2 weak legs; 1 bad knee

[counselorjt]

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my left knee went bad due to weakness of my right leg. I have a drop foot of the right foot. As a result, the foot is pretty useless, and the leg is quite weak. Thus, there will be no comfy slipper to put on because I need a full shoe to slip my AFO into to give me stability. When I mentioned it to my surgeon, he seemed fairly unconcerned stating that some people get both knees done at the same time, and the situation will be handled. Has anyone out there had surgery on one knee with only 1 weak leg as a back up?? I'm starting to get the jitters.

 

[JudyS]

I am a hippy and remember how bad my left hip felt before surgery.I had the right hip replaced.

I am headed to the knee side now. My right knee will be having a scope and probable microfractue next month. My left knee now sometimes hurts MORE than the "bad" one. I will not be allowed any weightbearing on the operated knee if microfractue is done for up to 2 months.
My doc said with the decrease in activity ( I am currently an exercise fanatic, mostly hiking) the left knee should calm down.

I sure know your worries though!!
Judy

 

[Lindy]

With reference to 1kr and other k weak, that is also a concern of mine.Yes I'm having both knees done sep. but both legs are not only arthritic, but I have M.S. I am still ambulatory but legs were weak before the knees gave out. I'm wondering if this will affect my PT. My OS knows about the M.S. but doesn't really know what effect it will have on the rehab. It's something I think about but don't want to worry as noone likely can guess on this one!Lindy

 

[beachcomber]

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my left knee went bad due to weakness of my right leg. I have a drop foot of the right foot. As a result, the foot is pretty useless, and the leg is quite weak. Thus, there will be no comfy slipper to put on because I need a full shoe to slip my AFO into to give me stability. When I mentioned it to my surgeon, he seemed fairly unconcerned stating that some people get both knees done at the same time, and the situation will be handled. Has anyone out there had surgery on one knee with only 1 weak leg as a back up?? I'm starting to get the jitters.

Yes, I had a PKR in December on my left knee and had a very abnormal gait and drop foot on the right side. My surgeon was very concerned and insisted I get a AFO because he was concerned I would fall and un-do his fine work. I had lumbar back surgery 3 weeks after my knee to decompress the nerve. I still have some residual effects with the drop foot, but it is much better now.

As for how you will manage---- you need to get some things for your home that will help you. You need a toilet extender, preferably one that is like a chair with arms that sits over your toilet. Probably a shower chair with arms as well. You will need to use your upper body and arms to help compensate for your surgical knee and the weakness in your other leg.

You will probably use a walker rather than crutches to assist you with walking. I recommend a recliner that you can use your arms to help push yourself out of for resting, elevating, and maybe even sleeping. You will need BIG pillows to elevate your op leg to get it above your heart. I also recommend a "grabber" for picking things up---- since balancing will be kind of hard for awhile and I always drop more things when I can't easily pick them up.

Do you have help at home? I hope so because even getting new ice for your ice machine or icepack is hard to do with no good leg to stand on. You will need help with many things for a while.

Good luck to you and let me know if I can answer any questions or be of any assistance. The good news is that when you are all through this you should have a good, strong leg and knee and be much better off.

Best to you!
Beach

 

[counselorjt]

Beach,

Thanks for all of your good ideas! I'll be going to a class before surgery and supposedly all questions are answered there. I had already planned on getting grabber bars. Can I rent a tub chair and walker? I just don't like any of this because I'm never sick, am very independent and don't like poeple hovering over me. Guess I need to swallow my pride and be thankful for the help, huh?

Marcia

 

[beachcomber]

You are welcome. You might be able to rent the equipment--- or your insurance might cover it with a Rx from your doc due to the weakness in both legs.

I am also very independent and like to be left ALONE when I don't feel well, but had to accept a lot of help this past year. I am very grateful for the help I received and know I couldn't have managed without it.

Best of luck to you. Let us know if you have any other questions. We've got a lot of collective experiences to share!

 

[ship4]

I had both knees done in June of this year. As far as the shower seat and toilet seat, our local Lions Club loan these items out to those in need! Check with your local Lions Club or Senior Center before buying any. I purchased my own seat extender on ebay very reasonably before I knew about the Lions Club loaning program. I did borrow an adjustable height shower seat with a back on it for the bath tub when I showered from the Lions Club. I then donated my toilet seat extender to them after disinfecting it and the shower seat for return to them.
Just a suggestion!
Best,
Crystal

 

[Gretchendz]

Check with your insurance....mine covered walker and toilet seat. I paid $25 for the grabber. I didn't use it often, but it did come in handy enough that I don't regret getting it. In fact, even after I recovered, I used for things like when something falls behind the dryer, etc.

I understand some churches have a supply of items for parishioners to use...and don't forget thrift stores. They can be a great source of such items