Knee Replacement

[Ronald Blue]

I had a knee replaced yesterday. I know doing exercises at home and all the physical therapy is crucial to getting back to normal. Well I should say hopefully back to a point where walking and steps aren't painful. As I understand it from my limited knowledge they've made great strides in joint replacement. This is basically a cap that fit's over the femur and tibia. It should when I hope after the pain subsides make it much easier to be active. I also feared that if I didn't get it taken care of I would overload the other knee because of using it more. Sometimes going up a ladder and occasionally steps using only the good knee to take the pressure off the bad one. As has been mentioned before getting old isn't fun. I try to tell young and new employees in my job that work smarter not harder. So don't be a "macho man" and lift things to show you can. Our trucks have cranes for a reason. I will do updates for anyone who might be interested. My first therapy session is this afternoon.

[Bill Dufour]

How does it work for insurance. Seems like they would say it is not too bad yet. We will not pay for a new knee yet. Was it a big fight to get the insurance to agree you need a new one?
Bill D

[Paul F Franklin]

Good luck with your PT! Several family members have had double knee replacements and results have been good. My 75+ year old b-i-l was a ranked table tennis player before his knees got too bad. He's returned to playing now, about 6-8 months since the second knee was done and is doing pretty well. He's easing back into it slowly of course. His wife is a retired occupational therapist so I'm sure that helped with his rehabilitation, but he was a real trooper with doing the prescribed exercises and stretches. I understand the first month or so can be pretty tough, but is also when the therapy is most important for good long term results. Again, good luck to you.

[Ronald Blue]

How does it work for insurance. Seems like they would say it is not too bad yet. We will not pay for a new knee yet. Was it a big fight to get the insurance to agree you need a new one?
Bill D
No issues with insurance. Approval was pretty quick.

[Tom M King]

My Mother had a knee done at 92, and a hip at 98. She got along fine with both. She said the worst thing about the knee was that she put it off too long.

[Michael Weber]

Wife loves both of her’s. Must be 15 years now and she couldn’t step off a curb or walk on uneven ground due to pain. A year later she was walking with me along the rough rocky coast of Oregon.

[Lee Schierer]

I have had two partial knee replacements and each one took a year to get "back to normal". My doctor prescribed 3 weeks of resting flat on my back, with my knee elevated most of the day and ice packs on the knee. I had several exercises that I was to do that started out slow and worked to get the knee flexing back to the original or better angle. I could get up every 2-3 hours and move around, eat, exercise etc. Then I had 6-8 weeks of rehab. No driving for 3 months. I used the pain killers for about 3 days. The second day after surgery was the worst of it.

Currently I can walk as far as I want when I want. I can climb up and down ladders, but prefer not to. I am mostly pain free, far far better than before. I can kneel down on my knees if I want. It is uncomfortable on harder surfaces. I purchased some really good gel knee pads that allow me to work on my knees as required. I can ride a bike. The suggested giving up running and jumping. I have as much or more flexibility than before. I used the cane and walker as advised. I extended the walking time a bit each day. I had full bending angle by the end of 3 weeks.

Two bits of advice. Do all the exercises and PT, I usually did 10% more than the PT guy wanted. The PT guy advised me to regularly massage the skin around on my knees so that it didn't attach to the underlying scar tissue (Move your skin on your knees by the incision around in a circular motion like your skin moved before surgery)

[Bill Dufour]

The 5-10 people I know who got a hip or knee repalced all said they wished they had done it 5-10 years earlier.
BIL had his knee repalced. Went to pt one time to learn the exercises. Rather then a copay every other day he bought a used exercise bike and some equipment like dumbells, pvc pipe, elastic bands etc. He did the math it was cheaper then the copays would pay for a month or two.
As others have said the trick is to do the pt and continue or it will never unfreeze. Many do the pt for a week, feel better, stop and never get back all the lost motion. They just get back to a little better motion then before but with no pain and feel that is good enough at their age. They think that is as good as can be expected.
Bill D

Joints, muscles and brain are all the same, use it or lose it.

[lowell holmes]

I feel blessed to not having experienced the pain you fellows have.
I don't normally complain, but I surely will not in the future.
When we read posts in the creek, we have no way of knowing.

I did have a heart attack over 20 years ago and after stents were inserted in my heart I read a book on fitness walking. I eased into it daily, but I normally walk 3/8 to 1/2 mile each morning.

[Ronald Blue]

Just returned from the first PT session. I'm hurting right now. Hoping it eases up soon. They gave me "homework to do. He said the pain I'm mostly feeling now is from the surgery. But as has been said you have to push the envelope to get full range of motion back. Today was going through the exercises and taking measurements so progress can be charted.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Just returned from the first PT session. I'm hurting right now. Hoping it eases up soon. They gave me "homework to do. He said the pain I'm mostly feeling now is from the surgery. But as has been said you have to push the envelope to get full range of motion back. Today was going through the exercises and taking measurements so progress can be charted.


Over eight years into bi-lateral knee replacements. Yeah, I had them both done at the same time. Once and done. Spent 11 days in rehab, and then at home exercises for a month. Took about five months for complete recovery. Still have some pain, especially across the tendon down the front of the knees, with right being worse than left. Most days you would never know I had replacements. On some days, others tell me I should consider having knees replaced, after seeing me walking. Standing in one place, as in line, kills my knees. 800mg IBP daily to ward off pain. Forget to take it, and next day I pay for it. Prior to replacement, by 2:00 PM, I was done for the day. Still don't stand for singing of hymns in worship service. Basically do what I want, but know my limitations.

[Frederick Skelly]

Hope you feel better soon Ronald.
Fred

[Ronald Blue]

Bruce that's a lot for one to do all at once. I'm not sure I could handle both being done at once. I've had several tell me it's much better a few weeks in. That stick to the therapy and home exercises and it will soon be much better. Fred thanks for the words of encouragement.

[Jim Becker]

Ronald, there will obviously be some pain initially...it's still major surgery in a sense that has some trauma involved. But almost everyone I know that's had the replacements has been very positive and recovery is remarkably fast with therapy and personal commitment. Please do keep us posted here in this thread about your progress. There are many of us who will likely face similar needs over time, myself included, so knowing how things progressed with you will be a helpful data point. Heal quickly!

[Bruce Wrenn]

Bruce that's a lot for one to do all at once. I'm not sure I could handle both being done at once. I've had several tell me it's much better a few weeks in. That stick to the therapy and home exercises and it will soon be much better. Fred thanks for the words of encouragement.


On the exercises, if they recommend ten reps, do them. Then later do them again. In rehab, my room was next to physical therapy area. During the night, when I couldn't' sleep, got up and did a a set of exercises. My home visits were ended when therapist asked if I could walk ( using walker) to area light at turn in driveway. (Our drive is 800' long.) Told her "Sure, as I had just went out and got the mail." That was my last visit for therapy. One thing that helps is to get a second walker, and walk it up to toilet, and leave it there. This way you have a set of handles to help you up. When getting out of a chair, if you can't make it, just fall back into chair. Because I had bi- lateral, my conditions were different from yours. If doc doesn't order an ice machine for your knee, check with friends and see if anyone has one. Freeze water bottles and use them in place of ice.

[Ronald Blue]

As an update. My prescription pain killers ran out Wednesday and I'm not sure they made any difference anyway. All in all I think I'm doing well. Most swelling is now gone. Still stiff and sore and working to get the range of motion back. Each day seems a little better. I know I look forward to being able to walk completely pain free. (From the knee at least) It does educate you in where the tendons and ligaments are that operate your lower leg. It sounds as though Monday I will be doing some time on an exercise bike at rehab as well. I have one that I need to get moved home for additional therapy. I loaned it out to someone else going through broken leg therapy a year or so ago. I will try to update in another week on my progress.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Thanks for the update Ronald! I am following this thread as I have 2 knees and a hip that restrict my walking.

[Bruce Wrenn]

This week, wife started getting serious about getting hers replaced. So we will be the bionic couple at some point in the future. For me it was RT elbow - 1978, both knees - 2013, and brain transplant - pending

[Ronald Blue]

This week, wife started getting serious about getting hers replaced. So we will be the bionic couple at some point in the future. For me it was RT elbow - 1978, both knees - 2013, and brain transplant - pending

Let me know how the brain transplant goes Bruce. It might be to late for me though. Is this a "trade up" opportunity?

[Jim Becker]

Some mornings...I think I need replacement "everything"... :D :D :D

[Brian Deakin]

I have had 3 operations on my right knee the first in 1978 and the last in 1992 The advice
I would give to anyone with knee problems

(1) Watch your weight If you are over weight you will have all that additional weight going through your knees .Example if you are 2 stone over weight that is an additional 14 pounds' of weight and wear and tear on each Knee

(2)Ask an appropriate qualified person what are the most beneficial exercises to do and ensure you do them every day. It is essential you do everything you can to maintain the knee as best you can .Consider asking the qualified person to video you with a mobile phone performing the exercises .You will then have a video record you can refer back to to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly)

(3) Do not carry or move heavy objects and purchase a shopping trolley.

(4) Be aware that wet and slippery surfaces spell danger , example wet bathroom floors icy surfaces.

(5) Take care walking down hill /stairs and be aware of uneven surfaces are best avoided if possible.

(6) Consider wearing a knee support to do certain activities and seek advise on the most appropriate

(7) Ask for help for any tasks you recognize may present a problem ( climbing ladders, carrying heavy items)

(8)Seek advice on purchasing appropriate shoes which provide cushioning to the sole

[Dave Fritz]

Some excellent advice and information given. Pain killers make me constipated so I avoided them as soon as possible. Do the PT and move but don't overdo it, only you can tell. Be prepared for possible hip trouble now that your knee is straightened out. My "good knee" makes that leg longer and my stride is different. Second loosing weight. America is fat. (I am too) Old age is like dominoes, hit one and they all fall. Keep moving and savor the little moments with your loved ones and Creation.

[Ronald Blue]

Some excellent advice and information given. Pain killers make me constipated so I avoided them as soon as possible. Do the PT and move but don't overdo it, only you can tell. Be prepared for possible hip trouble now that your knee is straightened out. My "good knee" makes that leg longer and my stride is different. Second loosing weight. America is fat. (I am too) Old age is like dominoes, hit one and they all fall. Keep moving and savor the little moments with your loved ones and Creation.

I've been working on the weight loss steadily the last couple months and have made decent progress. It didn't go on over night and unfortunately it takes even longer to remove it. I do have some questions for the Dr on my 2 week follow up Thursday. I only had a 1 week supply of pain killer and I honestly am not sure it made any difference. They had me taking things to avoid the constipation and it was never an issue. Each day is a little better and that's what I want. I was going to use this to finish my working career but the Dr said absolutely not. There would be no restrictions in place. So I'm still going to retire soon and just pay the Cobra premium until I turn 65 next August.

[Derek Meyer]

I can attest to the weight issue. I have osteoarthritus in my left knee, and it's been causing me pain for several years, especially when I am active and it get used and inflamed. Over the past few months I've lost about 20 pounds and had to make two new holes in my belt. It's made a world of difference in my pain. I can do things I haven't been able to do for several years without pain now, such as climbing stairs. I'm going to continue working on my weight and try to drop another 20 pounds or so.

[Ronald Blue]

So I thought I would give an update on my knee replacement and recovery progress since it's been more then a couple weeks. I'm progressing well. Today at therapy I was able to pedal the exercise bike full revolutions. YEEHAW!!! I'm getting there. Now most all discomfort is when I bump the limits of the available movement. My knee measured at 110 degrees today. That's bending it towards my butt. One day after the surgery I was 55 degrees. A week ago I was 97. I've still got some work to do but it's getting better daily. Knee almost looks normal now as well. So the pain in the first week or so is ancient history. I've been going to the shop and doing some minor things and I'm going up and down steps using my leg normally.

[Kevin Jenness]

Ronald, that's good news. My wife had both knees done in sequence a few years ago and aside from some pain kneeling they are fully functional. Doing all the prescribed strengthening and stretching was key.

My left knee will probably get replaced in the foreseeable future but I will put it off as long as possible, that is to say when it prevents skiing. My doctor said most people with knee images that look like mine can't ski anymore- I'll take it for now.

I had my first of three Synvisc injections today, which may ward off surgery for a while. I have thought for a long time that knees should come with zerk fittings; apparently this is the next best thing. Something to look into if one has a severely arthritic knee.

[John Terefenko]

Some mornings...I think I need replacement "everything"... :D :D :D
Boy this is so true. My shoulders are giving me pain these days. Not sure if it is from the way I sleep. Trying to pinpoint this problem. But they are getting worse. I am a back only sleeper and use double pillows to raise head. Tried lowering head but then neck aches. Tough getting old. What is the saying, getting old is not for sissys.

[Jim Becker]

That's really good news, Ronald! I'm glad the therapy is going well. It's honestly remarkable at how fast recovery can be for replacements these days only eclipsed by how fast they get folks up and walking post-surgery.

[Ronald Blue]

That's really good news, Ronald! I'm glad the therapy is going well. It's honestly remarkable at how fast recovery can be for replacements these days only eclipsed by how fast they get folks up and walking post-surgery.

I agree Jim. My therapist told me that advancements in how they are done has evolved from a major surgery to an out patient surgery. He said the first implants actually had a post in the bone that the bone had to grow around. So a couple weeks in the hospital and the patient couldn't put any weight on it for a while. Modern replacements in crude terms like an inlay on the end of the bone. While they are still glued to the bone the ability to place weight on them is almost immediate. I don't know exactly how it all works but mine was done robotically with the "router" being controlled by the surgeon. I had a small incision above and below the knee where the "legs" sat on my bones. Technology has advanced so many things in the medical field as well.

[Warren Lake]

bruce when they do your brain make sure the jar doesnt say AB Normal


464093

[Ronald Blue]

bruce when they do your brain make sure the jar doesnt say AB Normal


464093

But it was on clearance.....open box return.

[Warren Lake]

im pretty sure they have a no return policy on brains.

[Ronald Blue]

As an update the Doctor released me for full duty on Thursday the 16th. I returned to work Friday. My knee was at 113 degrees also on Friday. I plan to work until October 4th and then take my 5 weeks vacation and then retire.

[Frederick Skelly]

Glad you are well! Sounds like a good plan, too!

[Richard Hart]

This week, wife started getting serious about getting hers replaced. So we will be the bionic couple at some point in the future. For me it was RT elbow - 1978, both knees - 2013, and brain transplant - pending

Local orthopedics is my 2nd home... had so many procedures done, pinched nerves fixed, shots, etc. that I changed my email to steveaustin. :rolleyes:

[Jim Becker]

As an update the Doctor released me for full duty on Thursday the 16th. I returned to work Friday. My knee was at 113 degrees also on Friday. I plan to work until October 4th and then take my 5 weeks vacation and then retire.

Now THAT is a great reward for a successful surgery!! Congrats all around!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

As an update the Doctor released me for full duty on Thursday the 16th. I returned to work Friday. My knee was at 113 degrees also on Friday. I plan to work until October 4th and then take my 5 weeks vacation and then retire.

Glad to hear things are better Ron!

I have both knees needing it.

[Ronald Blue]

Glad to hear things are better Ron!

I have both knees needing it.

The Doctor told me typical life is 15 years. However if the knee is monitored properly they can simply replace the "plastic" wear strips which is minor. But if it wears into the metal then they have to do a total replacement. The therapy is critical as others have said. The goal is 120 degrees and I'm pushing to attain that. The Doctor also said expect good days and not so good days for the next 6 months until everything is basically where it will be. Understandably this is a significant surgery so it takes time for everything to recover. Good luck if you go forward with yours Ken.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I plan to work until October 4th and then take my 5 weeks vacation and then retire.Hey, that's only two weeks away! Congrats on both the knee and retirement

[Bruce Wrenn]

The Doctor told me typical life is 15 years. Don't take this as "fact." My right elbow has a life expectancy of 15 years also. Got 41+ years on it right now. Unfortunately, eight year old knees need some tuning up.

[Roger Feeley]

As I recall, you need 120 degrees to rise from a chair without pus Hong off. You are close!