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Delaying TKR

Posted by dna41 @dna41, Aug 11 12:52pm

I have two bad knees and am scheduled for TKR on one of them in September. I have read so many posts about how difficult this surgery is and how painful. I am terrified of doing it. I previously had shots in my knee but stopped because the actual shot itself (to me) was excruciating painful. I can't do that again without more or different anesthetic to my knee. Does anyone know if there is an alternate pain eliminating way to have a gel shot? I'm thinking if there is, maybe I can just continue having the shots rather than the surgery. Any thoughts or suggestions on this?

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 21 3:16pm
In reply to @loriesco "I would not use an "outpatient" facility because I live alone. I used the hospital and..." + (show)
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I would not use an "outpatient" facility because I live alone. I used the hospital and got an extra day or two which made all the difference. I hired a stranger (a friend of a friend) who helped me for the first 2 - 3 weeks I was at home. I've had 5 major joint replacement surgeries. After she left, I had prescheduled some neighbors, extended cousins to come for the next month for some visits, meals and getting around. It made all the difference. By 6-8 weeks out I was ready to fully be on my own. it timed out with my driving clearances as well. Good luck!

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Thanks for your comments. Did the person who helped you for the first 2-3 weeks stay overnight in your home?

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loriesco | @loriesco | Aug 21 4:22pm
In reply to @dna41 "Thanks for your comments. Did the person who helped you for the first 2-3 weeks stay..." + (show)
Profile picture for dna41 @dna41

Thanks for your comments. Did the person who helped you for the first 2-3 weeks stay overnight in your home?

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Abdolutely! I needed pain meds, restroom visits and have a little dog who needs to go out once in awhile.

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judycat | @judycat | Aug 27 2:11pm

I had a tradition knee replacement almost 11 yrs. ago. Although it was very painful...I did the PT... no matter how much it hurt & followed instructions I had a great outcome....It was not easy & the hardest thing that I have ever gone thru. I cannot take opiates because they make me so sick &they don't really help. Recovery was very painful & I cried a lot!
I was 76 & decided have the Nano Knee replacement by Dr. Thomas Ferro.
What a difference! I had very little pain...except for a couple of weeks at night. I could walk the first day without a walker & I had a great recovery. Medicare will pay if you have a PPO. Howerer, you do have to pay for the special scan & exrays of your knee required for Nano Knee $8,500. If you can afford to do so....I highly recommend the Nano Knee. Just give up a trip or remodeling & save yourself a lot of unnecessary pain & suffering.
Not a piece of cake...but so much better than all of the horror stories that I read about TNR.

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 27 3:20pm
In reply to @judycat "I had a tradition knee replacement almost 11 yrs. ago. Although it was very painful...I did..." + (show)
Profile picture for judycat @judycat

I had a tradition knee replacement almost 11 yrs. ago. Although it was very painful...I did the PT... no matter how much it hurt & followed instructions I had a great outcome....It was not easy & the hardest thing that I have ever gone thru. I cannot take opiates because they make me so sick &they don't really help. Recovery was very painful & I cried a lot!
I was 76 & decided have the Nano Knee replacement by Dr. Thomas Ferro.
What a difference! I had very little pain...except for a couple of weeks at night. I could walk the first day without a walker & I had a great recovery. Medicare will pay if you have a PPO. Howerer, you do have to pay for the special scan & exrays of your knee required for Nano Knee $8,500. If you can afford to do so....I highly recommend the Nano Knee. Just give up a trip or remodeling & save yourself a lot of unnecessary pain & suffering.
Not a piece of cake...but so much better than all of the horror stories that I read about TNR.

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Thank you. That is really interesting. $8,500 sounds like a lot for scans and x-rays. Wonder why it is so much more expensive.

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judycat | @judycat | Aug 27 4:38pm
In reply to @dna41 "Thank you. That is really interesting. $8,500 sounds like a lot for scans and x-rays. Wonder..." + (show)
Profile picture for dna41 @dna41

Thank you. That is really interesting. $8,500 sounds like a lot for scans and x-rays. Wonder why it is so much more expensive.

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They use a special machine at an imaging facility and the knee replacement will fit your body precisely. It is not a one-size-fits-all replacement like the traditional knee replacements are. Because it is custom made just for you, you have less pain, less physical therapy needed, less time to heal & less invasive. If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Nano Knee to avoid so much pain and suffering. Exactly 2 months after my Nano Knee replacement. I went to Europe and climbed hundreds of stone steps, walked every day 4 to 6 miles. And was very active nonstop for 21 days plus the two 16 hr hour flights. I did very well.
This would’ve been almost impossible with a traditional knee replacement!

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 27 5:52pm

That is amazing! Good for you. I'll have to start playing the lottery!

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cat168 | @cat168 | Aug 29 2:28pm

I’ve had 2 TKRs. I received good pain management from my surgeon and I did all the PT. I really don’t remember any real pain. I elevated and iced and I didn’t “push” it. I have better stability and range of motion now than before either surgery, but I did all the PT. I think that really helped me heal well.
I’m even getting to be able to kneel now (it’s been a couple of years).

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