1. < Joint Replacements

After knee replacement surgery

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Jun 16, 2016

Had left knee replaced 9 days ago. Right knee two years ago. Having a problem with inflammation so hard to bend knee and exercise. Trying to ice and raise knee above heart. Doctor suggested getting compression hose. Anybody have this experience and can offer suggestions. So tired all the time from pain interrupting my sleep and painkillers. My insurance refused to pay for the painkiller recommended by surgeon so have to take one with more opiates. That's frustrating. Two years ago it was covered but now too expensive for me to use. Seems the drug companies, not our doctors are determining what we use.

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mari | @mari | Jan 4, 2017

Sorry I feel your pain - like at 3 am this morn. Do I get up and eat then take my med? no Just suffer.
"I got a new drug" DICLOFENAC SODIUM 50 MG. LESS HARM to innards - organs - stomach. Takes an hour to kick in but, really last more than 1 day. I do not need every day and only needed 2 in 1 day for walking the Rose Parade. I still try to hold off b4 I give in to taking 1.
I had torn meniscus /, cleaned - operated on 3 yrs. ago - like childbirth pain 4 - 3 days. Yikes meds did almost nothing - then a little better on 4th day out. Crutches, misery.

That's why I'm holding out for "stem" cells. People that have shoulder or knee surgery and get cells have less pain and heal quicker. Kerlan Jobe (Drs. to L A athletes). Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

I would have gotten a new knee long ago if I did not have hope with stem cells instead of replacement.

We need to influence insurance co. and politicians to get insurance co. to cover stem cells. Others have said - do the math - $2,000. - $4500. for stem cells. & $60,000 4 a nu knee. + PT + not being productive for a few months + my cousin was so apprehensive @ going thru TSA that she stayed in hotel close to airport after a visit. (Wanted to be close to airport and get there super early)
What do you think?

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @mari "Sorry I feel your pain - like at 3 am this morn. Do I get up..." + (show)
@mari

Sorry I feel your pain - like at 3 am this morn. Do I get up and eat then take my med? no Just suffer.
"I got a new drug" DICLOFENAC SODIUM 50 MG. LESS HARM to innards - organs - stomach. Takes an hour to kick in but, really last more than 1 day. I do not need every day and only needed 2 in 1 day for walking the Rose Parade. I still try to hold off b4 I give in to taking 1.
I had torn meniscus /, cleaned - operated on 3 yrs. ago - like childbirth pain 4 - 3 days. Yikes meds did almost nothing - then a little better on 4th day out. Crutches, misery.

That's why I'm holding out for "stem" cells. People that have shoulder or knee surgery and get cells have less pain and heal quicker. Kerlan Jobe (Drs. to L A athletes). Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

I would have gotten a new knee long ago if I did not have hope with stem cells instead of replacement.

We need to influence insurance co. and politicians to get insurance co. to cover stem cells. Others have said - do the math - $2,000. - $4500. for stem cells. & $60,000 4 a nu knee. + PT + not being productive for a few months + my cousin was so apprehensive @ going thru TSA that she stayed in hotel close to airport after a visit. (Wanted to be close to airport and get there super early)
What do you think?

Jump to this post

@mari, I think you may find this Mayo Clinic News Network article and video relevant to this ongoing discussion, http://mayocl.in/2hemqhr. It in no way is meant to sway your decision either way, just an interesting read about stem cells and the early research taking place at Mayo Clinic.

I had a total right knee replacement when I was 19 as a result from a genetic bleeding disorder that caused repeated trauma to my knee from early childhood. I too wish there was an alternative, but the damage was too severe that no other options were available.

Mari, do you have arthritis in your knee or knees? Are you a candidate for Knee Replacement surgery or are you not to that point yet and that is why you are wondering about stem cells?

REPLY
Barb | @amberpep | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "Computer literate ..... hmmmmm ..... well, I can open it, start it, do e-mail .....and search..." + (show)
@amberpep

Computer literate ..... hmmmmm ..... well, I can open it, start it, do e-mail .....and search for things, but that's about it. Phone wise ... well, that's another issue. About 1-1/2 years ago (just before I moved here) my "flip phone" fell in the cat's water dish. So, I went to get another and what I got was what they said was the next one made after the flip phone. Well, to me it's one of those new fangled things that has so much stuff in it that just looking at it makes me dizzy. I tried for over a month to use it and finally in total frustration gave up, put it back in the box, went on Amazon and got a new "flip phone" and had my son transfer all my info. to it. That's what I use. So, you see ....... a teckie I'm not. I suspect the day may come when I just won't be able to use any of this new stuff, but it is what it is.
Are you doing a lot of walking? That's the best exercise you can do for your entire body ..... good for you. My little street is 2 duplex sets long and goes right out onto a highway, so I'd have to drive somewhere to do any decent walking. I do have a small stepper here which I use, but walking is sure a whole lot more fun! I'm sorry I didn't see your other post about your project, but 19 miles is wonderful! Wow! You must have a pedometer. I had one but it got lost in the shuffle of moving. Probably should get another. There are actual walking trails at the place where I lived in MD, all marked with half mile markers, etc. That was great. I'd take my little dog and she and I went out and trotted right along ....... then came home and collapsed!
Take care,
abby

Jump to this post

No Gail, I'm sorry to say I didn't see your post......:(
abby

REPLY
Barb | @amberpep | Jan 4, 2017

In mentioning getting out of a booth in a restaurant, I was reminded of how I look when I'm sitting on the floor with my grandkids .... when I go to get up, I look like a hippopotamus! Nothing like getting older!
Abby

REPLY
mari | @mari | Jan 4, 2017

I agree, I have a shoulder and knee acting up. It really makes one look and feel old. And I take baths, - picture of grace and beauty - getting out of tub! We won't talk about neck issues now.

REPLY
cheris | @cheris | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @ronnie3716 "I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with..." + (show)
@ronnie3716

I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with
"The first two weeks are the worst, filled with pain" . Nice of them to share : /
Those of you who've had it, are those first two weeks really so bad?
Thank you for the video with legs raised against wall, super helpful.

Jump to this post

Hi, I had total knee replacement 8 months ago. Then again 4 weeks ago. The first time around pain and swelling making exercise and moving very difficult. Ended going to PT for several weeks. As for pain after, just some small discomfort but nothing I would call terrible. this time around, minimal swelling and as far and walking and getting around weeks ahead from where I was last time. So I think it is just different for all of us.

REPLY
cheris | @cheris | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @colleenyoung "Excellent question @omega. I moved your message to this ongoing discussion so that you can meet..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Excellent question @omega. I moved your message to this ongoing discussion so that you can meet others who are talking about post surgerical pain, rehabilitation and more. I recommend you read the discussion from the beginning https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-knee-replacement-surgery, then ask your questions. As you can see there are quite a few members who have experience with knee replacements.

Welcome to the community!

Jump to this post

glad to see I am not the only one that has knee pain whenever the weather is bad

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "Computer literate ..... hmmmmm ..... well, I can open it, start it, do e-mail .....and search..." + (show)
@amberpep

Computer literate ..... hmmmmm ..... well, I can open it, start it, do e-mail .....and search for things, but that's about it. Phone wise ... well, that's another issue. About 1-1/2 years ago (just before I moved here) my "flip phone" fell in the cat's water dish. So, I went to get another and what I got was what they said was the next one made after the flip phone. Well, to me it's one of those new fangled things that has so much stuff in it that just looking at it makes me dizzy. I tried for over a month to use it and finally in total frustration gave up, put it back in the box, went on Amazon and got a new "flip phone" and had my son transfer all my info. to it. That's what I use. So, you see ....... a teckie I'm not. I suspect the day may come when I just won't be able to use any of this new stuff, but it is what it is.
Are you doing a lot of walking? That's the best exercise you can do for your entire body ..... good for you. My little street is 2 duplex sets long and goes right out onto a highway, so I'd have to drive somewhere to do any decent walking. I do have a small stepper here which I use, but walking is sure a whole lot more fun! I'm sorry I didn't see your other post about your project, but 19 miles is wonderful! Wow! You must have a pedometer. I had one but it got lost in the shuffle of moving. Probably should get another. There are actual walking trails at the place where I lived in MD, all marked with half mile markers, etc. That was great. I'd take my little dog and she and I went out and trotted right along ....... then came home and collapsed!
Take care,
abby

Jump to this post

Hi Abby, ( @gailfaith here) How did you hear about my fall in the restaurant on Nov 26th. if you never saw my post on Dec 7th ? However Brian my PT thought it would be 2-4 weeks to get back to where I was and I had doubts even at week 3.5, but he was right. However, two weeks ago I seriously over did after a PT session ( I did a measured walk, then went shopping in two stores and I was beat, so that muddies up the water a bit as far as am I back or notl ) My balance is still a little bit poorer than it was before the fall, and that might be permanent, more so due to the over extended day as opposed to the the fall. DId you ever see my post about my measured walks here on the retirement campus? If I told you the total milage I am up to you would hardly believe that I am incapacitated! Brian it ecstatic, or does he just say that to keep me motivated??????. But when I say the mileage, I myself am shocked!

REPLY
tallteri | @tallteri | Jan 4, 2017
In reply to @ronnie3716 "I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with..." + (show)
@ronnie3716

I have a total knee replacement tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous. So many people respond immediately with
"The first two weeks are the worst, filled with pain" . Nice of them to share : /
Those of you who've had it, are those first two weeks really so bad?
Thank you for the video with legs raised against wall, super helpful.

Jump to this post

So happy for you! Did the same surgeon preform your 2nd Surgery ? Were you given any reason for the difference in outcome?
I will be having a revision (replacement) 2 1/2 years after 1st replacement. In the next few months.

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Jan 5, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "WOW! You go girl! That's fantastic. Gives me a bit more motivation to get up and..." + (show)
@amberpep

WOW! You go girl! That's fantastic. Gives me a bit more motivation to get up and get going!
abby

Jump to this post

Hi Abby.....Handicapped or not, since Aug 13, yes THIS YEAR, as of today 1/5/17, I have walked 32 miles!!!! I shock myself. As I've said, I use two canes and when I measure a new route, I have a measuring wheel tied to my left cane as my hands are full of "canes." and that drags behind me upside down so it counts up, not down. It is very accurate. The VP here at the retirement community previously measured the circular road around the south campus where I live. Then a few months ago I measured it with my measuring wheel and we were 1 foot different from each other using different measuring wheels. It is 60+% of a mile! My PT is ecstatic. But it is his attitude that encourages me. @gailfaith

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