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Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Hobbytime

you have carpel tunnel syndrome....its an easy fix with a quick surgery, till you see the surgeon get some braces for your hands, they work great when you sleep, they keep your wrist from bending and your hand doesnt go numb or hurt, untill I had my surgery done I wore a brace on both hands, I had my right hand done in february along with my shoulder and my left a few weeks ago, all the pain and numbness is gone...
heres a link to a brace, but there are a bunch to look at..
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Wrist-S...ps%2C-1&sr=8-5

Thanks a bunch Hobby....I just happen to have a wrist brace here from some other issue and am going to try it tonight.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Rangerhgm

I have a appt next week with a hand surgeon. My left thumb, index and middle finger go to sleep at night (to the point of severe pain) when I'm asleep and not moving them. It's gotten much worse over the past several weeks.....time to get it looked at.

you have carpel tunnel syndrome....its an easy fix with a quick surgery, till you see the surgeon get some braces for your hands, they work great when you sleep, they keep your wrist from bending and your hand doesnt go numb or hurt, untill I had my surgery done I wore a brace on both hands, I had my right hand done in february along with my shoulder and my left a few weeks ago, all the pain and numbness is gone...
heres a link to a brace, but there are a bunch to look at..
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Wrist-S...ps%2C-1&sr=8-5

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Hobbytime

I found large ice wraps, got from amazon, do an amazing job at cutting down the swelling and pain, just before bedtime ice your knees for 20 minutes and that should get you a few hours of sleep and then just ice again as needed..

I think I had the last in a long line of surgeries a few weeks ago with carpel tunnel surgery on my left hand....just repairing a life time of hard labor and moving heavier items on my own than I should have....

I have a appt next week with a hand surgeon. My left thumb, index and middle finger go to sleep at night (to the point of severe pain) when I'm asleep and not moving them. It's gotten much worse over the past several weeks.....time to get it looked at.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by WenValley

Idacal: Sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm pretty sure that her brain is telling her that it's much worse than it really is, but, perception is reality. As you're aware, it's very important that she start using that new knee, the alternative is worse.

Hobbytime: Yikes, hips and shoulders? Ouch!

The worst part for me is the zingers, and spasms at night. I've been told that the healing process occurs during rest, so it's difficult to get good rest.

I found large ice wraps, got from amazon, do an amazing job at cutting down the swelling and pain, just before bedtime ice your knees for 20 minutes and that should get you a few hours of sleep and then just ice again as needed..

I think I had the last in a long line of surgeries a few weeks ago with carpel tunnel surgery on my left hand....just repairing a life time of hard labor and moving heavier items on my own than I should have....

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Idacal: Sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm pretty sure that her brain is telling her that it's much worse than it really is, but, perception is reality. As you're aware, it's very important that she start using that new knee, the alternative is worse.

Hobbytime: Yikes, hips and shoulders? Ouch!

The worst part for me is the zingers, and spasms at night. I've been told that the healing process occurs during rest, so it's difficult to get good rest.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Hobbytime

sad to say but your mother in law will be a cripple in short time , the scar tissue will build till she can walk...I had a friend whose mom did that and she ended up in a second surgery within the year to break up the scar tissue so she could walk and the PT for the second surgery was agonizing compared to the first time...

Yup, a neighbor had both knees done, and refused pt because it hurt too much. Spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Many times his wife had to call the fire dept./emts to help get him off the floor when he fell.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by idacal

Glad its going well for you. my mother in law had her first one done 3 weeks ago and refuses to do the exercixes because they hurt wahwah she is still using a walker and swinging the leg without bending im thinking unless she pulls her head out her *** and starts folllowing doctors direections she is going to be a mass of sscar tissue that hurts worse than before. But she never has been good at doing what is needed the therapist is pissed but she is going to do it her way.

sad to say but your mother in law will be a cripple in short time , the scar tissue will build till she cant walk...I had a friend whose mom did that and she ended up in a second surgery within the year to break up the scar tissue so she could walk and the PT for the second surgery was agonizing compared to the first time...

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by WenValley

I'm the OP, and wanted to pass along this update.

I went into the clinic on Dec. 19th at 0830. The clinic "crew" was like NASCAR, I was into surgery within an hour, and was in recovery before noon. Was wheeled up to my room, where my wife was waiting. I was able to order lunch off of the menu.

The anesthesia is freaking amazing. No headache. No nausea. Almost no pain from the surgery. But they pack you full of slow release pain meds and nerve blocks so the pain is greatly controlled. I was walking with a walker and a therapist around 1400, and I was released from the clinic and was home by 1700 that same day.

I was walking with the walker, and was about two or three on the pain meter. The next day, pain going up, by afternoon I was about 8 or 9, and I have a high pain threshold. I was watching the clock for my next "hit" of Oxy and tylenol. Really a tough two days. I could feel the long term pain block stuff leaving, I felt like a refrigerator that was defrosting. A very odd sensation.

I apologize if this is getting too wordy, I'm trying to keep it short.

So, surgery was on a Thursday, I quit the Oxy on Sunday morning. Just Tylenol and Methocarbomal. I quit using the walker on Sunday. My post op visit was on Dec. 24th, six days after surgery. I walked into the clinic with no walker and no cane. So, they must use some amazing epoxy.

My surgeon said that they use a variety of spacers to tighten up the joint depending on how active the patient is, and how hard the patient will push the new knee. I recall as I was being pushed into the OR, that there was a table with stainless steel (or whatever they use) parts all laid out in rows.

I started the P.T. portion, and my last P.T. session is today. So, I'm just over three weeks out from surgery. I'm walking better than I have in a long time. Some night time discomfort. Lots of nerve twitches and shooting pains, with spasms. Just enough to make sleep difficult.

If you want more specific details, just PM me and I will provide any help that I can.

I'm very grateful to my wife for her care and love, and for the surgical team that can do these amazing procedures.

thats good news..after my hips were replaced my surgeon said it will take a full year or more till everything heals back in place and residual pains or sensations to disappear and thats normal, now a few years later they are great, no pain and can hike for miles with absolutely no discomfort..this past February I had major shoulder surgery and so far it feels much better , but still have every so often a sensation when moving the shoulder to the end of range of motion and surgeon said that will go away in time...if done right replacement or repair surgery is a life changer for the better....

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Glad its going well for you. my mother in law had her first one done 3 weeks ago and refuses to do the exercixes because they hurt wahwah she is still using a walker and swinging the leg without bending im thinking unless she pulls her head out her *** and starts folllowing doctors direections she is going to be a mass of sscar tissue that hurts worse than before. But she never has been good at doing what is needed the therapist is pissed but she is going to do it her way.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Great news congratulations kudos to your home nurse

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

I'm the OP, and wanted to pass along this update.

I went into the clinic on Dec. 19th at 0830. The clinic "crew" was like NASCAR, I was into surgery within an hour, and was in recovery before noon. Was wheeled up to my room, where my wife was waiting. I was able to order lunch off of the menu.

The anesthesia is freaking amazing. No headache. No nausea. Almost no pain from the surgery. But they pack you full of slow release pain meds and nerve blocks so the pain is greatly controlled. I was walking with a walker and a therapist around 1400, and I was released from the clinic and was home by 1700 that same day.

I was walking with the walker, and was about two or three on the pain meter. The next day, pain going up, by afternoon I was about 8 or 9, and I have a high pain threshold. I was watching the clock for my next "hit" of Oxy and tylenol. Really a tough two days. I could feel the long term pain block stuff leaving, I felt like a refrigerator that was defrosting. A very odd sensation.

I apologize if this is getting too wordy, I'm trying to keep it short.

So, surgery was on a Thursday, I quit the Oxy on Sunday morning. Just Tylenol and Methocarbomal. I quit using the walker on Sunday. My post op visit was on Dec. 24th, six days after surgery. I walked into the clinic with no walker and no cane. So, they must use some amazing epoxy.

My surgeon said that they use a variety of spacers to tighten up the joint depending on how active the patient is, and how hard the patient will push the new knee. I recall as I was being pushed into the OR, that there was a table with stainless steel (or whatever they use) parts all laid out in rows.

I started the P.T. portion, and my last P.T. session is today. So, I'm just over three weeks out from surgery. I'm walking better than I have in a long time. Some night time discomfort. Lots of nerve twitches and shooting pains, with spasms. Just enough to make sleep difficult.

If you want more specific details, just PM me and I will provide any help that I can.

I'm very grateful to my wife for her care and love, and for the surgical team that can do these amazing procedures.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Mark Norman

Sorry to here about that. My mom got both knees replaced 12 years ago. They made her walk almost immediately after the surgery. I helped her rehab and I basically had to do very little. Apparently if you can handle the pain you can get moving very soon. Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Thanks. My surgery was in AM and was walking hours later. The swelling was unbelievable. They want you to bend, straighten, and walk while your knee is the size of a melon. One night in hospital and in the morning therapist has me walking up and down stairs. It was rough.
It's been 14 weeks and getting better. It still bothers me and has a weird feeling but definitely worth it.
Other knee scheduled for March. Not really crazy about it but not really a option.



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Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by BD1

I had the pain block for my knee. Doctor said it only last 24 hours tops.
They want you moving basically the same day. I was only in hospital one night which is probably why it's short term.
They want you in and out quickly these days.


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I had both hips replaced 3 months apart..only spent the night in the hospital and I was up walking to the bathroom that night...

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Sorry to here about that. My mom got both knees replaced 12 years ago. They made her walk almost immediately after the surgery. I helped her rehab and I basically had to do very little. Apparently if you can handle the pain you can get moving very soon. Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by Hobbytime

the pain block is just for the surgery and wears off in a few days, I had that with my shoulder surgery and could not move my arm for 3 days, no pain but not able to move it either, if they do it in your knee, you wont be able to stand for a few days ,or you can stand but will have to hop around because your leg will just be numb...

I had the pain block for my knee. Doctor said it only last 24 hours tops.
They want you moving basically the same day. I was only in hospital one night which is probably why it's short term.
They want you in and out quickly these days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by BD1

I need both knees replaced too. My doctor specifically told me only do one at a time and 5 to 6 months between surgeries is about right. I know two people that did both at the same time, not happy campers at all. Even the therapist said one at a time is better.
I was told that by doing one at a time, they do a pain block which I stated before.

the pain block is just for the surgery and wears off in a few days, I had that with my shoulder surgery and could not move my arm for 3 days, no pain but not able to move it either, if they do it in your knee, you wont be able to stand for a few days ,or you can stand but will have to hop around because your leg will just be numb...

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by farmersammm

Reading this....I'm thinking I'm in better shape than I think. The knees hurt, and I gotta grab onto something to get up from a squat, but other than that....they're still motorin'.

Good luck with the rehab. Hell, I guess it ain't luck...…..it's just a lot of hard work...if you get a decent therapist.

go get a gel shot in each knee( 2 minute procedure that doesnt hurt) and see how much better your knees feel..there are no bad side effects from this....and insurance covers them..if you have insurance...if not its still worth paying for to get rid of that pain..

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by wasillashack

I was recently advised that I need two new knees and surgery to correct spinal stenosis at L4-L5, so this has been very informative, thank you all.

I need both knees replaced too. My doctor specifically told me only do one at a time and 5 to 6 months between surgeries is about right. I know two people that did both at the same time, not happy campers at all. Even the therapist said one at a time is better.
I was told that by doing one at a time, they do a pain block which I stated before.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Jocks can tell you more about recovery than anyone. Look for some older football/soccer guys for advice. Gyms are a fair start. Forget muscle meatheads.Gray headed former athletes(current coaches) are the best "elderly advice".
If You were in South Dade I'd tell you to go to Shulas for a drink and advice(and maybe a doc referral). Marino gets one every week...LOL

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

I was recently advised that I need two new knees and surgery to correct spinal stenosis at L4-L5, so this has been very informative, thank you all.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by farmersammm

I see your point.

My biggest fear comes from what I've seen,, and this may only be because I live in a backwater.

The clinic is well recognized, but the "therapists" are not anything but minimum wage kids doing a routine on a print out. The "doc" gives them a printout for each patient, and the kid just runs the patient thru the routine...……….with absolutely no idea what's to be accomplished...…….and I saw kids that didn't even know how to adjust the weight machines...….a real road to injury right there in itself.

Here's one for ya... When I was rehabbing at physical therapy, following my spinal fusion of L4-L5, I fell onto my butt off of an apparatus that never should have been approved for use. Fortunately, I was standing between parallel bars, so I was able to slow my fall. Never went back. If damage to my back had occurred, due to the fall, I would be writing this from my property in Costa Rica after receiving settlement.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

I see your point.

My biggest fear comes from what I've seen,, and this may only be because I live in a backwater.

The clinic is well recognized, but the "therapists" are not anything but minimum wage kids doing a routine on a print out. The "doc" gives them a printout for each patient, and the kid just runs the patient thru the routine...……….with absolutely no idea what's to be accomplished...…….and I saw kids that didn't even know how to adjust the weight machines...….a real road to injury right there in itself.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Originally Posted by farmersammm

K'kins, and I, used to do weights at a gym that was part of a PT clinic. Reasonable membership fees.

Anyways...…...I'd always see these poor bastards come into the gym with their therapist. Some perky 20ish girl, telling the ol' gent what "we" are gonna do next. I'd like to be fly on the wall when Miss Perky hits 80, breaks a hip, and has some snot nosed kid tellin' her what "we" are gonna do next on the torture machines.

One of the problems with "therapy" is that one must show up for the appointment at mid-day after the joint has swollen, thus making flexure more difficult, adding to the pain. After suffering through the normal, accepted routine for my first knee, suffering through the induced pain, I chose to restructure the routine for the second knee. I learned that running the knee through my adjusted techniques produced far less pain when I performed the every-other-day workout upon first arising in the morning. This took full advantage of the decreased swelling, occurring overnight, making flexure much easier. One major factor that was lacking when being handled by a professional therapist was that I, rarely, was given any feedback, as to whether or not I was making progress in recovering flexibility of the joint. Only when the therapist got out his goniometer, and setting it alongside my leg to take a crude measurement, was I given any indication of success. I, subsequently, devised simple methods that provided immediate feedback, as to any success or regression. These methods should be incorporated in all therapy sessions to give us obvious goals to shoot for.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

K'kins, and I, used to do weights at a gym that was part of a PT clinic. Reasonable membership fees.

Anyways...…...I'd always see these poor bastards come into the gym with their therapist. Some perky 20ish girl, telling the ol' gent what "we" are gonna do next. I'd like to be fly on the wall when Miss Perky hits 80, breaks a hip, and has some snot nosed kid tellin' her what "we" are gonna do next on the torture machines.

Re: Total Knee Replacement coming up!

Reading this....I'm thinking I'm in better shape than I think. The knees hurt, and I gotta grab onto something to get up from a squat, but other than that....they're still motorin'.

Good luck with the rehab. Hell, I guess it ain't luck...…..it's just a lot of hard work...if you get a decent therapist.