Anyone had knee replacement before?

[offcrusin]

Hi all,
Well my athletic younger days have finally played a toll on my ageing body
and received the word that I am now on the waiting list for a total knee
replacement as all the meniscus and cartilage has worn away and I now have
bone rubbing on bone.
Anyone had a knee replacement lately and what can I expect?
After recovery do you notice any difference in the actual mobility and flexibility
of the artificial knee?
Am getting difference of opinions on how long a typical knee will last and at what
minimum age the replacement should be undertaken as to not out live the replacement knee.
Anyone ?????

[mossguy]

I had one done 5 years ago at age 69. It was one of the best and smartest things that I have done in recent years! I expect the knee to outlive me, and it is now better than my OEM knee on the other side.

Best,
Tom

[jjwood]

I've had both done...about 3 yrs apart. First was about five years ago. Like many, I put off the surgery for many years more than I should have. What amazed me was the amount of muscle atrophy I had experienced over those years.

Six weeks of physical discomfort due to the actual surgery, six weeks of physical therapy. And for the last year, hitting the gym twice a week (with a trainer) and I'm just now really feeling good.

My advice...don't delay.

[Tobra]

Start physical therapy prior to surgery. You will kick yourself for not having it fixed sooner.

[crustychief]

My mom just had hers done in March, she is excited she is able to chase the baby around now.

[Halm]

In what seems like another life, I used to the Total Knee PM at what was at the largest orthopedic company in the US. That was 25 years ago so a lot has probably changed. But I would think it is safe to say you will have 4-6 months of intense physical therapy. Pain will be gone. Range of motion should be 100 - 110 degrees. Maybe a little more or a little less depending on how much soft tissue your surgeon saves, posterior cruciate in particular. Don't count on playing any impact sports anymore. Maybe a little golf and a lot of Bridge.

All said and done, ask your surgeon all your questions and set your expectations on his answers.

[MBAtarga]

where's Byron's input?

[id10t]

I've been thru a few thousand of them but never personally (worked as a pt aide in an acute care hospital for years), and stopped about 15 years ago.

You will hate your physical therapist. If you don't, you aren't doing exercises enough, or he/she isn't doing their job. You will hate the CPM (knee bending machine) - if you don't you aren't using it enough.

If you can, get a PT appointment before you go in, start working on all the strengthening exercises that you will have to do post op.

[9dreizig]

Had mine done 4 years ago.. Here's some advice..
Where are you from ?? YOU MUST SHOP AROUND.. there are Doc and there are Docs..
Mine in NH was fantastic he did my hip 13 years ago as well. When I was in the ER a few months ago (finally F'd up and dislocated my hip on a skiing incident) the "best" guy in the area ( US Snowboard team doc) looked at my knee x ray and was amazed. Seems they don't do 'cement -less" joints in Tahoe and were impressed at how good it looked ( been doing them on the east coast for years).
Make sure your doc does AT LEAST 100 a year otherwise run!!
How old are you ?? What kind of shape are you in ?
My suggestion is do some research, pick a device and call the sales guy in the area. They are in all the OR's and know the hacks from the artists (and there is a HUGE discrepancy).
I was in great shape, I skied 9 weeks after the operation.. It hurt like a MF for a year. If you're skinny it will be much easier on you. Muscular people have a bit more problems pain wise.
Your running and basketball days are probably over, but you can do damn near anything else. Feel free to PM me if you've got questions

[island911]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Start physical therapy prior to surgery. You will kick yourself for not having it fixed sooner.

That's not true. . . .hell be too weak to kick himself. . .. unless he Starts physical therapy prior to surgery. (good advice)

[Tobra]

I always tell people they are going to think the Physical Therapist is trying to kill them.

[Drdogface]

Mine was done 18 months ago. Won't lie, the first month is very painful..and for the first two or three days you will have button to control the drip of the pain meds...you will miss it when they switch you to oral. Do not try to gut it out and wait...take meds before you start crying from the pain.

Now, having said all that, I feel like a new man with my new knee. It won't be too long before you'll be able to do what you want and it'll improve for a year or more.

[quicksix]

P.T.= Physical terrorist

[morganb]

My Mum had hers done about 18 months ago, 2 months afterwards no more pain and could resume all normal activity. She kicks herself now for delaying the operation so long. As Jeremy did it seems common that people delay then regret the delay afterwards.

[offcrusin]

Anybody been advised by their orthopedic surgeon that 54 years of age is too young for a knee replacement and if done at that age the recipient will likely outlive the knee?
Thanks for the input all...