Arthritis and Obesity Forum

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IowaTeacher
on 5/31/10 8:48 am

Topic: RE: who's had a total knee replacement??

Yep...live in Eastern Iowa...you?

The pain is not good, but it's doable. They keep you pretty doped up and that helps. I had mine done during the summer (I'm a teacher) but couldn't go back to work right away because I needed 6 weeks to recover. And I did need all of that. Count on at least 6 weeks before you're able to feel closer to normal. Ice packs help a lot too.

I was up and walking right away. No choice there! The more you can get up and move around the better.

I agree with the poster who said get the railings and grab bars installed before hand. I put one by the shower and one by the toilet. I also used a walker, a raised toilet seat, and shower chair. Get an apron (tool apron type thingy) to put on the front of the walker so you can carry your junk with you as you move around.

Again, it is totally worth it. I will probably have to have the other knee done within the next few years, but I'm trying to hold off as long as possible.

Keep in touch--I'd like to hear how you're doing!

Nancy

339/161/154
sw/cw/gw

RoseyK
on 5/31/10 6:13 am - New Castle, DE

RNY on 12/08/04

Topic: RE: who's had a total knee replacement??

Hi LadyDi.....I had total knee replacement in August 2005. To be honest, it was the most painful surgery I ever had.....Would I do it again....most definately. I love my bionic knee. I no longer fall down the stairs....I can walk on the beach with my friends. I have had other surgery.....spinal surgery and plastic surgery.....nothing compares pain wise with the knee replacement. The physical therapy is hard...but you need to stick with it to get good results.

Before surgery, make sure you install a railing for your front steps, and safety rails in your bathrooms. I also bought a special chair for the tub....that was wonderful.

You want to be in the best shape you can be in before surgery.....so take your vitamins, exercise and do all the pre physical therapy that they suggest. Also stock up on lean cuisines and protein bars. If you have friends that can bring you meals....take them up on it.

My surgeon says my knee is guarnteed for 20years....and I told him...no this knee is guaranteed for life. Now my right knee is causing me pain. I am getting ready to have that knee scouped out to repair two tears in the menicus.

I will be praying for you. You will be glad that you had the surgery.

WouldYouEva
on 5/31/10 5:31 am - Laurel, MD

VSG on 06/22/11

Topic: RE: Anyone have relief w/ steroid shots ??

I've gotten them in my knees. The first time, they did both knees, and it was someone flipped off the pain switch. I just had it done a week ago, but just one knee, and it's hard to tell how effective it is since the other one hurts so much but I do seem to be in less pain.

LadyDi50
on 5/31/10 2:46 am

Topic: RE: who's had a total knee replacement??

I'm glad you're doing so well. That's inspiring, 4 miles a day! Pain doesn't sound good though! How long does the pain last? Does it hurt all the time or do pain meds keep the pain under control? I am a big baby, worse so after this last surgery. How long were you laid up before you could get out and kinda get back to a normal life? Thats also one of my concerns. My 8 year old granddaughter lives with me, and when I'm laid up it takes time away from her life as well. I hate the thought of feeling like I'm wasting her life away. Course I realize too, the better off I am, the more things we can go and do together. Sorry, didn't mean to make this so lengthy. Thanks for the info! Good luck to you too. You're from Iowa too, huh?

IowaTeacher
on 5/30/10 11:52 pm

RNY on 06/15/09

Topic: RE: who's had a total knee replacement??

I had a total knee two years ago. I ain't gonna lie...it's painful. The recovery and exercises are painful and the work involved to maintain flexibility and mobility are vital. I'm glad I had the surgery though because I was walking with a cane before surgery and now I am able to do about 4 miles a day. I don't run, but I'm able to walk at a pretty brisk pace. It was totally worth the pain!

Good luck!

Nancy

339/161/154
sw/cw/gw

LadyDi50
on 5/28/10 11:55 pm

Topic: who's had a total knee replacement??

I'm looking at having one at the end of August, just curious about how painful it is. I just had a panni removal/tummy tuck May 4th, that wasn't bad except for an infection I developed. Otherwise, not painful. Just wondering how knee replacement pain compares. I dread the idea of another surgery, but it is needed. For those who've had it done, how painful was it? Thanks for any replies!

moroake
on 5/27/10 1:12 pm - Houston, TX

Topic: RE: Anyone have relief w/ steroid shots ??

I was having pretty good luck for a while. I started out getting the steroid and long acting pain injections every 4 months or so that worked for about a year. Then we needed to add in a procedure to actually burn off the nerven ends which we did about every 6 months. I then started having to have the injections about every 8 weeks or so until we were getting more frequent. In the process I gained 50 pounds back from the steroids and lack of being able to exercise. The do help but be careful and watch for possible weight gain just like with any of the steroids.
Tiny1

Kathie L.
on 5/27/10 3:21 am - Castaic, CA

RNY on 10/21/07

Topic: RE: ??? about first 5 days and what is typical?

Hi Amy,

Good to see you post...I'm Kathie from Castaic; neighbors. Since you posted on the arthritis page, do you suffer? I had a total hip replacement 6 months after my RNY. Today I'm happy to say that life is wonderful and I'm pain-free and living life to its fullest.

If you have questions, I'm here to help support you.

Kathie

California Kathie
RNY - 10/07
Rt. Hip Replacement - 4/08
Upper Body Lift - 11/08 (Dr. Timothy Katzen)
Lower Body Lift - 3/09 (Dr. Timothy Katzen)