TKR Left TKR on January 4, 2024 (second knee)

[Tgmaine]

Hey everyone, I'm back after seven years (right TKR in January 2017). I remember with my first TKR the people at BoneSmart were wonderful and sent me articles outlining what to expect each week etc. I have a new surgeon (mine retired) and an appointment with him next week to ask questions and discuss everything. What has changed since 2017 in preparation, procedures and recovery? Do people find the second time around easier?

 

[Tgmaine]

My first TKR was 7 years ago and I'm scheduled January 4th for the second. Not a lot of pain or swelling, but what I find is that when it gets fatigued, I begin having pain and problems with my right hip--everything gets out of whack. My x-ray is awful. Severe arthritis, bone on bone and distortion (knock-knee). My surgeon wondered why I would do this since I don't have constant pain. He says most of his patients can barely walk. But the first knee required 5 months of PT and my daughter is having twins in the spring! We both want me to be whole by then if at all possible. I'm wondering what's new in techniques, pain relief and recovery options since 2017 and what to expect.

 

[Jockette]

@Tgmaine Welcome back!

I‘ve merged your two new threads together since they are very similar. It will be helpful to keep the feedback in just this one post. You can start a new thread, here in the pre op forum, if you have a different question or concern.


I would say the biggest difference these days is many are done as same day surgeries. I would guess you spent at least one night in the hospital last time, I did and mine was a PKR.

Best wishes as you prepare for knee #2!

 

[mendogal]

Hi and welcome back! It looks like you've started two new pre op threads and I've asked a moderator to merge them.

Every OS still has their own preferred equipment and procecures... that doesn't change!

A major change is that, absent other risk factors, many knees in the USA are now done outpatient. In the case of us older Medicare folks, typically there will be an observation bed on hold just in case. But on both of my 2023 knees I was happily en route home mid afternoon, even on a mid morning OR start!

Related to this is the option for short acting iv meds (plus spinal and thigh nerve block), rather than a general. My June TKA didn't even use Versed - just spinal plus fentanyl - so from OR to waking up in recovery to eating, drinking, and walking with the walker happened really fast!

There are options like thick water-impermeable dressings instead of external stitches and - this was probably available in 2017 - a reservoir of local anesthesia delivering it directly to the knee area for the first three days.

 

[benne68]

Severe arthritis, bone on bone and distortion (knock-knee). My surgeon wondered why I would do this since I don't have constant pain.

I think the Xray findings show you are ready!

I'm in a similar place: bone-on-bone, end-stage arthritis, my leg is bowing although -- like you -- the pain isn't too bad. But my daughter is getting married next year and I want two good knees for that. Do I decided to go ahead, too.

My surgery is Dec. 13, so I'll be just a couple of weeks ahead of you. We can be recovery buddies!

 

[Tgmaine]

@benne68 that sounds great! I've read several of the articles on Bone Smart and have compiled a (long) list of questions for the OS on Monday. Hopefully, he'll have the patience to hear me out! He had told me I would be in the hospital, not outpatient when I saw him the first time. I must admit, this makes me much more comfortable. I had problems at night the last time (very low blood pressure, had to be helped from the bathroom and laid flat, and extreme pain). I appreciated having professional help.

 

[benne68]

had problems at night the last time (very low blood pressure,

We really ARE twins! They had to keep me overnight after my right TKR because my BP was too low.

We've both done this before and know what to expect. We will get through this -- with the support of our friends here on BoneSmart.

 

[Jockette]

I also had some low blood pressure for a while the day after surgery, but I was still in the hospital. My surgery was on a Monday and I was sent home Tuesday evening. But that was in 2017 and I knew I’d be in overnight. I don’t think they were doing same day back then.

 

[eaglemom]

Please rest assured that no hospital / facility will send you home before you need to be released. They will make certain your body is humming along in fine fashion prior to releasing you.

 

[rlwintin]

I am having my second TKR on January 4 also. We can be buddies! At the moment I am feeling some low grade anxiety and wish it weren’t so but I don’t see any up side to waiting. So here we are. I hope to see you again on the recovery side.

 

[Tgmaine]

I do understand your anxiety, and I know we will do well! I just spent Christmas with my daughter, expecting twins in the spring with an active three-year-old. She will definitely need me to be whole! We had a very busy December and I have felt a bit under the weather the past few days. Happily, my clients for today cancelled and I have only two more on Tuesday. So I'm taking today very easy. Tested negative for COVID and I think it's a mild cold combined with anticipation. @rlwintin, let's compare notes coming out of this.

 

[mendogal]

@rlwintin @Tgmaine
We're here for your pre op jitters and we'll be waiting for you both on the recovery side!

 

[rlwintin]

Thanks for the comment . Yep, it’s 4:30 and I’m getting ready to go. actually looking forward to getting on with it. See your. The other side.

 

[LittleBit]

Sending positive thoughts your way. We look forward to hearing from you on the recovery side!