Quote:
Originally Posted by Barefoot
I'd like to hear your stories about knee replacements. If your Orthepedic Surgeon has recommended one, and you've decided against it, I'd like to know if you've been successful with an alternative treatment.
If you've had a full knee replacement, I'd love to hear your story. I figure there is a wealth of information available from members.
Were you in pain prior to the surgery?
Did you try Celebrex or another Arthritis med?
Did you do exercises prior to the surgery to strengthen your knees?
Are you glad you had the surgery? Has your mobility greatly increased?
Did you have an epidural?
Did you require pain Meds after the surgery? What kind?
Did you take blood thinners before and after the surgery?
If so, what kind?
How long were you in the Hospital?
Did you do Physio starting on Day One?
Did you continue to do Physio after leaving the hospital?
If so, how often, and for how long?
Did you go home or to a Rehab facility?
Did you need crutches or a walker when you left the hospital?
How long did you have to take pain Meds?
How long before you could drive?
How long before your knee felt "normal'?
I've had arthroscopic surgery twice, cortisone shots, etc., and I'm running out of options. But a knee replacement sounds so major and invasive, yikes. I would be very appreciative if I could hear some experiences. Of course, if you don't want to share on TOTV, a PM is fine. Obviously I have some decisions to make, and I'm skeered.  (shaking from fear, not from cold!) |
I had a total knee replacement 3 years ago, prior to replacement the knee
was very painful. The last months I could not sleep, or sit for any length
of time without extreme pain. I was on pain medication daily, but it stopped working. The last few weeks before the operation I could not walk more than
20 feet. ( I tried everything I could think of to avoid the operation, it was my last option). I entered the hospital at 6:00 AM, operated on at 9:00am,
and woke up at around 1:30 PM. I can tell you that whatever pain I had
from that point on was less than when I went in. I went in on a Tuesday, and was released on Thursday, with a walker. I had home therapy for 2 weeks, and was using a cane after 1 and 1/2 weeks. I will tell you that
the therapy (a total of 8-10 weeks) was extremely painful and difficult, but
you MUST do it and is well worth it. The people who slacked off, did not have the range of motion that I had due to my constant exercising. Once you get the replacement the REST IS UP TOYOU. After 2 -3 months I could do just about anything. It will take about 1 year to feel like normal. By that I mean (in my case), the nerves on the side of the knee are cut, and the feeling in the area is numb, but starts coming back. Now the replacement knee is painless, and I can flex it as good as a normal knee. I need a replacement on my other one, but will wait until it gets to painful to walk.
I guess my advise, as my Doctor said, when your quality of life suffers, and nothing else works, it is time. I would do it all over again, and will, in the next year or so, to my other knee. It was worth all the pain and therapy you will go through. Just one more thing, do your exercises you will receive
religiously and sweat through your therapy, and you will be rewarded.
I had my operation in Michigan, the next one will be here in the Villages, do your research to find the best Doctor, and the rest is up to you.