Knee injections and knee replacements

Well, most insurances want to see that you have done all the injections first anyway.  So, go ahead and get what relief you can from then .  My point in all of these posts is to make people less afraid of knee replacement by telling you what you will go through.  If I can help just one person erase that fear, it's worth it.

You have most definitely done that for me.....thank you!

You might want to  ask about getting the Synvisc One injection rather than the series of three injections of whichever brand.  Not only do you not have to endure three shots (and three trips to the doctor's office), but you get relief faster (3-4 weeks) and it lasts the same 6 month period.

Lora

So, I apologize for taking over the post but I am so emphatic about this subject.  A couple more things..Cathy...stop waiting!  I was 47 for my right knee, 10 years ago.  And it is only now giving me some grief once in a while and I believe that is because of my weight gain.  I now weigh more than I ever have and even my bionic knee can't handle that for much longer.

Everyone here has put in wonderful information, take it all in.  Ignore those who are negative.  Seriously...they aren't telling something.

I want you to know there are 2 tools that will help you all so much after surgery.  A "sock donner" is a plastic tube like thing open on the front side with a short rope attached on each side.  The physical therapist can help you learn to use it and it is so helpful to put your socks on!

Also, the "leg lifter".  It looks like a stiff dog leash without the dog on the other end. Yup, really does.  This thing is invaluable long after your surgery!!  GET IT!  If you can't find one, message me and I will get you one and send it to you, at your cost of course cuz I'm broke most of the time. But I will only charge what it takes and will send you the receipt.  I PROMISE this is worth it.  It will help you lift your leg into bed, especially the higher mattresses.  But I used it for a few years after to do the bending exercises.

I think that is about all I have.  Ask a question I might have more.  :)

BTW - I was 321 lbs for right knee and 319 for left.

Nope...not done.

Forgot to mention 2 things to do at home.

Try to get a square foam cushion (or something like it) that is 3-4" thick for your favorite chair, especially if it is a recliner.  you will need this height for a bit.

Also, make sure your bathroom is on the same floor you are.  Until you master the stairs and unless you use an outhouse.  ;)

If your bed sits high, see if someone will build you a platform 3" high and about 2foot x 3 foot to help you get into bed.  Not required but does help.

Excellent things to make sure of when I have the replacements.

I have a recliner with the foot prop.  I can easily get a 3"-4" cushion to put on it. 

Thankfully, no outhouse needed.  Bathroom is on the same floor I am.  Whew!

Our bed does sit high so the platform will be a helpful must.

Thanks again for all of your information and support. 

FWIW, I did not need the sock device (and my surgeon actually discouraged things like that because he wants you to use the knee as much as possible from the very beginning).  I just sat on the edge of the couch or chair and bent from the waist, and I had no trouble whatsoever putting my socks on that way (and I had socks on a lot since my second knee was done in November and I live in Ohio!)

I also did not need any kind of a cushion on my recliner.  What I did need, however, was the elevated toilet chair with the bars on the sides!  I had no idea how low toilet seats are until I had my first knee done (and I had a hell of a time using the restroom at a restaurant at only 3 weeks or so out)!

Lora

Oh, I forgot about the toilet because I had already installed the higher toilets in my home because of my knees.   THAT is a very important issue.  Little story...

A couple years ago, my best friend needed her other knee done and due to a breakup, she had nobody to help her rehab so I let her rehab at my house since I knew what was needed. But, the day I took her home, we unloaded the car and she went into her bathroom.  All of a sudden she is screaming in pain and I went running in..she had a standard height toilet and was accustomed to my higher toilets.  OOPS! 

LOL.  I never would have thought about the toilet height if someone else had not mentioned it and the toilet in the hospital had not been unusually high.

I had to have my mom help get me up off the toilet in the restaurant bathroom!  It's really funny when I think about it now, but it wasn't funny at all at the time!

I'm grateful for your posts and all the other reply posts I've received.  I can't tell you how much better I feel. 

In my research notes, I've included the sock donner and leg lifter along with your OH username.  Haven't heard of either of those before so I appreciate knowing about them.