Knee Replacement - Getting Prepared

@fjkphx Is your surgeon an Orthpedic Dr? Ask him what the knee replacement is made of I think Titanium is the best but others might know more then me now You,'ll need therapy after it.They usually give it to you right after surgery is done.Others will have more information for you .,

Hello @fjkphx -- welcome to Mayo Connect. Thank you for starting this discussion. I'm also looking at a possible knee replacement but have not had my appointment yet to discuss the different options. I found a couple of Mayo Clinic videos that answered a lot of questions on knee replacements that you may be interested in.

Mayo Clinic's Approach to Knee Arthritis - Both Surgical ... - YouTube
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mk9GZ7-Dz8

The FAQs of Knee Replacement Surgery with Dr. Ortiguera - Mayo Clinic
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKLNfnKgjNI&index=16&list=PL3A5R5osulIQxfgSwCDqVuTtOJXnKnDT-

@fjkphx if you don't mind my asking, what is your biggest concern or question about having a knee replacement?

John

Thanks. I was not given any choices or options. The question was whether or not to do it. When the pain gets intolerable is the deciding factor, I guess. I asked surgeon if he would order home health rehab initially as I live alone and not sure I would be able to get to rehab immediately. He declined, stating that I needed to get up and out. I wonder about this response. I will look at the videos. Thanks again

I suggest discussing with your surgeon what he will be using for your knee. After the operation you can expect a lot of pain so pain killers will be needed. Make sure you also take stool softeners. You may also need some assistance at home as the pain and effects of the operation will make you very tired. You will not be able to drive for a while. I don't know your particular situation, but I think home health services should be available. The hospital where you have your procedure should have classes to prepare you for the operation. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

I had a partial knee replacement done in April then a knee manipulation done in beginning of June I still can not bend knee past 90 and can not without just dragging leg i do therapy 3 times a week and excersise at home all the time i need some suggestions please on how i can improve

Hi @fjkphx -- I'm kind of in the same boat except I'm in a hold pattern because I've not been able to get an appointment yet to schedule or to see if the knee replacement is the recommended option. From previous experience with my leg, foot when I had gout in the ankle and my knee was quite swollen, I did what you are saying -- I waited until I could not walk due to the pain and that was a big mistake for me. I went to an appointment with a rheumatologist at Mayo who diagnosed me with polymyalgia rheumatica but before the appointment with him, he had setup and appointment for the knee on the same morning. They used a syringe to take out a large amount of fluid and then gave me a steroid shot (I think) and to my disbelief I was able to walk out of his office, get a prescription filled for prednisone from the rheumatologist and walked with no pain to my afternoon appointment where I was diagnosed with PMR.

I do know from my PMR and a previous surgery back in the 70s on my bad knee that rehab is extremely important. Getting up and moving and building up your leg strength so that your knee will heal faster. Living alone does present a challenge but I'm sure there are ways to work around it. I would also check with the doctor or rehab facility to see if they offer anything that would help you out.

Best of luck...
John

For me, the deciding factor as to whether I would get my knee replaced was quality of life. I enjoy travel and found walking and standing was getting too difficult. I could not accept changing my lifestyle so I took a chance on getting the replacement. I now have two new knees and couldn't be happier, although the rehab was tough. Initially, just after the operations, I did not have the strength to leave the house but did get in-home PT and nursing service. I moved as much as I could. That was only for the first two weeks. After I went out for PT, which is better. I see nothing wrong with those Home Health Care visits during those first two weeks. I could not have done it any other way. Especially if you live alone, I think it is important.

@fgkphx First of all ,you do have a choice Yet a 2nd opinion your Orthopedic Dr.shouldn't great you that way.My Mother had 2replacements She had a therapist come to the home for weeks to help her ,this was back in the 89,s if Medici e has changed that much I pray I never have to see a surgeon.

Hello @kneeproblem -- have you talked with your doctor or physical therapist to see if they have any suggestions on how you can improve the knee? Are the therapy exercises you do focused on strengthening the leg and knee? Unfortunately we are patients like yourself and can only share our experiences on what has worked for us for treatments.

John

Is it a total or partial replacement? I just had a TKR in May. I waited until my knee was locking up constantly and when I went to see if I could get the Orthovisc shot, they said it was too late.I was bone on bone, Most people have at a month or more to prepare. I was scheduled 12 days later, For a total replacement, you will need someone with you for at least 10 days. I had to stay on the first floor because I could not go up and down the stairs, You will need someone to drive you to physical therapy, doctor's appointments, and anywhere else you need to go. I had my right knee replaced and still can't drive after 7 weeks. My memory was really fuzzy for the first 2 weeks. You will need help with meals at first. It also helps to have someone help keep track of when you took your meds. This is the most intense surgery I have ever had. I had expected to bounce right back and be on my way in 8 weeks. Try to stay positive and do your exercises at home. You will also have up days and down days. Sometimes my knee doesn't bother me much and then other days it yells at me. Make sure you have a good support system when you come home.