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New knee about to happen!

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There is a section about minimally invasive surgery in this article:
Knee replacement surgery types and suggested videos

Although some people experience faster progress in the early days after such a surgery, it still takes a full year for all your tissues to heal completely. Don't expect to feel completely recovered within a few weeks.
 
There are all sorts of different prosthetics, surgical techniques and hype. "Minimally invasive". "Custom made block". "Robotically assisted" etc. no matter what the sales pitch is, you have to go through the same recovery. The important thing to know is how experienced is your surgeon with the prosthesis he is recommending for you and is he or an intern or resident or fellow doing the actual work. You don't want a first year resident doing your replacement. I chose not to go to a big teaching hospital so that I knew who was doing the OR work. My OS was very upfront with what he does and what his PA's and assistant surgeons do. I saw three surgeons before deciding on mine and I felt like the first two were like used car salesmen selling their technique and device. Two new knees and I still feel great about my choices
 
mbrown said:
why did you have to sleep in recliner for so long? Just more comfortable?
Click to expand...
I didn't 'have' to, I chose to. At first I slept on it for three months pre-op because it was mega painful trying to sleep in bed. I would automatically turn on my side and my bone spurs would knock together - ouch! I chose to sleep for 3 months post-op because I just chose to! Was much the same with knee #2.

This was my first knee and the yellow line points to the spur.
[Bonesmart.org] New knee about to happen!
 
Just got back from my preop appointment. Feeling a lot better. Seeing my x-ray I saw how severe my deformity is. Nurse spent a half hour explaining everything. Then saw OS. Looking forward to being able to walk. Checked the hospital store and ice machine was $220.00 and on amazon it was 150.00. Wow!!!
 
@RMasano My OS will be doing a minimally invasive technique. Yes, the incision is shorter, he won't be cutting my quad, but I agree with what has been said - recovery will still require the same stuff - Rest, elevation, ice ice baby. And a whole lot of patience!
 
Look for a Breg Polar Care cube on eBay. After paying at the DME store for the first one when I wanted a second one for the second knee I got it on eBay for 39$! If your concerned about sharing the cooling pad buy that new!
 
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Also since my surgeon gave a Rx for the ice machine I was able to use FSA money to pay at the DME store.
 
Hi - I'm on the other side of this site - I had a hip replacement. BUT there are a lot of commonalities.

Most important is loss of independence. I've never felt such fear as feeling unable to cope with all my needs. I will forever be grateful to my neighbor who drove me to and from doctor appointments, picked up prescriptions and food. I've always been independent and quite fearless all my life and Helen Reddy's song "I am woman....l can do anything" has been my mantra. But loss of physical abilities has been frightening to me. As I recover from my surgery, more ability and strength is returning and for that I'm so grateful. The recovery process is slow. It requires acceptance for what is and a good attitude. But it will be better than before.

The best advice I can give you is ice and elevate your leg. Then when you're through, do it again, and again. Ice for 40-60 minutes. I use gel Pac's but many people on this site talk about ice machines - I'd look into those. I have 3 large gel Pacs that I alternate.

I also plan each day, trying to incorporate appropriate moving around, but not over doing it. It is a tricky balance.

Good luck to you. You have many new friends here who will share your journey. Looking forward to seeing you smile.
Barbara

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Sent from my iPhone using broken link removed: https://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=75543
 
Have you asked whether or not your insurance company provides an ice machine? Mine did and it cost me nothing.
 
Would you guys recommend having a walker ready when I get home? If yes, rollers or no rollers?
 
I had a step wise approach. The first step was an old fashioned walker with rollers on front and tennis balls on back I also purchased a tray that fit over the handles it was very, very helpful to get things from place to place. Then I graduated to a rolling walker with a seat then to my trekking poles then a cane. If I had to chose one it would be the first old style walker with tray.
 
There are walkers with no wheels at all. Are those better?
 
Mine had wheels in the front, but not in the back. Before you purchase one see if your insurance provides one. I was sent home from the hospital with mine.
 
The ones with no wheels require them to be picked up and advanced with every step that makes carrying things very difficult! I'm also in the Chicago area, would you like to borrow some of my equipment that I have advanced past?
 
OMG!!! That is so sweet. I am going to wait and see if my insurance will cover it. I'm just making lists of things I am going to need. I will definately let you know if I need to borrow anything.
The nerves are starting to set in. Yesterday woke up with a sore throat. Feeling better today but hoping to feel better.
 
Ok that's a good plan. Just know Keith and I leave 1/6 very early for 5 weeks I. Hawaii.
 
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