Knee replacement

6,301 Views | 72 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by Oldbear83
Oldbear83
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Well, it's that time of life for me, I'm going to get knee replacement surgery next month.

Has anyone else been through that? What was your experience in terms of recovery and pain?

Thanks in advance
RegentCoverup
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I have not had it, and I stopped my 20 mile runs and switched to swimming and cycling.

If you're in the DFW area, I can give you a short list of orthopedic people of whose work I can vouch for based purely on clinical performance at a few local hospitals. We are blessed to live in a country where this expertise is abundant.

Some general comments.

-The rehab starts pretty quickly after the surgery. And in general, the success is predominantly dependent on that factor alone. So critical point here, go to the place with the best Physical Therapists you can find. I swear by the PT industry, they are miracle workers.
-There are a LOT of orthopedic people out there, I don't trust some of them.
-Everyone I know that's had a replacement is happy, it's just a very invasive procedure.

Sorry i can't add more, I'll let the docs speak up!
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Oldbear83
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I'm told my rehab starts literally the same day as my surgery. They have a machine which will auto flex my knee in the recovery room to keep it from getting stiff. I'm supposed to walk every day, avoid any twisting and work my way from walker to cane to no cane. My doctor is Wayne Alani, who has 3 published papers on knee surgery and joint damage. Have my choice of 3 facilities but leaning towards Methodist Sugarland.
VaeBear
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Oldbear83 said:

I'm told my rehab starts literally the same day as my surgery. They have a machine which will auto flex my knee in the recovery room to keep it from getting stiff. I'm supposed to walk every day, avoid any twisting and work my way from walker to cane to no cane. My doctor is Wayne Alani, who has 3 published papers on knee surgery and joint damage. Have my choice of 3 facilities but leaning towards Methodist Sugarland.
I did PT for my neck at Methodist Sugar Land. Nice, big facility. My Mom is having her hip replaced there on Tuesday. (1st of 2).
WILLIS
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Dad had it done last Tuesday. Does not sound fun! The swelling in his leg is immense. He is on a walker and doing what he can but lot of pain days 2-5. Goes to PT today. Hopefully will rapidly get better soon.
william
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tell the doc to be careful w/ them tweezers, else your nose will light up and a hell of a racket willst commence......

- KKM

midgett
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TellMeYouLoveMe said:

I have not had it, and I stopped my 20 mile runs and switched to swimming and cycling.


I swear by the PT industry, they are miracle workers.

I usually run about 35-40 miles per week. I've been blessed to not have any knee issues. I've had my gait measured and apparently I am lucky in that area. Need to get back to biking and some swimming. About the time Covid started, I overcame some injuries and have been building up my running. I basically quit cycling, swimming and weight training. That is stupid.

Can not agree more on a good PT. Mine has helped me overcome several injuries with just minor adjustments. He's helped me avoid an unnecessary surgery or two or three. I swear by my PTs.

Two friends have had knee replacements this year including a 30ish woman. Great success and both are so happy. Modern medicine is a miracle.
BellCountyBear
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Get a Dynasplint. You'll thank me later.
SSadler
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Had mine done. WAY less painful than I imagined. That "flex" machine they use the first 24 hours is the worst part---downright satanic!

But not to worry. Just be sure you keep asking the CHARGE nurse (not a pretend nurse) to make sure the machine is positioned properly such that the aluminum "frame'' is not cutting off your circulation on the back of your thigh. If so, no problem.

Best news of all--the very problem(s) that caused you to have so much pain are GONE, and the new parts you got in your leg don't contain any nerves. Rehab is challenging simply because tendons and muscles have to find their new stretch, but even that is not as intimidating as it seems before hand.

(and those pre-surgical shots they need you to self administer---they are less painful than the ***** of your finger to get a blood type)

You'll be surprised at how pain free your first steps are with the walker. Don't let the "voices" convince you you'll never walk again. The science is so precise now it's almost routine surgery. Just follow directions. Do the rehab. and it's not NEARLY as traumatic as it sounds.
SSadler
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Didn't realize in the post immediately above that my synonym for "stick" your finger would get the ****** censor.

Oh well.
Oldbear83
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SSadler said:

Had mine done. WAY less painful than I imagined. That "flex" machine they use the first 24 hours is the worst part---downright satanic!

But not to worry. Just be sure you keep asking the CHARGE nurse (not a pretend nurse) to make sure the machine is positioned properly such that the aluminum "frame'' is not cutting off your circulation on the back of your thigh. If so, no problem.

Best news of all--the very problem(s) that caused you to have so much pain are GONE, and the new parts you got in your leg don't contain any nerves. Rehab is challenging simply because tendons and muscles have to find their new stretch, but even that is not as intimidating as it seems before hand.

(and those pre-surgical shots they need you to self administer---they are less painful than the ***** of your finger to get a blood type)

You'll be surprised at how pain free your first steps are with the walker. Don't let the "voices" convince you you'll never walk again. The science is so precise now it's almost routine surgery. Just follow directions. Do the rehab. and it's not NEARLY as traumatic as it sounds.
Thanks SSadler
Singletary63
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Google Dr. Lawrence Dorr....he has pioneered some amazing advancements in hip and knee replacements. If you need a great referral send me a pm....Dr. Dorr knows the best of the best all over the world and I can get a great local referral for you.
Singletary63
Singletary63
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In Texas I would go straight to Houston and have Dr. Mark Adickes do your surgery. You will be up the same day as your surgery and in no time be better than ever. Modern technology in the orthopedic world has been a game changer.
Singletary63
Oldbear83
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Delayed due to Christmas, but got my surgery date:

January 11, arrive 6 AM at Memorial-Herman First Colony
bularry
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Oldbear83 said:

I'm told my rehab starts literally the same day as my surgery. They have a machine which will auto flex my knee in the recovery room to keep it from getting stiff. I'm supposed to walk every day, avoid any twisting and work my way from walker to cane to no cane. My doctor is Wayne Alani, who has 3 published papers on knee surgery and joint damage. Have my choice of 3 facilities but leaning towards Methodist Sugarland.
didn't know you were in my neck of the woods

I've heard good things about Methodist sports center... but been a while. and Methodist is very nice.
4yrletterbear
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Just completed my second knee replacement. Left knee was 2 years ago and it worked out great. Had my right one 4 weeks ago. I am driving, mowing the lawn (riding mower) hitting wedges and doing well.

I have a workout room in my house and have done my own rehab with this second one. My doctor has his patients use a CPM (continuous passive machine) in recovery and then for 3 weeks at home . Great machine...I am a believer in the CPM.
4yrletterbear
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4yrletterbear
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Just completed my second knee replacement. Left knee was 2 years ago and it worked out great. Had my right one 4 weeks ago. I am driving, mowing the lawn (riding mower) hitting wedges and doing well.

I have a workout room in my house and have done my own rehab with this second one. My doctor has his patients use a CPM (continuous passive machine) in recovery and then for 3 weeks at home . Great machine...I am a believer in the CPM.
Oldbear83
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Thanks very much 4yrletterbear!
4yrletterbear
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Miracle Post Op drug kit. ON Q...it is a small pump that injects the pain medicine directly into the knee via a catheter so no need to take oral pain medicine with all of the side effects.

I had it for 6 days of meds and took "0" Hydrocrodin. Only my normal Tylenol for Arthritis. My doc had only been using it for a month. It was fantastic.
quash
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4yrletterbear said:

Miracle Post Op drug kit. ON Q...it is a small pump that injects the pain medicine directly into the knee via a catheter so no need to take oral pain medicine with all of the side effects.

I had it for 6 days of meds and took "0" Hydrocrodin. Only my normal Tylenol for Arthritis. My doc had only been using it for a month. It was fantastic.

Wow, I had never heard of that, brilliant.

Good luck Oldbear!
“Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.” (The Law, p.6) Frederic Bastiat
jumpinjoe
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I used Sports Rehab Knee and Hip Replacement from Medical City Dallas and am very pleased. Hurdles finally took its toll on me. First knee 7/23/18 and other knee 4/30/19. Both full replacement knees doing quite good. Amazing to not have that knee pain anymore. They had me up four hours after surgery walking with a walker. Dismissed to go home after one night stay. I now have no limits for a 75 year old dude. Well, I don't go snow skiiing, or jump hurdles, or jog, but walk a lot and bicycle. Good luck.
Joined BaylorFans in 1999 under username jumpinjoe. Have always been Jumpinjoe. Proud 4 Year Baylor letterman and 1968 graduate and charter member of Quartermiler U, produced school record in 400 IH.
Oldbear83
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jumpinjoe said:

I used Sports Rehab Knee and Hip Replacement from Medical City Dallas and am very pleased. First knee 7/23/18 and other knee 4/30/19. Both full replacement knees doing quite good. Amazing to not have that knee pain anymore. They had me up four hours after surgery walking with a walker. Dismissed to go home after one night stay. I now have no limits for a 75 year old dude. Well, I don't go snow skiiing, or jump hurdles, or jog, but walk a lot and bicycle. Good luck.
Thanks Joe, counting the days now. A week from next Monday.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Singletary63
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The best thing that ever happened with joint replacements?

cross-linked polyethylene.................
Singletary63
Oldbear83
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Check-in time moved to 11 AM tomorrow, but otherwise on schedule.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and personal experience.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Oldbear83
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My life is just not a normal one.

Short version, my PCP disagreed about my medical condition with my Orthopedic surgeon. I found out this morning as I was getting ready to leave for the hospital, that my PCP had refused to sign the clearance letter for the surgery.

After some phone calls, I found out that my PCP was actually yelling at my orthopedic doctor last Friday.

Yikes.

So anyway, my surgery got moved from today to Thursday, and from Memorial-Herman First Colony to Oakbend Medical Center,

Hopefully that is the last of the drama as well.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
quash
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Oldbear83 said:

My life is just not a normal one.

Short version, my PCP disagreed about my medical condition with my Orthopedic surgeon. I found out this morning as I was getting ready to leave for the hospital, that my PCP had refused to sign the clearance letter for the surgery.

After some phone calls, I found out that my PCP was actually yelling at my orthopedic doctor last Friday.

Yikes.

So anyway, my surgery got moved from today to Thursday, and from Memorial-Herman First Colony to Oakbend Medical Center,

Hopefully that is the last of the drama as well.

Dang. Seems like once the PCP makes a referral to the specialist it ought to be between you and the specialist. Sorry you have to wait.
“Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.” (The Law, p.6) Frederic Bastiat
Oldbear83
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quash said:

Oldbear83 said:

My life is just not a normal one.

Short version, my PCP disagreed about my medical condition with my Orthopedic surgeon. I found out this morning as I was getting ready to leave for the hospital, that my PCP had refused to sign the clearance letter for the surgery.

After some phone calls, I found out that my PCP was actually yelling at my orthopedic doctor last Friday.

Yikes.

So anyway, my surgery got moved from today to Thursday, and from Memorial-Herman First Colony to Oakbend Medical Center,

Hopefully that is the last of the drama as well.

Dang. Seems like once the PCP makes a referral to the specialist it ought to be between you and the specialist. Sorry you have to wait.

Yeah, it screwed up a lot of plans, especially for my wife, who was off today and tomorrow to get me home safe. Now she has to juggle her schedule for Thursday and Friday.

And I don't even want to know what went on to lead to an argument between the two doctors. I'm told my PCP was insisting I see a cardiologist first which would have been fine except he waited to the last day to bring it up.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
jumpinjoe
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Bummer, that certainly creates angst. Apparently you are not yet on Medicare, for once my PCP referred me to the orthopedic surgeon, they were no longer involved in decisions. Good luck getting this worked out.
Joined BaylorFans in 1999 under username jumpinjoe. Have always been Jumpinjoe. Proud 4 Year Baylor letterman and 1968 graduate and charter member of Quartermiler U, produced school record in 400 IH.
Limited IQ Redneck in PU
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May the waiting be the hardest part and lead to a quick and not too painful recovery, I have no experience to speak off but do wish you well. May you come back as hard headed and ornery as when you went under.
I have found theres only two ways to go:
Living fast or dying slow.
I dont want to live forever.
But I will live while I'm here.
Oldbear83
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Limited IQ Redneck in PU said:

May the waiting be the hardest part and lead to a quick and not too painful recovery, I have no experience to speak off but do wish you well. May you come back as hard headed and ornery as when you went under.
Thanks LIQR. I have been told that Day Four is the day when I will be convinced the surgery was a mistake, and Day Ten is when I should start believing the rehab is working.

I think I will be careful with my language during the first week of rehab, especially.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
RegentCoverup
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Oldbear83 said:



And I don't even want to know what went on to lead to an argument between the two doctors. I'm told my PCP was insisting I see a cardiologist first which would have been fine except he waited to the last day to bring it up.
If you can imagine a beautiful feast and two people incentivized to eat but not share and reinforced with the message they are special, you can appreciate that there is no 'team' in a room full of God-complex doctors.

Suffice to say, it's not necessarily bad that they were in conflict, it should probably happen more often.
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LIB,MR BEARS
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My grandmother who passed last week at 108 years old had both of her knees replaced-twice. The last time she had knee surgery, she was in her 90's and chose to have them both done at the same time because she only wanted to do rehab once. She set the bar very high when it comes to toughness. When she wasn't with the PTs, she was doing it on her own. No little 5 foot nothing lady should be able to outwork you.
Wichitabear
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Oldbear83 said:

Limited IQ Redneck in PU said:

May the waiting be the hardest part and lead to a quick and not too painful recovery, I have no experience to speak off but do wish you well. May you come back as hard headed and ornery as when you went under.
Thanks LIQR. I have been told that Day Four is the day when I will be convinced the surgery was a mistake, and Day Ten is when I should start believing the rehab is working.

I think I will be careful with my language during the first week of rehab, especially.
naw, not you Oldbear83. Praying for God to watch and care for you during this time and that the Texas Rangers beat the Astros this summer. That ought get your blood flow going. Lol
RegentCoverup
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OldBear83, I have no doubt you'll not only survive but prosper!

Prayers to you and your wife in getting through this and feeling better!
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