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Double Knee Replacement

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dianapie

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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
 
Thank you for that wonderfully uplifting report, Diana. That is such a plus to hear of people who have come through and made such wonderful progress. I am really pleased for you!

And welcome to the forum, by the way!
 
Thanks for your encouragemet! I'm considering having both of my knees done at the same time and you have given me some very useful information. Thanks! Sore knees
 
Best of luck to you. I am at 2+ months with new knees now and find if I skip a day or two of bike riding, my legs will hurt again at night. My dad calls to remind me to keep up the therapy 'cause my mom did not and her new knee is stiff and painful. Keep thinking positive!
 
Thanks for getting back to me. I've been doing some research on the different kind of knee Replacement. A friend sent me this site about a "Roatating Platform Knee Replacement".

https://www.kneereplacement.com/DePuy/index.html?WT.mc_id=201

What kind did you have? You seem to have done so very well. The Dr. that repaired my Roatator Cuff last year seems like he knows what he's doing and he uses Stryler.

I sure do appreciate advise from anyone that has alread experienced knee replacement.

Sore Knees
 
Thanks for getting back to me. I've been doing some research on the different kind of knee Replacement. A friend sent me this site about a "Roatating Platform Knee Replacement".

https://www.kneereplacement.com/DePuy/index.html?WT.mc_id=201

What kind did you have? You seem to have done so very well. The Dr. that repaired my Roatator Cuff last year seems like he knows what he's doing and he uses Stryler.

I sure do appreciate advise from anyone that has alread experienced knee replacement.

Sore Knees

The rotating platform is very tried and tested. You'll be very happy with it, I am sure. It's the one I would have (if I had a choice that is!).
 
I only had one knee done at a time because my doctor will not do both at once. He personally feels recovery is quicker with better results. I searched on line for references, checked with Orthopedic Institutes, checked with friends and friends of friends. Had a consultation appointment before I made up my mind to go with the surgeon I finally went with. I was going to several other surgeons for over 10 years and was not happy with anyone's bed side manner so to speak. I wanted a surgeon that had experience and at least looked me in the eyes and made me feel like he cared. I always felt I was part of a cattle drive. Would wait 40-80 minutes for my appointment and then get 5 minutes if lucky. I found one and I am so happy I selected the one I did. First appointment he spent almost 2 hours with me, that includes x-ray time, scheduling time, etc. but none the less I wasn't pushed in and out like I had a number at a deli counter. I think it is so important that you feel good about the person you are letting operate on you.
If you are from central PA by chance his name is Dr. Ronald Lippe of OIP.
Good Luck with your search, I hope you are as happy as I have been with my decision.
I have a new knee called the Otis knee. It is made specifically for each individual. You have to have an MRI and they use those images to create the knee just for you. I think it is only about a year old or so. I actually have not yet talked to anyone else that has had this one. If anyone out there has let me know how it is going for you.
Kath
 
How Do You Pick The Right Doctor? Also Has Anyone Had The New Female Knee Replacement?

Have a look at this post - I have listed some key questions to ask surgeons. Questions a good surgeon will expect to be asked.
 
Dianapie, You are my hero, I can only hope I do half as well as you have. I am considering getting a hospital bed since reading your post. I have three little dogs that sleep with my husband and I on our bed and I think that will solve one of my biggest concerns. Only sorry I didn't think of it. Hope you continue to do great and that you will continue to post here as I need all the encouragement I can get from people like you who have done well. Last night, after finding this site, I slept well for the first time in I do not know how long. Just knowing there are so many others who are going through TKR and have the same concerns as I do is somehow comforting.

I found my surgeon through the orthopod who did my scopes last spring. He is one of the Olympic Orthopedic Doctors and is the head of Orhopedic Surgeons at the University of Arizona, as well. I just thought so much of him and have heard so many good things about him I wouldn't dream of not taking his advice on this surgery. I had, also, heard wonderful things about my TKR surgeon and the others in his practice from others in the community so I really think I made the best choice for myself. He has a wonderful personality and I liked the way he had plenty of time for me the day of our initial consultation. I went in not knowing what to expect and ready for a doctor who was busy and rushed through the appointment but he was just the opposite, and he had a notebook prepared that he gives to all his TKR patients to keep all the information in concerning the surgery, presurgery, postsurgery and all the various people who will be involved. It gives a thorough description of each step and there is plenty of space for me to write down my questions. I went in with my notebook of questions and he told me that I would have plenty more before it was all done and that he wanted me to be comfortable talking to hiim about anything. To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised by his entire attitude. I cannot imagine going into a surgery of this magnitude without being comfortable with the person doing the cutting. Not every doctor is right for every person but I feel really strongly that we need to find doctors we are comfortable with no matter what the problem being dealt with.

I hope everyone has a good day, or at least better than yesterday.

One last thing, has anyone heard of an exercise machine that you can use in the hospital? My son does research at the University and someone he works with was telling him about something but he didn't get the name of it. I would really like to have whatever I can that will help ensure I have an optimum outcome. Rowdy66
 
I think the machine you are referring to would be the CPM - Continuous Passive Movement machine. You sit it on the bed/table whatever, pop your leg in it and settle down with a good book or relaxing vid and let it do all the work for you. Well, that's the theory, anyway. I'll let the others tell you the reality! I believe they can be hired from the hospital or private companies but from what folk have said on here, they are a good investment.
 
Thanks for everyone's input. The more I read, maybe the more I'll get up my nerve and "Geter done". Right now I'm busy taking off some weight. In the past, I've found that helps the pain a great deal. This time it may be a pre-surgery exercise. Keep giving us "hold outs" your views and experiences. Right now I'm tempted to move to AZ just so I can go to Rowdy's doctor.

Sore Knees
 
I was told to loose weight first. But there really comes a point when if you can't move, you can't loose. I would have to be eating 200 calories a day to loose. Thats when I found a new doctor. My BTKR is next week and my vow to my self is then move, move, move. I have a big dog and if I rented a bed I think she would try to get in with me and my healing incisions. Not good. I opted for a reclining chair. Only room for one. Is the experience of Dianapie the exception for bi-lat or common? Jennifer
 
I think that's true if you take into account that the experience has a vast range from terrific (like Dianapie) to ghastly! It all depends upon your point of view, how realistic/unrealistic your expectations are, how good your preparation and support structure is, etc., etc.

On the whole though, I would say yes, it is pretty much the case.
 
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