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Post by mariel on Mar 16, 2017 13:56:35 GMT
I would love to hear any experiences on knee replacements. If you have had a knee replacement would love to hear about the recovery process and anything you would like to add....thanks in advance. Marie
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Post by ksbruns on Mar 16, 2017 14:12:24 GMT
I'll be interested to read replies as well!, although I am feeling like my gel injections are benefitting me.
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Post by linda72 on Mar 16, 2017 14:34:10 GMT
I have not faced this yet but my friends that have been the most successful did PT prior to the surgery to get stronger. They also followed all instructions afterwards to get moving quickly and to do all the PT that's available. Good luck, Marie. Most of my friends are thrilled with the results but you have to be patient and not expect things to improve over night. Is this for you or DH?
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Post by mariel on Mar 16, 2017 16:03:36 GMT
Thanks...Linda, it is for me. For years now I have been told I really don't need it but others have told me they heard the same thing and then all of a sudden their life style changed because of the pain. That has happened to me. I see the handwriting on the wall. I have had a personal trainer for l.5 years now and she is amazing. We have already switched over the exercises that will benefit me after the surgery. Of course, I would rather not but know that it is time. Probably this summer after our 2 graduations in the family. Marie
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Post by DebDoesWW on Mar 16, 2017 16:06:11 GMT
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ladymajky
Transcendent Member
220/169/150
Posts: 868
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Post by ladymajky on Mar 16, 2017 18:04:23 GMT
One of my friends from my WW meeting just had her second knee replaced. (The first one was about 5 months ago.) She is trying to get up to speed before planned summer travels. Her words of advice were to follow ALL the recommendations from the physical therapist religiously! Including the recommendations about taking the pains meds. Her PT comes to the house and works with her on what she needs to navigate in her own environment. Yesterday, two weeks after surgery, her knee was swollen and puffy and she was up 10 lbs from water retention, but she was able to walk with a cane and come to the meeting. She is doing very well, and the doctor and PT are proud of her.
Since you have been working with a personal trainer, you know that exercise is effective. You will do well!
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Post by ksbruns on Mar 16, 2017 23:38:11 GMT
Good luck mariel...I have also heard that things can go south quickly. I just had the series of knee injections in January and seem to be doing better, so I'm hopeful to postpone for another year. My surgeon told me the best thing I could do for myself was to keep my weight off and to exercise...so that's what I do. I think it's really tricky to know *when*. That is awesome about your friend, Carol ladymajky.
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Post by Lurker on Mar 17, 2017 0:11:05 GMT
I had both knees replaced 2 months apart about 5 years ago. Before replacement, I had all the injections - cortizone, synvisc, etc. My doctor told me I would know when it was time. He was right! After both surgeries, a pt came to the house for therapy for 2 weeks. Then I went several times a week for more therapy for several weeks. I am a WW leader and missed less than 10 days work both times. Best thing I ever did.
Now, I never think about my knees unless someone asks how my knees are and I have to stop and think why they are asking..
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Post by ksbruns on Mar 17, 2017 1:44:39 GMT
I had both knees replaced 2 months apart about 5 years ago. Before replacement, I had all the injections - cortizone, synvisc, etc. My doctor told me I would know when it was time. He was right! After both surgeries, a pt came to the house for therapy for 2 weeks. Then I went several times a week for more therapy for several weeks. I am a WW leader and missed less than 10 days work both times. Best thing I ever did. Now, I never think about my knees unless someone asks how my knees are and I have to stop and think why they are asking.. I am doing okay *today* but when I hear of stories like your's it makes me so hopeful....thanks!
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amy
Epic Member
Posts: 82
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Post by amy on Mar 17, 2017 2:51:52 GMT
Have you looked into something like this? www.regenexx.com/the-regenexx-procedures/knee-surgery-alternative/ I have a friend who did a documentary on it and I think before I got a replacement I'd see if this was an option for me. I have a few friends who have had knee replacements and there have been mixed reviews. I had my ACL replaced over 10 years ago and I was obsessed about doing my pre-op and more obsessed about rehab and I think that makes all the difference in whether knee surgery is successful or not.
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Post by alias123 on Mar 17, 2017 5:04:21 GMT
My niece had it done. (41 years old) She went to the hospital rated #1 in U.S. Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/orthopedicsShe was in quite a bit of pain after the surgery. The ice packs and meds helped a lot. She did PT at home. I think it was for 2 weeks. Then she went to an office for PT. I guess this will depend on your insurance coverage. She now says the surgery was the best thing she did. She did buy an exercise bike for home use. You might want to consider that if you don't belong to a gym. Continuing the PT is critical to the success of the operation. I just emailed her this article from Prevention. 4 Best Exercises To Do If You’ve Had A Knee Replacement www.prevention.com/fitness/best-exercises-if-you-had-a-knee-replacementGood luck !
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Post by mariel on Mar 17, 2017 15:36:41 GMT
Thank you all so much for your responses. Very helpful! Marie
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Post by pamthomas46 on Mar 17, 2017 23:08:53 GMT
Good luck Marie! Sending hugs and prayers.
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Post by ashtangi on Mar 18, 2017 15:16:47 GMT
My aunt had both her knees done a few years ago. The difference has been amazing! She could barely walk before, and pretty much right after the surgery, she was up and walking with no problem. I think one of the most important things is to be diligent about your physical therapy. Start as soon as your doctor gives the ok (which will probably be right away) and keep doing your exercises so that you get more mobility back.
My aunt said the hardest thing was deciding to do the surgery. Once it was done, she wished she had done it sooner. Best of luck to you!
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wildcat
Transcendent Member
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Post by wildcat on Mar 18, 2017 15:53:58 GMT
My mother and brother have had both knees replaced. My brother considered it no big deal at all and he recovered incredibly quickly - he's in his early 50s. My mom's recovery took a bit longer because she's older but she didn't have any real problems. She did a week of inpatient rehab because there are lots of steps to get into her house and that would have been tough at first. They've both had very good results. Good luck!
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