Double Knee Replacement

Has he had major surgery before? Do you expect him to be a cooperative patient? Has anyone showed him the PT protocol for pre-hab and rehab? How will he respond emotionally if things do not go according to plan?

I suggest that you and he have a frank talk with the orthopedic surgeon, their PA, or better yet, a PT about what to expect. You be present to ask your questions, since you will be the one caring for him AND taking the fallout, unless he is planning to go to a rehab facility for the duration of his convalescence.

All very good points! No he has not had major surgery, no he will not go to rehab, no he has not done PT. I have expressed all this to his doctor, to my husband. My daughter has tried talking to him about his recovery. He did watch his grandmother with a similar mindset struggle through her surgery. On the flip side, I was very fit, did a ton of PT leading up to hip replacements and a lot of walking. I “flew through”. Never had to use a walker/cane. Was driving in 3 days….that will not happen with him. My surgery protocol required attendance/participation in pre-op classes. He is talking to ortho at a smaller institution and I dont think they require that, unfortunately. I was hoping surgeon would require a patient agreement for PT…otherwise, I am certain, he wont participate.

Ouch, how do you plan to handle this? Will you be his primary caregiver, and are you ready for it? Can you recruit someone else to talk to him - primary, friend, sibling? Finally, if he is still employed, what is going to happen if he won't rehab, has complications, and cannot return to work?
You need to talk frankly to him, with the help of a counselor if necessary, about how the approach to his surgery and recovery is his choice, but it will affect both of you, including possibly your finances and retirement plans.

I just watched a neighbor spend over five years caring for a non-compliant partner, giving up her peak earning years. Now she is worrying about how to mange her own retirement with reduced retirement income and assts.

Thank you all for the information too.My husband needs both knees replaced and he has no experience with any type of replacement surgery or surgery. He thinks he will have surgery and be ready to roll at 6 weeks. I have had both hips done, 2 yrs apart and know he is not being realistic and anticipate he will have a hard time. He is 61.
It is great that you are self aware and realistic in your expectations of the help needed and what your post op course may look like..which allows you to get the help you need up front.
Wishing you a steady recovery

@lawanna85 Welcome to Mayo Connect, where we support one another through the ups and downs of our health journeys. As the recipient of two total hip replacements in my early 50's and 3 revisions at age 60, I am wondering why you have chosen to have both knees replaced at the same time. These are major operations, and rehab takes a good bit of time. doing both at once (which my hip surgeon said he "wouldn't even consider except in an emergency") seems like a lot. In addition to the healing and rehab, which is extensive, you are not giving yourself a "leg to stand on" should something go wrong with one of the new knees.

As for a rehab facility, whether you have one or both knees done, a good one can be very helpful. PT is right there, staff is on hand to notice right away if something is wrong, and your day-to-day needs are taken care of so you can concentrate on healing. They also have an overhead grab bar available that is very helpful for repositioning yourself in bed - if you haven't had major ortho surgery, you might not believe how difficult that is in early days after surgery. My friend, who lives alone, had a hip replacement after a fall, and went to rehab, where they quickly recognized that her "slow start" on healing was due to low sodium and low hemoglobin. At home, she may have waited for days or weeks, thinking it was all part of the healing process.

On the other hand, if you are fortunate to have someone in your home who is a great caregiver and skilled observer, you might feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. If that is your plan, make sure to prearrange for everything before surgery - easy food, a bedside or over-bed table for necessities, a shower bench or chair, reachers, an ice device so you are not having to change ice packs constantly, no throw rugs...

Once again, I will ask, are you sure you need to do both at the same time?

Agree. I have had both knees replaced twice and both hips replaced. Although I am fine now, I did have some complications, I recommend one surgery scheduled at minimum 6 months apart, even one year is much better. Give yourself some healing time after each surgery, you just never know what may occur. Knee replacement recovery requires patience, especially in the first few months. If you ignore this you will pay later. Whatever your decision, you will require assistance the first few weeks. I recommend preparing meals in advance, wear good fitting shoes (slip ons if possible) and avoid twisting, fast turn movements when standing/walking. Best wishes.

I had knee surgery on my left knee twice in 2 weeks for septic arthritis i got in the hospital after having a colonoscopy. It has been a horrible experience. I coukdnt even get on an off the toilet and had full use of my right leg. It's been 9 months and I have permanent damage from the destruction the staff infection that turned septic did. I am not a candidate for kbee replacement because im susceptible to infections now. Please avoid any unnecessary surgeries.