~ heading for another one? ~

Hi Abby @amberpep - I'm kind of in your same situation. I had my RTKR in 2017. Thankfully, all went well. But now I need a left TKR - scheduled for the end of January. When you say your left knee is acting up, can you tell more? Pain? Giving way on you? Also, sounds like your doctor is in Maryland but you are south of there. Is it going to be a logistical challenge to get there? Wishing you the best!

@amberpep That's great that your RTKR is doing so well. I can understand wanting to go to the same doctor since you have confidence in him. I would do the same unless the distance was extremely far. Do you know what kind of knee you have? I have had two TKRs. I am not sure what the first one is but the one I had done last year is a Conformis and I am extremely happy with it.
When I do a lot of walking the right knee does hurt a bit, but not bad. The left one never hurts. That doctor has an amazing reputation which is why I chose him, and I am glad I did.

@debbraw I hope things go well for you at the end of the month. Since your first TKR was successful I assume you will go to the same doctor. I hope it goes well for you, and that you get all you are hope for from the surgery. A good doctor and good PT is the key I believe.
JK

Hi there .... thank so much for responding. I'm not sure what kind if implement he has in my right knee, but it is written on the card I have stating I've had a knee repalcement ..... in case I ever have to go through a magnetizer ... i.e. airports. Whatever he used, it's working, and I'm so glad.
abby

Hi Debbra .... By my left knee acting up, I mean when I get up in the AM ... OUCH. If the weather is bad .... BIG OUCH! And yes, there are times it gives out and I fall (not good). Yes, I live in Staunton, VA now and my doctor is in MD (3 hrs. away), but somehow I think it's worth it ....
for his skill, the wonderful rehab facility I was in, and just comfort level for me. It's familiarity with their system. I don't think one of my daughters would mind taking me and picking me up to come home. They wouldn't need to come back for 2 weeks, so that's not too bad .... maybe I'm assuming a lot since I haven't asked them ..... just from previous experience with them.
abby

Hi there.....I am another TKR gal. My friends held an intervention because my obvious pain was worrying them and also ruining our daily walks. And they were great participants in my recovery. Someone showed up every morning to take me to the grocery store where I walked the aisles. Saw lots of things I didn’t know existed. I only make guest appearances at markets. I am not a cook at all. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that the card no longer gets you through security. They were being forged. So, just let the TSA agent know you want to go through the big picture machine. It is harmless. They then ask a female colleague to come and wand anything that shows up in orange on the screen. Easy. No hassle. Happy New Year!

So, the card doesn't help me escape "that" machine???? Ye Gads. Well, guess it doesn't matter because I'm one of those strange people who has never flown and don't intend to. I know .... I hear you screaming ..... just call me "chicken."
abby

@amberpep I was given a card also but no one has ever asked for it, my knees must not be magnetic or something. Oddly though, every time I go through airport security something shows up on my shoulders and chest and my upper thighs! I get pulled over and patted down every time and did also when we went on the ferry to Ellis Island in the fall. It's a nuisance.
JK

Hi @contentandwell - yes, I'll be using the same doctor. I go to Mayo Jacksonville and Dr. Ortiguera did my first surgery and will do this one, too. He's fabulous. And isn't that half the battle - when you have complete trust in your doctor!? As you say... a good doctor and good PT. That's the key! Which is a good segue into what I was going to reply to @amberpep. Abby, I totally understand your wish to stay with the doctor and facility you trust and feel good about. Heck, I would drive 3 hours to get to my surgeon for sure! BTW: I lived in Northern VA (Springfield & Burke) for almost 20 years. Great memories.

And Chris @artscaping - you made me laugh doing your "guest appearance" in the grocery store! But I like your idea of walking there! I may give that a try - especially on some of the rainy days when I still want to get my walk in!

@debbraw Debbra, my daughter went to college in northern VA, Mary Washington, and I really liked it down there. If she had stayed there I could envision retiring there. It's as far south as I would want to go. She did stay in the area for a while, actually in DC, but is now in NYC.
JK