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Knee replacements

Anyone had one? and what did you experience?

I had one 2 months ago, had been told third hand by about a dozen people that this was the best thing they had ever done.
I'd been back and forward having arthroscopes and 2 years ago had tibial osteotomy, where they cut the bone in the leg to realign everything.
This, I was told, was 2nd most painful to a knee replacement, must be 2nd by the length of Flemington straight.
Numerous times , after 2, 3 4, 5 weeks I thought Yep, things are on the improve only to get a different pain to the previous week with the last the worst as it randomly sent fireworks through my knee. This lasted 10 or so days.
I spent weeks 2 - 7 on the lounge as I could not get comfortable and averaging 3 hours a night sleep
Had they asked me a fortnight in that we can do the other in 6 months I'd have told them to shove it.
2 months in the pain is very bearable but has it's moments
I can straighten the leg about 95% and bend about 85% but still have a little swelling
They say it can take up to 12 months

Sorry to take up your time to read this

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #1 –
@C4E

My late wife had two such operations performed a few years ago now by a very experienced surgeon who I believe is now retired. Her experiences were very positive in each case as she had severe arthritis which caused her a lot of pain and reduced her mobility significantly. These replacements changed her life and I am so pleased she got them so that she could better enjoy her remaining years. Some doctors advise patients to put it off as long as possible since they are only good for a limited time - my wife ignored that advice and in her case it paid off I guess.

So I would say yes but maybe the choice of surgeon is critical?
Reality always wins in the end.

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #2 –
I would have expected the pain to be settling by now.
Wouldn't be uncommon to still have some pain at 2 months though, but it shouldn't be keeping you on the couch.
Are you having physio? If yes, Are they happy? If no, any reason why not?
When are you due to follow up with your surgeon again?

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #3 –
I suppose age, weight and genetics make it different for everybody.

I had a mate who was told he needed two knees done, but the surgeon wouldn't do the job until he lost weight. Which was a problem because losing weight was hindered by knee problems. In the end he changed diet, lifestyle and lost the weight, then he didn't need the surgery!

I've known people in their 70s who have had them done and been perfect inside of 6 months, and another friend who had it done in her 30s and was never the same!

So I think the safest thing if you think progress is not what was expected is to get a second opinion, don't ask the Internet, the Internet will always tell you what is wrong with you, but it never ever offers a cure!
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"
 

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #4 –
@ deags

I saw the physio 3 days after I got home
She stayed about 15 minutes and was so impressed by the movement I had that she said a follow up wasn't neccessary
I have been doing my own rehab
I saw the specialist a fortnight ago, he was very happy with everything and asked how the physio was coming along.
I told him the story and he has me booked for physio next week
I haven't spent a great deal on the couch and am steadily increasing the distances I walk

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #5 –
Quote from: c4e – on
@ deags

I saw the physio 3 days after I got home
She stayed about 15 minutes and was so impressed by the movement I had that she said a follow up wasn't neccessary
I have been doing my own rehab
I saw the specialist a fortnight ago, he was very happy with everything and asked how the physio was coming along.
I told him the story and he has me booked for physio next week
I haven't spent a great deal on the couch and am steadily increasing the distances I walk

Wow, I wouldn't be recommending that physio to anyone!

Second opinions C4E, those people can live with their mistakes, you can't!
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #6 –
Quote from: c4e – on
Anyone had one? and what did you experience?

I had one 2 months ago, had been told third hand by about a dozen people that this was the best thing they had ever done.
I'd been back and forward having arthroscopes and 2 years ago had tibial osteotomy, where they cut the bone in the leg to realign everything.
This, I was told, was 2nd most painful to a knee replacement, must be 2nd by the length of Flemington straight.
Numerous times , after 2, 3 4, 5 weeks I thought Yep, things are on the improve only to get a different pain to the previous week with the last the worst as it randomly sent fireworks through my knee. This lasted 10 or so days.
I spent weeks 2 - 7 on the lounge as I could not get comfortable and averaging 3 hours a night sleep
Had they asked me a fortnight in that we can do the other in 6 months I'd have told them to shove it.
2 months in the pain is very bearable but has it's moments
I can straighten the leg about 95% and bend about 85% but still have a little swelling
They say it can take up to 12 months

Sorry to take up your time to read this
I've been trying to avoid one for years. Though it helps if you have some cartilage left to be successful there. I hope mine is still a decade or more off.
Live Long and Prosper!

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #7 –
Quote from: c4e – on
@ deags

I saw the physio 3 days after I got home
She stayed about 15 minutes and was so impressed by the movement I had that she said a follow up wasn't neccessary
I have been doing my own rehab
I saw the specialist a fortnight ago, he was very happy with everything and asked how the physio was coming along.
I told him the story and he has me booked for physio next week
I haven't spent a great deal on the couch and am steadily increasing the distances I walk

My advice is to see how you go once physio starts back up again. It blows my mind that that was the response you got from the physio.
If the surgeon is happy, that's good. But make sure you are telling him exactly what you feel and about what causes you pain, and how often you are getting pain.
Every one is different. Joint replacements are a painful journey. As long as you are noticing improvement, that is probably the main thing, but if not, see your GP or try to get back into to see the surgeon if it is really arcing up.

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #8 –
Seems like the high end pain has gone. There is pain but nothing to really complain about. I still ice it daily to reduce the last bit of swelling. There is morning stiffness but I usually go for a walk. I'm sure I'll get there and eventually have the other one done as there is not much meniscus left and there is athritis in both knees.
Cheers for the input guys

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #9 –
It's probably a product of my advancing years as I know a dozen or so people (including one of my brothers and one of my brothers in law) who have had knee replacements.

Some have made incredible recoveries (one bloke had both knees done and was playing tennis within 6 months), others have really struggled with the pain and getting their leg to function normally again and a couple have had to have further surgery. Sticking with the rehab program (what was the physio thinking?) seems to be the key.

Stick with it c4e and keep us informed of your progress.
It's still the Gulf of Mexico, Don Old!

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #10 –
Quote from: cookie2 – on
@C4E

My late wife had two such operations performed a few years ago now by a very experienced surgeon who I believe is now retired. Her experiences were very positive in each case as she had severe arthritis which caused her a lot of pain and reduced her mobility significantly. These replacements changed her life and I am so pleased she got them so that she could better enjoy her remaining years. Some doctors advise patients to put it off as long as possible since they are only good for a limited time - my wife ignored that advice and in her case it paid off I guess.

So I would say yes but maybe the choice of surgeon is critical?

Sad to read that you lost your wife, Fluffy One. But glad that the surgery helped her to at least enjoy her remaining years.

When facing similar surgery I was told by the neurosurgeon to lose weight first, then see. It worked (had to cut back on the pies!!!). I have a rather nasty osteoarthritis in the right knee and lower back, and an extruded disc. But the knee does have a little cartilage. I shouldn't say this but thank the gods for Oxycontin/Oxycodone and good old Endone!

This is starting to sound like the conversations between my brother and I (he's a similar vintage)... "How's the back, not bad, how's the knee, not bad, how's the gout, not bad, how're the kidneys, on the improve, how's the liver, gave up the grog, how's the PTSD, nah so so, yours, nah experimenting with new medication..." (my bro also served in the RAN and has PTSD as well... coupla miserable pr1cks when we get together only rescued by our encourageable senses of humour).

Only our ruthless best, from Board to bootstudders will get us no. 17

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #11 –
Quote from: deags – on
My advice is to see how you go once physio starts back up again. It blows my mind that that was the response you got from the physio.

My son is a trained sports physio, he says the outcome is 15% surgery - 85% rehab!

That's the scary part for footballers, how much rehab you have to do to get back to full capability.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Baggers – on
Sad to read that you lost your wife, Fluffy One. But glad that the surgery helped her to at least enjoy her remaining years.

When facing similar surgery I was told by the neurosurgeon to lose weight first, then see. It worked (had to cut back on the pies!!!). I have a rather nasty osteoarthritis in the right knee and lower back, and an extruded disc. But the knee does have a little cartilage. I shouldn't say this but thank the gods for Oxycontin/Oxycodone and good old Endone!

This is starting to sound like the conversations between my brother and I (he's a similar vintage)... "How's the back, not bad, how's the knee, not bad, how's the gout, not bad, how're the kidneys, on the improve, how's the liver, gave up the grog, how's the PTSD, nah so so, yours, nah experimenting with new medication..." (my bro also served in the RAN and has PTSD as well... coupla miserable pr1cks when we get together only rescued by our encourageable senses of humour).

Complex post Baggers and not one you can respond to with ‘X2’.

First of all, I want to echo your words about Cookie’s sad loss.

Next, I want to commiserate with you about ageing bodies and the impact of serving your country.

Finally, I want to have a good laugh at the pies and the senses of humour of the two miserable pricks ????
It's still the Gulf of Mexico, Don Old!

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #13 –
@ Baggers & DJC

Thanks for your sentiments guys - appreciated.

Yes gatherings of my friends seem to have transformed to a degree into comparing notes on various ailments.
Reality always wins in the end.

Re: Knee replacements

Reply #14 –
In Tassie on the phone. Posting not the best at the moment. Sorry for your loss cookie. Not sure if its a recent one but condolences anyway. I was a long,high ,triple jumper as a youngster. As a result of that abuse I required a knee replacement at 55
I was in constant discomforting . even jogging was painful. Recovery from the tkr took about 12 months. After  that I was able to sprint and jump quite well. No pain. Take off feels good on that  leg. The only problem is with  landing and taking off from the leg in the triple jump so that's off the agenda. Totally against doctors orders but so far so good.