Knee replacement discussion

[Buttoneer]

I'm in my early 60s, and have arthritis in both knees. I've been doing physical therapy, cortisone and gel shots in an effort to avoid knee replacement surgery.

If/when I have the surgery, should I have both done at the same time, or one at a time?

Also, if science can give us pig valves for hearts, why can't we have moose cartilage for knees?

[DURHAM D]

1. One at a time.

Physical therapy is the secret to recovery.

[Dan]

2. One knee at a time....

Trust me, it is painful enough trying to get to the bathroom with one knee replacement, can't imagine doing it with two knees.

The blessing is - the pain doesn't last forever (smile).

[Srkdqltr]

3. Yes one at a time. Therapy is an absolute must.

Get them done sooner than later.

[surfered]

4. I had a friend who had both done at once. Both were due. He decided only one recovery and one rehab

But everyone is different. I’ve had other friends who had one done, but then would never do the other because of the recovery and rehab on the first.

Ask your doctor.

Good luck!

[Buttoneer]

5. Thanks! My mom had opted to do both at the same time, but I wasn't around to see how difficult it may have been. n/t

[Dickster]

6. I've had one done

But I know some people who have done both at the same time. If you have a good support system, meaning significant other to help you for a few days, you’ll be fine. It’s hell for about 3 or 4 days, take your pain meds religiously! The better shape you are in before hand has a lot to do with how fast you will recover.

[radical noodle]

7. My daughter is 50 and is currently recovering from knee replacement surgery

I helped take care of her for three weeks. It was helpful to her to have one good leg she could count on. Going up and down steps, getting in and out of vehicles, and other situations almost beg for one good, usable leg. I know some people get along okay doing both at the same time, but I think the first few days or weeks would be so difficult with both knees in pain (and don't underestimate the pain) and barely usable.

[Loupe Garoue]

8. One at a time, for sure.

I had both my knees done this year, one in January and one in April. I had a surgeon who has come up with a way to replace the knee which doesn’t require cutting into the quad muscle, the large and important muscle on the front of the leg above the knee. This makes the recovery much quicker and the physical therapy much less painful. My physical therapist was really impressed.
Google “Jiffy knee” to see if there is someone who does it in your area.

[texasfiddler]

9. My 95 year old Dad had both done at the same time three years ago.

The Doctor did not want him to go under anesthesia twice and he has limited years left. It was rough during the first month of physical therapy, but he is doing great. He could barely walk prior to surgery and was going downhill. Now he is mowing and working out the yard and traveling. I'm so happy he got it done. I only post this to show it can be done, not to advocate for it. Some people get one knee done and don't get the second one done because they remember the physical therapy and recovery of the first.

[gab13by13]

10. I am having knee surgery on one knee

the day before Thanksgiving and I am 77. I have arthritis in both knees and my one knee has shifted a bit because I compensate for it the way I walk.

My physician at UPMC gave me a packet for my pre-surgery. Explicit exercises to do, what types of food to eat 3 months before surgery, drinking pre-made protein drinks like Ensure or Premier. Adding whey or plant based protein powder to yogurt or smoothies.
Increase hydration 48 to 64 oz. of non-caloric fluids daily, drink Gatorade, not red.

Starting 3 months before surgery take an over the counter multivitamin, a calcium supplement and a Vitamin D supplement.
Calcium- men over 50 take 1,000 mg daily
Vitamin D - To start take a one-time dose of 50,000 IU, After the 1st dose switch to taking 2,000 IU per day.

They also give me suggested meals to eat with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

I am getting one knee done first because my other knee isn't as bad and I want to be able to run my snowmobile as soon as possible to keep my driveway clear for my wife.

Not doing the above will prolong recovery time. In 2 weeks I will be starting my 90 day routine. Knees are harder to recover from than hips from what I hear.

I said I would get my new knee when it started to affect my golf game, a month after I scheduled the surgery I got a hole in one, oh and I haven't moved up to the senior tees yet.
I would do what the surgeon suggests about doing both knees, most people I know do one at a time. I am confident in the surgeon also.

[Scrivener7]

16. That is great! I think most docs assume most patients wouldn't follow that, so they

don't bother. But this will make a big difference.

[Shellback Squid]

11. I'm sorry you are going through this, I would take the advice of "one at a time"

I have one bad knee now, no meniscus, do know if meniscus can be replaced?

[Kali]

12. if you are strong and have a good support system

and your surgeon recommends it get them both done at the same time. it will be rough for a few weeks but not having to do two surgeries is a real plus. getting in and out of vehicles for PT and other appointments is hard with one, both might be too much. it really depends on your circumstances. either way you go you will in all likelihood be SO glad you got them done.

good luck.

for perspective - had my first done just before covid and was going to do the 2nd in a few months. well that got postponed for 2 years. second one got infected a year and 2 months after it was done. had to open it up and do a cleanout. on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks then oral for more months. a week after finishing infection came roaring back. they had to take it out and put in a "temporary" articulated spacer. another 6 weeks of IV antibiotics and a future 4th surgery. STILL WORTH IT!!!! being able to walk without knee pain is so fantastic.

[claudette]

13. My sister had both knees

replaced and the doctor definitely did it one at a time (a year apart). It is a very painful recovery with lots of physical therapy. Having double the pain at one time is too much - said her doctor. She was a little older than 60 but she is fine now - even though she had an infection after the second replacement and had to get a scraping of the infection out by surgery.

Best of luck to you!

[gab13by13]

14. My surgeon is strict about not getting an infection

No shots, no teeth cleanings, and a couple of other things I forget.

[NewHendoLib]

15. One at a time! I was going to have my left done last year...but

delayed because my wife broke her wrist - I would have lost my nurse - on a hike a few months before my scheduled surgery.

I am 68 and have been doing fine with cortisone every 6 months (for 20 years!) - I am bone on bone, but still can hike 10-15 miles weekly and spend mornings gardening. Dropping weight helped - I am 6 feet, 220 - my doc said as long as the cortisone worked and I could be active, wait. So I am waiting.

Eventually both of mine will be done. The question is when.

I've also been taking glucosamine sulfate, boswellia and turmeric daily for 20 years.

The hyaluronic acid didn't do a thing for me.