ObesityHelp

I had my right knee replaced on October 1st 2010.  I weighed 240 at the time.  I won't kid you, its painful!!  The most important thing you can do for yourself is to do the exercises they give you.  When I first went into physical theraphy I could barely move.  The things they made me do hurt,  alot...BUT each time I went home and feeling like I was gonna die,,,the next day I felt a little better, and could do a little more.  I found that the more pain I went through in PT, the BETTER I felt the day after!  It's amazing!  PT really really works, and you feel stronger every day.  Once the pain of the initial surgery goes away, you will notice that your JOINT doesn't hurt anymore!!!  I think it was like week eight that I really started feeling like "wow, this is great," 

I cannot express enough how important it is to do the physical therapy.  I am over a year out, and yes, there is still some stiffness (i have rheumatoid arthritis along with sever osteoarthritis) but I do not have pain in that knee joint.  I am scheduled for my RNY surgery on Feb. 14th of this year, so I am hoping the weight loss will help when I have to have my other knee done.  Just remember, yes its painful,,big time,, but tolerable,, don't be afraid to ask for enough pain meds.  I would always take a pain pill before rehab,  they even suggested I do that.  It does get better,, and you will LOVE your new knee.  I hope this helps!  Good Luck!!

Good luck with your knee replacement.

Almost two weeks ago, I had partial knee replacement--less intrusive and faster recovery. Yeah, it's painful, so be sure to take those pain meds as needed and don't try to "out-brave" the pain. I'm doing in-home PT and it's going really well.

 I had my left knee replaced Jan 2009. It was horrible no doubt about it. Unfortunately the anesthesia caused heart palpatations and while dealing with that they forgot about my knee. I weighed 250 at the time with many other joints weak and degenerated. Also have fibromyalgia. I have been taking celebrex for years now and never stopped when I had my BPD in April 2010. The one thing I tell everyone that makes all the difference is this: Do NOT go straight home after the replacement surgery. I had it all planned out and had a room waiting for me at an in-patient rehab clinic. After being in the hospital for 4 days I then went to the clinic and was there for 4 weeks. And thank God because my knee had frozen due to staying in one place too long and it was a long haul getting it going again. 6 days a week, you get up, have breakfast, take a shower, get dressed and go off to PT. All that happens with Occupational Therapy help. PT lasts till lunch, back to your room, then they had me take a 2 hour nap. 3pm back to PT until dinner at 5. Then dinner, jammies and for me bed! Not much time for visitors, they keep you comfortable with whatever pain meds are needed, they keep an eye on infection, and you are sure to be eating healthy. Once I came home I had continued pt for 2 more months. I'm sure your thinking this broad is crazy but let me tell you. NO ONE can tell I have an artificial knee. No problems, pains, limps, crutches, canes or anything else. NONE. I have had 15 orthopedic surgeries and my next one is the shoulder. I wouldn't do it any other way, ever. Health insurance paid the whole thing.

Hi there

I was told by a surgeon that it was ok to take NSAID's as long as you take an acid reducer for the stomach. I did this for a few years but this past Oct I had a very bad kidney infection and was hospitalized for 8 days. The internal medicine guy said no more NSAID's as the kidney does not filter them well

Would you please accept me as a Friend so I can private message you?  Or send me your email address, please?  Really wanting to talk to you more about your knee replacement.