After reading the comments on this forum, I'm seriously contemplating doing both at once. My health is excellent although I'm about 10 pounds overweight.
10lbs overweight is nothing! Just before I retired we did a replacement on a lady that weighed almost n400lbs! And she did just fine!
I wonder what the hospital stay is after a double.
Not that much more than for a single, actually, believe it or not!
My Doc said I'd be out one or 2 days after surgery with one.
Gosh - that would be quick in my book!
Also, what about being able to walk to the bathroom? Can you actually get around with a walker when you get home from the hosp? I have the toilet seat, the shower chair, etc.
If you are coming out after only 2 days, I would say with some difficulty. You can do it but you will need supervision and assistance for about a week at the very least.
One more question! I had a DVT last year after a surgery on an infected knee (resulting from a cortisone shot). 6 weeks of Coumadin and the clot was resolved. Does a double knee replacement raise the risk of a clot?
Well a previous history of thrombosis will always make doctors cautious they will take extra care on that score. However, it is common practice now (in the UK at least) to routinely medicate patients for DVT by means of daily shots.
DVT is a recognised and well documented complication of all surgery from appendicectomies upwards. This is because the patient is lying quite abnormally still for the duration of the operation and the blood becomes static all over but principally in the lower legs. This is what happens on long haul flights of course, when passengers don't move for long periods.
And if they are also supine (laying on their back) then the calf muscles are compressed (and with them the veins) which increases the risk. It is therefore usual practice to place special supports under the ankles to obviate that particular risk. However, during TKRs, even though you are having them both done "at the same time", the surgeon will naturally only be capable of doing one at a time! Thus the other leg will be laying at rest but because it is wrapped in sterile towels, it is a problem.
How about a blood transfusion? I've heard it's almost always necessary when you do two at once...
Use of a tourniquet is necessary during the surgery in order to keep the operative field clear and visible for the surgeon. This way he can carry out the procedure quickly and accurately. It also has the additional benefit of significantly minimising the intra-operative blood loss. However, once the tourniquets are off the blood loss via the wound drains can mount up (though mostly it's within very reasonable limits) and that is the point at which a blood transfusion may become necessary. Thus, if two are done concurrently, the blood loss is doubled so yes, it might well be necessary.
Just trying to weigh out the risks vs benefits! Thanks!
And very sensible of you too! Hope it all goes well.