Jim's Gem

I have had a couple of friends get their done recently and every one of them have been really happy that they did it. Knees are doing great and though rough, recovery has gone well. One friend had hers done in Feb and is doing the other one in August.
I am currently in therapy for some knee surgery (not replacement) and I talk to people all the time who have just had it done and are there in therapy too. Almost everyone I have talked to is happy that they have taken the plunge!!!

beachlady

I had my right knee done 2 years ago. The first 2 weeks were very painful, but things started to improve after that. It does ache once in awhile, but that is just muscle ache - I think. Need to have the left knee done now - have to prepare myself. I know people that have had both knees done at the same time - I consider them heros!!! I think one reason they do not want perple jogging, skiing, etc is that the replacement parts will wear out sooner, but while I was in the hospital one of my nurses (with knee replacement)would run up and down the hall and I mean RUN. Just remember to do your exercises and PT. And don't forget to take the pain pills!!!!
Good luck! 27 is young, but for her not to be in pain will improve her life so much!

Ladymurphy

I do not limp. The only issue that I had after surgery is that I no longer had any arches. My legs had been bowed for so long than once they were straight and the total weight on all my foot my arches flattened out. I just have to make sure that the shoes I buy have at least some kind of arch support and I am finding that more and more shoes have them.

I do have sleep apnea but it was not an issue.

Someone else mentioned being black and blue over most of the leg - I did not have that at all. No bruising at all.

Ladymurphy

A rhematatologist usually works with a patient first to see if there is any other remedy before surgery.

Dix

I cannot tell you how wonderful total knee was for me. I had it done 7 years ago and never had a post op pain that was any worse than trying to live with the pain before. I would have the other done in a minute if need be. I had a great doctor who told me he expected me to do my part, because if I did not it would make both of us look bad and he does not like to look bad.. I did pre op excerises for 8 weeks and he said I had great muscle tissue for my age (69).
I went to my grandson's wedding in 7 weeks and wore heels most of the evening. I have been on missions trips all over the world since then and have forgotten it is not the knee I was born with. Good luck with your decision! Oh Yes, something else, my anestheologiest who is also a good friend is a strong believer in the "femoral block". By the time you will feel post op pain you are in therapy. The block lasted 48 hours! I am sure that is why I could get up the next morning and shower!

sunkistmi

I had been in pain with my knee for years before I had the first one replaced. My right knee was done in '03 and the left in '06. The first dr. kept saying I was "too young", I was 50 but could no longer walk on it without severe pain. I was using a walker. I ended up with a doc that specilizes in knee replacements here in MI (Rochester) and am so thankful. I had the surgery on Monday and was walking without crutches or any aides on Saturday. Less than two years later, it was bone on bone on the left knee and the same doc replaced that one. Again, I was walking w/o crutches within a week. I am able to do everything and more than I did before the surgery, including kneeling on them. I couldn't do that before the surgery. I have 115 degrees range of motion on both knees and am thankful every day for the doc that would do the surgery before I was 60. I was told that these knees will last for 20-25 years. I am of the opinion that I did better because I was younger and had not lost too much of the leg muscles prior to the replacements. On the left one, I did have PT prior to the surgery and had a machine after both surgeries that kept the knee moving when I was in it. Both times, I had at least 90 degrees of motion before I left the hospital. Just make sure the docs have done LOTS of knee replacements. All my best wishes and prayers go with you and your daughter. In my opinion, she will won't be sorry she had it done. It changed the quality of my life so much for the better. Good luck.
Wendy B

Sheila Elaine

Today is the first time I saw your post. I am 63 & last year when I was 62, I had bilateral total knee replacements (Stryker) for bone on bone degeneration & pain. My Orthopedic Surgeon told me the only thing I could not do was get down directly on my knees like when praying. I went to Rehab as I live alone & was doing OK until a day or two into a 2 wk program when I got H. pylorus bacteria infection in my stomach. I was miserable & couldn't go to Physical Therapy because of severe stomach pain, so after I spent 2 days going to the Emergency Room & ER dr finally figuring out it was the infection, I told them I just wanted to go home & I'd get better from there. Medicare paid for a Home Physical Therapist & Home Health Nurse & Bath Aide to come out to my house. I live alone & other than having problems lifting, which is mainly caused by arthritis all over my body & bone spurs on my spine, I am able to take care of myself on a day to day basis. My Son & his family get my groceries at the first of the month & come sometimes to help with chores like mopping with the H2O mop & cleaning higher objects, but other than that I do most of what I want to. I did have my own sewing/embroidery business in my apt, but am thinking about just making items to sell.

Please let us know what your daughter decides and how she's doing. Tell her good luck as the pain will only get worse most likely.

nativetexan

she's quite young for a replacement seeing they don't last forever. they are doing wonders now with injections and also taking cartilage out of your knee and growing it and replacing it. she might ask more questions before making a decision and get second opinions too.

quiltin chris

I had a total knee replacement done 1 year ago. I was 59 years old, very overweight, arthritis in many joints.
I got along super. Had never had major surgery before so was kind of scared. I did the therapy 3 times aweek for 6 weeks. My doctor was so pleased with my progress.
I do not ever regret having this done.

I am not one to run and jump so don't worry about that.

There are 2 different styles drs use for total knee replacements. A rotating platform for younger more active sports minded people. then a stationary platform for people like me who are older and not so active.
I wish the best for anyone having this surgery.
Chris

watterstide

I had my knee replacement. and everything went well. no issues at all..so happy i got it done and will have the other one done, first of the year,hopefully!

they told me for YEARS, i was to young..bull hockey. knees are made now to last a very long time. they are titanium and they make them just for women..(smaller size) i think the company that made mine is by stryker (sp?).