Revision TKR Multiple Knee Replacements

@Ilovecruising thank you so much for your response. This has been SO hard... something I wouldn't wish on my worse enemy. The emotional and physical roller coaster has been nothing short of exhausting. Taking me to my limits and back again.
I am going for the bilateral, but I'm just scared as to what's on the other side. I hope and pray I am one of those lucky ones who have a positive outcome!
If I wasn't in SO MUCH pain right now, I wouldn't do it. But I have held off as long as I can.

Thank you for the virtual thoughts and hugs.
Last night I rolled over in bed and had a sharp, burning pain in the middle of my knee that was so painful, I couldn't move for almost 2 hrs! It was terrifying because I live alone and my dog just had surgery yesterday and I couldn't get to him to let him out or give him his pain pills. It was awful. I just laid there praying for God to help me. It eventually dissipated, but now, it's still tender and feels achey now. UGH.... so crazy..... there are no words... I guess the one positive thing about having this surgery, is that this is my last resort. It has squeezed me into a place where I have no option. Maybe it's what I needed, IDK
 
@Momma-me, sending prayers your way for healing and strength as you get ready. I just know you will be fine. You know where to look for support, guidance, or just a shoulder to cry and lean on.
 
I hope this revision fixes you up nicely. You certainly deserve it.

I’m sorry your dog has some issues, too.

I know what you mean about having no choice. I think the only way I will get my knee fixed is if something happens and a surgeon has no choice but to revise it. Not that I’m in any hurry to go through this again! Several months ago my fear of going through this again was so strong. I’m much calmer about it now, but that’s because it’s not going to happen.

Early in my recovery I couldn’t imagine how anyone could do bilateral. But now that I’ve been through an endless recovery, I can’t imagine doing one and then another whole recovery later with the other knee. I think if a surgeon willing to do bilateral, it’s a good deal!
 
Youch! That sounds like agony. It's horrible when you're too frightened to move in case it causes more pain. It seems as if you've made the right decision for you. I hope it all goes smoothly and you are soon on the road to recovery - your dog too. Take care and be kind to yourself. :console2:
 
I think you have made the correct decision and one that you will be glad you made in the long one. Getting the both of them done at once is a very brave, yet smart move! You will have loads of prayers going up from your friends on here.
 
I think the bilateral is the way to go if you really trust this new surgeon. I am in very early recovery. The hospital staff was just wonderful. It made such a huge difference. Everyone in my wing were knee or hip replacement patients. I can actually say my stay was peaceful and relaxing. I didn't want to leave. Lol! Read up on this surgeon and learn about where the surgery will take place. You have been through so much already. I say get them both fixed and recover and start living a good quality life that you deserve We all want the best for you!
 
@Momma-me Im so sending you all the positive vibes, hugs and prayers I can. I know you can get thru this. If a scaredy-cat like me can get thru having both knees done at the same time , while still on the mend from my R hip replaced 5 months earlier... I know you have it in you. Im 6 weeks out from both knees done. Ive been walking without any assistive devices for weeks. Im doing my exercises, going to outpatient PT ,and driving myself.
Looking back for me, I am glad I had both done at the same time. Yes it is one of the biggest challenges and mountains you will climb but you can do it, because there is a summit that is yours for the taking. Right now sometimes there is minimal pain with stiffness, mostly when I get up in the morning. But as the day progresses I try to keep moving and my discomfort is under control.
I know that horrible pain of bad knees and at times it felt like a knife jamming in them, that is why I opted for both done at the same time.
If you can get someone to help you thru the first few weeks would be great. I know I did my recovery basically on my own, but let ,me tell you having someone stop in or stay awhile is so appreciated. Not only for the body but also for the spirit, as both are in recovery mode.

I thank God I had a great surgeon, I pray you have the same good fortune.
Anything you need to know from me about my journey, which Im still on ...please let me know.

Again my prayers and good wishes are with you.
 
@Claud, great, uplifting message of reassurance to show what can be accomplished! You are doing great and are a fantastic example to others of the possibilities when one stays positive, focused, and committed. Keep up the great recovery.
 
Hi Everyone! Thank you again! I DO feel very supported and rest assured.. I will be leaning on you all through this process!

CHANGE OF PLANS:
I just saw my new surgeon. Last week, I saw the NP. She is the one who said yes to the bilateral. The surgeon says right knee definitely needs to be converted and that the patella/femoral replacement along with the OATS in the lateral was absolutely the WRONG thing to do. I found that out as months went by after that surgery..(and by reading this forum).

But the problem was, the surgeon who did that operation, was only a patella specialist and only did patella/femoral replacements. She was NOT prepared to convert my knee to a TKR while in surgery because, first of all, she does not do TKR's and second of all, according to my MRI, it didn't look that "bad". So a TKR was never even a discussion. The surgeon I saw today was in complete shock that that had happened to me and he apologized on her behalf. I honestly don't blame her tho. It's in the past and I need to look forward.

That being said.. again according to the MRI, my non-operative knee (the left one) doesn't look that "bad" on xray, and he doesn't feel comfortable with doing a TKR. So, the plan is he is going to do a conversion to TKR on the right, and while I am under, do a scope on the left to look around and get a real idea of how bad the arthritis is on the left.

I have a history of having my MRI's show next to nothing, and then I have surgery, and my knee is in really bad condition. So, this won't surprise me if it's messed up in there. I am super hesitant to get the scope but he assured me that he will do no "scraping' (I guess there is a medical term for that but I can't remember it right now). He said if there is any loose cartilage pieces floating around, he can grab them but he will not "scrape out" any of my arthritis. It is mainly just to get a better picture of what is happening in there.

If my left knee is in pretty bad shape, he will do the TKR on the left 4 weeks after the right.

I'm somewhat disappointed in the fact that potentially, I will have to go through 2 surgeries again back to back. But, he feels the risks of bilateral are too great (blood loss, infection, DVT, etc..) and he's just not a big fan. He said if my left knee was screaming arthritis from xray, he would probably do it, but because my xrays look unremarkable, he doesn't feel comfortable.

So, right knee Stryker Triathlon with MAKO, and left knee "scope" April 29th.

He told me that just because I have had a rough journey in the past is no indication that I will have a rough journey going forward and to 'keep my spirits up". Then he hugged me before he walked out.

There's my story... thanks for reading

Any thoughts/advise... please feel free!
 
Wow, I don't know what to say other than it seems to me a sensible option if his assessment of the left is ok and you don't actually need it replaced yet, but I can only imagine how you might feel if it turns out that you have to have it anyway. A surgeon who admits something went wrong and gives you a hug sounds like a good guy though. I don't know how you get your head around this sudden change. Wishing you all the best as you prepare yourself for this operation.
 
I think it sounds like a reasonable plan. Complete recovery takes about a year, so doing them 4 weeks apart is almost like doing them together. You’ll have time after the first one to take a breath and get your bearings a bit, then do the other and then recover them together.

Wow, he acknowledged your issues, showed compassion and understanding, and even a hug. That’s pretty good considering some of the surgeons I’ve read about on here from others’ experiences.

Still a tough decision, I’ll be thinking of you. :console2:
 
Hi everyone!

Surgery was today. Seems to be a success and I will post more details when I’m feeling up to it but I have 2 quick questions.

1. They are not letting me bend my knee at all and when I am in bed I have to keep it at full extension and even more so with a pillow rolled under my ankle and this is very uncomfortable! They said anything I am lying down in needs to be in full extension for 6 weeks! That means I cannot use my pillow elevator wedge because it keeps your knee slightly bent

2. What pain meds did you take after surgery. All I can take is 10 mg of oxy and it’s not cutting it it. Is there anything else I can add in to this??? I know it’s not supposed to feel good but it’s throbbing so bad I can’t stand it!!!

Thanks you!!!
 
Sorry for the typos on I’m on iPhone and it’s dark in my room.

They believe in ice but not elevation. But this full extension thing is excruciating
 
@Momma-me,
I’m so happy to hear things went well for you today! :yes!:
I hate that you’re having so much pain.:gaah:

Hopefully, you will get some relief from something. I would be reporting 10+ pain and asking for something else!:beg:

Good luck with your recovery!
~Cynthia
 
I'm glad your surgery is over, @Momma-me .
Did your surgeon also do the arthroscopy on your left knee? If so, has he told you what he found?

I guess you're stuck with keeping your knee hyper-extended while you're in hospital, but in your situation, I'd be removing that pillow from under your ankle. It's not necessary and of course it hurts.

Once you get home, you can elevate with your knee slightly bent. It won't affect the development of your extension and you'll be much more comfortable.

As a reminder, here's your post-op reading:
Knee Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork.
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
6. Access to these pages on the website

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?

Energy drain for TKRs

Elevation is the key

Ice to control pain and swelling

Heel slides and how to do them properly

Chart representation of TKR recovery

Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.
 
PS: Would you like us to change your thread title now, since the Bilateral is no longer on the horizon?
If you'd like to suggest a new title, we'll get ti changed.
 
Some nurses in the hospital tell you to keep your leg totally straight and yes, that hurts. Many of us found that a slight bend didn’t harm anything and was more comfortable. Do what you feel is best for you. You have the final say about what happens to your knee.

Especially read “Elevation Is Key” in the Recovery Guidelines Celle left you.

How long are they planning to keep you in the hospital?

Like Celle said, you’ll have more control at home.
 
I hate to hear that they are making you keep your knee completely straight. It's so unnecessary. Maybe move that rolled up pillow that's under your ankles up to under your knee as soon as they walk out. It's your knee and you are the boss of it no matter what anyone tells you. I remember how bad it hurt to try and keep my knee straight at first. I feel for you.
 
My meds in the hospital were 10 mg oxy every 3 hours. You are right, that did not cut the pain. Tell them you are at a 10 and they may add something to your IV . Did your OS do some other work on that knee when he was in there that you would have to immobilize you knee for so long. I was walking down the hallway 3 hours after surgery. I had no restrictions on moving at all.
 

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