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Having knee replacement: how to prepare and questions about PT

Posted by ronnie3716 @ronnie3716, May 1, 2016

I'm having knee replacement (L) on June 20th.
Any suggestions on how to get ready for it?
How soon does physical therapy start after one gets home?

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flor | @flor | May 10, 2016

When I had my surgery my doctor suggested not to bend and pick up things from the floor.

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niazumbanut | @niazumbanut | May 11, 2016

I'm still confused it seems that bending over is more of a function of back and hamstrings, than knees. I have had two replacements at Mayo, Rochester and a hip and never been given this advice.

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FLOYDR | @FLOYDR | May 11, 2016

I don't think that was good advise from your doctor. You do want to try and bend that knee as much as possible. One thing I read from this site is that "motion is lotion" is very good advise. Before I was able to get in the shower, standing and bathing at the sink I had to bend to wash my lower body. If you need to, hold on to something and bend. It wont hurt it will only help you in the long run.

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niazumbanut | @niazumbanut | May 11, 2016

I just will add that I practice yoga where we do sun salutations ( bending over, folding in half)...I'm very "tight" have no problems with my knees only limited by my tight hamstrings. I also do other yoga positions where the knee or knees are placed on the floor and have no pain. Dr. Pagnano at Mayo told me to enjoy life, move,dance just don't jump or run, which is intuitive after knee replacement surgery.

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flor | @flor | May 11, 2016

I think that I didnt tell you about my health issues. In2000 I had a cervical spine surgery, 2008 I had a complete hip replacement, In. 2010 I had a rotator cuff surgery, and In 2012 I had my knee replacement surgery. And that is why I can't do many things.Sorry for not saying this before. The only surgery that I had done in Guadalajara Mexico was the cervical all the others were done at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

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niazumbanut | @niazumbanut | May 12, 2016

I appreciate the clarification. I think we need to be very careful what we post. A positive story on replacements is my wife's situation. She had two hips replaced and a knee in one year at Mayo Rochester. Her recovery was much better than mine ;women are stronger than men. Our family has a long history at Mayo. We live in Richmond VA but go to Mayo for major issues...and we are not a rich family.My brother was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer 25 years ago. He was given only a 1% chance of living. Mayo used radiation and radical chemo to cure him; NO draconian surgery. God's hand was also involved and when he goes back to Mayo they call him a " the miracle man". We all know the reputation of Mayo and my
personal experiences attest to it.

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flor | @flor | May 12, 2016

For my husband and I Mayo Clinic Rochester is the best.We are Mexicans and it is kind of expensive for us. But we gladly do the sacrifice to go for they have helped us in many ways. My husband had prostate cancer surgery in 2001 and He is in a very good shape. He is 80 years old

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Kelsey Mohring | @kelseydm | Jun 16, 2016

Hey @ronnie3716. I just wanted to check in on you since June 20 is almost here. How are you feeling about your surgery? Glad you've gotten some good advice and support here!

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flor | @flor | Jun 20, 2016
In reply to @flor "I had knee replacement at Mayo Clinic Rochester, i started theraphy the next day after surgery,..." + (show)
@flor

I had knee replacement at Mayo Clinic Rochester, i started theraphy the<br />
next day after surgery, and just dont do anything foolish before your<br />
surgery. walk some 15 min. everyday.<br />

Jump to this post

No I had Dr. M and he is fabulous

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flor | @flor | Jun 20, 2016
In reply to @FLOYDR "Morning all. I had my surgery thru CenterPoint Hospital, Dr. Gregory Ballard and will be doing..." + (show)
@FLOYDR

Morning all. I had my surgery thru CenterPoint Hospital, Dr. Gregory Ballard and will be doing my 4 month follow up on 5-9-16. I feel real good about my progress to this point. There have been some days though that I feel that I have regressed due to the tightness in the knee and also my knee can tell now when it's going to rain now. The pain at this point is minimal though I do feel where the cut was made to fit the knee into to bone. It comes and goes and will make you sit up in the bed if you're are laying down , but the good thing it only last a few seconds. It almost feels like someone hitting a punching bag for a few shots and that's it. Prior to this surgery I was in pain with every step that I took. My first knee surgery was Dec.1972 torn cartalidge , and over the years it had just got worse. I am very athletic, loved to run, cycle, play softball, but for the last five years I have not been able to run and now the doctor and P/T's have told me not to run because of the pounding the knee will take. I will be 62 yrs old 6-9-55 and plan on playing softball next year and getting my legs in the shape they were 20yrs ago. The one thing I know is that it will be a long hard road to recovery with some setbacks ,but my mind is geared for that to keep pushing and stay positive. And as always this to shall come to past..

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My Doctor told me no more kneeling and no more bending, I cannot pick something from the floor because no bending but i bought a stick to pick up all that I want

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