Bilateral TKR Bilateral TKR Preop

[beachjunkie]

Hi everyone,
I am now having my bilateral knee replacement surgery on June 14, 2023 and not on May 30th as originally scheduled. I changed my date because upon further introspection/reading and research I have opted not to go with robotic surgery and go with traditional. I don’t want the femur/tibia pins/incisions on my legs, as it may reduce my risk of infection and fracture. Also robotic surgery takes more time, which would require me to be under anesthesia longer and I am having both knees done at the same time and will be under anesthesia for a long time already. It seems that those that get robotic surgery have a better outcome and shorter recovery, but I believe if you have a good surgeon and do everything you are supposed to post op, the long term outcome is the same. It’s not an easy decision either way, as both robotic/traditional have their pros and cons, I just hope I am making the right one.

 

[sistersinhim]

@beachjunkie, I‘ve moved your post above out of the Monthly team thread. That thread is reserved for surgery date information. Having this monthly team thread allows members to see who else has surgery in the same month as they did. All other comments and discussions should take place in a pre-op or recovery thread, such as this one. Enjoy interacting with and learning from others who are on the same journey as you are, here in this thread.

If you would like another title for your thread, just let us know. We'll be glad to change it for you.

 

[beachjunkie]

Oh, I did not know. In reference to the title, maybe change to ‘Bilateral TKR Preop' to the title, thank you @sistersinhim

 

[benne68]

Hi, @beachjunkie, and

I think you will find these articles helpful:

How the BoneSmart forum is organized

BoneSmart is the world’s largest online joint replacement patient community - supporting members both before and after surgery. Our members share experiences, knowledge, and stories and talk to forum staff about their specific needs. Along with information and education, our members receive...

bonesmart.org

Where to post and moving around the BoneSmart forum

Once you have registered on BoneSmart the next step is choosing the right category to post in. You can see all the options on the HOME page. The BoneSmart Reference Library Our reference Library is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about preparing for surgery, recovery, nutrition...

bonesmart.org

If you need additional help, let us know.

 

[beachjunkie]

@benne68 thank you. . . after the surgery do I create a new thread on the knee recovery forum with a new title or does this one get moved and retitled?

 

[benne68]

Yes, you should create a new thread in the Knee Recovery Forum when you feel up to post-op. After that, keep all your posts in that single thread so you -- and we -- have a record of your recovery. If you have difficult getting it started, just let us know and one of the admins will help you.
Not long to wait!

 

[beachjunkie]

Preop today, 10am, May 30, 2023
BP 136/84
Weight 143.3
EKG, all good except 59 BPM, Doc said bpm not a problem within one point of normal
Blood Work - BMP & CBC, all within normal range
Cleared for Surgery June 14, 2023, time tbd, day before surgery

 

[benne68]

Glad to read that you've been cleared for surgery, @beachjunkie! Just two weeks to go. But you can't wait!

 

[beachjunkie]

@benne68 Yes indeedy, I can’t wait for it to be over. Not looking forward for the excrutiating recovery, but I am in good spirits and hopeful for a positive outcome. The nurse that assisted doctor in my preop clearance yesterday had a knee replacement just 6 months ago in the same hospital, hence reassured me they had one of the best orthopedic surgical teams and care post op.

 

[InkedMarie]

Good luck! It sounds like you’re ready to go. Do you have an ice machine or two, ice packs, stool softener (Smooth Move tea moved me lol)? Can you either get your post op meds prior to surgery or pick them up at the hospital before discharge?

Marie

 

[beachjunkie]

Thank you! @InkedMarie I have two ice packs and an aircast cryo cuff. I also have colace, going to look into smooth move tea now, just in case, lol. I had a followup appointment with surgeon today, I didn’t think to ask how will I receive meds, will email nurse.

Followup with Surgeon today (he only does knees):
- He will be doing both knees himself but someone else will be closing incision, no staples
- I am getting a cementless implant as I seem to have good bone density, but that could change intraoperatively
- Does not anticipate patella resurfacing, that could also change interoperatively
- Removing only ACL at this time, could also change intraoperatively
- He does not cut Quads
- Spinal anethesia with sedation and nerve block
- Surgery will last 2 hours
- I will get antibiotics and pain medication
- 1 night stay in hospital, PT to start next day

 

[benne68]

Great that you were able to get all of this info. Sounds like you are ready to go!