Help!! - knee replacement X 2 !!

jalith3

To all you good people that helped so much before...

Back again after months, my operation is now confirmed for next Tuesday.

However, at the hospital last week to go through the procedure the lady happened to mention that the surgeon intended to do both knees at the same time! She was surprised when I drew a sharp intake of breath.
The idea of doing a 'double' was discussed with my orthopedic specialist and the surgeon together at an appointment last year - suggest ed initially as a good idea because both knees are particularly bad. My specialist has since said that it would not be done because of the risks involved - loss of blood, difficulty of recovery etc..
Of course this came as a bit of a surprise.

There is another complication to this.
Last year I had a bad fall (and as later confirmed by MRI) ruptured the rotator cuff tendon in my right shoulder. It is better now in that I no longer have any pain and other muscles have learned to compensate, so I do have reasonable movement but still very little strength. Surgery is planned for a later date.
My left shoulder too is troublesome and weak and my physio is sure the rotator cuff is somewhat damaged though obviously not ruptured.
So, two knee replacements at the same time and less than good working shoulders to help??!?
I can uses crutches no problem - I use my right crutch all the time around the house anyway and resort to both when things get really difficult or I have to walk more than a few metres.
But, and a big 'but' here, don't you need your arms and shoulders to lift yourself with those rings after the surgery when you are trying to manoevre in and out of bed?? Can't see the nurses somehow doing this.

My surgeon will phone me tomorrow so I can discuss my concerns with weak shoulders (although she should already be aware of this). I also need to make sure that the final outcome is as good both together as if replaced one at a time.

I would really appreciate a bit of feedback here.
Many thanks

Sarah in the Netherlands

ps. I 'm having this done in the big teaching hospital in Leiden. My surgeon specializes in knees - and I've heard her spoken of by others as 'the best', so no fledgling surgeon here.

lindalegs

Hi Jalith,

I had mine done at the same time nine years ago and haven't looked back. They chose this way because both my knees were shot and because I was only 42 and they said I would recover more quickly because of my age.

I had a different surgeon on each leg.

In hospitals they have electric beds which sit you up and lower and raise when you use the touch pad.

When you get out of bed on your operated knees you will have a walking frame till you're confident enough to use other walking aids.

My knees did hurt when I first bore weight on them but this got better each day and will be nothing compared to the pain you have now.

I'm glad I had them done at the same time because then I didn't have to face another operation six weeks on.

Hope this helps.

Luv Legs

jalith3

lindalegs wrote:

Hi Jalith,

I had mine done at the same time nine years ago and haven't looked back. They chose this way because both my knees were shot and because I was only 42 and they said I would recover more quickly because of my age.

I had a different surgeon on each leg.

In hospitals they have electric beds which sit you up and lower and raise when you use the touch pad.

When you get out of bed on your operated knees you will have a walking frame till you're confident enough to use other walking aids.

My knees did hurt when I first bore weight on them but this got better each day and will be nothing compared to the pain you have now.

I'm glad I had them done at the same time because then I didn't have to face another operation six weeks on.

Hope this helps.

Luv Legs

Thanks very much for that Lindalegs.

It maybe the same scenario for me as it was for you.
Mine are both awful- the right one is very bad and worn but smooth and I feel this one slightly less than the left. This is probably because there are bony spurs growing from the left knee.
I am 52 and have had to wait, because of course at a younger age ( like yourself) there is a good chance that we will outlive the implants. I could have had mine done about nine months ago but held it off until my weight started really going down. Still on the heavy side but the rest of the weight loss can wait till after. At least I am still quite fit - almost two hours on my special bike today. Maybe as you say, the age in this context is an advantage where you heal and recover faster than someone twenty years older.
I hope they have these bed here - with all the squeaks and whistles!
Thanks so much
Sarah

elnafinn

Hi Sarah

I think you will be ok although you have problem shoulders. I am sure the beds in the hospital will be able to be lowered etc and anyway, you would be helped into and out of bed if you found any difficulty. The staff would not be wanting you to fall on the floor, so soon after a double operation, now would they?

If you are able to use the crutches now then you will be ok after the op too so that is not a problem. Would you be ok getting on and off the loo at home after the double op?

I know of one person through a friend who had both knees done at the same time and after the initial "clunking" as everything fell into place the very first time she stood up in the hospital after the op, she never looked back, was painfree and it was a very happy ending to her pain and anguish.

I wish you all the very best with the op. I am seriously thinking of having my other knee done next year.

You take care and look after yourself,

Luv
Elna x

jalith3

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Sarah

I think you will be ok although you have problem shoulders. I am sure the beds in the hospital will be able to be lowered etc and anyway, you would be helped into and out of bed if you found any difficulty. The staff would not be wanting you to fall on the floor, so soon after a double operation, now would they?

If you are able to use the crutches now then you will be ok after the op too so that is not a problem. Would you be ok getting on and off the loo at home after the double op?

I know of one person through a friend who had both knees done at the same time and after the initial "clunking" as everything fell into place the very first time she stood up in the hospital after the op, she never looked back, was painfree and it was a very happy ending to her pain and anguish.

I wish you all the very best with the op. I am seriously thinking of having my other knee done next year.

You take care and look after yourself,

Luv
Elna x

Elna
Thanks very much for your input and also for your good wishes.
It is late here and I should get to bed. Off to the hospital tomorrow - not particularly apprehensive as yet. It looks as if it will be ' the double whammy' on Tuesday just like Lindalegs. The surgeon thinks it is the only option but ultimately the decision rests with the anesthetist.
So....here goes.
Sarah

woodbon

Hello, I'm sure with all the technical aids they have in hospital these days, you will be fine. When the doctor phones, you might feel better if you mention your worry and he will be able to put your mind at rest. When you first get up a physio will be with you I sould think very likely, and will be able to advise you. Just think, all you will need is one operation, then you will be fine! Next year, the London Marathon. :shock: :shock:
Seriously, the very best of good luck for a speedy recovery! Lots of love Suexx