Total knee replacement, what to expect?

[pcgeek11]

*squints*

Maybe the next project is convincing your wife to quit smoking?

I've tried... Work in progress.

I'm sure your wife does what you tell her to do also!

 

[highland145]

I've tried... Work in progress.

Pretty sure none of us should be tossing rocks.

 

[pcgeek11]

Hi everyone, I have been reading all the great posts about total knee replacement surgery, unfortunately I found out a few weeks back that I’m not a candidate to have knee surgery. The doctors feel the risk of surgery is to great due to possible other health related issues. Both of my knees are completely gone due to osteoarthritis in both of my knees ( bone on bone) I can’t walk even with a walker. I’m basically stuck in a chair because the pain is so bad. Weekly Physiotherapy has not helped one bit in reliving the pain which has been going on for months now. The pain killers have lost the bite in easing the constant pain. I’m not sure what to do now, I feel I’m going to be stuck in this chair forever now with no hope insight.

Any suggestions on what to do going forward or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Lord you have my deepest sympathy. I could not imagine being in your situation. I had to undergo some heart testing before they would approve my surgery due some common Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) with my heartbeat.

Don't give up and consult other doctors and hopefully you will find an answer soon. I wish you the best. Bone on bone knee pain is horrible.

 

[robphelan]

yikes.. what timing.

I'm having my left knee done on Monday, 03/25

i've had all the liquified cartilage injections over the past 11 years.. it's to the point where they are no longer effective for more than a couple of weeks.

I've also had the nerve block / ablation.. my knee was 100% pain free for about 2 weeks. then back to normal excruciating pain.

I'm really looking forward to being able to walk/sit/stand for extended periods of time again!

 

[pcgeek11]

yikes.. what timing.

I'm having my left knee done on Monday, 03/25

i've had all the liquified cartilage injections over the past 11 years.. it's to the point where they are no longer effective for more than a couple of weeks.

I've also had the nerve block / ablation.. my knee was 100% pain free for about 2 weeks. then back to normal excruciating pain.

I'm really looking forward to being able to walk/sit/stand for extended periods of time again!

I wish you well! Mine was done on Feb 22. I'm now walking with no walker or cane and doing well at 3.5 weeks after surgery.

Are you doing inpatient ( in the hospital and spend a day or two ) or outpatient ( at a surgery center and go home the same day )? I did outpatient.

Surgery was about 2.5 hours and after I felt no pain for the first day after, then the pain started creeping in and I used the Oxycodon as prescribed by the doctor 1 - 2 per day 5 mg. Stay ahead of the pain it is hard to catch up with pain meds after the fact. Keep it elevated, but not supported under the knee, but under the calf this will help with your extension. Ice it when you can to keep the swelling down. I bought an ice machine that is filled with ice and water and connected to a sleeve on your knee. There is a pump that keeps the water flowing through the sleeve. Much better than ice packs and lasts longer.

Make sure you have someone to assist you at least for the first few days. Make sure they know you will be a pain in the ass, at least that is what my wife says.

You will have days when you ask yourself WTF did I do to myself. Don't get depressed this will pass. The doctor said it will never feel like a natural knee ever. Well at 3.5 weeks it feels better and more natural than my biological knee has in years. I am very glad that I did it. I do still get some pain if I over exert myself, but it is minor and a couple of Tylenol will usually knock it out. The doctor said this is normal and will go away as the knee heals.

This is what mine looks like at 3 weeks post surgery.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxE6nLB37qVz1Myh6

Go to physical therapy! They will help you get back the flex in the knee. Everybody is different and some need more help than others. I have been lucky, my flex is currently -7 extended to -130 fully flexed. Before surgery I was at -7 to -132. I have a friend at PT that is 8 weeks post surgery and cannot bend to -100 yet and that sucked. He had to go back to the hospital for what they call "MUA" Manipulation Under Anaesthesia. This is a very brutal method of freeing up the knee joint. He is now getting into the -120's and is doing much better. The physical therapy has caused me more pain than anything else. It is painful at times but it does work. The Surgeon said if I didn't hate the Physical Therapist then they aren't doing their job.

Barring nothing going wrong I am planning on returning to work on the 1st of April. That would be after 5 weeks. The surgeon said the norm with no complications is usually 8 to 10 weeks. I have been blessed.

I hope yours turns out as well as mine has so far.

Keep us updated.

 

[pcgeek11]

I meant to ask how old are you?

My surgeon offered alternatives with the gel injections and cortisone, but after several different opinions from other doctors these I determined were just temporary measures and they all lead back to more pain and an eventual knee replacement anyway.

I am 63 ( 64 later this month ) and in good health, so my healing shouldn't be an issue. My insurance cap for the year was already met and it wouldn't cost me a penny out of pocket. I decided to strike while the iron was hot.

 

[highland145]

I bought an ice machine that is filled with ice and water and connected to a sleeve on your knee. There is a pump that keeps the water flowing through the sleeve. Much better than ice packs and lasts longer.

This. Mom and brother had it for their shoulders. I used it on both bicep surgeries. My CSR used it on her compound fractured ankle. A couple others took my advice and bought one. Also, ice from one of those stand alone machines. $3 to fill up my cooler and it lasted a couple of days.

Breg cube.

 

[robphelan]

I wish you well! Mine was done on Feb 22. I'm now walking with no walker or cane and doing well at 3.5 weeks after surgery.

Are you doing inpatient ( in the hospital and spend a day or two ) or outpatient ( at a surgery center and go home the same day )? I did outpatient.

Surgery was about 2.5 hours and after I felt no pain for the first day after, then the pain started creeping in and I used the Oxycodon as prescribed by the doctor 1 - 2 per day 5 mg. Stay ahead of the pain it is hard to catch up with pain meds after the fact. Keep it elevated, but not supported under the knee, but under the calf this will help with your extension. Ice it when you can to keep the swelling down. I bought an ice machine that is filled with ice and water and connected to a sleeve on your knee. There is a pump that keeps the water flowing through the sleeve. Much better than ice packs and lasts longer.

Make sure you have someone to assist you at least for the first few days. Make sure they know you will be a pain in the ass, at least that is what my wife says.

You will have days when you ask yourself WTF did I do to myself. Don't get depressed this will pass. The doctor said it will never feel like a natural knee ever. Well at 3.5 weeks it feels better and more natural than my biological knee has in years. I am very glad that I did it. I do still get some pain if I over exert myself, but it is minor and a couple of Tylenol will usually knock it out. The doctor said this is normal and will go away as the knee heals.

This is what mine looks like at 3 weeks post surgery.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxE6nLB37qVz1Myh6

Go to physical therapy! They will help you get back the flex in the knee. Everybody is different and some need more help than others. I have been lucky, my flex is currently -7 extended to -130 fully flexed. Before surgery I was at -7 to -132. I have a friend at PT that is 8 weeks post surgery and cannot bend to -100 yet and that sucked. He had to go back to the hospital for what they call "MUA" Manipulation Under Anaesthesia. This is a very brutal method of freeing up the knee joint. He is now getting into the -120's and is doing much better. The physical therapy has caused me more pain than anything else. It is painful at times but it does work. The Surgeon said if I didn't hate the Physical Therapist then they aren't doing their job.

Barring nothing going wrong I am planning on returning to work on the 1st of April. That would be after 5 weeks. The surgeon said the norm with no complications is usually 8 to 10 weeks. I have been blessed.

I hope yours turns out as well as mine has so far.

Keep us updated.

That is all fantastic news for you.. Thanks for all the tips! My wife is a stay at home mom.. so she'll be there to help out.

I'm only 46.. but this surgery has been overdue for 5+ years. the docs kept trying to push it off but my quality of life has been terrible. I have been taking the injections for the past 11 years and now they're not even effective for more than a couple of weeks.

the first doc said I was a good candidate for outpatient due to my age and overall physical condition, but they couldn't schedule me for several months out. So, I went back to my original med group & they're going to keep me in for 1 night.

I'd be super-happy if I can get to the point of not needing a cane within 3 - 4 weeks. that sounds incredible!

Do you think there's anything holding you back from returning to work sooner than 6 weeks? I have a desk job (programmer) so if everything works out, I may try to get back into the office sooner than 6-8 weeks. Otherwise, I can be productive from home.

 

[pcgeek11]

This. Mom and brother had it for their shoulders. I used it on both bicep surgeries. My CSR used it on her compound fractured ankle. A couple others took my advice and bought one. Also, ice from one of those stand alone machines. $3 to fill up my cooler and it lasted a couple of days.

Breg cube.

That is the same one I have Breg, Cube.

 

[pcgeek11]

That is all fantastic news for you.. Thanks for all the tips! My wife is a stay at home mom.. so she'll be there to help out.

I'm only 46.. but this surgery has been overdue for 5+ years. the docs kept trying to push it off but my quality of life has been terrible. I have been taking the injections for the past 11 years and now they're not even effective for more than a couple of weeks.

the first doc said I was a good candidate for outpatient due to my age and overall physical condition, but they couldn't schedule me for several months out. So, I went back to my original med group & they're going to keep me in for 1 night.

I'd be super-happy if I can get to the point of not needing a cane within 3 - 4 weeks. that sounds incredible!

Do you think there's anything holding you back from returning to work sooner than 6 weeks? I have a desk job (programmer) so if everything works out, I may try to get back into the office sooner than 6-8 weeks. Otherwise, I can be productive from home.

I'm not using a cane now at 3 and a half weeks.... So unless you have issues you should be good also esp since you are a lot younger than I.

I don't have a desk job and I think I could go back to work now. I am choosing to take off two more weeks and plan on returning on April the first which would be 5 weeks. I think the most important thing is to do your physical therapy, exercises and don't overdo it. Elevate the knee and ice it several times a day to get the swelling and inflammation under control.

Keep a positive attitude!

 

[SKORPI0]

404 × 252

 

[robphelan]

thanks for the ice therapy idea.. i don't know why the nurse didn't mention something like that. I just ordered from Amazon

 

[highland145]

thanks for the ice therapy idea.. i don't know why the nurse didn't mention something like that. I just ordered from Amazon

It's like they expect you to know this stuff and look at you sideways when you haven't done what you should.... For my biceps, they sent me home with 1 4x6 ice pack. Really? Thankfully I was prepared. I ran the Breg for several days. My CSR ran it for a lot longer.

 

[pcgeek11]

Not all are like that.

My surgeon set up an appointment for his assistant to go through what I needed ( walker, cane, elevation pillows, Ice packs etc... ) and then what they recommended as additional ( Compression cuffs to prevent blood clots, Ice machine etc... ). They then showed me the proper use of everything. Really good experience.

 

[pcgeek11]

yikes.. what timing.

I'm having my left knee done on Monday, 03/25

i've had all the liquified cartilage injections over the past 11 years.. it's to the point where they are no longer effective for more than a couple of weeks.

I've also had the nerve block / ablation.. my knee was 100% pain free for about 2 weeks. then back to normal excruciating pain.

I'm really looking forward to being able to walk/sit/stand for extended periods of time again!

Just wanted to inquire about how your surgery came out. I hope all is well!

Update please.

To anyone that would like to know. I started back to work on the 3rd of April just short of 6 weeks after my surgery. I walk a lot at work as a electronics tech for automated assembly going from trouble call to trouble call and usually walk about 3 miles a day. Going up multiple stair levels, climbing ladders etc... No issues with the exception of minor swelling, which icing takes care of. No pain to speak of in the last two weeks. Doing great and enjoying a painless knee. It ain't purdy, but it works just fine.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Well, it's a little too late about not watching the video. That didn't bother me too much.

Thanks for your input. I'm really looking forward to no or reduced pain at least.

Not a patient but as a health pro with relatives who use me for just about all aspects of care and have seen the results of the process of replacement many times, here's what I know.

As far as pain and ultimate relief and mobility are concerned there's no knowing. In one patient a replacement was done in one knee and then the other after the recovery process finished. Normally both would be done at the same time but there were complicating factors that made a double replacement unwise.

The first knee saw moderate pain and excellent recovery. The second was fairly miserable. Mind you this is the same patient. The difference was with the first surgery the patient did everything by the book. The docs and therapists say "Do this, don't do that" and had PT as scheduled. Consequently she sailed right through.

Human nature being what it is she decided that there was too much fuss being made and strict adherence was not needed. Took her half a year to make a recovery not as good as the first.

The moral of the story is DO WHAT THEY EFFING TELL YOU!

Seriously do just that. What you are doing is major work and while particulars matter such as your present medical state and surgical skill, the greatest (by far) factor is you doing everything by the book.

My two cents.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Well shit, that post was unnecessary

Glad to see you up and around.

 

[skyking]

my wife worked the surgery desk for 3 years, and your story is typical. put in the work, go to pt, and the results are positive.
she has seen folks who had to come back in and get a frozen joint going under general, because they didn't get moving. not a happy time!
i had totally forgotten about that ice sleeve thing. a friend had one for his shoulder. i had rotator cuff surgery friday, a little past the ice stage now.

 

[highland145]

i had totally forgotten about that ice sleeve thing. a friend had one for his shoulder. i had rotator cuff surgery friday, a little past the ice stage now.

It definitely is nice. Best of with the shoulder.

 

[skyking]

Well shit, that post was unnecessary

Glad to see you up and around.

not at all! other folks have already stopped in, and more will over time. your message mirrors mine. do the work

 

[pcgeek11]

my wife worked the surgery desk for 3 years, and your story is typical. put in the work, go to pt, and the results are positive.
she has seen folks who had to come back in and get a frozen joint going under general, because they didn't get moving. not a happy time!
i had totally forgotten about that ice sleeve thing. a friend had one for his shoulder. i had rotator cuff surgery friday, a little past the ice stage now.

Best of wishes with the shoulder.

 

[skyking]

thanks. i'll start a thread about my shoulders later.

 

[naalehuretiree]

I have knee replacement surgery scheduled for next week, so I'm glad I found this forum. Jimmy, thanks for posting the pictures, I think. Kind of grossed me out, but I know I need to be prepared. I appreciate hearing everyone's stories of how long recuperation took and, YES, I will be a real good PT patient! I have a big trip planned in September and want to be in good shape.

 

[pcgeek11]

I have knee replacement surgery scheduled for next week, so I'm glad I found this forum. Jimmy, thanks for posting the pictures, I think. Kind of grossed me out, but I know I need to be prepared. I appreciate hearing everyone's stories of how long recuperation took and, YES, I will be a real good PT patient! I have a big trip planned in September and want to be in good shape.

Best of luck to you! I went back to work in 5 weeks with no issues. You should be fine.

 

[Grinder12000]

Thanks for the posts. I’m about to leap into this as I have bone on bone and had a cortisone shot a few days ago. How wonderful that is. I have my first consultation in a few days.

Any questions I should ask? Any questions you wish you would have asked? I’m 65. In pretty good shape, used to gyms and working out but more hobbyist then muscle builder. Horrific pain with out cortisone but it’s only been really really bad for a month.

Severe medial compartmental osteoarthritis. The first in osteo my life