Are all recovery stories Horror Stories?

[stocks00]

I am a 73 year old male who had the R knee scoped 25 years ago and was told then that I'd need a knee replacement by the time I was 60. Gradually the knee has become more painful over the past 5 years and I have had 2 Hyalgan 5 shot series and now beginning the last 3 shot booster. Those of you who have had Hyalgan injections know they are good for about 6-8 months, if at all. It's decision time for me.

I live in Oklahoma City and have an Orthopedic Sports surgeon who is well qualified with 15 years doing replacements and scoping procedures. They have a 12 bed hospital where the surgery done and will be there for 3 days, then moved to inpatient rehab for 4 additonal days. Then, additional rehab outside for an unspecified period of time. Was told the best to expect was about 6-8 weeks to comfortble and pain free.

I would like to hear from anyone over 60 who has had this done to get the details of their recovery. Appreciate anything you would like to share.

 

[pamsiewamsie]

My husband just had 2nd knee replacement 13th November. Did great for a start. Home on 5th day. Now seems to be going backwards steadily. Leg still very swollen and painful, won't take painkillers because they (he says) affect his bowels. He is 78. Hardly eaten and lost 6 kgs since coming home, and only 5 weeks since op. Am tearing my hair out. Go to Surgeon for check up this week, but know they won't be interested in no appetite and bowel problems. Says leg is very uncomfortable. What of others, do you still feel like this after 5 weeks?

 

[stocks00]

I share your concerns and will remember you both in our prayers. Hopefully, things have started to improve.

I have decided not to have the replacement as long as I have relief from the HYALGAN injections. Just completed the 3 shot booster series and am now able to get up and down and walk without pain. Boosters are given every 6 months. Did your husband have a second knee done or was it a second implant on the same knee? All the best for a Merry Christmas and a better New Year.

 

[pamsiewamsie]

Thanks for wishes. 2nd knee replacement. Vowed and declared would only have the one, but became bone on bone. Went to Specialist, they are very pleased with leg, and I do think it is progressing. Other problems still the same though, off food, even stopped drinking tea, and having his one can of light beer and a red wine at night. So must be feeling pretty rugged I think. Hopefully he will improve.

 

[rossandjet]

Hi all from the UK I am 67 and retired

I am new to the forum after having my left knee replaced on the 20th Dec, I was home for lunch on the 24th.

Although my appetite was very bad in hospital the freezer has taken a bashing after the first day home but all I have wanted is high protein foods.

I have had very few painkillers but my sleep pattern has been very poor due to trying to get the leg comfortable.

On a lighter note, I feel that I did my old knee an injustice when I had it.

I have talked to my new knee (although I call it a lazy so and so) far more in less than 2 weeks than I ever talked to my old one in 67 years

 

[stocks00]

Hi, am west and south of you in Oklahoma City.

I have decided not to have the knee replaced at this time...for 2 reasons: First, I am doing fine now with the booster shots of Hyalgan which I hope last for 6 months. I will continue every 6 months until I get no relief from them. Understand that many like me can continue indefinitely without a replacement. Secondly, the majority of the cases have led me to the conclusion that it's a fight just to get mobile again and so many, not all, but enough have problems that have left them with less than what they went in with and wish they'd put it off until they were virtually immobile when they hit the gurney. It's just a **** shoot so I'm going to wait it out till I have to throw the dice. Good luck with your recovery and hope you're back out on the course in a coupla months! Best regards.

 

[Fran]

Well, being 72 and a woman, I guess I will finally have the knee replacement. It is set up for Feb. 22, 07. I have a low tolerance for pain, so I hope I make a recovery without too much pain. I am scared but my knee is really bad. I am used to doing exercise everyday and pool aerobics but can't do any of that and it makes me sad. My husband who is 74 has bone marrow cancer. Right now he is doing OK. He was on chemo for 1 1/2 years but his CBC was good last month, so he didn't need any chemo for this month (Jan). I hope he doesn't need any for a long, long time.

Anyone who has had knee replacement, and is my age please write and let me know how you are and what to look forward to. Regards...Fran

 

[rossandjet]

Hi Fran

Its just over three weeks since my new knee and I am tottering about the house without a stick but use one when I go out. My only advice a this time is to try as hard as you can to do the exercises after your operation.

Although doing these exercises can be painful to perform the benefits you get from them in the form of better movement from your knee are worth it.

As for the operation, you won't feel a thing. I opted to have an epidural and stay awake and listen to the music of my choice and if I am honest I dozed of a couple of times during the operation.

I did not have painkillers after the second day after the operation.

Good luck

 

[Jack E]

Fran,
Just read about the concers you have about knee replacement you are about to undergo. I am 59 and had both knees done, a month between operations, and can say that it was a good decision. I had little pain in the hospital, and only have pain now when I get up after sitting for a while, and walking for more than 30 minutes, the pain is not near as bad as it was before I had the replacements. I can see inprovement on a daily basis.I feel like in a month or so I will be total free of pain. You said you have a low tolerance of pain, but if your doctor says its time for the repalcement then you must have pain, and the operation will help. I feel that the pain I have now is different in that I know that it will go away with time, and before the replacement I knew that it was only going to get worse.My best advise is to do the PT daily, it will be uncomfortable but it does get better. Good luck, and let us know how it goes, and if are any question ask, and I am sure someone will have the answer.
Jack E.

 

[kanoneli]

Jack E,
I will have to have knee replacement within the year. I am 52 and cannot imagine that my knees, which are bone on bone, can get much worse. I am curious as to how you're doing? You probably have a month or so under your belt now and I wonder how the recuperation is progressing. Best of luck!

 

[bghlpc]

I am a 68 year old female, 12 weeks post surgury. I have excellent range of motion in one knee and good in the other after bilateral surgury early Dec. My main issue is still severe pain in early evenings and sometimes awakens me. Too many meds and I stopped all but one pain med twice a day. I also wonder if anyone else has pain after 12 weeks post op. Still hopeful to resume an active life. Nee to get out of pain. Good luck. Work hard in P.T. you won't be sorry!

 

[rossandjet]

Hi All

I am now 10 weeks post opp and I and just starting to walk about and do things without being conscious of the fact that I have a new knee.

I have 110+degrees of movement in the knee, no pain and I am sleeping without that awful discomfort feeling I had in bed

I have now resumed my hobby of rough shooting and driving the 4x4 (manual) is fine. I have had one or two slaps on the wrist for virtually running up and down the stairs from her indoors.

I hope this gives hope to all those who have the feeling "will I ever feel right"

 

[dianel]

Hi to all of you! I will keep all of you in my prayers! I just had a second opinion March 1st on my "bone on bone" knee that was scheduled for replacement 07/07. 1st MD never looked at the MRI said: "Don't need to, my xrays tell me everything I need to know." 2nd MD not only looked at the MRI films but actually read the report! I have a large tear in the minisucs that can be repaired by authroscopy. I DO have arthritis grade 3 and 4 but not nearly as severe as those who usually require knee relacement and I can use Hyalgan for awhile until I've really used up my options and am incapacitated or doing bone damage. I am excersizing daily and now pain free since the first injection of Hyalgan. I do talk to my knee regulary and "caress" it with the other knee. It is very soothing! I am very glad I got a second opinion. All of you please do the same. Yippe!

 

[FranklinL]

Hello,
My name is FranklinL and I have been in the orthopaedic implant business for 27 years. I have seen many, many total joints, (hip, knee, shoulder, ankle and elbow) performed over the years. Without a doubt, the quality of your procedure and its' outcome is dependent on the SURGEON who does your procedure! I have seen patients discharged the same day they had a THR or TKR. I have seen patients go home virtually pain free! I have seen patients regain complete mobility of their replaced joint. How is this possible? The orthopod who did the surgery took the time and dedicated him/herself to LEARN the newest/best/proven way to do the respective joint. It take a lot of time to perfect the skills necessary to do a total joint the best possible way. All surgeons are not dedicated to this goal. You must find the one who is willing to give up his time, i.e. money, to learn the best way to perform your surgery. There are many great orthopaedic surgeons in this country. Find the one right for you by asking questions. Find out how much effort they put into learning about the MIS procedures and how much training they have had in it. Also, ask if they have had any training by the leaders in the MIS field. Probe for the correct responces and you'll know when you find the right surgeon!

 

[bghlpc]

I think you are right about the appropriate surgeon, but if you interview enough people you will find that most do have pain for quite some post op time no matter who the surgeon is.

 

[FranklinL]

The duration and severity of post op total joint pain is multi factorial. First, and probably the most important, is patient pain tolerance. Everyone reacts to pain differently, nothing can control or predict this. All surgeries have incisions, therefore there will be "incisional" pain. This can generally be of a short duration and can be controlled with oral med's. So where does the major and lengthy pain come from? When a traditional total joint procedure is done the major muscle groups and numerous resections of ligaments and tendons are done. These have to heal. If a surgeon takes the time necessary to learn how to do a total joint using MIS techniques that do not require extensive resections of these structures the patient will have a more comfortable healing period with quicker recovery time - plain and simple! Learning how to operate through a small incision and go between the muscle intervals without cutting them is not easy. If the surgeon learns the newest way to perform a proven surgery their patients benefit. If they continue to do it the way they have always done it their patients will live with the result thinking there was no other way. Research until you find the doc who has taken the time to master the proper MIS technique and your post op pain will not be an issue.

 

[bghlpc]

I don't think I know what MIS means. I had my surgury at Hospital for Special Surgerys. You would think the best doctors would be doing the latest techniques if proven to be working.

 

[grandma6]

don't go by me. had double knee replacement 9/01 and i am still suffering. the md's only told me to go to pain doctors. now they had spe cial replacements for woman which i'm sure are much better. anyone else in my predicament? am 73 and obviously a female.

 

[dids]

MIS is minimally invasive surgery.

I've been an orthopaedic theatre nurse for 48 years (in fact scrubbed for the very first knee replacement in the world!!) but I never knew that MIS knee replacements were possible - how on earth is that accomplished?

 

[jb94102]

hey all im JIM from Illinois im having a TKR on feb 22/08 and im SCARED to death !!!!! All i seem to read is bad negative stories,are there any good positive ones? Is there any one out there that has had an OTIS MED KNEE done thats what im having would love to hear from others that may have ........ THANKS God Bless all and have a great day ...JIM :O)