Hello to all

[bobb]

Hello Everyone, friends,

I want to say hello to everyone, I'll be here for a while and hope to get to know a lot of you well. I just came accross this site today so I don't know much about it, but I'm gonna spend some time today/tonight getting familiar. I'm hoping to get some support and help from others and also hoping to be able to give some support and help. It's nice to be here and to have found this site.
I'm a 41 year old father of 3 great boys who has been dealing with a bad knee for years, three scopes, synvisc, hylaronic, you name it. I finally got the news a few weeks ago that it's time for TKR. I was hoping for partial, the medial side is the worst and where most all the damage is at. My regular ortho does not do the replacements so I searched and found one. When he looked at my xray and reports from my other OS he told me a partial would not do, I needed the LTKR.
Well for two weeks now I've been thinking of every excuse I could use to get out of this. Yesterday I had my surgery clearance with my PCP and it just hit me, I'm gonna be doing this.
For weeks I've been reading everything I can about TKR's. I'm so worried about this surgery, it's consuming my life right now. I'm scared about the pain, how much it's going to hurt afterwards and how long? Is my OS going to treat my pain well, or is he one of the Dr.'s too worried about dispensing drugs and getting into trouble. I hate pain, and I know this will hurt like H.E. double toothpicks. I have a list of questions I've come up with over the past few weeks to hit my OS with on 10/16/08, that's my pre-op appointment. I go later this week to get cleared by my cardiologist and donate a unit of blood. Man, it's hard to think that this is just a couple weeks away now. For the last 18 months I knew I was going to have to do this, but it just never was such a reality as it is now.
Being able to share my thoughts and kinda just get it out feels good, but I'm so apprehensive about this, as probably most are the first go round. I know many people have done this and made out just fine, but I can't help but worry about it.
Well it's been nice to find this place, and like I said I hope to meet lot's of people here and find as well as give some support. Take care all.
Bob
Merritt Island, FL

 

[ship4]

Hi Bobb, Welcome to the forum & nice to meet you! I am Crystal from NH, a 59 yo grandmother. I had BTKR on June 18, 2008. I am 3.5 months post op. I am walking fine, with no limps, only taking pain medication in the PM. I highly suggest you purchase the this book from Amazon.com. It deals with preperation exercises, Day by day for the first week, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4. Then months 2-3 and continues with exercises and scar treatment and generally what to expect during the year following surgery. It is like a knee bible!
I am walking with no limping, no assistance, working full time caring for 5 preschool children for 9 hours daily.
Keep a good attitude!
Best,
Crystal

 

[bobb]

Hi Crystal nice to hear from you, thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I've been perusing the forum and see there is quite a mix of successfull stories and some that have a few bumps in the road. That's about what I would expect, I know they can't all go 100% flawless.
The tension is just building and building on me, I think when I walk into the hospital that Wednesday I'll probably just pass out from all the anxiety. lol

 

[Nursepair]

Hi Bobb, welcome to the forum. Of course you are worried, we all were. The OS will prescribe painkillers, I have the worst pain threshold, I got through it though with help from Percocet. You will too, with whatever drug they describe you. You will need lots of help and encouragement after from family, friends and us, your Kneesal Buddies. So vent, cry and cuss all you like here, it really helps!! Jo is a wonderful help and a great friend to us all, you will meet her soon!!

Some people have a great recovery, back to near normal in 3 months. Others, like me, are still having problems with Range of Movement (ROM). That is how much bend you get after surgery. I am 9 months out and have had a manipulation too back in July and still only have 107 degrees, I would love 120 one day. It can take as long as 18 months for some people. But do you know what? Almost no one ever regrets having this done. I have NO MORE PAIN in my knee. Yes you will have post surgery pain and swelling and stiffness, for a while but you will walk again and live your life again!!

So good luck and post often!! Sue

 

[Linda2]

Welcome,

I understand your fears, most of were terrified--it's a big surgery. We were more terrified, however, of living in continuing pain and degeneration. I think of the aunts, uncles, and grandparents before me who had no access to this surgery, and I feel blessed. My surgery was July 28th--so it's a bit over two months now. While the first couple weeks are rough, they are not as bad as you are imagining. You will be surprised how quickly you can start moving around. I think it's really important to get as strong as you can before surgery; I did Pilates, but there are plenty of exercises out there. Hang around here, and we'll do our best to be understanding and encouraging.

 

[Josephine]

Hey Bob - don't sit on those questions - bung them over here and let me have a go at them! Doctors often have a habit of being too technical!

BTW welcome to BoneSmart!

 

[RickB]

Bob,

Welcome to the forum, there are a lot of great people here with the number one nurse (Jo)! My name is Rick, I am a 63yrs young male who completed their BTKR on the 4th of Sep. I had my RTKR Aug. 23 and had two surgeries on my left ending Sep 4. My left knee went bone on bone 16 yrs ago and then I finally wore out my right. I wish I had my left taken care of years ago and I might have my right one today. It has not been fun but it gets better day by day. Good luck to you, we will be here for you. (ps I hope you don't have to wear those horrible TEDs, it's not fun for a guy)

God Bless,
Rick

 

[marennorge]

Hi Bob,

I'm A 61 year old woman in the Boston, MA, area who this summer had a left TKR on May 12 and a right TKR on July 14. I actually had more problems adjusting to the pain meds than I did with any post surgery pain, but after 3 tries finally found a non-narcotic med that worked for me without making me nauseous. I tell everyone who asks that the key to a successful recovery is to do the exercises faithfully. While it may seem counter-intuitive, the exercises eventually help minimize and eventually eliminate pain. Good luck.

 

[bobb]

Hi Everyone,
WOW thanks for all the info so far. I've been reading around the board most of the day and keeping in touch with the feedback here and I've put together about 10 questions to ask my OS on the 16th. Everyone is such a huge help.
Can I ask a couple questions? I work at a University in administration, so 90% of my day is seated at a computer. If I had to I would only have to get up for lunch. With this in mind, at the first visit to the OS who is doing the TKR, I asked if I could get back to work in less than a month. He told me if all went well, no infections or complications, I might make it back to work in 3-4 weeks on a reduced work schedule of 4 hours a day. Do you think this is a realistic goal? Keep in mind I sit all day.
Second, It's the unknown that bothers me the most. I'm so worried about waking up after surgery of how bad it's going to hurt. I know everyone has survived this and the pain will end. But how bad will it really hurt afterwards? Is it the most terrible pain you've ever felt? I also though look forward to when it heals and then there is no more pain from surgery or the degenerative knee. I'm so looking forward to not having any more pain in my knee, man that's gonna be so nice.
I want you all to know how grateful I am. I promise to stick around and not leave when my surgery is over. I want to have some experience to speak of so I can help others like you are all helping me.
Thanks so much
Bob

 

[Linda2]

It isn't as painful as childbirth. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

 

[1jt@atime]

Bob, You most likely won't wake up in terrible pain like you are invisioning. The pain meds keep that well under control though some people have side efects from the pain meds at first. The pain comes when you have to exercise the knee and regain the extension and flexion. THAT is the painful, but very necessary part. The recovery will take longer then you currently envision and most wonder why they aren't healing as fast as they think they should. None of us are super heros so don't think you will heal faster then others, no matter what your age. There are plenty of us in our 40s and that doesn't make it easier to recover. Some say it's even harder to recover for those of us that are younger. It's a very slow recovery process for most people.

Returning to work at 3-4 weeks may be a little early. Going back at 4 weeks, part-time, would be the bare minimum and that's if everything comes along real well for you. I took 8 weeks off for each knee this past year and I'm glad I did! I would have considered going back at 6 weeks part time if I had an easier commute. You will be really tired and won't be able to sleep which will make it difficult to go back to work.

I think it best to think of the surgery and initial recovery right now. The going back to work part will follow. Think about what you are going to need at home after surgery and the assitance you will need. Trust me. You will need more then you probably realize at this point.

Ask more questions as you think of them.....There are many of us here that are more then happy to help you out. Welcome Bob! Karen

 

[Nursepair]

Bob, I found it hard to sit at my computer for several weeks.
If you do go back, get yourself a skateboard to go under your desk and keep your foot on it and push it back and forth to keep it moving and help with the ROM. If you keep it down too long it will stiffen and swell up. Walk around often to keep it moving and make sure you take your ice packs with you, you will need to ice it. Take breaks and try to elevate too. Remember, elevate, ice and rest!!

 

[Gretchendz]

Hi Bob,

I'm 56, I had my TKR on my right knee April 23 and I am excited to be getting TKR on my left knee Oct. 15. Like the vast majority of folks, I am thrilled with the results. The lack of pain is amazing. I didn't even think I was in that much pain before--until it was gone

It is no fun the first 2-4 weeks, but it gets so much better.

Personally, I think you are being optimistic about return to work in 4 weeks, but each one of us is different. My job is a desk job but I drive a great deal for it; it was 12 weeks for me. But, I was slow in my PT, range of motion recovery....I am hoping my next is faster as I have been doing the PT exercises on my left in preparation.


Ask anything here--folks are very helpful.

Our mottos seems to be: don't stint on pain meds and take those stool softeners!

 

[Sandy R]

Hi Bob, I just had a RTKR one week ago. Months before my surgery date, I was feeling just like you. If you haven't settled on an OS yet, you might research if there is a MIS OS in your area. The other day, I posted a "5th day update" on the other section. You might want to read about my progress. Don't get me wrong, it's a big surgery and the decision shouldn't be made lightly, but for me, doing the surgery, was the way to go. Good luck.
Sandy

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Hi Bob -

I am 42 and had RTKR back in mid July. I went back to work (school teacher) 4 weeks aftyer - I tried full time and that was a major mistake and may have caused some of the dilemma I have been in recently. I eventually backed out to 1/2 days on the MWF and went to PT right after work. So in reality I was still "working" full time. Seriously think hard about the 4 weeks - My suggestion is go for 6 if you can. A lot will depend on how fast you get your rom back and your swelling levels. I had great pain meds first day out and even posted - but when they wore off in the middle of the 1st night - owie! Make sure to stay ahead of thepain. After a few hours we got things back to normal. Pain hasn't been much of an issue - the OS seems to be fine with the drugs this time out - my scopes were different and he cut me off quick.

Hang in there - your day will come soon and you will be a proud parent of a new baby knee.

I agree - Childbirth actually hurt more - but ended a lot faster!

Hang in there!

Marianne in Alaska!

 

[budafli]

Hi Bob
I had my surgery three weeks ago today. The thing I would say is to be informed. Ask plenty of questions and know exactly how things happen with the surgery. I dont think I prepared well. I saw the surgeon once was told there would be about a six months wait and seven weeks later was phoned on a Thursday and asked to present for surgery the following Tueday. I had very little information aside from TKR was what was needed to alleviate the pain and mend the paper thin patella I had left.

In retrospect I would ask the surgeon questions around pain relief definately and make sure that the staff were instructed to deliver meds as charted and not wait for me to ask for them. I wasnt told I had to ask so kept waiting for them to arrive. I never put together the fact that I was only given pain relief in the eary days, when a nurse asked me how my pain was, and I would say unbearable - then they would go away and bring pain relief.

This is an excellent forum, I have learned more in the few days here than I did from the doctors and staff at the hospital.
Yes I have pain from surgery and bruising still. Fortunately the swelling is not big for me. I do use ice packs a lot to cool the area and reduce swelling. The scar has healed well.
Good luck with your surgery and lean on the wonderful wealth of information and people here. Dont feel guilty when you need to put your feet up after surgery and let others nurture you!
Cheers
Budafli

 

[ship4]

Hi Bobb,
I think returning to work at that early stage is too optimistic. You will find your leg will get stiff and be uncomfortable. I agree with pushing it out to 6 weeks and then part time until you gain stamina. However long you are under anesthesia, your body requires 2 weeks to recover from every hour. I had both knees done at 58, and was under for 4 hours. My body required 8 weeks to recover just from the anesthesia!
I went back to work 12 days post op...... I had planned it that way and arranged for another adult to take over my child care business which is in my home. The children (9 of them between 11 months and 9 years) were here from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday. Having the other adult take over allowed me to concentrate on my PT, rest, elevate and ice!
I am doing great now at 3.5 months out. I have been on my own since 9 weeks post op. I currently now have 5 children in care the same hours. I am tired at the end of the day. I take an antiinflammatory (Celebrex) in the AM and the pain pill at night.
Make a plan!
Best,
Crystal

 

[Gretchendz]

I agree - Childbirth actually hurt more - but ended a lot faster!

Hang in there!

Marianne in Alaska!

LOL Marianne...at first I agreed with you...until I realized I am still living with the pains of childbirth...21 and 23 years later

 

[Gretchendz]

Oh and Bob...hopefully your hospital has a pre-op class--if so, don't skip it--they give tons of good information!

 

[bobb]

Hi Everybody,
I haven't been ignoring you all, just crazy busy getting ready for this. I've had some many Dr. appointments and tests to clear me. Thanks to everyone for the comments and suggestions. I;ve been able to get a nice list together to go over with and discuss with my OS this thursday at my pre-op appointment.
So here is where I'm at. I had my PCP appointment last week for clearance, and he wanted some bloodwork before signing me off as good. I went and got the bloodwork right away and two days later picked up the results and had another appointment. He said I was a little anemic, (sp?) but not enough to cancel surgery. I had my cardiologist appointment last Thursday for clearance. He wanted a new echo since it's been two years since I've had a stress test or echo. So I went back the next day for the Echo and then went back this morning for clearance. Nothing has changed much with my heart, my MVP leakage is not bad enough to prevent surgery and my heart is pumping good. Although he said anestethiologist don't like abnormal heart rythyms, which I have, but he would be sure to write a nice long letter telling them I'm good to go.
So, here I am, 8 days out and all cleared. This thursday I will see my OS and drill him with all my questions and get fitted for the parts he's gonna implant. I'm told he will use the manufacturer Zimmer, but I'm not sure which model he's goona use and will find out this week.
Man the butterflies are flyin. I'm so damn anxious. I need some valium. I was going to ask my PCP for some but since I already take narcotics I didn't want to look like I was some junky. I'll just have to cut back on my caffine and do some more relaxing. I'll be happy at least to be out of work on my duff and finally in control of the TV set for a while. I'm already writting down the shows that come on during the day I can never watch and finally get to see. lol
I'll be in touch, thanks again for everything so far.

I have another question. I've read a few posts about revision. Is this a surgery to fix or make adjustments to the knee replacement parts? Why is this revision surgery done?
Bob
Florida