Yet another knee surgery thread

[ivinsfan]

W2R as far as your questions about the chair I might ask at your doctor visit.

Very often you can rent a chair like that at a medical supply place. You might not actually need to buy one. Perhaps find one used although that can be a problem with delivery issues.

 

[W2R]

W2R as far as your questions about the chair I might ask at your doctor visit.

Very often you can rent a chair like that at a medical supply place. You might not actually need to buy one. Perhaps find one used although that can be a problem with delivery issues.

What a great idea! Renting one would be perfect for me, because I really don't need or want a recliner.

I am very happy with my italian leather easy chair with ottoman that I am sitting in right now. I attached a photo of it. It's "my chair" just like Archie Bunker's chair was "his chair"... nobody else sits in it and I never sit anywhere else. It is supremely comfortable, but it doesn't recline my upper body (although my knees are at the height of my bottom), so I was thinking that a recliner would probably work better for knee elevation.

 

[MissMolly]

I don't know if bending over to pick up dropped things is an issue, but maybe one of these "picker uppers" would be handy to have.

https://www.amazon.com/Futureup-Pack-Foldable-Rotating-Mobility/dp/B07CJXLM1W/ref=asc_df_B07CJXLM1W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241958687412&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14275325447751528666&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030904&hvtargid=pla-463628010692&psc=1

 

[Moemg]

When you need to elevate your knee why not just recline on your sofa with pillows under your knee . Your knee should be above your heart for proper elevation.

 

[W2R]

I don't know if bending over to pick up dropped things is an issue, but maybe one of these "picker uppers" would be handy to have.

https://www.amazon.com/Futureup-Pack-Foldable-Rotating-Mobility/dp/B07CJXLM1W/ref=asc_df_B07CJXLM1W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241958687412&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14275325447751528666&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030904&hvtargid=pla-463628010692&psc=1

Thanks for mentioning that! Actually I already have one and it is SO useful, even now. Honestly I think that is a great suggestion for anybody older than about 60 or so, and for many younger people as well. If you have one, try using it to get that last sock out of the dryer - - makes that so easy, without having to reach and contort oneself to reach it. I bought one for F, also, because his arthritis is pretty bad, and he loves it - - uses it for everything, even for getting things down from high shelves and so on.

 

[W2R]

When you need to elevate your knee why not just recline on your sofa with pillows under your knee . Your knee should be above your heart for proper elevation.

I could probably do that. Thanks for the suggestion!

I guess I was just thinking it wouldn't be as comfortable and secure feeling as a recliner for long periods of time. But then, maybe I won't need to elevate my knee for long periods of time. I need to find out what is recommended.

 

[pacergal]

Thanks for your update. I hope all goes well with your next consult and future surgery/rehab.

 

[aja8888]

I could probably do that. Thanks for the suggestion!

I guess I was just thinking it wouldn't be as comfortable and secure feeling as a recliner for long periods of time. But then, maybe I won't need to elevate my knee for long periods of time. I need to find out what is recommended.

I think you will have trouble getting off your current chair after surgery with the ottoman in a fixed position and your knee slightly elevated. A recliner make the exit easier as the leg support is folded down.

 

[W2R]

Thanks for your update. I hope all goes well with your next consult and future surgery/rehab.

Thanks! I see the "knee guy" (board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee replacements) late Wednesday afternoon. I sure hope that things go well.

The other (more general) orthopedic surgeon was great, and I persuaded him that I need a knee replacement ASAP, but now I need to persuade this second surgeon too. I'm pretty nervous about it but it's either this or a wheelchair before long.

 

[W2R]

I think you will have trouble getting off your chair after surgery with the ottoman in a fixed position and your knee slightly elevated. A recliner make the exit easier as the leg support is folded down.

Good point! Thanks. Right now I just push the ottoman away and to the left with my good leg, and sort of gently, slowly slide my crummy knee/leg off the right side of it while holding it with my hands a bit. But that probably would be far too painful to do, right after surgery.

 

[Chuckanut]

See, Chuckanut? You are inspiring me to start trying to catch up with you and all the preparations you have accomplished!

I can't recommend a recliner since I haven't shopped for one in about a decade. I did get a 'Lounge Doctor' leg rest that allows me to raise the leg at an angle that give a gentle bend, just enough to allow circulation but keep the leg mostly straight(er).

I have found that writing about my experiences has forced me to consider things I have over looked - like getting my next haircut earlier than normal. For that I thank everybody who has encouraged me to continue writing.

 

[W2R]

Thanks, Chuckanut! I have the "Lounge Doctor" bookmarked.

I just ordered enough non-perishables off of Amazon to last for a while, in case the "knee guy" wants to do this surgery immediately.

I know, dream on! I'll be lucky if it gets done this year, but if I had my way they'd be rolling me into the OR this afternoon.

Anyway, it's nice to be stocked up on things like coffee, Quest protein bars, TP, paper plates, canned salmon, other canned goods, trash bags, and so on, so that I won't have to send Frank out to get them if my knee surgery is scheduled any time soon. He's been so helpful and considerate already.

So there's something to think about too. And please do continue writing. It helps all of us who may need knee surgery at some point.

 

[YakGrl]

i would also recommend making sure you have your toilet area set up so that you have assistance standing up. A taller toilet is helpful and grab bars, either permanent or they have free-standing versions, or some that attach to the toilet. Being able to use the toilet without assistance is one of the most important factors on either needing a rehab facility or being home with outpatient rehab. You don't want to be trying to find this equipment when you first return home.

 

[W2R]

i would also recommend making sure you have your toilet area set up so that you have assistance standing up. A taller toilet is helpful and grab bars, either permanent or they have free-standing versions, or some that attach to the toilet. Being able to use the toilet without assistance is one of the most important factors on either needing a rehab facility or being home with outpatient rehab. You don't want to be trying to find this equipment when you first return home.

Indeed, thanks, YakGrl! You are right; there are several types of devices which could help.

 

[W2R]

*** AUGUST 13th!!!! ***​

I have a total knee replacement surgery date set up for my right knee; August 13th! Also the (orthopedic) knee surgeon and I agreed that as soon as I recover from that one sufficiently, he is going to do my left knee, too. This surgeon seems like a really good guy, with a sharp mind and a practical "can do" attitude. I think he can help me.

I am so happy about this. It's hard to explain unless your knee has gone really bad like both of mine have. Those of you who have had this surgery (or have it planned, like Chuckanut) probably have an excellent understanding of how I feel. Honestly I am not wild about having any surgery, but if this surgery gives me back some mobility, that will be life changing.

Tomorrow, I need to call my internist/endocrinologist (who is my PCP) and get him to convey written permission for the surgery to the knee surgeon.

Yeah, I know, who but me would schedule a total knee replacement right at the height of hurricane season. I'd rather gamble than wait, though.

 

[Ronstar]

^Excellent!

 

[aja8888]

^Excellent!

Ditto! maybe once the knees are in and working, she can schedule a new hip or two? Go for the roses here!!

 

[W2R]

^Excellent!

Ditto! maybe once the knees are in and working, she can schedule a new hip or two? Go for the roses here!!

Hey, my hips are good! But F needs a new hip so he's next. He says I need this way more than he does, though, so he doesn't mind waiting so that he can help me out a bit during the recovery period.

Thank you both!

 

[aja8888]

I waited 5 years (age 60 to 65) to get my new hip. I thought the pain would go away by itself.

 

[Ronstar]

^ So did BIL. He had his done a few days ago.

 

[aja8888]

^ So did BIL. He had his done a few days ago.

Good luck to him! If it was done right, he will be thankful.

Mine is coming up on 10 years this November. Stopped me from running anymore, but that's what probably caused it in the first place.

It was a pretty easy surgery as I was one of the early patients with the Anterior Procedure.

 

[W2R]

I waited 5 years (age 60 to 65) to get my new hip. I thought the pain would go away by itself.

^ So did BIL. He had his done a few days ago.

I'll bet it is a relief to get a new hip when you need one.

Any improvement in these knees will be great. Hoping to walk unassisted and relatively pain free some day. Half a mile would be a fantastic goal at some point.

 

[aja8888]

I'll bet it is a relief to get a new hip when you need one.

Any improvement in these knees will be great. Hoping to walk unassisted and relatively pain free some day. Half a mile would be a fantastic goal at some point.

My BIL has two new knees (and a new heart). He got the knees a few years ago. He's playing golf at 80 with no issues. Takes a bunch of meds, through, mostly for the heart stuff.

He goes in for a new hip in August. The old guy is wearing out, but replacing parts as needed!

 

[Accidental Retiree]

Whoo hoo! I logged in to find out how things went.
I liked reading your great update.

 

[Ronstar]

Good luck to him! If it was done right, he will be thankful

He's doing great so far. Just started 6 weeks of therapy. Does exercise at home also as directed by therapist. Does a little bit of walking down the driveway twice a day on his walker.

He's got a new fangled waterproof bandage - he takes showers without it covered.

Mine is coming up on 10 years this November. Stopped me from running anymore, but that's what probably caused it in the first place.

It was a pretty easy surgery as I was one of the early patients with the Anterior Procedure.

10 years on the new hip - that's great!