Knee replacement anyone?

[mousegunner]

After many years ago of losing my ACL and and deteriorating remaining meniscus looks like a total knee replacement will be in the works before too long. I've researched the doctors and read what I can but I want to hear from actual recipients of a TKR.

Its been good since 1986 when I first injured my knee but going down hill fast in the last couple of months. I can climb stairs but can't go down with out using the hand rail. Not in any real pain but do have to watch my step.

So, if you had one done how is your mobility now? I don't expect 100% but would like to play and chase after my grandsons when they come over, 1 and 3 years old, they move fast and turn on a dime.

How about kneeling or getting in a good cross leg sitting position for shooting? Walking down stairs and so on? Do you walk with a limp (afraid of one leg being shorter than the other). Appreciate any first hand experience or if a family member had one done. Thanks for looking.

 

[Tim Singleton]

Wife still recovering from total knee 6 months ago lot of pain still present swells pretty easy

I’d say if your not in a lot of pain you may want to hang on a while longer.
So far we aren’t to happy

 

[RW]

I had a TKR in march and it seems like it took forever to rehab and now It is a lot bettor but you have to be careful getting down on your knees! I am like the other person and you might want to wait till you need to have it that way you can have it make the choice for you some people heal a lot different!! RW

 

[mousegunner]

I know of 2 people that had one by different doctors and no major complaints but it's only 2 people I know of locally. One doctor worked on my shoulder and highly regarded but seems like while some people really like one doctor and results others will say they had a bad experience. Anyways sorry for your wife's troubles but best wishes for her and recovery.

I do plan some water aerobics to strengthen my knee prior to surgery as I hear it helps. Also I followed my therapy for my shoulder religiously and doctor was impressed with my recovery and intend same for knee.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Both knees and wife had both done.. No running or jumping. It is uncomfortable to kneel on so knee pads or a throw rug. But I can walk without falling down and the pain is gone.. Surgery wasn't too bad. My guy injects a pain killer while in there that lasts 24 hrs.. Then meds. I was up and walking the next day and out the day after.. Rehabbed #1 but the doc had me do home rehab on #2. Same result, but less pain from rehabbing and having a PT bend it and then some.. Total recovery takes a year, but I was up and around in 2 months pretty well.. No complications.. No limp. Wife took longer to recover..

 

[hoz53]

After many years ago of losing my ACL and and deteriorating remaining meniscus looks like a total knee replacement will be in the works before too long. I've researched the doctors and read what I can but I want to hear from actual recipients of a TKR.

Its been good since 1986 when I first injured my knee but going down hill fast in the last couple of months. I can climb stairs but can't go down with out using the hand rail. Not in any real pain but do have to watch my step.

So, if you had one done how is your mobility now? I don't expect 100% but would like to play and chase after my grandsons when they come over, 1 and 3 years old, they move fast and turn on a dime.

How about kneeling or getting in a good cross leg sitting position for shooting? Walking down stairs and so on? Do you walk with a limp (afraid of one leg being shorter than the other). Appreciate any first hand experience or if a family member had one done. Thanks for looking.

Youre doing the right thing trying to get all the info you can. Doc told me i need TKR if i want to fix mine also. Im nursing it along putting it off long as i can. Ive talked to quite a few people who have had tkn and most are satisfied. I do know a lady who is having tkn in the next week or so and it will be all done by robot. Ill see how that goes and report here. Exercising and strengthening the muscles around the knee has helped me alot. Sorry dont have much to report for you but ill try to gather some and post it. I would say dont get in any hurry with your decision.

 

[mousegunner]

Well I had thought of waiting till I was on Medicare (just turned 63) but I have good private insurance with a low deductible so I'm not going to wait just because of that. I'm at the point where I feel a change in my knee and how I get around in the last 2 months so I think it's getting to the point of doing it. Plus it's maybe better to do it at a younger 63 than older 65 but I will go into this well informed and aware.

 

[hoz53]

Well I had thought of waiting till I was on Medicare (just turned 63) but I have good private insurance with a low deductible so I'm not going to wait just because of that. I'm at the point where I feel a change in my knee and how I get around in the last 2 months so I think it's getting to the point of doing it. Plus it's maybe better to do it at a younger 63 than older 65 but I will go into this well informed and aware.

there is alot to be said for doing it at a younger age. Getting it done before our bodies breakdown more. Im 63 to and have some financial reasons to do it before 65. Can you go anywhere you want with your insurance? Ive had plenty of issues with mine (knee)for a few years. I appreciate your post here and I like you am still trying to decide where to go/ what to do. I just hope you take your time with your decision so youll be happy with the outcome. Ill try to post more here soon.

 

[SEGARE]

My brother had a TKR last January at age 65. He's very healthy and active- former runner.
The first couple of months were tough. But a year down the road he's very happy he had it done.

One thing about waiting: these replacements wear out. Some people get ten years and some might get 20. If you can get by with only one in a lifetime you are better off.

 

[1911nut]

Mousegunner,

I’ve got a similar knee. Stationary bike, wall slides, heel lifts, theraband leg moves, light weight lifts, stretching and I’m still going slow.

 

[mousegunner]

there is alot to be said for doing it at a younger age. Getting it done before our bodies breakdown more. Im 63 to and have some financial reasons to do it before 65. Can you go anywhere you want with your insurance? Ive had plenty of issues with mine (knee)for a few years. I appreciate your post here and I like you am still trying to decide where to go/ what to do. I just hope you take your time with your decision so youll be happy with the outcome. Ill try to post more here soon.

Yes I probably can go elsewhere, took my wife to the Mayo clinic in AZ from Texas, but rather stay close to home. However if there was like the absolute best somewhere else I'd consider going out of town or out of state and arrange for temp housing if I had to stay for a short time post op.

All this makes you appreciate how important your knees are to your mobility...well actually all your moving parts.

 

[nicholst55]

I had my right knee done 4 years ago, and am fixing to have the left one done in a month or so. I shouldn't have waited this long. I was fortunate as everything worked out well. I was out of work for 8 weeks, but probably could have returned after 6. I had minimal pain and swelling, and a therapist that came to my home. If the left one turns out as well, I will be very pleased! It may be challenging though, as I had the right one done in Arizona and will have the left done in Korea.

 

[hoz53]

Yes I probably can go elsewhere, took my wife to the Mayo clinic in AZ from Texas, but rather stay close to home. However if there was like the absolute best somewhere else I'd consider going out of town or out of state and arrange for temp housing if I had to stay for a short time post op.

All this makes you appreciate how important your knees are to your mobility...well actually all your moving parts.

i was just asking about places you could go because some peoples insurance limits that --i was hoping yours didnt. i thought about going to the best place that may be far from my home and stay awhile like you said but i think a person needs checkups for the several month healing period and so it may be better to be closer to the doc who did it. yes we sure take alot for granted

 

[hoz53]

I had my right knee done 4 years ago, and am fixing to have the left one done in a month or so. I shouldn't have waited this long. I was fortunate as everything worked out well. I was out of work for 8 weeks, but probably could have returned after 6. I had minimal pain and swelling, and a therapist that came to my home. If the left one turns out as well, I will be very pleased! It may be challenging though, as I had the right one done in Arizona and will have the left done in Korea.

i have heard quite a few people say like you ( i dont know why i waited so long)

 

[Charles]

Had mine done a year ago at 78, sorry i put it off as long as i did had no pain for three days used pain pill for one week then only tylenol as needed usually before exercise. used a walker off and on for about three weeks,started PT on 3rd day and continued that for a few weeks then started exercise at home and gym.I started using a tree climber in 9 month's and was driving in 1 month would rate my progress at 95% still uncomfortable to kneel on hard surface and have to look hard to see a scar from the surgery.Good luck

 

[6fatrat]

I had mine replaced in 2014, at 57 I still back pack hunt with no problems.
Not all new knee's are the same, Micro port medial pivot knee!!!!
Very stable for side hilling, ascending and descending.
Steve Bair

 

[338 dude]

After many years ago of losing my ACL and and deteriorating remaining meniscus looks like a total knee replacement will be in the works before too long. I've researched the doctors and read what I can but I want to hear from actual recipients of a TKR.

Its been good since 1986 when I first injured my knee but going down hill fast in the last couple of months. I can climb stairs but can't go down with out using the hand rail. Not in any real pain but do have to watch my step.

So, if you had one done how is your mobility now? I don't expect 100% but would like to play and chase after my grandsons when they come over, 1 and 3 years old, they move fast and turn on a dime.

How about kneeling or getting in a good cross leg sitting position for shooting? Walking down stairs and so on? Do you walk with a limp (afraid of one leg being shorter than the other). Appreciate any first hand experience or if a family member had one done. Thanks for looking.

I will be watching this post closely as I have been putting off a double total knee replacement for several years now

 

[Leo Smith]

I've had my left knee done twice..Second time with Cadaver parts. It lasted under five years the second time. I now wear a brace for anything that stresses the knee. Initial injury was ACL, MCL and Meniscus plus fracture Tibia.

 

[MikeT124]

Basically it's a crap shoot. I have a brother (13 years younger than me) has one replacement knee walks with a limp. A friend that had one 2 or 3 years ago and the second last year. He may need to have the first one replaced again. First one hurts much more than second one. The only advice I can give you is do your research and do diligence before hand. Research the doctors and rehad centers and therapists because they can make or break you.

I've needed new knees for a number of years and have not bone it because there is little to no way to determine before hand if it will work or not.

I wish you good luck.

Mike

 

[Herzo]

Wife (73) had one knee replaced last April, ready to have the other one done in about 6 weeks. Just had the MRI done to send the file to have a new one machined. Recovery from the first one was about 6 weeks. Really not that bad with ice packs, drugs and therapy. She had an extension machine at the house that flexed the knee for an hour or so each day - we adjusted the angle as she was able to tolerate it. Motion is the key! Good luck.