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Double Knee Replacement
I am scheduled for double knee surgery July 1. I have had bone on bone for several years and at first had knee pain. But I started regular exercise 5 years ago and have had no pain to speak of, just stiffness. The biggest problem I have know is that because of the bone on bone I am knock kneed to the point that it affects my balance and my gait and my self confidence. I finally decided to go for it. I have an excellent Dr., the hospital I am going to is a Spine, Knee and Hip hospital so they specialize in those surgeries. My daughter had back surgery there and assures me the standard of care is excellent. I have read everything I can get my hands on and watched a ton of Youtubes and feel like I am not going into this blind. I have been in pre PT for 6 weeks and rented a recumbent bike to get my legs stronger. I am scheduled to be in the hospital for 4 days and 3 nights but after all my research I am beginning to wonder if because of my age I should ask to go to a rehab facility to be sure I get my range of motion back and have more care after surgery. My Dr. didn't suggest it but I am thinking about asking him about it. I assume Medicare will pay for it if it's necessary. The other option I am thinking about is to not do the surgery and continue with the PT exercises and build the strength in my legs and back and just live with it since I have no pain to speak of. But part of me wonders if it will get worse and I will regret not doing it. The decision is mine, but I wonder if anyone on this feed has had a similar situation. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
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@lawanna85 Welcome to Mayo Connect, where we support one another through the ups and downs of our health journeys. As the recipient of two total hip replacements in my early 50's and 3 revisions at age 60, I am wondering why you have chosen to have both knees replaced at the same time. These are major operations, and rehab takes a good bit of time. doing both at once (which my hip surgeon said he "wouldn't even consider except in an emergency") seems like a lot. In addition to the healing and rehab, which is extensive, you are not giving yourself a "leg to stand on" should something go wrong with one of the new knees.
As for a rehab facility, whether you have one or both knees done, a good one can be very helpful. PT is right there, staff is on hand to notice right away if something is wrong, and your day-to-day needs are taken care of so you can concentrate on healing. They also have an overhead grab bar available that is very helpful for repositioning yourself in bed - if you haven't had major ortho surgery, you might not believe how difficult that is in early days after surgery. My friend, who lives alone, had a hip replacement after a fall, and went to rehab, where they quickly recognized that her "slow start" on healing was due to low sodium and low hemoglobin. At home, she may have waited for days or weeks, thinking it was all part of the healing process.
On the other hand, if you are fortunate to have someone in your home who is a great caregiver and skilled observer, you might feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. If that is your plan, make sure to prearrange for everything before surgery - easy food, a bedside or over-bed table for necessities, a shower bench or chair, reachers, an ice device so you are not having to change ice packs constantly, no throw rugs...
Once again, I will ask, are you sure you need to do both at the same time?
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1 Reaction@lawanna85, I’ve had both my knees replaced, however I did them one year apart.
I cannot imagine doing both together. Recovery for one knee can be difficult, so for myself, I don’t know how I would have the strength to get through two at the same time.
It’s major surgery, I’m sure you know that. I wish you the best.
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2 ReactionsHi there Lawanna,
It certainly sounds like you should get your knees replaced. I don't suggest doing both at once. I had both knees replaced, separated by 4 months.
My brother did have bilateral replacement and he got through it, with a lot of assistance from his wife. Not something I would recommend, but there is precedent.
I wish you all the best!
Joe
Thanks for your reply and insight. Sounds like you know of what you speak! I contacted the Dr. office and told them I want to go to a Rehab facility after surgery. That's the only thing that feels comfortable at this point. I will know early next week if Medicare will pay for it. My daughter is an excellent care giver but her husband just had one knee replaced and she has her hands full. My husband finally admitted he is not comfortable being a caregiver. So if I can't go to a rehab facility afterward, I will probably cancel it. I really appreciate your comment.
Joe, thanks for chiming in! You are the only one who has agreed that I should get my knees replaced. That was a big decision since I am not in constant pain. Your brother is fortunate to have someone who is a good caregiver. I decided to ask to go to a Rehab facility. At my age, I feel like that makes sense and would be the best route. I will find out next week if it is possible and make a decision on how to proceed.
Hi Lawanna,
I agree that post-op care is best for you. The first two weeks or so are the hardest, and it's just safer if you have someone around. And it's safer for you to do the exercises post-op, which are very important. It includes walking with a walker, and you really need someone around for that. It will also help ensure a smooth and quicker recovery.
You said your knees are bone-on-bone, and that tells me a replacement is the best thing. By the time I got my first knee replaced, I couldn't sleep due to the pain.
It is good that your pain is not significant. Even so, my belief is that replacement is inevitable at this point.
I wish you the very best! I think you will be very happy with the results.
Joe