dianapie
new member
On Aug 21, 2007, I had both knees totally replaced. I had bone-on-bone in one knee and partial bone-on-bone in the other. I am a 57 year old female, weigh 245 lbs and have a full-time job that requires I stand for 8 hours a day, reasonably healthy but do not exercise. I like to read alot so I am fairly sedentary when not at work.
My doctor said I was a good candidate for the double operation and I am very pleased to say he seems right. The knees are Stryker brand. I do not know if that is relevant, but the dr. says they will last 30 years so I will never need to replace again.
I was in the hospital 2 1/2 days and rehab facility 1 day. I immediately started going to a phys. therapist 3 days a week for 3 weeks. At that point it was determined I could continue therapy on my own at home.
At home, after the operation, I used a rented hosp bed which turned out to be a godsend as it allowed me to rest with the knee area of the mattress at a slight bend and I could adjust the bend during the night. This took pressure off and I slept comfortably. I could also raise the bed quite high off the ground allowing me to get off and stand without painfully bending my knees and having to haul myself upright to a standing position. I used a walker to get around the house and also purchased a raised toilet seat so I didn't need to lower myself down to reach the seat. These were my main safeguards from unnecessary pain. I took some vicodin but not alot.
By week 2 the staples were out and I could get around with only a cane. To keep the scars smooth, flat and minimize stretching I massaged them twice a day with vitamin E oil. (Dr. and therapist reccomendation) By 3rd week I used a cane outdoors only and was back in my own bed at night. (I never stayed in bed during the days) For occasional discomfort in bed I use a soft flat pillow between my knee and the mattress.
Week 4 and I was back to work 1/2 days. I need the income and had no choice. By the end of my workday my knees are aching and stiff so I come home and ice them. Later I ride the exercise bike and ice again.
On the whole I am very pleased I did 2 knees at once. I reccomend it if your dr. gives the ok. It was not as bad as I had anticipated. In fact, I do n think it was easier than the hernia operation I had 5 yrs ago which was very painful and had me bedridden for 2 weeks. At week 6-7 I continue to see improvement and look forward to the 3 month mark when I am told I will see a big improvement and a greater relief from pain. Diana
My doctor said I was a good candidate for the double operation and I am very pleased to say he seems right. The knees are Stryker brand. I do not know if that is relevant, but the dr. says they will last 30 years so I will never need to replace again.
I was in the hospital 2 1/2 days and rehab facility 1 day. I immediately started going to a phys. therapist 3 days a week for 3 weeks. At that point it was determined I could continue therapy on my own at home.
At home, after the operation, I used a rented hosp bed which turned out to be a godsend as it allowed me to rest with the knee area of the mattress at a slight bend and I could adjust the bend during the night. This took pressure off and I slept comfortably. I could also raise the bed quite high off the ground allowing me to get off and stand without painfully bending my knees and having to haul myself upright to a standing position. I used a walker to get around the house and also purchased a raised toilet seat so I didn't need to lower myself down to reach the seat. These were my main safeguards from unnecessary pain. I took some vicodin but not alot.
By week 2 the staples were out and I could get around with only a cane. To keep the scars smooth, flat and minimize stretching I massaged them twice a day with vitamin E oil. (Dr. and therapist reccomendation) By 3rd week I used a cane outdoors only and was back in my own bed at night. (I never stayed in bed during the days) For occasional discomfort in bed I use a soft flat pillow between my knee and the mattress.
Week 4 and I was back to work 1/2 days. I need the income and had no choice. By the end of my workday my knees are aching and stiff so I come home and ice them. Later I ride the exercise bike and ice again.
On the whole I am very pleased I did 2 knees at once. I reccomend it if your dr. gives the ok. It was not as bad as I had anticipated. In fact, I do n think it was easier than the hernia operation I had 5 yrs ago which was very painful and had me bedridden for 2 weeks. At week 6-7 I continue to see improvement and look forward to the 3 month mark when I am told I will see a big improvement and a greater relief from pain. Diana