TKR Is it all really worth it? One Year update.

[Jane B.]

Wayne, I asked my doc at MassGeneral (Dennis Burke) for some referrals for my brother who lives in Jersey. Although my brother is younger than I am, in great shape, and slender, we are related. He was working at a camp this summer hobbling around with knee pain.

Here are the two docs he recommended:

https://www.hss.edu/physicians_sculco-thomas.asp

and he had great things to say about this guy, who is younger:

https://www.hss.edu/physicians_jerabek-seth.asp

Best of luck.

 

[iceguy]

Well Folks....I have finally gotten through getting all the reports and X-rays to the new OS and based on what he sees, I will be getting a REVISION done on my left knee. It is unstable and locks up when I stand from a sitting position. The new Doc just says that "it's not the way I would have done it". Never said it was done wrong. I guess he doesn't want to be involved in any litigation proceedings.

So it's back under the knife, saw and drill for a second time tentatively scheduled for June 30th. I am definitely not looking forward to the months of recovery, especially during the summer months when I would rather be sailing. So, what advice should I be getting specifically about a revision surgery and recovery?

 

[Celle]

So, what advice should I be getting specifically about a revision surgery and recovery?

Some say that the recovery after a revision is more difficult, but that wasn't my experience. The only difference was that my scar was a bit longer. The surgeon will follow the line of the original incision, but may have to extend it.

The approach to recovery is just the same as the approach to an original TKR:
- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist (PT) - to do it to you. exercise gently
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lie down!

Keep in touch and we'll support you through this.