Lovin retirement

I’m looking for some advice, guidance and fellow UHHers personal experience with knee replacements.

I recently had an MRI of my left knee that shows a degenerated meniscus and tears in my ACL and MCL. Prior to the MRI, because of arthritis of the knee (bone on bone), I had the knee drained and cortisone injected which helped the first time for a few months but did not work at all the second time it was done. In the past I have tried physical therapy without much success. I’m currently using Tylenol (am unable to use Advil because I’m taking the blood thinner Eliquis) and CBD oil for the pain along with a brace, compression sleeve and a cane when walking.

I’m scheduled to see an Orthopedic Surgeon at a major hospital that specializes in orthopedics in 2 weeks about treatment and a possible knee replacement.

As mentioned earlier, I would very much appreciate any advice, guidance or personal experience you might have with knee replacement. Also, any other ideas for managing the pain and stiffness which is most severe upon waking/walking in the morning?

Thanks to all!

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

Replace them now! You’ll be glad you did and wish you had done it before now! 👍

Lovin retirement

Thanks ClarkG! That’s where I’m headed but am concerned about difficulty with rehab.

johnnievegas

I have been told by recoverers that rehab was less painful than before the surgery. And one of those recoverers had both knees replaced at the same time!!!

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

When I had my second hip replacement, one of the other patients had one of his knees replaced. He was a dentist, and later a a rehab session, told me that he had "returned to work" 2 weeks after the surgery, and, of course, was "standing" (and using it) almost as if he had nothing done to him.

Lovin retirement

Thanks johnnievegas, that’s very encouraging to hear.

Lovin retirement

Thanks rfmaude41, amazing progress after a couple of weeks.

francwoods

Check out:
https://projects.propublica.org/surgeons/
You can look for a surgeon with the best score card (least number of complications).

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The more fit you are going into the surgery, the easier the rehab will be. Start using a recumbent stationary bicycle if you can, and start swimming. Also - people who spend time in the pool (and the chlorinated water therein) have fewer bacteria on their skin.

Lovin retirement

Thanks, good info. I will check it out.

Lovin retirement

Thanks sb!

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

Make sure any surgeon who replaces the knee included major rehab as part of his regimen....without it the odds of a lousy outcome increase greatly.

Good luck.

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

My Mom had one replaced at 92 years of age and the other replaced the year after. She did the rehab no problem, is now 97 and still going strong. Go for it

doughboy33

Had one done 2 years ago at age 63 and was the best thing I could have done. Rehab was not that dad at all
much easier than my hip replacement and that was 12 years ago. Good luck and you will not be sorry for getting it done.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

I am going through the rehab right now. Surgery was 30 days ago today and I am walking ok, but still am not where I need to be in the flexibility range. The knee no longer has pain, but the muscles are cramped and sore from doing the flexibility exercises. I found icing the thigh and calf plus using a vibrating roller on the tight muscles alleviates much of the soreness. It never really stops, but the massaging with that vibrating roller make it bearable if I use it at night before trying to sleep. The muscles are a bit stiff in the morning but not too bad until I start the exercises. Besides the therapists list of exercises, I can now also take twice daily walks around the block without a cane and can walk normally going upstairs with limited pain. Downstairs is still not good, but I’m working on it.

I had a procedure called Nano Knee replacement that is available in Southern California and one of the doctors offices is local to my home here. The surgery was less invasive than normal replacements so the recovery time is less. That was a requirement as we are going on a monthlong small ship tour in the Falklands, S Georgia Island and destinations in Antarctica starting the last weekend of December.
When you go ahead and pull the trigger on your surgery, make sure you have someone around to help with the little things for the first few weeks. Like dressing yourself, helping you get in and out of the knee machine or just making sure you take your meds at the right time. Someone to assist in getting your meals and cleaning up after you the first week is important too. Then reward your helper with a few days away in a nice place where they can get away from you to regenerate.