Very, very scared to have knee surgery and hip surgery

I'm not sure if I mentioned that the next-to-the-last surgeon I saw threw me out of his office (not literally but definitely told me to find someone else) because I asked him if his eye was ok because it was bloodshot. He got upset with that question and told me to leave because he said I was insinuating that he wouldn't do a good job. Oh, well. I'm glad I found another surgeon. 🙂 I was so scared anyway, the surgeon that did the job made me feel confident even though he didn't spend much time with me. I think by that time I was played out and anyway his reputation on healthgrades was wonderfully high.

Both my knees are bad but opted to do the right one as it had lots of arthritis in it. Left is bone on bone but doesn't give me much of a problem. 3 months out I am doing good Still have the stiffness and tight band feeling, good days and bad but you have to keep doing the exercises. I was driving 3 weeks out (right knee) and walking 4-6000 steps a day in addition to PT 3x a week. I pushed myself probably further than I needed. Make sure you have a good surgeon as that is first and foremost. Also one who will take the time and answer any questions you may have. I asked lots of questions in PT and they were very knowledgeable as well. Would I do it again...yes. However I am in no hurry at all to do the left

I just had a steroid injection in my right hip joint which has given me some relief from pain from osteoarthritis and a bone spur. I am scheduled to see a surgeon in a few weeks who performs an anterior replacement which eliminates the cutting of muscles and tendons which significantly lengthens the healing process. I suggest you find one who uses that technique.

The surgeon I found was good, he did an anterior cut but I am having trouble with pain and movement almost 4 months out of surgery. Since the muscles were moved, the PT assigned to that office told me the pain is because the muscles were moved. Could take up to a year. I'm getting better little by little. Lots to go.

I had my right hip replaced 3 months ago. Posterior. I too was terrified. After being diligent with PT, walking in pool, I’m back golfing, walking etc. sometimes I forget I’ve had it replaced. Find a really good surgeon and PT, do the exercises, you’ll be fine.

I'm glad things are better Cindi. You were right to find a surgeon who will answer ALL your questions. They are the most confident in themselves and are the best, IMO.

How are you? Merry Christmas!

Joe

Cindi - I notice you said you were having trouble getting in and out of the pool to do water therapy.
If there is a hand rail on the stairs, grab a cane & use it, along with the handrail to get in and out of the pool. If there is no rail, I bet you can find a handy person to build you a simple walker out of PVC pipe to do the job.
If your pool was built or modified in the past 10-15 years, it should have a lift or ramp that makes it accessible, but...
Sue

@cindiwass I know your fears are real and so are mine. I was in so much pain with my first hip replacement that I was completely bed ridden. Two steps to the potty chair was excruciating. A shower or bath was for the most part out of the question. But when I did I cried the whole time. If I found a spot I could get comfortable in the bed I wouldn’t move an inch for fear of the pain. It was horrid! I finally was able to
Get insurance and I basicly called a surgeon saw him once and jumped up On the table. Recovery was lengthy for me as I got an infection. But I have to do it again now but can’t seem to quit smoking. I didn’t realize how despondent you become on nicotine. Plus I’m scared to death to do it all over again. Although I will cause I want to walk again and it’s becoming more and more painful. Not to mention how draining it is on my partner. I’ve been dealing with this since 2019. So all that said . Prepare for your surgery. I’ll be doing the same soon too. If you don’t have a good diet then get some endure or boost and drink the week prior. You want your body healthy as much as possible. Vitamins and supplements aren’t such a bad idea either. The healthier you are the easier and quicker you’ll recover. No smoking a month prior. No dental work. No pets on the bed. Wash everything on the bed or recliner where ever you
Post up. A week or at least three days prior back yourself down a little
Bit off your pain meds. I don’t know about where you are but here they don’t give anything except for tramadol or Tylenol or gabapentin. Reason your backing down is so your body won’t be so used to all the
Pain meds and when you have surgery and need the pain meds they will be more effective. I’ll pray they give you something a little stronger.

Well that’s all I can think of for now. You can do this! If I can anyone can. I’ll say a special pray for you as well. Good luck and keep us posted.

@cindiwass in reference to my long post earlier. By no means am I trying to tell you what or how to do your illness or injury or recovery. I’m just stating what I feel to be the obvious route as for anyone myself included to take in this particular
Situation. I hope I didn’t overstep or Offend you in any way. I am just here looking for knowledge and trying to
Help from my personal experiences. Praying for you and good luck. I’m here if you need or want to talk.

That's a good point. In a TKR, the quad muscle is cut slightly to move the patella to the side. That's gonna stretch some ligaments, certainly the patellar tendon, and it all takes time to heal. That's why total recovery is usually quoted as one year.

Now people should feel much better within two weeks of a knee or hip replacement. But total healing just takes time. Exercise in invaluable.