In seven years on the board, I swear I've never made an o/t post, so please indulge me. ;o)

I found out yesterday that I have end-stage arthritis and have to undergo surgery for a total knee replacement. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare the bejeezus outta myself.

Looking for any good information and positive support. I don't care if you're a medical professional, a former knee surgery survivor, or if your husband-sister-mother-cousin-friend had the procedure done.

This is going to happen real fast. If I believed, I'd haul two elders over here today to give me a blessing (not kidding). Instead, I've tagged you guys - you're it!

Whatcha got?

;o)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2012 09:29AM by shannon.

Before anyone does any medical procedures that involves any cutting on any part of the humban body I think its wise to get a second, independent opinion. If any medical practitioner found this objectionable then I'd redflag them and run like hell.

Try putting olive oil on you head, and have a bunch of men stand around with their hands on top of your noggin. It would fix your knee, but it will mess up your hair, which will somehow make everything better.

Seriously though, I wish you well.

My wife had both knees replaced about a year apart. All was going well until about 2 1/2 years ago she got a broken (should I say shattered) femur, just above one of the knee replacements. and in the process of fixing that they had to re-do the knee.

She now gets around fine but, on the advice of her Dr. uses a walker wheerever she goes.

Shannon,

Three vets I work with have had knee replacement surgery in the past year or so. All have done well and within a relatively short time rehabed and are mobile and free of pain. They told me the trick was getting through the initial rehab.

Best wishes,

Robert

I don't think I would have done it like that, but at least she only had to go through it once. Like Robert said, the rehabilitation in the gym afterward is hard work, but I've heard she's better than ever.

aint got no anecdotal stories other than a girl(woman) i know went thru it and she is fine now! :)

I wish she had done both, because it made such a difference.

In the last five years, I've known 7 or 8 people who have had knee replacements. All are doing well. My MIL was 85 and had both done within a couple of months. (My own Mom 97 now) had two hip replacements a year apart and I swear it added 15 years to her life!

The rehab takes a little while - two or three weeks but you'll probably get wonderful therapists.

Here's my only concern: After the surgery you'll be given strong pain meds. (Vicoden etc.) They tend to make you depressed when you get off them. So don't let that worry you. It will pass.

Good luck. I'm sure when you are through, you'll report back to us that you are running relay races and doing hurdles!!

Hopefully your docs will taper you off the meds with lower and lower doses. You don't want go through opiate withdrawal as well.

I know so many people who have had knee replacements and they've all done well. The ones over age 80 required more healing time and physical therapy, but they were still happy with the outcomes.

Surgery is scary, but very doable and not usually half as bad as you imagine.

Love and hugs, and best of luck.

"End stage arthritis". Do they really want to do surgery if it is end stage? :)

Good luck.

Yes, the Doctor did say "end-stage arthritis" but it's just in my knee. X-rays show bone on bone - no cartiledge left. So they replace the bad knee and put in the artificial one and, voila! Good as new. (Oh God. I've seen a patient straight out of knee replacement surgery and the amount of blood draining from the wound was truly staggering).

I've gotten a second opinion. Everybody is on board, and I have some of the best doctors in the nation. I think the thing that pisses me off most though is that I am relatively young, healthy, and thin. I was always involved in cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, running etc. I just keep thinking WTH?! How did this happen?

I'm guessing all the impact sports I did in my youth started the deterioration. But you'd think that if you're active and eat right most of your life, then you won't have to face this kind of sh!t in your later years. Sigh.

Oh well, if I die, I'll try to do some kind of afterlife experiment and come back to haunt RfM,

I joke when I'm scared.

Thanks you guys . . .

;o)

A few years ago, a good friend had arthroscopic surgery on her knees, one at a time, over a one year period. Her problems were minor, compared to what it seems is going on with you. She was in her early 40s, was of average to good overall general health, and she healed beautifully.

Another lady, a friend of my mom's, had a knee replacement 10+ years ago, and just had to do it again. This time, it was harder on her for a lot of reasons; she's older now (late 60s vs late 50s), the old joint had deteriorated and she fell, injuring herself badly, leading to all the stuff she had to do with PT, etc, before this one was put in.

I helped both ladies with shopping, laundry, dog walking, light housekeeping between maid service visits, etc. I also brought them leftovers or extras, from our own meals on a pretty regular basis, got them books from the library, etc.

Do you have someone to do those things for you, when you can't? I highly recommend getting that kind of help all lined up, well in advance of your surgery date. You'll need someone to take you there and back on the big day, possibly to the pharmacy a day or two later, and then back and forth to the surgeon's outpatient office, too. Believe me, even if you could do it, you would not feel up to doing it all alone.

And, if you don't have a decent mattress and a bed low enough to get into and out of comfortably, with or without help, at least make sure you have a really comfortable recliner you can exit and enter easily, with access to a nearby bathroom on the same floor--and maybe some waterless shampoo and bathing liquid (or wipes), too.

Good luck!

I think it will end up well,

but you will really have to push yourself hard during rehab.

sending some cyber olive oil to you right now!

My grandmother had a hip replacement when they were only offered in California. I type these things everyday and I "wonder" about them.

But I have an aunt who skis, taught skiing, and has skied all her life. She had 2 hips at the same time and then 2 knees at the same time a few years later. She is about 76 now--and still skis.

Personally, not to add to your fears, they scare me to death.

My husband is in the same situation - he's on his feet a lot for his job and his knee has been killing him for months. He finally got into a doctor who said the same thing - arthritis, no cartiledge left, bone on bone, replacement necessary sooner rather than later. He is getting his second opinion in a couple of weeks and then he's going to have to schedule surgery. I'm really worried because he has terrible circulation in his legs so I'm hoping that doesn't impair his recovery time.

That being said, one of the clients where I work had knee surgery and it was great for him. He was 64 at the time, felt better within a few days and was back at work selling cars within 6 weeks. He said the first few days were hard and for a few weeks he couldn't stand for long or sit with his new knee bent for long (i.e. ride in a car) but after 6 weeks he felt great. He may even have gone back to work sooner than that - I just remember him telling me he was 100 percent by the six week mark. Good luck, shannon - I hope this helps you.

Before the surgery she could barely move, although she was very active in her local YMCA swim program, teaching exercises to be done in the pool. She is 65 now, and had the surgery about four years ago. After the surgery, OMG she KICKS BUTT! That woman MOVES! Amazing transformation!

You will do the same. Take care to do your therapy and you will be fine!

Shannon, my brother had a knee replaced - he suffered from it, but after all was done, his replaced knee was stronger & better than the "undone" knee. So, I hope that your surgery yields the same or better result.

You'll have to change your SN to "Bionic Woman"

a brain tranplant. It didn't take.

This Space for Rent ? :)

I have participated in 2 "laying on of hands" events.....I would not have volunteered but it was for each of my parents while they were on their death beds....i was asked to stand in by a dear family friend who has no knowledge of my apostacy...anyway they had zero effect on the outcome(s) of my parents illnesses...I will probably need 2 new knees....I'm procrastinating. My wife has had one and will get another...that being said, does your surgeon have a good rep? The only advice I can give is, doo all the rehab you're supposed to, but don't overdo it...and get yourself a recumbent exercise bike...best device going to keep the knee loose while it heals with zero impact.....just believe in yourself and your surgeon...and good luck!

My 80 year old Mil just had her knee done 2 months ago. She hobbled around and complained for 10 years. Her daughter told her she couldn't complain anymore unless she was willing to do something about it.

She has recovered completely. She's on a tour of Europe as we speak. Next month she's going on a Cruise to Alaska. Basically we haven't seen her since she got her knee fixed. I'll bet she wishes she'd done it sooner.

Get all of your dental work done before the surgery. Take good care of your gums, periodontal disease can be very bad for joint replacements. Ask your surgeon for his/her recommendations re:antibiotics prior to dental work post surgery, and have him fax the info to your dentist. After your surgery, you will most likely have to take antibiotics prior to dental care. Some surgeons require this for a few years, some for a lifetime.

where are you located shannon?...generally?...it sounds like you are in the medical field...I am...

I will prob in a new knee at some point...not bad now unless I over due it...

trying to hold off b/c joint replacements only last 15 years max..

but by judging by the comments here I will not put it off if advised to do so..

Why suffer needlessly?

Knee and hip replacements are extremely common these days and from what I have read, very successful.
Get a second opinion, then name a decision and fix what you can with the best doctors you can fine!
You'll most likely do just fine!

My best friend had her knee replaced last year at the age of 28. While it was sore for the first few days, she was up and moving around. She was so glad to have it done and wished she hadn't put it off for as long as she did.

... I do know morphine will do a body good!

Party on, Mate!

Timothy

never moved this well before.

Another friend with one skipped the rehab, developed scar tissue, and limps. GO TO REHAB!

She was very scared of the surgery before hand, but now 4 months post/op she is so glad she did it. It was tough for the first week. You'll notice gradual improvement everyday. The key is to do the range of motion and strength rehab exercises as they tell you to because of you don't, the joint can stiffen up (i.e. frozen joint syndrome). Also be careful not to go off the narcs cold turkey. My mother, a uber-TBM, though she would do that (i.e. trying to adhere to the WOW), and she went through withdrawals. You want to taper off of them very slowly.

In the end you'll be very glad you did this.

Couple of quick suggestions to add:

USE the pain medications. They are as important to your recovery as physical therapy. Don't try to tough it out. Study after study shows that patients that use pain medications recover faster, have shorter hospital times, and report fewer complications. It's as important as your walker/cane for your immediate recovery.

Understand that anesthesia and pain medications can slow your bowels and be constipating. Ask your physician to prescribe a stool softener or fiber supplement. (Benefiber is great) Prevention is always easier than repair. Who wants to hold an enema while trying to climb out of bed with a painful knee.

Physicians usually have a standard list of medications they prescribe for all their patients on an "as needed" or "prn" basis. The nurse knows you can have it, but as a patient you may not be aware of all that is already available to you. Usually the nurse will not offer you something unless you ask for it specifically. Silly system I know, expecting a recently sedated patient to suddenly become a mind reader, but it's how most hospital/surgical centers operate. So ask your nurse what meds have been prescribed as prn?

Find out about your anesthesiologist. Who will be in the room during the surgery, an anesthesiologist physician or nurse anesthetist? If you have any respiratory issues be sure to discuss them with your surgeon AND your anesthesiologist.

Make sure you take a list of all the supplements you use including over the counter vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies for your pre-admit appointment. Include the milligrams and frequency you take them. (Take the list with you again on the day of surgery.)

Make sure you have a friend or family member with you as an advocate. Sometimes friends advocate for you better than family members, particularly if you usually fill the caretaker/advocate role. If you have the time and energy before surgery explain to everyone in your support group who your advocate is. This can help cut down on family hurt feelings afterwards.

Prepare your home for your return before you leave. Rearrange furniture to accommodate wider walk ways required by walkers and canes. Temporarily remove items that you might trip over while you are unsteady on your feet. Change the height of things. Your center of gravity will change temporarily and bending over to pick things up will get awkward. Check your furniture for height. If it's low you may want to temporarily move a taller chair in.

Prep as much as you can before the surgery. Then give yourself permission to take it slow and steady until your pace gradually returns to pre-arthritic days.

I'm wishing good luck to you, and good skill to your medical team.

My Mother had one done about 10 years ago. She said the pain before the operation was so bad that she'd go to bed and wished that she wouldn't wake up. She's uses a cane to move around, it's her safety confidence helper.

She turn 100 last fall.

My SIL had her knee done a year ago, she's doing great, back to walking several miles a day. Her back pains cleared up too, too much listing from compensating on a bad knee.

Good luck, don't rush the rehab, but do all you can to keep the parts flexible and avoid any muscle loss.

I had to have a complete hip replacement last August at age 50 - completely unexpected. I resisted it for about 6 months and did get a second opinion. Both docs independent of each other said almost word for word the same thing.

I wish now I had done it sooner - NO PAIN now and I was walking the next day.

I have a friend who is quite overweight yet youngish that had to have both knees replaced about a year ago - best thing she ever did for herself.

Just got back from the ortho surgeon.

He emphasized what so many of you have said: "DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY or the joint will lock up and you'll have even less mobility than you do now." I call PT's 'Physical Terrorists' because they inflict so much pain. I'm definitey not looking forward to that part, but I'm willing to *endure to the end* to get this mess fixed.

I'm totally confident in my docs and the whole ortho/PT team. They are affiliated with the University of Florida Medical School and my surgeon is actually a Professor on staff.

Two of my young adult daughters will be home all summer to help me. My other YA daughter lives 5 minutes away, and my parents are 10 minutes away. My husband is an R.N. So I have a great support system (which the doctor was very concerned about). Who needs Relief Society anyway? Pffft.

I'm in nursing and my employer has given me a leave of absence until I am released to return to work.

So I'm all set!!

Unless of course I die. Then, I'm serious, I'm gonna try to break through the veil and contact you guys (like Houdini promised to try and do). Wouldn't THAT shake up all the athiests?!! ha. j/k

Luv u guys,
Shannon ;o)

I have a dodgy, clicky knee. Moral be more careful on a motorbike at 18 and you will not get bad knee joints in your mid 50s! ;o))

But I seem to think you are much younger than me?

I had both hips replaced-7 weeks apart- 4 months ago. I feel so much better and can imagine a life ahead of me. When the pain gets as bad as yours probably is, this will turn out well. The old saying is that those who have hip replacements wake up in the recovery room glad they did it, but it takes 2 weeks for those who have knee replacements. Return and report and let us know how it goes.

Well Shannon it sounds like you're all set. I especially like that you know your dr. before going into the surgery. I've had both hips replaced and the first one was a real bitch.

I met the dr. in the emergency room about a half hour before the surgery. It was hate at first sight for both of us. I had a very tough recovery period with that one.

The other hip was done by a dr. I'd been seeing for a few months who got me in good shape before the surgery and everything went so much better.

I think joint replacements are truly miracles of the "latter days".

Good Luck.

He got his knee replaced and he said that it hurt less right out of surgery than it had before. Your mileage may vary, of course, but this could be better right from the start. :)