Anybody else had this done recently? After 2-3 years of agonizing pain I finally went and had it done and am I happy. I still have to use a cane to walk and am learning stairs but at least I can make it to the 25 yd line with a pistol target, couldn't even make it that far last fall. Who knows what lies ahead... 50 yds? 100 yds? maybe even my BPCR .45-90 at 1000..

Anybody else had this done recently? After 2-3 years of agonizing pain I finally went and had it done and am I happy. I still have to use a cane to walk and am learning stairs but at least I can make it to the 25 yd line with a pistol target, couldn't even make it that far last fall. Who knows what lies ahead... 50 yds? 100 yds? maybe even my BPCR .45-90 at 1000..

I haven't had it done but I'm facing it. I need a total on the left and the right isn't far behind. I'm going to try to live with it as long as I can get naproxen and tequila!

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Old paratrooper in NC

I had both of my knees replaced June 30th. I finished rehab 3 weeks early. The only suggestion I have is to get off the pain medicine as soon as possible.

I quit taking pain medicine last Friday after the good doctor told me I could start driving when I wasn't on 'narcotic pain inhibitors' anymore.

I hope that you have a fast and complete recovery. Good luck with the new equipment.

WG840

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Freedom above all else.

Is the mechanics of the new knee metal or plastic?..just wonder if you set off alarms when you go through a metal detector?..all5x

Plus one on that. I haven't had the knee surgery you describe but I've had numerous other surgeries fixing various parts of my body that I damaged over the years. I never took any pain medication for any of them. The result, I recovered in just about half the time they told me it would take. Pain medication keeps your *** on the sofa when you should be up and about working on your rehab.

It is a combo of stainless steel with nylon(plastic) pads. Dr said he didn't like titanium because it doesn't polish as smoothly. This man has done approximately 2,600 knee replacements so I respect his opinions and his abilities highly. If you want to see a computerized film (no blood !!)of how it is done look on YouTube for 'Biomet Signature knee'.
Yes, it will set off metal detecting security alarms as you might find in an airport.

That would be a cobalt chrome alloy, not stainless steel. The plastic bearing is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and it sits on a titanium or cobalt chrome tibial component.

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*Either step up or step back*

You, sir, are exactly right. How do you happen to know all of this?

Thanks for setting me straight.

About five years ago I went in on a monday and had the L hip replaced, stayed in hospital and had R hip replaced the following monday. One admission one, though longer, rehab. Nest year I did the same with my knees. The only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

Wish all fo you going through this fast healing.

regards

yashua

Heh, heh, I've anchored down the orthopaedic biomechanics lab at a major medical center for 25 years. I eat, breathe and sleep that stuff.

BTW, I forgot to wish you well in your recovery--I hope it continues to go well!

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*Either step up or step back*

I had my right knee done last July. Now my left knee bothers me more. I still have some discomfort if I stand too long but it is getting better with time.

My brother Charlie Sherrill had his 2nd knee done last November.

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Corripe Cervisiam

Had left knee done last June 16,that was number 5 and have had 3 on right knee.That too is soon to be replaced.Best thing move it, move it, move it and keep moving it.

"I've anchored down the orthopaedic biomechanics lab . . "

Excellent! When can I pick up a new right elbow? There could be a Smith or six in it for you

I had both hips replaced Aug. '07, entered the OR @ 7:00 A.M. surgery complete 8:20 A.M.. I don't know how many hips my doctor has done, but to have the proficiency to complete two hips in an hour and twenty minutes the number must be substantial. Most important thing no matter if you're having knee or hip replacement is to follow your Doctor's and Therapist's instructions. You will be doing most of the rehab on your own on the days that you don't see the therapist. A prompt recovery depends on your diligence in doing your exercises as instructed by your therapist. Medicate a half hour prior to exercising and ice for a half hour after you're done. I never used all of the pain medication that I was sent home from the hospital with. You will be surprised with the progress of your recovery if you follow instructions, I know I was. I was able to return to work after three months and saw continued improvement for a year afterward. Full flexibility was the last thing to return in my case, riding the recumbent bike and stretching afterward with the Thera-Band worked wonders for me. At 18 mos. I was able to cross my legs to put my socks and shoes on and can enter and exit the car like I did prior to surgery. I would encourage anyone with advanced arthritis in hips or knees not to suffer needlessly. Have the surgery sooner rather than prolonging your misery, advances in anasthesia make the surgical experience very pain free. In my case, whenever the doctor or nurses would ask, my pain never exceeded 5 on the 1-10 scale.

I only have lefts right now. You don't mind if your hand faces the wrong way, do you? I have a veterinarian friend who can do the surgery.

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*Either step up or step back*

Hi:
Been there. Had three (right knee had to be done again)plus a left shoulder replacement.
If possible I would have had both knee replacements done at the same time. I did not have that choice as my injury was covered by "Workman Compt" and I was given a very slim chance of surviving the injury (guess I showed "Workman Compt"). You will have fun going though Metal Detectors after the replacements.
Don't push your recovery.
Hope you the best of luck.
Jimmy (six million dollar man)

Had it done and really enjoy the difference it has made in what I can now do!

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Mafuta54

Thanks for all of the information and good wishes, I really appreciate it. I'm doing fine.

I had my left knee done on the 3rd of this month. The Doc did what is called the QST or quad sparing technique.

I had my surgery at about noon and I went home (because I wanted to) the next day. I was off the walker on Friday. I'm rehabing myself, four hours a day on the motion machine and walking as much as I can.

It still aches, sleeping with the wrap around leg brace sucks, but the medicine helps when the pain gets to bad. I've been weaning myself off the pain killers.

I've put off the surgery for 20 years so it'll certaintly be different walking pain free.

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Smith & Wesson beat four aces

Don't put off that knee surgery. My Mama had her left knee replaced when she was 86 years old. I did not want her to have the surgery. Boy, was I wrong. Her pain was so bad she was becoming feeble and immobile. My daughter went to visit her one night, and she came home and told me Mama was crying when she got there the pain was so bad. She had the surgery, then checked into the rehab center at Warm Springs, GA. She came home after less than two weeks.

She was 90 last January 10. She looks younger now than she did seven or eight years ago. My daughter, who is a teacher, did a movie project with some of her students, on the Great Depression. They interviewed Mama, and she showed them how to dance the Charleston. Needless to say, they all fell in love with her. She still works about 30 hours a week at the local library. I don't believe she would be alive today if it had not been for the knee surgery.

To those who say they recovered without any narcotic pain killers: you just ain't had the right kind of back surgery. I made it with no pain killers after shoulder replacement surgery. My doctor and my wife made me take a prescription home from the hospital, but I never used it. The same wasn't true with the spinal fusion, though. I agree that you don't need to use it any more than necessary.

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Georgia On My Mind

My boss had both knees replaced 2.5 years ago. He was down for a while but once he regained full mobility he said "I forgot what it was like to NOT hurt". He's much more mobile and enjoying life again.

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NRA Endowment Member

had both knees replaced six weeks apart (doc. went on vacation) haven't looked back since. Its been 10 years of no pain