I have pondered doing this post for ages, I guess Im not the only one here that has had this surgery.
Xray shows my op 6 months down track. It still get a bit stiff but I can walk up and down stairs, probably 1KM without the other knee and hip complaining so Im very pleased with the outcome of this op.
I would be interested to hear your stories.
BTW I put the xray on my caravan window, background is the winery we are living on at the moment...
I am waiting for the same op'. Looks like yours is a success.
How soon after op were you mobile.
Cheers
Jeff
Phil C said
05:38 PM Aug 31, 2014
I was out of bed the next day Sharke, hurt like crazy but had to move. They put me on a machine that bent the knee about 10 times a minute started at 45 degrees and worked up to 90 degrees, that machine was brilliant. I was on that machine 3 times a day for an hour each time.
Whatever happens keep moving, even if it hurts (which it does) it worth it. Do exactly as the physios tell you and dont be afraid to take the pain relief (I had endone and fentanil yeaaaahhhhh babbbbyyyyy) of my face for a few days.
Looking familiar Phil. I had a lateral Release about 15 years ago and two days after getting home on crutches was knocked to the ground by my crazy wild step son who proceeded to get stuck into my knee with one of the crutches.
I woke up in hospital with my knee looking a bit like yours after a knee reconstruction. Bugga. Still have problems with the knee to this day though and nothing can be done. I have got used to it now and know my limitations and can hardly tell by looking at the knee now.
Sharke said
06:08 PM Aug 31, 2014
Phil C wrote:
I was out of bed the next day Sharke, hurt like crazy but had to move. They put me on a machine that bent the knee about 10 times a minute started at 45 degrees and worked up to 90 degrees, that machine was brilliant. I was on that machine 3 times a day for an hour each time.
Whatever happens keep moving, even if it hurts (which it does) it worth it. Do exactly as the physios tell you and dont be afraid to take the pain relief (I had endone and fentanil yeaaaahhhhh babbbbyyyyy) of my face for a few days.
Pic is of the machine
All the very best mate
Thank Phil.
I did the knee damage about 30 years ago a bloody motor bike accident. Was in plaster for 4 months after plaster came off knee was locked up back into hospital for a manipulation then on the bending machine for 36 hours. I sure was glad to get rid off the bending machine.
cheers
Jeff
-- Edited by Sharke on Sunday 31st of August 2014 06:08:51 PM
gooba53 said
06:20 PM Aug 31, 2014
We have had to return to Melbourne six weeks into a four month holiday. Husband hurt his knee walking in the sand. We tried to continue but it was just too painful. His knee was going to go at some stage as MRI and X-rays show it's been wearing away, the timing just wasn't the best. Even with private cover he can't have his total right knee replacement until 29th October. it's good to hear there are some positive results on here.
Dianne
Clare46 said
11:29 PM Aug 31, 2014
I had been aprehensive about having my knee done as I knew several who had not had a very good outcome, but now 18mths later I wonder what I was worried about. I did 6 weeks of exercise pre op and was up on crutches the next day doing my exercises.
I had 6 days in hospital and then a week in rehab. as I live on my own. By the time I went home on the 13 day post op I was walking unaided but used a walking stick when outside. I had 112% flexion on discharge. I was totally independent at home on my own I was driving the car ( Manuel) locally after 19 days with my Dr's approval.
By the end of 2mths I was walking about 2 Kms almost every day and continued with my exercises.
the rocket said
10:47 AM Sep 1, 2014
all the best Phil. Hope your recovery continues.
Jaahn said
11:57 AM Sep 1, 2014
Hi
Well I have had that and two hip operations. The same hip, it wore out after 16 years. Remember that happens so don't overdo it !
From my experience do not leave it for too long. The op is no fun but not so bad either. Just get up and do the work asap. I was home in 5 days. Hospitals are only for sick people Then I just went out and walked. Physio also of course. Then I used the railway overbridge steps for practice till I could walk over and back without the handrails. I walk everday if possible.
My knee is still a bit stiff and the flexion is not ideal but so what, it works better than before. I think if I give up pulling motors out on my own etc then I will probably be better off. My wife thinks so anyway
Jaahn
PS wife has had both knees done and is very happy with them, now years back.
Phil C said
02:04 PM Sep 1, 2014
Wow Jaahn... what a story. Hope its all working better now.
Yeah my hip and other knee will need work within the next 12 months Im told. Thanks for the encouragement. Im sure with a good attitude and physio I will get better as we all will.
Cheers
Cloak said
05:04 PM Sep 1, 2014
How long do these knees last??
GaryKelly said
05:07 PM Sep 1, 2014
My older bro is 84 with crook knees as a result of long days standing. He's a hairdresser, and still works 1 day a week. Anyway, he's getting both knees replaced soon. Reckons he wants to get back to lawn bowls and riding his bike.
Lozza1956 said
08:29 AM Sep 2, 2014
Hi Phil C. I had my right knee replaced 22 months ago and haven't looked back.
I get a little muscular tightness above and below the joint, but only when I have been doing heaven physical labour for a few hours. I am 58 so maybe that has a little to do with it, also the fact that I was physically active prior to retireing and still am.
if you are having any problems I would be seeing the doctor ASAP. Enjoy.
aussie_paul said
08:48 AM Sep 2, 2014
Cloak wrote:
How long do these knees last??
I think from 15 to 25 years Cloak. My wife had both knees replaced at the same time 3 years ago. She had suffered for quite a few years with arthritis and the old school surgeon said come back in 10 years. She changed to a younger surgeon who said the replacement knees were so much better and he would do it immediately. She has never looked back. Glad we got a second opinion as those extra 10 years would have been hell for her AND me!!!
Aussie Paul.
Phil C said
09:16 AM Sep 2, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
Cloak wrote:
How long do these knees last??
I think from 15 to 25 years Cloak. My wife had both knees replaced at the same time 3 years ago. She had suffered for quite a few years with arthritis and the old school surgeon said come back in 10 years. She changed to a younger surgeon who said the replacement knees were so much better and he would do it immediately. She has never looked back. Glad we got a second opinion as those extra 10 years would have been hell for her AND me!!!
Aussie Paul.
Yeah thats what I was told as well. My surgeon said if I keep putting on weight the prothesis will wear out quicker.
Golddetectornomad said
09:54 AM Sep 2, 2014
Both my knees 'click' when I walk....now and again my right knee goes weak/out when I am walking in the uneven Donga......I put on one of those knee braces which I got from the Chemists' which seems to keep it in check....
Q: Is this how your knees started out before progressing <degenerating?> to requiring surgery Phil?.....
I do a lot of prospecting and invariably have to constantly go down on both knees to dig my holes...I conveniently lean on my pick to hoist myself up again..I have rubber pads that I insert in my King Gees...so its like kneeling on carpet among the stones/rocks...
I played 5 years as a 'Second Rower' in Rugby League in Qld which would not have helped my potential knee problems....multiple broken clavicals were my main problems..
At what stage did you require surgery Phil?...could you walk unassisted without walking stick?...appreciate/interested in any info...
This getting older is not much chop is it?....I can't even really brag my knee problems were due to far too much active sexxxxx....lol... ...Hoo Roo.
valiant81 said
11:52 AM Sep 2, 2014
Hi all;
Well two years ago ( Aug 2012 ) i had my left hip replaced and a further 6 weeks off work. Took a bit of a while to get used to not been as able to do the things that i once could do ??. I was made redundant in May 2013 after 18.5 years with the same company. Any way the wife and myself took our caravan and 4x4 up to Darwin, two days after finishing work , while we were away we discovered warmer weather, and the hot springs in Catherine and Madaranka, and lets not forget berry springs just south of Darwin, and Litchfield....that is a nother story, warm weather and hot springs and all of the pain and sorness off a 60 year body all this warmth and water took at least 20 years off me, look out wife !!!!!.
And why do i right this now.....Well last week 22/08 i had my other hip replaced ( right one this time ) and are now at home recovering for a further 6~8 weeks this time. As for pain, not as bad as i can remember from the last time and all my pain management is panadean fort. So all good , for me at least.
So to all that are recovering take it easy or are thinking of having that hip or knee replacement, go for it. And don't look back.
Dougwe said
11:55 AM Sep 2, 2014
I had heaps of pain in the knee then clicking before the final op. Even now I use magnetic knee braces when it get's too bad. I find the magnets work well for the pain and the elastic type brace gives support.
Phil C said
01:38 PM Sep 2, 2014
I have osteoarthritis in most of my joints, The right knee was so bad the bones were rubbing together causing a lot of pain and loss of mobility. It seems the layer of cartilage between the bones is eaten away and replaced by spurs and other nasties. Before the operation you could put a hand on my kneecap and feel and hear the crunching like a dirt road. Also popped a lot and made me stagger a few times as the knee let go.
Im lucky I guess as the Dept for Vets affairs has given me a gold card as most of these injuries were caused by my airforce service (climbing ladders, weight bearing when kneeling, crawling through aircraft wings and other assorted abuse).
My operation was done by a well respected orthopaedic surgeon called Matthew Liptak (ex Crows player), evidently he looks after a lot of high end sports people as well.
At this stage I have a hip replacement next February and the other knee some time there after... woo hoo
I find a TENS (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulator) unit works well with back, hip and knee pain, its better than high end drugs at times, I was on fentanil patches, which meant I would have come up short on a drugs test.
For now Im doing OK, no major issues with the right knee but the hip and left knee slow me down a fair bit.
Last time I saw Liptak, he told me I would never run again, I guess the girls will all catch me now..
All in all its well worth the operation etc.
Safe travels
Sharke said
06:36 PM Sep 2, 2014
I also use an elastic knee brace it is fitted with alluminium bar hinges i each side. This helps to keep my lower leg alligned with upper as the ligaments which were dameged in the accident are worn out also very little cartledge left.
Cheers
Jeff
Jaahn said
08:45 PM Sep 2, 2014
hi
I found partly by accident that accupuncture is just as effective as some other things for pain control. It also uses the Tens m/c on the needles.
Once you get used to the idea it's just so easy and no side effects. I say give it a try. Never thought I would but life is full of surprises. I have been using it on and off for nearly 20 years now. The doc plugs them in and I read a book for 20-30 minutes. Better than phiso etc
jaahn
Phil C said
10:25 AM Sep 3, 2014
My Physio is into dry needling and deep tissue massage.
Dry needling is similar to accupuncture but puts needles into musscle tissue. It worked as a pain reduction as it seems to allign the muscles and relax the joint surrounds.
Deep tissue massage is another can of worms, hurts like fury but the results last longer, seems the lactic acid (or whatever) is released by pushing on the mussle bundle and causes the knots to go away. This is the best for me at the moment. I can live without the constant alalgesics.
The last card in the deck is a replacement, this is brutal surgery, I woke up 5 times (only had a spinal) to hear drilling, sawing, hammering, etc didnt bother me as I was put back to sleep quickly. Look at total knee replacement on youtube to see the operation if you dare. If you are contemplating one my advice is go for it. The first few weeks are not that flash but modern alalgesics work wonders. Im over 6 months down track and only experience a bit of tightness BUT no pain or weakness. The only down side was when I was coming off the fentanyl patches, took a few days to normalise tried cold turkey but that was a disaster, the doctor gave me weaker dose patches and it took a few days to soft land.
Safe travels
spice said
04:55 PM Sep 3, 2014
I had both knees replaced 10 years ago and still going well with no troubles, Rod
Hi all
I have pondered doing this post for ages, I guess Im not the only one here that has had this surgery.
Xray shows my op 6 months down track. It still get a bit stiff but I can walk up and down stairs, probably 1KM without the other knee and hip complaining so Im very pleased with the outcome of this op.
I would be interested to hear your stories.
BTW I put the xray on my caravan window, background is the winery we are living on at the moment...
Yaaaaaayyyy Rinnnnniiiiii
Cheers
I am waiting for the same op'. Looks like yours is a success.
How soon after op were you mobile.
Cheers
Jeff
I was out of bed the next day Sharke, hurt like crazy but had to move. They put me on a machine that bent the knee about 10 times a minute started at 45 degrees and worked up to 90 degrees, that machine was brilliant. I was on that machine 3 times a day for an hour each time.
Whatever happens keep moving, even if it hurts (which it does) it worth it. Do exactly as the physios tell you and dont be afraid to take the pain relief (I had endone and fentanil yeaaaahhhhh babbbbyyyyy) of my face for a few days.
Pic is of the machine
All the very best mate
I woke up in hospital with my knee looking a bit like yours after a knee reconstruction. Bugga. Still have problems with the knee to this day though and nothing can be done. I have got used to it now and know my limitations and can hardly tell by looking at the knee now.
Thank Phil.
I did the knee damage about 30 years ago a bloody motor bike accident. Was in plaster for 4 months after plaster came off knee was locked up back into hospital for a manipulation then on the bending machine for 36 hours. I sure was glad to get rid off the bending machine.
cheers
Jeff
-- Edited by Sharke on Sunday 31st of August 2014 06:08:51 PM
We have had to return to Melbourne six weeks into a four month holiday. Husband hurt his knee walking in the sand. We tried to continue but it was just too painful. His knee was going to go at some stage as MRI and X-rays show it's been wearing away, the timing just wasn't the best. Even with private cover he can't have his total right knee replacement until 29th October. it's good to hear there are some positive results on here.
Dianne
I had been aprehensive about having my knee done as I knew several who had not had a very good outcome, but now 18mths later I wonder what I was worried about. I did 6 weeks of exercise pre op and was up on crutches the next day doing my exercises.
I had 6 days in hospital and then a week in rehab. as I live on my own. By the time I went home on the 13 day post op I was walking unaided but used a walking stick when outside. I had 112% flexion on discharge. I was totally independent at home on my own I was driving the car ( Manuel) locally after 19 days with my Dr's approval.
By the end of 2mths I was walking about 2 Kms almost every day and continued with my exercises.
all the best Phil. Hope your recovery continues.
Hi
Well I have had that and two hip operations. The same hip, it wore out after 16 years. Remember that happens so don't overdo it !
From my experience do not leave it for too long. The op is no fun but not so bad either. Just get up and do the work asap. I was home in 5 days. Hospitals are only for sick people
Then I just went out and walked. Physio also of course. Then I used the railway overbridge steps for practice till I could walk over and back without the handrails. I walk everday if possible.
My knee is still a bit stiff and the flexion is not ideal but so what, it works better than before.
I think if I give up pulling motors out on my own etc then I will probably be better off. My wife thinks so anyway 
Jaahn
PS wife has had both knees done and is very happy with them, now years back.
Wow Jaahn... what a story. Hope its all working better now.
Yeah my hip and other knee will need work within the next 12 months Im told. Thanks for the encouragement. Im sure with a good attitude and physio I will get better as we all will.
Cheers
Hi Phil C. I had my right knee replaced 22 months ago and haven't looked back.
I get a little muscular tightness above and below the joint, but only when I have been doing heaven physical labour for a few hours. I am 58 so maybe that has a little to do with it, also the fact that I was physically active prior to retireing and still am.
if you are having any problems I would be seeing the doctor ASAP. Enjoy.
I think from 15 to 25 years Cloak. My wife had both knees replaced at the same time 3 years ago. She had suffered for quite a few years with arthritis and the old school surgeon said come back in 10 years. She changed to a younger surgeon who said the replacement knees were so much better and he would do it immediately. She has never looked back. Glad we got a second opinion as those extra 10 years would have been hell for her AND me!!!
Aussie Paul.
Yeah thats what I was told as well. My surgeon said if I keep putting on weight the prothesis will wear out quicker.
Q: Is this how your knees started out before progressing <degenerating?> to requiring surgery Phil?.....
I do a lot of prospecting and invariably have to constantly go down on both knees to dig my holes...I conveniently lean on my pick to hoist myself up again..I have rubber pads that I insert in my King Gees...so its like kneeling on carpet among the stones/rocks...
I played 5 years as a 'Second Rower' in Rugby League in Qld which would not have helped my potential knee problems....multiple broken clavicals were my main problems..
At what stage did you require surgery Phil?...could you walk unassisted without walking stick?...appreciate/interested in any info...
This getting older is not much chop is it?....I can't even really brag my knee problems were due to far too much active sexxxxx....lol... ...Hoo Roo.
Hi all;
Well two years ago ( Aug 2012 ) i had my left hip replaced and a further 6 weeks off work. Took a bit of a while to get used to not been as able to do the things that i once could do ??. I was made redundant in May 2013 after 18.5 years with the same company. Any way the wife and myself took our caravan and 4x4 up to Darwin, two days after finishing work , while we were away we discovered warmer weather, and the hot springs in Catherine and Madaranka, and lets not forget berry springs just south of Darwin, and Litchfield....that is a nother story, warm weather and hot springs and all of the pain and sorness off a 60 year body all this warmth and water took at least 20 years off me, look out wife !!!!!.
And why do i right this now.....Well last week 22/08 i had my other hip replaced ( right one this time ) and are now at home recovering for a further 6~8 weeks this time. As for pain, not as bad as i can remember from the last time and all my pain management is panadean fort. So all good , for me at least.
So to all that are recovering take it easy or are thinking of having that hip or knee replacement, go for it. And don't look back.
Im lucky I guess as the Dept for Vets affairs has given me a gold card as most of these injuries were caused by my airforce service (climbing ladders, weight bearing when kneeling, crawling through aircraft wings and other assorted abuse).
My operation was done by a well respected orthopaedic surgeon called Matthew Liptak (ex Crows player), evidently he looks after a lot of high end sports people as well.
At this stage I have a hip replacement next February and the other knee some time there after... woo hoo
I find a TENS (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulator) unit works well with back, hip and knee pain, its better than high end drugs at times, I was on fentanil patches, which meant I would have come up short on a drugs test.
For now Im doing OK, no major issues with the right knee but the hip and left knee slow me down a fair bit.
Last time I saw Liptak, he told me I would never run again, I guess the girls will all catch me now..
All in all its well worth the operation etc.
Safe travels
Cheers
Jeff
hi
I found partly by accident that accupuncture is just as effective as some other things for pain control. It also uses the Tens m/c on the needles.
Once you get used to the idea it's just so easy and no side effects. I say give it a try. Never thought I would but life is full of surprises. I have been using it on and off for nearly 20 years now. The doc plugs them in and I read a book for 20-30 minutes. Better than phiso etc
jaahn
Dry needling is similar to accupuncture but puts needles into musscle tissue. It worked as a pain reduction as it seems to allign the muscles and relax the joint surrounds.
Deep tissue massage is another can of worms, hurts like fury but the results last longer, seems the lactic acid (or whatever) is released by pushing on the mussle bundle and causes the knots to go away. This is the best for me at the moment. I can live without the constant alalgesics.
The last card in the deck is a replacement, this is brutal surgery, I woke up 5 times (only had a spinal) to hear drilling, sawing, hammering, etc didnt bother me as I was put back to sleep quickly. Look at total knee replacement on youtube to see the operation if you dare. If you are contemplating one my advice is go for it. The first few weeks are not that flash but modern alalgesics work wonders. Im over 6 months down track and only experience a bit of tightness BUT no pain or weakness. The only down side was when I was coming off the fentanyl patches, took a few days to normalise tried cold turkey but that was a disaster, the doctor gave me weaker dose patches and it took a few days to soft land.
Safe travels