Very, very scared to have knee surgery and hip surgery

hmmm, I'll add that to my list of questions about the availability of different parts in the surgery room.

I got one report from the last orthopedic surgeon I saw. he has an excellent reputation around here, but (1) the office has a "new system" now and so couldn't retrieve my xray records from 3 years ago -- they said it would take a few weeks for them to get it from the company. She gave me the most recent report from the visit I had about 3 weeks ago. Included an analysis of the x-ray, which was interesting, and I will bring it to the next surgeon. But the interview I had with him was about my hip, not the knee, which was x-rayed like 3 years ago. The report said that I had a long visit with him. Astounding. It was not a long visit. Amazing. Maybe anything over 8 minutes is a long visit? However, another surgeon that I didn't like (also a good reputation) took a knee x-ray a few months ago and I intend to get that as well. Today I wore a capsaicin patch and I feel much better, still hurts but nothing like before, but I intend to see another doctor, hopefully we can 'talk.'

By the way, would the next surgeon prefer to see the x-ray on the disc, or would he be ok with the written analysis of the x-ray?

I was terrified when I was told I needed a reverse total shoulder replacement in 2019 after years of extreme pain and a failed shoulder surgery. I feel it failed in a large part to poor physical therapy. My military surgeon explained everything asked what questions we (husband and I) had then said he leave us to talk then came back to us. As an RN myself I knew if I wanted to have some kind of a life I needed to do it, but I was a wreck. He told me to find a physical therapy place I would like to go to and let him know. I started calling physical therapy places in area then went to visit them. I was very impressed by one I found essentially because I would have the same therapist for each visit. My surgeon said shoulder is most difficult to get through,
Knee replacement was second and hip was the easiest to recover from. So went thru surgery got the replacement it was difficult but between help from family, the surgeon and therapist I have a life again. It took me 1 yr and half to get there but it’s worth it. It takes a lifetime of commitment to exercise regimen. I go back to my therapist if I overdue shoulder and get dry needled which helps a lot. So 2 years post op visit to me surgeon I explained issues with knee, had completely torn meniscus years ago but had fallen causing issues so just had a knee replacement surgery 2 months ago with my same surgeon and therapist. Am not finished with therapy yet but I know with hard work I will get there. Great surgeon and therapist are so important as well as a commitment to exercise regimen for a lifetime. My surgeon for my knee used Rosa the robot to do my knee and I was able to watch a surgery using that robot on utube. Anywhere you get X-rays or mris you should be able to get copies of X-rays and radiology reports. Hospitals sometimes charge a small fee as they have in my experience put them on a computer disk. Good luck to you

The surgeon will want to see the actual image, but don't be surprised if he/she wants to take their own current films.
Most want to be sure they are looking at exact/current condition before making recommendations.
Sue

Thank you for your detailed and positive report. You are showing us how to be our own best advocate when it comes to medical care. After all, who cares more about the results than the patient? And a good ortho/PT team is priceless in getting the best care.

Also, thanks for reminding us that even months/years later, sometimes we need a "tune up" to keep running our best.
Sue

I had same situation. Once hip or knee is injured your gait becomes altered. I didn't even realize I was limping until family and friends pointed it out. I really wanted to do my knee first but dr wanted to do my hip. Physical therapy is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for recovery. You have to stay with it as hard as it may seem on some days, to make full recovery. It is worth it!

See, really? Makes sense. I never thought of legs up the wall so it goes to the abdomen. Great tip, thanks for sharing.

Ok. I can't figure why my hip started bothering me so much after all these years. It was my right knee that had surgery, removed cartelage (?) so many years ago. In fact, I was able to use my right knee more than my left knee stepping up curbs, etc. But suddenly about 3 years ago my right hip muscles(?), nerves (?) began aching aching badly. And now I really cannot walk well. At all. Which leaves open the question, what is hurting by the hip? And which should be done first, the hip or the knee? And as far as rehab goes, which is better to do first? Yes, I see doctor in a couple of days and will ask. If I don't get answers that satisfy me I'm going somewhere else for the surgery even if he's the greatest surgeon around here. I think.

I am not a doctor but I believe it is easier to rehab after hip replacement than knee. And if it has more pain than the knee will you be able to do knee rehab before the hip is fixed?

Also when my bad hip implant was replaced with a new one ten years ago,, the knee actually hurt worse than the hip. After surgery when I was able to walk normally the knee felt better. But this year the arthritis there is yelling louder each week so pretty soon I might be replacing yet another worn out joint.

Keep asking questions. The more you learn the better your outcome will be.