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Default Jun 03, 2019 at 04:56 PM
  #1
Hi - does anyone out there have direct experience of total knee replacement? I'm a candidate, I'm on the list, and trying to prepare, but I'm feeling more and more apprehensive. (Doesn't help that a couple of months ago I stopped my Prozac that I'd been on forever.....)

Basically what I want to know is, if you've had one, would you do it again?

And encouragement. I desperately need encouragement, because my motivation is definitely flagging.

I'll be grateful for any and all help.
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Red face Jun 04, 2019 at 03:29 PM
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I toadally feel you on this, @Mopey!

My psychologist and primary care physician are having a rough go of it trying to convince me to do a hip replacement.

I know this isn't the kind of help you asked for, but I wanted you to know you are not alone in your struggle ...It's Real!

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Default Jun 04, 2019 at 04:41 PM
  #3
I need a knee replacement when I can no longer stand the pain, my doc says, I'm waiting until then, but I do limp.

I've heard great things about knee replacement from relatives and friends.
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Default Jun 05, 2019 at 02:11 PM
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Thanks everybody! Yesterday I spent some time with someone who had had a knee replacement about 3 years ago. She was very encouraging and helpful and was able to answer a lot of my questions and fears, so now I feel better about it.

The one thing she did stress, though, was how important it was to do all the bending and straightening exercise they give you afterwards, otherwise it'll all be for naught and they'll have to go in and do it again.

Thanks again for your responses! I appreciate you all.
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Default Jun 05, 2019 at 08:49 PM
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I'm an occupational therapist and worked with a lot of people after knee replacements (although in a lot of cases not much OT was needed). The vast majority were glad they had it done. Some were glad and in less pain within a few days of surgery. Others needed more time but were ultimately pleased (depends on pain tolerance and how much pain you are in pre-op).

Doing your exercises is definitely vital and being patient is important. Things have probably improved since I went on disability but I used to tell people that the first 3 weeks are rough and then it gets a lot better in most cases. By 6 weeks things usually feel pretty good. Sometimes it is faster than this, sometimes a little slower but overall it's a short time compared to all of life. Just go one day at a time.

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Default Jun 05, 2019 at 10:23 PM
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Thank you so much, Beyond. There is no substitute for advice from people who have real experience.

Be well.
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Default Jun 05, 2019 at 10:34 PM
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I can also tell you this story...I had ankle reconstruction surgery 5 years ago. It was intense surgery with 6 weeks of reclined bedrest with my foot elevated and in a huge cast, then 4 weeks in a walking cast, then 6 weeks in a boot and finally 3 months in a brace. I honestly had no idea how I would handle that; it was 6.5 months from beginning to finishing PT. I had to relearn how to walk after years of walking with an unstable ankle in a hefty brace.

Honestly it was the best thing I've ever done. Once I could exercise it I did as much as i was allowed every day and I got stronger surprisingly fast. The rest of rehab was harder but I made it through and now only have a slight limp, more of a hitch in my step than a limp.

Ortho surgeries are a big deal but they are so worth it when they work.

Make sure they control your pain, even if it is just ibuproferon. They make these ice thingies that really help with knees, let me see if I can find a link......Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff w/ Gravity Cooler This is a random place and you may be able to get one with a prescription. Some doctors send people home with them and some don't but they really seem to help.

This is a random message. Sorry. Hopefully you'll find a point and if nothing else i've told you about the cyro cuff. I couldn't use one post op because I was in casts but they used them in PT and it felt SO good. With knees I've seen them start using them very early.

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Default Jun 06, 2019 at 01:11 PM
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Thanks again so much, Beyond.

That does sound like a HORRENDOUS ordeal with your ankle - sounds as if you were essentially immobilized for quite some time and must have needed a lot of help from others just to stay alive. I knew someone awhile back who had an ankle replacement - a surgery I didn't even know existed. Also great to know that after so much time and pain and effort, the procedure turned out to be worth it, for you.


I will definitely check out the knee apparatus. That sounds as if it would be a great help in dealing with the swelling and pain I can definitely expect.

I so much appreciate your taking the time to respond with your expertise. The more I know, the more I can prepare. (My surgery, unscheduled as yet, will be in September).

Have an excellent day!
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Default Jun 09, 2019 at 09:55 PM
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Something that has helped me both with my ankle surgery and my hysterectomy was online support. I used healthboards.com (then the specific board for my situation) for the ankle and while I got a lot of support there the moderation is kind of ridiculous at times. I actually got some kind of disciplinary thing last year for something I posted 2 years before the rule existed. You just have to be super-careful to follow the rules unless things have changed which is 100% possible. I'm sure there are other knee replacement boards out there as well.

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Default Jun 09, 2019 at 10:21 PM
  #10
Thanks so much, Beyond. You've been so helpful to me.
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