Well I did it , on June 5th I got a new knee and I’ll say it’s the best thing I’ve done in years , I hope to do a write up on how it went and how the rehab was . This will take awhile and I will most likely need help and input on it. One more thing. It still blows my mind that I could have a whole knee replaced and that would be up walking in 24 hours and then climbing steps in 48 hours.
Hi Dave,Dave, I was wondering how it went, especially after the site when down. I am so glad it was a good experience for you.
My knees has decided that they want some kind of attention. Looks like the right knee is going to go first. I have the MRI on Tuesday. But the left is just as bad. I'm at that point though, just please do something.
Really happy for you.
Congratulations and welcome to the club. It really is an amazing experience isn't it. I'm glad all went well and I'm sure that over the next couple of months you will be even happier with the outcome.Congrats. Its amazing how far medicine has come in the last ten years. Did you do a lot of PT before the operation to strengthen the muscles and help with the range of motion? Were you physically in relatively good shape beforehand. Or is it that the operation has improved that much that you can start walking and climbing steps that quickly?
That's great Dave. Please keep us up to date on your recovery.Dave, I've a couple of questions. How long were you in the hospital? How long do you have to be on crutches? How long before you can drive? And, how long before you can work?
I really do think this is in my future. Doc wouldn't even consider givig me shots this time. We've done the PT thing. I'm barely mobile.
Hey, maybe they could just do all the parts at once. You know, go in and get all major joints replaced at once. Sure, I could die from the experience, but then I wouldn't hurt any more. Oh, guess that's not a good plan.
Way to go Dave !!!! *applauding*
Great to hear that things are looking up for you !!!!!
Deanna
How long were you in the hospital? Four days and walking the second day
How long do you have to be on crutches? I had a walker for ten days and now I’m back to my cane
How long before you can drive? I was driving after ten day ,but it was uncomfortable
how long before you can work? Never . I have really bad RA and I cant work anymore
This was the best thing I’ve done in along time . I couldn’t walk anymore (my knee was locked in one place) and I would say ,if you really do need it then go for. Check your doctor out really well and ask around about who the best in your area . I live in the SF bay area and my doctor came back as one of the best in the
Well done Dave.
I know where you're coming from. At the tender age of 40, I had a bi-lateral knee replacement. (Both done together.) And it changed my life. Had them done on a Friday by having an epidutural not a general, was in splints to straighten them out on the Saturday and Sunday, ( I had 30 degree fixed flection in both knees,) and on the Monday this wonderful looking, tall Aussie, came and told me he was going to get me up! And he did. I was dischared after 9 days, once they had me walking up and down the ward and a set of stairs, (obviously with crutches) and I continued with physio for about 8 weeks after that and was driving not long after, (though I was sure I could have done so sooner!)
The weirdest thing for me on coming home was all the counter tops in my kitchen were about 4 inches lower!!! I had been walking so bent over, my perspective had changed enormously and that was somehting I hadn't realise!
Good luck with your recovery.
I wanted to ask both of you if you had any trouble with your other joints, like your hips or your shoulders. If so, how did they address them?
Aurora, what was the determining factor in doing a bilateral surgery. I thought that they didn't like to do that. But both of my knees are so bad, I just want some kind of relief.
Deanna,
Although only 39 at the time it was decided to do my knees as a quality of life issue. I was referred to the Royal National Orthapaedic Hospital, in North London because my local hospital had problems with waiting lists. The RNOH is considered a centre of excellence and is also a teaching hospital. I had what is called 'fixed flection' in both knees. That is they were both bent and fused at an angle of 30 degrees, and so I was walking bent over in order to compensate for the crooked knees. I was admitted about 4 days before they were due to operate and well and truly tested and x-rayed etc. The head knee guy, whose name I shall never forget, 'Andy Williams', had me in on a conference with all his team, including nurses, doctors, junior doctors the lot, and in front of them all said' Well Dawn, how do you fancy having both of your knees done tomorrow?' As I hadn't had any replacement surgery before and didn't know any different, I said, 'Why not!' Very British!!!
In fact he explained that if he did just one, it would not recover properly as the other was so bad as well. I'd be over-compensating on one side or the other. I really don't think this would have been done in the orthapeadic department of my local hospital. it needed a knee expert to make the decision and go ahead. I still go there every 2 years to have them checked out, and will keep in touch as when they need to be done again, I want them done in the same place. The actual doctor has now moved on, but they are still the best near me.
This was all done in March 1999. My aim was to stand up and see the New Millenium in and I did, standing by the Houses of Parliament, in London, watching the biggest fireworks dispay I've ever seen, with my hubby and two good friends. They are now 7 and a bit years old and are doing fine!! if you are offered the chance, go for it, it takes all the joint pain away!
ps. no other joints in need of replacement yet!