Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
I am having knee replacement surgery. Any advice from others? >

I am having knee replacement surgery. Any advice from others?

I am having knee replacement surgery. Any advice from others?

Old 01-15-2012, 10:09 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
sculpyfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Arlington,Tx
Posts: 361
Default

I had my right knee replaced almost 2 years ago. I wanted both of them done at the same but luckily my
Dr. opted not to . Boy was I glad he didn't. I am needing the next one done and will soon. Like everyone says
do the therapy!! Take your pain meds when you need them. Not to scare you but this was the 2nd hardest
thing I have ever done!( Hardest was walking 3 months on a broken foot). But it was so worth it!!
To be able to walk without pain in that leg is wonderful. Good luck.
sculpyfan is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 10:17 AM
  #12  
Super Member
 
athomenow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Pataskala, OH
Posts: 1,452
Default

The Dr. wouldn't do both of DH's knees at once but he had them done within a yr of each other. Did great with one and not so good on the other. Bad one first and then changed Dr. Do all of the rehab and every exercise they give you. Walk as much as possible and I'm sure it will be fine. They have come so far with all of this. He's in such better shape now and you'll be grateful you did it.
athomenow is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 12:11 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
TexasSunshine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kilgore Tx
Posts: 1,883
Default

I agree with all the previous posts, I had right knee done 2 1/2 years ago and it is like new. No problems but the most important thing is to do the therapy. I still do some of my exercises because now my hips are bothering me from severe arthiritis in my spine and one hip is out of alignment. Don't know how that happened, I have not had a accident or fall.
TexasSunshine is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 02:32 PM
  #14  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,185
Default

I had my hip replaced in 2007 but the "class" the dr. held also included knee replacement patients. We had to get a clean bill of health from our primary physicians and any specialists we saw. We also had to go to the dentist and make sure everything was good there. He recommended I shower with an antibacterial soap for two weeks before the procedure. That said, I was out of the hospital and "walking" with a walker about 48 hours after the surgery. I had some discomfort and am allergic to most pain meds, but tylenol worked. It was a life changing surgery. Be sure and do everything they tell you before and after the surgery. Even if it is uncomfortable and even if you don't feel like it. Good luck and keep us posted.
Stitchnripper is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:40 PM
  #15  
Super Member
 
GingerK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,503
Default

DH had a knee replacement done 6 years ago. It was totally life altering since the bad knee was affecting his balance, his walking, everything. As has already been stated--take the pain meds and be absolutely dedicated to your exercises. Do not sluff off just because it hurts. The payback will be enormous. As to dental, DH still needs to take antibiotics before any major dentistry. Don't know how long that goes on or if our Dr. is just super careful. Good luck! I'll be thinking strong positive good operation thoughts in your direction!
GingerK is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 05:36 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
jeank's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Lapeer, Michigan
Posts: 739
Default

Anyone that has had any type of hip or knee or shouler replacement MUST always take an antibodic one hour before any dental work, even cleanings.

Any germs that get into your bloodstream will go right to the part. This can be prescribed by the dentist or your regular doctor. Many places like walmart or meijers give this medication free.
jeank is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 05:49 PM
  #17  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,185
Default

Originally Posted by jeank View Post
Anyone that has had any type of hip or knee or shouler replacement MUST always take an antibodic one hour before any dental work, even cleanings.

Any germs that get into your bloodstream will go right to the part. This can be prescribed by the dentist or your regular doctor. Many places like walmart or meijers give this medication free.
this used to be true, and I used to take the antibiotics. then there were new guidelines posted by the various medical associations and both my dentist and cardiologist said they weren't necessary any more except for certain conditions. I've had numerous dental procedures done since my hip replacement without antibiotics and have no problems. As always, check with your doctor for your own conditions.
Stitchnripper is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 06:06 PM
  #18  
Junior Member
 
grandma nurse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Syracuse, Kansas
Posts: 133
Default

Some doctors or dentist might say that it isn't necessary to take anitbiotics prior to dental procedures, but I will always to it. As I developed a staph infection in one of my knee replacements after a dental procecure. I am a believer in pre anitbiotic. I went through the removal with the cement/anitbiotice spacers for 3 months with IV antibiotic for 7 weeks and oral antibiotic for 6 months. At 3 months I had a new replacement put in.
One thing I would ask for at home if it is at all possible is a taller toliet. An ADA toliet makes a BIG difference if you are over 5' 5". I have had a total of 5 knee surgeries, 4 on the same knee and 1 on the other. After 2 surgeries I told my family I wouldn't come home until a taller toliet was installed. Makes a big difference.
grandma nurse is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 06:18 PM
  #19  
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 74
Default

Since I needed both replaced equally as much, I had both done at the same time. It's been six wonderful years ago. My advice: Choose your doctor carefully. This is so important for a good outcome. Do your rehab faithfully, even when you don't feel like it or it hurts terribly--this is essential. The advice about dental health is important, too. Don't become a couch potato. Do what you can, when you can, and push yourself a little but not to excess. I had the traditional surgery done. Now many are choosing the side incision, which has even faster recovery. Only other thing I can think of is sleep positions afterward. For the first few weeks it's hard to sleep on your side (at least, it was for me. Maybe not if you just get one done). Good luck. It will really improve your quality of life and you will be so glad you chose to go for it.
heronlady is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 06:24 PM
  #20  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
Default

Amen to the taller toilet! We had a 6 1/2" taller toilet installed in one bath, it cost more than we liked. In the other bath we had a false floor added under the toilet ending at the front of the toilet. It made the toilet 7 inches high for much less money. Everyone, even our 9 yr old GD likes the taller toilets.

Last edited by TanyaL; 01-15-2012 at 06:27 PM.
TanyaL is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mbrwfy
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
25
01-26-2011 07:02 PM
Cat18
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
56
11-05-2010 05:59 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter