Knee Surgery Update !!

[TnAndy]

I think the reason people mess around with the shots and other stuff is due to insurance requirements. Some won't pay for replacement until you have had cortisone shots and other things before they will approve payment for surgery.

That is the way mine worked, you had to go the cheaper route first. Then I went on Medicare, and had the surgery done 8 days after.....lot cheaper out-of-pocket than previous insurance as well.

One thing our local orthorpedic group does is highly recommend a pre-conditioning PT of about 6wks prior to surgery....weight training, stationary bike, etc....and they believe in it enough to give it for no charge.

I'm 2 months out on mine. 3 days in hospital (standard here), PT 3 times/wk since. Walking OK, been on the tractor fair amount in the last couple weeks....I'm at the "Rice Crispy" stage....still a lot of snap, crackle and pop....but not much pain. Been told 3-6mo for a complete recovery.

 

[Budweiser John]

Only an overnight stay John? I had to stay 3 or 4 nights.

Yes, that is the absolute truth. Last knee was done last year at age 72.

 

[WM75Guy]

Good luck. I waited too long to have my left knee replaced as it was bone on bone. The one thing I cannot do is kneel down with any weight on my left knee, causes a lot of pain. Doc told me that would happen so it was no surprise but is still an inconvenience. Other than that I am happy with my outcome.

 

[Garandman]

I had both knees replaced 6/15/15. Started playing hockey again in August. Still working hard on PT for maximum range of motion.

Had them done at New England Baptist, along with Mass General one of the top orthopedic hospitals in the country. 30% of their surgeries are to repair surgeries done at other hospitals, so make sure you are in the right place.

The primary health risks are blood clots and infection.

 

[Bird]

The primary health risks are blood clots and infection.

After trying everything else unsuccessfully, I had my right knee replaced on August 30, 2010 (Monday and went home Thursday); 3 nights in the hospital. And I could hardly believe all the precautions, tests, etc. done to avoid any kind of infection. And of course I took Warfarin for awhile; no complications.

 

[Handloader109]

My wife has two bad knees, just had her ankle tendon replaced and is undergoing a tough time with it. Not really pain, mainly panic attacks just having problems with immobility.... At any rate, I did poll on another forum, link is here, might want to read for encouragement......
Poll on knee replacement

 

[Turbys_1700]

After trying everything else unsuccessfully, I had my right knee replaced on August 30, 2010 (Monday and went home Thursday); 3 nights in the hospital. And I could hardly believe all the precautions, tests, etc. done to avoid any kind of infection. And of course I took Warfarin for awhile; no complications.

I think that is the main reason most surgeons want that BMI under 40 due to increased risk of infection. I am of the mindset that even if I can have it done in August with a BMI of 35 or so I may go ahead and wait until January of 2017 and get down to a lighter weight just for added safety.