercise,exercise,exercise--keep that knee moving because the more you use it, the better it will flex later on. I can't emphasize that point enough because it's really the key to a good knee in the future.
3) Don't be afraid to work your knee--it's pretty tough. Just use conmmon sense.
4) Be patient, don't get discouraged. There's going to be painful days and good days. Everyone heals differently. Rest assured you will make progress.

It took me about 6 mo of use between surgeries before each knee began to really loosen up. That was about 3 years ago and I'm moving around better than ever. The best thing--no more pain. In fact, most people don't realize I have had 2 knee replacements. Good luck, Mike.

Ditto for me - I'm about 4 years out from having my second knee done. Pretty much the same experience and advice as Mike and Bird.
Sure wish I'd been able to recuperate in Hawaii, though.... :laughing:

 

[sodamo]

Ditto for me - I'm about 4 years out from having my second knee done. Pretty much the same experience and advice as Mike and Bird.
Sure wish I'd been able to recuperate in Hawaii, though.... :laughing:

Ah, and I suspect visions of surfers riding sunlit waves, the intoxicating hand gestures of hula girls and swaying palm trees dance in your head, :thumbsup: while I envision grass grown 3 ft tall, pigs having busted thru the fence and furrowing the fields, and my gravel drive sorely in need of dressing from too much rain ...LOL.
But as bad as it might be, my lovely wife will be tending to me with love as I sit by the pool watching my dogs frolic with the shimmering Pacific in the background. :licking: Worth the price

Congrats on your successful recovery.

 

[sodamo]

Thanks for all the encouragement and advice.

I have a list of things I want to get done before I leave for the hospital. Things like fill the genset and tractors with diesel and refill all the cans. Living off grid and rainy season here, we'll definitely be running the genset once or twice a week. Get my monthly maintenance chores done, etc. Basically, looking at anything that might be "heavy" or require exertion during that initial recovery period. I don't want to burden my dear wife unnecessarily.

My wife has also suggested I might want to get the grab bars installed in the shower.

So, what might you guys offer as suggestions (other than the medical/PT) that might have definite impact that first 4-6 weeks when I figure I will be at my least capable? Any thoughts on making life easier or more comfortable?
On the other side of the coin did you find out you couldn't or should do something you thought you could?

Thanks

 

[Loren49]

sodamo-
Quote: "So how has it been on you?" - I got dishpan hands .... first few days Bets was pretty uncomfortable - I cooked etc. but no problem. The challenge is in helping her to exercise and to push a bit on the flexibility...its a fine line between helpful husband and drill sargent After about 2 weeks she is getting around pretty well with a cane - she just got off the coach to fill my coffee cup - so things are looking up. (I got the first cup for both of us)
Its 5F degrees this morning with wind gusts to 20mph - Hawaii sounds good.

Loren

PS: Shower handles would be nice but Bets did OK with walker to shower and then used the cane while in the shower - I helped her the first few times.

 

[mrmikey]

Get some ice stockpiled, I used ole disposable coffee cups filled with water and frozen. As the ice melts you can peel the paper away. It was the summer when I had mine done so the melt water was outside.
I didn't bother with grab bars, I bought one of the type that clamp on to the side of the tub. Didn't need it tho, I had no problem getting into the tub without anything so I took it off the first day home.
I found crutches better than a walker, more mobile and less intrusive/awkward when you went out.
Make sure you have slip on slippers, the pull on type are a b!tch.
Get some of those adhesive removal pads. I swear they get off on the amount of tape they put on you and it hurts like heck to pull it off especially as they don't shave the area before hand.
Pick up any loose throw mats around the house and take the floor mat out of your vehicle.....Mike