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Total Knee Replacement at 83 - What was your experience?
I was told few days ago that I need a total knee replacement. I can’t tolerate the top treatments which are Cortisone injections(I have bad reactions to it) znd NSAID’s (because of ly esoohagus and stomach issues my GI has told me not to take them to avoid bleeding). The next choice was a hyalorunic acid gel injection which didn’t work for me, my pain got worse and I developed swelling on my Right knee. too. Then my orthopedic doctor told me there was Radiation on the knee for patients with arthritis but that was an option I didn’t accept due to the fact that I have already had radiation for my prostate and that almost killed me, in addition that if radiation is used no one can do any surgeries on the knee. I have to wait 3 months before surgery is performed to avoid infection. Has anyone gone through this surgery. It will be my first. I am 83 yrs old. Thank you.
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Hi there. I have had a total knee replacement. It went very well. It was not a breeze but advanced research and prep helped. Here is what I learned:
1. Do your research on surgeons. You want someone who has done MANY. Get referrals from friends, neighbors and anyone who has had this done by the surgeons whom you are vetting. Check them out with online research
2. Make sure you ask what method she/he is using. How long they've used that method. Robotic assisted, sub vastus, etc. what is their infection rate.
3. Post surgery contacts for questions and concerns.
4. Strengthen your legs prior to surgery. It will do wonders for your recovery.
5. Make sure you clearly understand what steps you will need to take post surgery.
6. You will need help for awhile during your recovery.
7. One of the primary things I was told concerning post surgery pain is "Don't chase the pain." In other words, make sure you understand what pain meds will be prescribed and follow the plan for taking them.
8. You will need to ice your knee. Some people rent ice machines. Maybe someone will share their info about that.
9. Survey your home for tripping hazards. You don't want to go through surgery only to fall and disrupt the new knee.
Good luck!
I'm sure others will weigh in on other helpful tips.
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2 ReactionsVery helpful. Thanks so much. Stay healthy and well.
@gravity3
Good advice. Here is my version of it:
I came out of a TKR with no meaningful pain. I break up the credit this way: 5% for me for my detailed research on types of knee replacement and surgeons; 5% for mother nature (luck) and 90% for my incredible surgeon.
No matter how good the surgeon, that 5% for luck can creep in with bad luck. But finding a great surgeon using the best methods can maximize one's chance of a successful and pain free or pain minimized procedure.
I had a rare bicruciate retaining implant ("BCR"). Probably somewhere north of 95% of knee replacement surgeries involve cutting and removing the ACL. A BCR retains and protects the ACL but it is much more complex surgery. A BCR can only be done if the surgeon can determine once the knee is open that the ACL is sufficiently strong.
Athletes tend to prefer BCRs as they give a more natural feeling. But I wouldn't do one unless my surgeon was very experienced doing them (mine is) as the surgery is more complex.
If you can find a surgeon who does a subvastus or mini midvastus method, does not use a tourniquet, and does a Functional Alignment (or at least a kinematic or inverse kinematic alignment) and has done these a lot, you have given yourself the best chance of success.
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1 Reaction@steveinarizona
I forgot to add. I am 80.
These are all good tips, I am a 75 year old female and just had TKR 3 weeks ago. I too cannot take NSAIDs or anti-inflammatories. The only problem was (no way of getting around this graphic) constipation. This was the worst part of the surgical experience. Make sure you are taking meds for that to prevent that condition. Overall, the experience wasn't as bad as I feared.
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1 ReactionI had the knee replacement at 87. I chose to have light anesthesia as they do a knee block. All went well and the knee feels great at 11 months. Good luck.
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6 Reactions@lindielulu First of all I wish you recover quickly and well. I have a question. Did you use a recliner after your surgery at home or a simple firm chair with good armrests? The reason I am asking is that I have been reading that recliners are not recommended after TKR. Are you sleeping with a wedge pillow to lift your leg during the night? I have so many questions. Thanks for your advanced advice. Stay well.
@naiviv I'm so sorry for the late response, I missed your post somehow. I did not use a recliner, I can't sleep on my back so I was determined to sleep in my bed on my side. PT said the most important thing was to sleep. I didn't elevate at night either unless I was awake. I would ice quite a bit and had someone that stayed with me for 2 weeks but it was mostly just in case I fell, which I thankfully didn't. I didn't eat well, lost 12 lbs but my bend came pretty quickly (135) the extension I am still working on though. I am pretty close to 0 but not there yet. Overall, it's great to walk and live normally again
@lynnn
I was not afraid of the knee surgery but I was afraid of general anesthesia. I had an epidural with a nerve block and propanol to make me sleep but NO gases and no intubation.
@gravity3
In your surgeon research also find out what his/her infection rate is.
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