[SusanOfWoodbury]

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!)

Thanks for posting this question, as I will be needed a knee replacement soon.. The cortisone shots were helping for 8 months, but, the last one I had 2 months ago is not working... Arrrrrh! Good luck

[Barefoot]

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!)

Originally Posted by SusanOfWoodbury

Thanks for posting this question, as I will be needed a knee replacement soon.. The cortisone shots were helping for 8 months, but, the last one I had 2 months ago is not working... Arrrrrh! Good luck

Susan, I blush when I see how many questions I asked! I was such a nosy parker. I guess I was highly nervous.

I had a total knee replacement last July and it was a piece of cake. Well, not really. But looking back, I don't remember the pain, and the pain was manageable with oxycontin, and it was only for a few weeks. Physio is the second most important thing .. I still do Physio every day at home on an exercise bike. I was able to start golfing when we arrived in The Villages in November.

I think the most important key to success is picking a top-notch surgeon. And there are some orthopedic surgeons mentioned in this thread. I would definitely only use someone that comes highly recommended.

Best of Luck!

[bholland007]

Had a total knee replacement done in Nov. 2012 and it was the best thing I ever did. Had lots of pain before surgery, tried all the steps to keep me from surgery like shots, therapy, medication, exercise, holistic treatments but nothing lasted. I had a wonderful surgeon that cut along the side of the knee so he did not cut the muscle or dislocate the knee cap. Was up walking the same day as the surgery. He does not believe in going to a rehab. center, he wants you home and living a normal life. The good thing is that I had the surgery done in Florida. Send me a note if you want more information.