Artificial Hips and Knees: Advice From People Who Have Recently Had Surgery
Important advice on knees and hips surgery from the front lines
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In today’s issue we will also cover:
How to make amazing turkey rollups ( 218 calories)
Read on…..
Let’s hear from real people with new artificial knees and hips!
I received great feedback from 4 individuals (Thank You Thomas, Roly, Eileen and Nick!) who have had knee and/or hip replacements. What was the pain like? Would they have the surgery again? What are best tips for after surgery. Here are their stories:
1. Question: When you reflect on your situation did you procrastinate or wait too long for the surgery? (Would you have gotten surgery sooner if you could do it all over again)?
Yes, I waited too long. My knee had limited my activities for over a year to the point where every step was painful, I should have had the partial replacement sooner. Thomas V., Braselton Ga
That is a definite YES, I waited too long! As a matter of fact, when I decided to see the orthopedic surgeon to schedule the operation, he informed me that I had to wait another 90 days because I had recently received a cortisone injection in the knee. For medical and infection reasons, you have to wait 90 days between a cortisone injection and the total knee replacement surgery. My quality of life was affected during this period and the pain was intense. Especially, the last week before surgery because I had to be off all pain medications 7 days prior to surgery.
Rolando H., Braselton Ga
Both of my hip surgeries were scheduled soon after the diagnosis. I would recommend that to anyone needing hip replacement. Why prolong your hip pain? Eileen D., Braselton GA
I knew it was time once it hurt while sleeping and kept me up I could not wait. Doing it ( surgery) in November was ideal because I did not miss out on much outdoors.
Nick P., Braselton Ga
2. Question: What was your pain and recovery like? (What was different about your post operation experience and recovery than you expected )?
The first couple of weeks were difficult, and the restoration took a bit longer than I had anticipated. But, five months after surgery everything is going very well. PT is critical to restore full range of motion. The pain level was less after surgery than what I endured prior to surgery. The first 2 days after surgery I asked myself, why do people complain about knee surgery pain (you are still have the effects of the spinal block anesthesia and you feel like superman). On the 3rd day the pain reality sets in … my recommendation is to listen to your body concerning the pain and use the medication that the Doctor prescribed. In addition, do the exercises that your Doctor’s team or your Physical Therapy recommends. Get up and walk as often as possible (at least once per hour).
During recovery (at least for the 1st week and half after surgery) plan to sleep in your Lazy Boy chair or sofa… it is very difficult to get comfortable in your bed (even if you have a bed that elevates).
In addition, make sure you get an ice machine from Amazon (Cold Therapy Machine System - Cold Therapy Machine info- Click Here
I recommend freezing water bottles and placing them inside the cooler instead of just placing ice cubes. Also keep the knee elevated because it will reduce the swelling.
Once you can get to the gym (1.5 weeks after surgery) make sure you ride the stationary bike and use the other equipment in moderation to increase the angle your knee needs to attain (120 degrees). Again, move do not be idle!
Rolando H., Braselton Ga
The first couple of weeks were difficult, and the restoration took a bit longer than I had anticipated. But, five months after surgery everything is going very well. PT is critical to restore full range of movement.
Thomas V., Braselton Ga
Both of my hip replacements were done by the anterior approach which involved a three inch incision but no cutting of nerves, muscles etc. Therefore, I had very little discomfort. It was a fast recovery.
Eileen D., Braselton GA
I really did not have much pain. There was discomfort and sleeping is a challenge. I am not a back sleeper so I could not get comfortable a lot of time in recliner and on the couch to sleep. Recovery is going well I am following all the online exercises that are being prescribed by the doctor’s physical therapist. That started the day after surgery. But I can tell you there was a lot of pre-surgery physical therapy to build up the muscles.
Nick P., Braselton Ga
3. Question: What advice would you give to anyone who is contemplating or scheduled for knee or hip surgery ?
Don't put it off, prior to surgery my knee was deteriorating and the pain increased every week limiting my activities more and more, after surgery the pain is gone and movement is getting better every week.
Thomas V., Braselton GA
My advice is to listen to your body and do not wait until the point where the knee negatively affects your quality of life.
In addition, select an excellent surgeon. I recommend Dr Thomas Bradbury (Total Joints Specialist- Cumming GA). Please Google his name and read my review on him. He did a sensational job, and his staff responds within an hour on any questions you may have during business hours.
Rolando H., Braselton GA
I would recommend that a person seeking out a surgeon for hip replacement, find one who uses the anterior approach and not the posterior approach which involves more cutting.
Also, it is important to follow the surgeon’s advice on icing the hip and exercising daily.
Eileen D. Braselton GA.
Make sure you do research on the surgery group. Follow all directions before and after surgery. Go in with goals on what you want to accomplish, this motivated me to stay on track.
Nick P., Braselton GA
In conclusion most of the patients wished they had gotten surgery earlier, as it would have improved the quality of their life. There was pain but it was manageable. Feel free to share this post below.
“Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better “
Samuel Becket
How To Make Easy Turkey Rollups
Eliminate the bread- Make these easy low fat, low calorie ( 218 calories per serving as shown, fruit is serving suggestion), low carb turkey roll ups in 3 easy steps. Use 2oz turkey per rollup, 4oz total for 2 roll-ups as shown. Add arugula, or a dill pickle, or shredded carrots. Season with mustard, horseradish, or zero sugar barbecue sauce. Roll up as shown. See Below.
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Good info. Thanks for sharing.
Thank doe your comment Jayne. Its amazing how many people have had knee surgery. Must be the pickleball!