In 1978 I had a serious car accident which broke my pelvis and messed up my right knee. I struggled with problems as a result until finally there was no other choice! I had my right hip (March) and then right knee (October) replaced in 1998 when I was 43. Did really well with it and was able to ride a bike, walk so much better and the pain was worse on the knee than the hip but the end result was worth it.

HOWEVER, in 2002 I fell down a flight of stairs and hyperextended the replaced knee. It swelled of course but since there were no cuts or open abraisions, I thought putting ice on it and keeping it elevated for a couple of days was okay. It kept getting worse and two days later I called my doctor who had me come in right away. When I got to his office, they took my temp which was 105 and he sent me to the hospital from his office in an ambulance! Apparently a blood clot was formed which then allowed a staph infection to set in. I had to have three major surgeries including removing the replacement (yes no knee just a spacer) and being in a nursing home to finally beat the infection. My doctor has told me since that he was not sure at one point that he would be able to save my leg.

Now my left knee needs replacement but the horror of what I went through plus the fact that I am now diabetic which means healing is slower has kept me from having it. I am on disability and cannot walk without a cane and then not far.

Now I tell you this not to keep you from having the surgery, only to make you aware that when they tell you to have antibiotics before dental work or any kind of wound, please please do it! I would never want anyone to suffer through what I did.

my husband is 85 and diabetic and had both knees replaced last year. three months apart. should have been further apart.
and my step son, about 50, had one knee done twice. both are doing fine now.

My husband just had it done in December. He's doing well.
1. take your meds as instructed, be totally honest with your caretakers
2. follow exercise and physical therapy exactly as instructed
3. wallow in being pampered by someone that loves you
4. eat healthy, and keep bowels moving normally for you
5. be patient with what you do
6. be sweet and remember to smile
7. when you're not walking around, elevate your feet
8. keep your mind active with things you can do - hand quilting, reading, computer, tv, telephone
9. remember, healing is a good reason for some pain - when it's over, you will feel better than you have in a while
10. did I say - be patient and sweet - anybody that can help, will gladly do just that

My husband's doctor demanded "I have to have your total attention for one month. You are to live entirely for the safety and concern for healing your knee. No other activities, period, without my permission. I will give you specific instructions." I'd say, hubby chose the right doctor - everything is working according to plan. This commitment to your healing is important, and be less stressful with less fear of the unknown.

my dh had one and was a lot of work rehabing but is doing great

I just had both knees replaced in August and doing great. I encourage you to get in to a pre-surgery exercise program (doctor can give you specific ones if you're disciplined enough to do them yourself) and it will make the recovery much easier. I'd built up muscles that came into use after surgery and made my recovery much faster than some. After 5 months, the only pain I feel is muscle pain when I'don't move enough. Some of the post surgery therapy was very painful, but it didn't last long and well worth the surgery.

Watterstide just had it done. Here is some of her info on it: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-88146-1.htm

KTBB,
If you had to do it again, would you? I know everyone keeps saying "in six months you'll wonder why you waited so long", but I haven't had a chance to talk with anyone who's actually had it done. So I've got lots of questions. How long were you in the hospital?

By the way, I use to live in Fairbanks about 10 years ago. :thumbup:
Spent a lot of time in Snow Goose quilt shop, wonder if its still there.

my mom's doing her's next week

Thanks for the info :D
-Mary

I ha.d both mine replaced Sept. 1 last year. Definitely went way too long before having it done and am wondering now why I was so chicken for so long! Went to rehab hospital for two weeks and then home with a walker and cane. My leg muscles were so out of shape that my recovery has taken longer (I think, maybe I am just impatient), but I walk very well now and every week I find it is easier to get up from a chair and out of the car. So, do your exercises faithfully and strengthen those leg muscles. By the way, have to brag a little! I have 146 degrees in the left leg and 140 in the right! Good luck and recover well.