MIS TKR Soon (maybe bi-lateral)

[sstoots]

I have a second opinion scheduled May 14. Its been over six months since my first consultation with an OS. He told me I needed a TKR . He said he frequently performed MIS and assured me with my fitness level and age (54) , I would be biking three weeks after surgery. From all I've read on this forum , that seems very optimistic. I will say that I had rotator cuff surgery and
followed the rehab to the letter. It was no 'walk in the park', but around 5 months after surgery, I was lifting weights (body weight bench presses). At age 54, I am just as strong (and fit) as I was at 30). I lift 3x per week and do non-impact cardio 4x per week.

Here's the deal, just over the last few months, my left knee has gotten progressively worse. I have to ice it down at night. Biking has never bothered me , but recently my Sunday 30 mile bike ride results in several days of recovery. I would be willing to bet that my May 14 appointment will result in a scheduled left TKR. My right knee is also getting worse (something he told me would happen if I delayed the left TKR). I've had the right knee scoped twice and the left once. Needless to say, I fear he will tell me the right knee also requires TKR.

So, given a high level of fitness, extremely strong quads (from biking), excellent cardio fitness, and a total obsession to recover, is a three-four week recovery possible assuming a MIS TKR? I know its all about the rehab
and achieving the milestone flex goals established.

 

[Josephine]

There's a great mis-apprehension about so called MIS TKRs. personally I'd prefer to call them reduced incision TKRs as they're unlike a THR which really can be minimally invasive. But a TKR is TKR and generally the recovery period is not signifantly reduced whether the incision is standard or reduced.

However, given my own speedy recovery from a standard incision (now under 4 weeks old) I would say yes it is. Before I would have said it was 'unduly optimistic'. Amazing how a bit of personal experience can alter one's POV!

 

[Max Wallace]

I had BI-TKR 5 months ago and was able to return to work at 7 weeks. During this seven weeks of recovery I used a walker for 1 week during PT at the hospital then discarded it. I was riding a stationary bike at 4 weeks but was far from sports activity level.My recovery acording to PT was very progressive every one heals at different rates and I have herd some amazing stories on this web site (the human spirit is very resiliant). Now at 5 months I am riding a bike(not 30 miles), coaching a t-ball team, hunting, and resuming all normal activities. There are lots of days when I don't even notice my new knees and then a day here and there when I overdo something and they let me know it(muscle pain not joint pain). I am a big advocate of agressive PT, I believe it was the key to my fast recovery. BEST OF LUCK!

Max

 

[sstoots]

Thanks Max. Your comments are encouraging especially since the procedure involved both knees! Without getting too personal, are you "around" my age (54)?

 

[GaryM]

Hey sstoots welcome!

I had BLTK in July 08. I did have a set back with scar tissue. I am 47 and was told that in younger people scar tissue can be a problem. I took my PT very serious. Was there several times a week for hours at a time. I also purchased a recumbent stationary bike to help me and I still use it everyday. I had a manipulation done at 8 weeks. My ligs and mus were sore for at least 5 months. My knees still swell if I am on them all day or over do it. I go in for another manipulation on this thursday. I have 95 on one knee and 110 on the other.

My point is don't get your hopes up and then have a big let down. It was the hardest thing I have ever done physicaly and mentally. I am very active. I am a police officer and in my spare time I race stock cars, coach baseball and football. I love to hunt and fish. I have 4 boys ages 8 to 21 so you can see being benched for months can wear on you.

 

[Josephine]

I'm sure you mean "SCAR" tissue, Gary - don't you?

 

[Max Wallace]

This is MAX and I am 46 years old. I had put off the surgery for 10-15 years and I was in pretty bad out of shape but other than my knees I was in good phisical shape. I did lots of leg exercises before surgery and was still overweight but leg muscles were in good condition. I had scheduled my surgery 4 months out for this reason.

Max

 

[GaryM]

Yea Jo I did. hahaha