BTKR Scheduled for July 24

[hbark]

Hello folks. I haven't been on this forum for long, but I've had knee problems for a long time. I posted once before about an OS visit that wasn't so great. Went to another one today, and frankly the whole experience was very good. I live just outside of Philadelphia, and this was downtown. I've been reading a lot, on this forum and elsewhere, and thanks to all of you for posting so much about your experiences and advice. Just about everything I was told about the surgery and post-surgery has been discussed on here -- no surprises.

It was the biggest doctors' office I was ever in (and I've been to a lot), but was run very efficiently and yet for the most part with a personal touch. I was taken on-time for xrays, and on-time into an exam room. First seen by a P.A., then by the surgeon. The doc was friendly, took his time, explained everything, waited for me to ask any questions I wanted. I didn't feel rushed, in fact I bit my tongue trying not to interrupt him!

They said I definitely needed both knees done (no surprise to me, just confirmed all the pain I've been having for so long), and said I must have a high tolerance for pain if I've been walking so much with knees like this. I thought my range of motion was bad, but he said compared to others with knees like mine, it's actually good -- many people stop walking much due to the pain. This surgeon does nothing but knees. And does all surgeries himself (no residents).

I know I'm rambling... but I'm actually happy and relieved to have a next step in sight. I've had surgeries before, so I'm not afraid, have no allergies and have had no bad experiences with anesthesia (although this will be my first spinal). They said the usual is 4-5 days in the hospital, followed by 4-5 days or so in a rehab place. They also stressed the importance of pain management after that. Just like you all do!

I still work full time, but in an office setting 100% from my home. I've gotten the time off approved there, still need to work out some details but it's all good. Thankfully I have very good health insurance, something many of us take for granted sometimes.

I'm also an avid motorcyclist -- you should have seen the look on their faces when I asked if they thought I'd be able to ride by bike again this year!!

Enough for now -- first pre-op testing etc. starts in late June /early July. thanks again to all of you. Good luck with your own journeys.

Howard

 

[BJ Mac]

Welcome Howard, I am glad to hear that you have found a surgeon that you are happy with and that you have scheduled your surgery. You get to get on with life when you get your knee/knees replaced and begin healing and your journey into the next stage of life.

You have found an excellent place to come and share the highs and lows. There will be someone here that can relate to almost anything that you will be going through. We care!!!

 

[lisabon]

Howard, your story sounds just like mine. I too had an OS who did nothing but knees and hips. My feeling is you want someone who does so many of these procedures that he can do them in his sleep! Also like you, he was surprised that I was able to get around as well as I did considering that I had no more cartiledge left to speak of in either knee.

Its' great that you are taking the time now to read these boards. Just keep in mind that, as I'm sure you understand, everyone's journey is a little different. But you will usually find people here who can relate to whatever might come up both before and after your surgery. I know that I had a fairly smooth recovery but there were days I really needed to vent about my pain, the nursing care, the lack of sleep, constipation, etc., etc. And this is is one place where you can vent and get helpful advice.

I can also tell you that I had my bilateral replacement 7 months ago and am happy to report that I'm doing great. I still get sore by the end of the day and have to occasionally take tylenol for the achiness. But I am able to do so much more than I was able to do when I had bad knees.

So welcome to Bonesmart and keep posting!

 

[Josephine]

Why did you think you were rambling? No such thing on here!

He sounds like a good surgeon.

When it comes to return to work, you should read this before you commit yourself to any dates Phased return to work

We've also had any number of motorbike people on here, men and women! All being well, I think you can safely bet on being being back in the saddle long before Christmas!

 

[1ELISEA]

Hello folks. I haven't been on this forum for long, but I've had knee problems for a long time. I posted once before about an OS visit that wasn't so great. Went to another one today, and frankly the whole experience was very good.

I'm also an avid motorcyclist -- you should have seen the look on their faces when I asked if they thought I'd be able to ride by bike again this year!!

Enough for now -- first pre-op testing etc. starts in late June /early July. thanks again to all of you. Good luck with your own journeys.
Howard

Good for you Howard going for the additional opinions as suggested.

Sounds like this experience was 180 degrees different from the first OS visit you described.

All the best to you in your journey towards riding your motorcycle before year end.

 

[referee54]

Hello! I had a BTKR and I was glad that I had both done at the same time---it was challenging to say the least, as I did not have a "good leg" for a while, but I had one surgery, one hospital stay, one recovery, and one set of PT sessions---plus, I did not have to have one done and wait to have the other one done.

I went back to the classroom at eight weeks, which was much too early---I was stiff and sore and I believe that it slowed down my recovery.

Looking back, though, I am very, very glad that I had the BTKR done---it changed my life 180*!

 

[chancec]

Hi,
I am nine months post-op BKTR, and so glad I did it. It really wasn't as painful as I was told, and really stressed by the OS. I actually didn't even have the "pain pump"; never needed it. Went to Disney World and walked around for four hours, a little less than three months after.(of course I was sore for a couple days) One thing I would stress, that I felt was very important to my quick, and amazing recovery was going to a great in-patient rehab center for two weeks after my surgery. I went there 4 days post op and was up with a walker (day one post op) and lef there two weeks later walking with only a cane for security. Their PT staff was incredible, and I had OT/PT both for one week then PT twice a day for the other week. I think this is so important. (Being human I wouldn't have worked nearly as hard at home.) One other suggestion: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TAKE THE PAIN PILLS. Very important; take one about an hour before PT and you will be able to do what you need to have a good outcome, with minimal pain. This was my experience; I know there are others who have had problems and I feel so fortunate. Recovery may often be two steps forward then one back, but each week that you see any improvement means you are on the right track. Oh, and the last minute jitters the last week before surgery, everyone gets them, just take a deep breath, then go on and do it. I wish you good luck and a good recovery. P. S. my surgeon and hospital were very experienced and top notch which is a big factor also. You want an OS who can do these in his sleep and has a good track record...
Carol BTKR 09-13-12

 

[hbark]

Hi folks

Well I'm still a long way away, about 6 weeks I guess, but wanted to check-in.

Today my wife and I went to the orthopedic surgeons' "First Class Joint" class, basically a 2-hour thing at the hospital to explain what to expect, how to prepare, what happens when you get to the hospital, day 1, day 2, rehab, etc. Actually mostly I'm glad my wife could attend. I've been researching and reading as much as I can, but she of course doesn't know anything at all about the process.

I have to say it was a great session, at a downtown Philadelphia hospital (I don't know if I'm allowed to name surgeons and hospitals on here??), with an excellent reputation and all that.

Just one thing to share though -- post op I know how important elevation is, "toes above nose" and all that. And my favorite recliner at home would be great for that! At today's session, they specifically said we should avoid using a recliner, because the stress that's put on the knees when the leg support part goes up and down can potentially put too much strain on everything. Argh! Has anyone heard this before??? I know it's a minor minor thing but was just curious as to what you experts and experienced folks think.

I've been following peoples' progress on here, and hope everyone continues well on their journeys.

Howard

 

[cotton1958]

I enjoyed reading your intro! Glad you found a Doctor you are happy with!
As far as the recliner, you want to find one that works by using the arm, don't use your legs to force the leg part down. There are also power recliners. But you really need to sit in them to see if they will stay back, mostly, if you plan on doing any sleep//napping in them. I was going to live in our basement with full bath, and they wanted to send a hospital bed to my home. But I don't find them very comfortable because I am tall, and there's a big drop to the floor to stand, even for me.

The social service people will be in your room a few times before you go home, and ask you what your bedroom/home setup is. So nothing to really worry about now.

Good luck to you.

 

[bottomshollow]

Howard, you'll have to determine if you're going to be able to use your recliner the first 3 to 4 weeks. If you can raise and lower the leg section without jolting your legs and with no sudden drops and it supports the entire leg, it should be okay.

I lived in my recliner with both my right hip replacement and 2 TKRs (I am not allowed to call my self a bilat--mine were done 2 days apart). But I have an electric power recliner that moves slowly and gently by remote control.

Sleep is such an issue during the first couple of months, and I spent many a night watching mindless TV and drifting in and out of catnaps in that recliner when I just could not stand to be in the bed another minute. I was also in it most of the day catnapping, elevating, and icing.

It would surprise me if almost everyone who has a recliner they use regularly doesn't manage to use it after surgery.

You sound like you've got it all together--research and reading and knowing what to expect will make your recovery so much easier. You won't be blindsided by things that are really "normal" after BTKR. And I can tell you that you will LOVE your new knees!

Take care, keep us posted, we care.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

Just one thing to share though -- post op I know how important elevation is, "toes above nose" and all that. And my favorite recliner at home would be great for that! At today's session, they specifically said we should avoid using a recliner, because the stress that's put on the knees when the leg support part goes up and down can potentially put too much strain on everything.

Hi, Howard,

Have you seen the opening portion of 'Full Metal Jacket'? Warning, very rude words!

https://youtu.be/bBfZ4Jj09Fc

My knees spoke to me like Gunnery Sergeant Hartman every time I did anything that put strain on them. Yours will too. So I wouldn't worry about the recliner, you will figure a way of getting in and out of it to the Gunnery Sergeant's satisfaction.

 

[referee54]

I lived in my recliner after my BTKR---it was my home for about the first three or four weeks! I would listen to what the others have said---you can certainly use the recliner, but you just need to be careful about it.

 

[Dog Lover]

Hi George and welcome to the forum. You definitely have to all together. We have a bit in common as I lived most of my life in Philly and am have bilateral TKRS IN just ten days.

Everyone here Has a lot of great advice. And i can definitely speak To the jitters as it gets close. Best of luck to you. :doggieshmooze:

 

[hbark]

Hi folks. I haven't posted anything in a while but I've been following others' stories. I'm still almost a month out.

I do have a question though -- today I got a bill from my surgeon's office, basically stating that they require the patient's responsibility amount (i.e., the expected amount I would pay the surgeon's office after my insurance deductible, etc.) before the surgery.

I've been to many doctors over the years, even had some surgeries but never paid before the actual service in the past.

Anyone else? Thanks.

Howard

 

[bottomshollow]

Oh, yes, Howard, my OS required that I pay my portion that would not be paid by insurance before the surgery. His office also requires that co-pays be paid before seeing anyone for a regular appointment--if you don't have it they reschedule you. I suppose that a lot of folks don't pay like they should, and this way they are sure they get your payment. My hospital gave me a 30 percent discount if I paid my portion of the hospital bill the day I was released. I took advantage of that.

 

[hbark]

OK thanks, good to hear. I didn't think it was a scam or anything, it was just a surprise.

 

[referee54]

Sleep is such an issue during the first couple of months, and I spent many a night watching mindless TV and drifting in and out of catnaps in that recliner when I just could not stand to be in the bed another minute. I was also in it most of the day catnapping, elevating, and icing.

It would surprise me if almost everyone who has a recliner they use regularly doesn't manage to use it after surgery.

The recliner was my home for quite some time. I also spent many a night watching re-runs of "Law and Order" and "Law and Order SVU." I also spent most afternoons in a haze watching "Ponderosa", "Gunsmoke", and "The Addams Family."

 

[DogLady]

I'm thinking I am likely to overdose on Animal Planet and the Food channel.

 

[hbark]

I'm thinking I am likely to overdose on Animal Planet and the Food channel.

Ha! I have a DVR that's set to record a bunch of shows so I should be good to go! I recently discovered BBQ Pitmasters, love that show (I have a smoker and smoke my own meats and fish).

 

[Nyland]

Welcome, Howard! You are scheduled the day before I am. Best of luck!