ELBOW REPLACEMENT - Suggestion, observations, recommendations.
Having my right elbow replaced 6/18/19. I am right handed. Have both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis & autoimmune. Thanks.
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@kramarpie I never even knew they did elbow replacements, but I just want to wish a good surgery and a good recovery. I hope all goes well. How long do you anticipate being inpatient?
JK
Thanks JK. I've had several joints fused and or replaced. Always looking for the quickest & easiest way to get back in action. Hoping for outpatient. If not, one night of inpatient. The real rest & recovery is always done at home.
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Debbra, Volunteer Mentor
@debbraw
@debbraw
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Hi @kramarpie – Welcome to Connect. Like JK, I never heard of elbow replacement but I've heard of "tennis elbow" lots of times. It makes perfect sense that if our hips and knees get replaced, our elbows might need that too. I've had two knee replacements and I attribute much of my smooth recovery to physical therapy. What kind of PT are they recommending for elbow replacement?
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Hi @kramarpie – Welcome to Connect. Like JK, I never heard of elbow replacement but I've heard of "tennis elbow" lots of times. It makes perfect sense that if our hips and knees get replaced, our elbows might need that too. I've had two knee replacements and I attribute much of my smooth recovery to physical therapy. What kind of PT are they recommending for elbow replacement?
Hi Debbra, elbow replacement is relatively new. They haven't mentioned a specific therapy yet. It's a wait & see. I will be active in every way I can. THANKS for your reply.
REPLY Debbra,
Getting back to you after my elbow replacement. Answering your question on what kind of PT. They have NO PROGRAM!!! I was sure they would but NOTHING. There advice: "carefully and slowly increase your range of motion". The hospital is Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, Ca. I have been happy with Kaiser for all my needs but I am at a loss, as to why NO PT PROGRAM for the ELBOW replacement.
John, Volunteer Mentor
@johnbishop
@johnbishop
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@kramarpie here is a YouTube video that may be helpful.
Top 3 Elbow Straightening Exercises & Stretches (Do It Yourself)
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Thank you John. Very good of you and very helpful. With true appreciation, Jim.
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Debbra, Volunteer Mentor
@debbraw
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Debbra,
Getting back to you after my elbow replacement. Answering your question on what kind of PT. They have NO PROGRAM!!! I was sure they would but NOTHING. There advice: "carefully and slowly increase your range of motion". The hospital is Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, Ca. I have been happy with Kaiser for all my needs but I am at a loss, as to why NO PT PROGRAM for the ELBOW replacement.
Hi Jim @kramarpie – Like you, I am baffled at no PT recommendation. I'm glad John @johnbishop gave you some ideas for exercise. Meantime, I'll share an experience I had with a TKR. I asked the orthopedic surgeon if he could prescribe "pre-hab" vs. rehab. He happily did it. I bet there are facilities out there that do PT for elbows. Could you ask your doctor to prescribe PT?
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Debbra, Kaiser has a PT department that I will be contacting along with my surgeon. Being careful, I will continue to expand the use of my right arm and will be contacting both to ask, "where's the beef"? Thanks very much for your concern.
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Debbra, Volunteer Mentor
@debbraw
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Debbra, Kaiser has a PT department that I will be contacting along with my surgeon. Being careful, I will continue to expand the use of my right arm and will be contacting both to ask, "where's the beef"? Thanks very much for your concern.
@kramarpie -I think you've got a good plan. Will you keep us posted?
Yes, I will keep you posted. Thanks
Debbra, met with my surgeon after a new x-ray. He is pleased with what was shown. Recommended
exercising the elbow/arm by bending it the way we do when we eat, comb our hair or scrub our teeth. We push it a little further with our left hand just slightly to avoid pain. Over time the elbow should be brought back to full use. There still is pain that requires Oxycodone and Tylenol but in reducing amounts. Eventually all this will pass. Thanks again for your interest, Jim
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@kramarpie -I think you've got a good plan. Will you keep us posted?
Debbra, I think I sent a reply to myself, when it should have gone to you. Double check it. "WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALL IT DOPE?!
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Debbra, Volunteer Mentor
@debbraw
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Hi Jim @kramarpie – I am so glad you let me know the results of your visit with the surgeon. And I am so glad he is pleased. His recommendation is interesting… pushing it a little further… I had a friend who had shoulder surgery – rotator cuff surgery(?) and she said it was awful to the point of not being able to blow dry her hair, put on certain clothing, etc. I'm admiring you for the progress you've made. PS: You made me laugh on the comment of Why do they call it dope! I'm pulling for you. Will you keep checking in to let me know how things are going?
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@contentandwell
@kramarpie I never even knew they did elbow replacements, but I just want to wish a good surgery and a good recovery. I hope all goes well. How long do you anticipate being inpatient?
JK