Nobass and Bassboogieman

[bcklash]

I know both of you have had total knee replacement. I will be going that route before long. I have found something that interest me. Check out this website and tell me you think.

http://getaroundknee.com/?utm_source...=GetAroundKnee

Thanks

[nobass]

thats what mydr, used i have the trialion series. like i will evew do that. i really do not think mfg matters as long as you fine the best surgon to do it. all i know is it was the best thing i have done the difference is unreal . i recommend have them both do. healing time is same only go thur pain and physcal therphy once. i am going to pm you my phone number if you want to call and talk to me i can explain it better not good at trying to do it here it will be 5 months on 20th stikk have a little stiffness and some post surgical healing but i am 99% HEALD

[bassboogieman]

Stryker is the newest design and was not around when mine were done. I had the same surgeon, but different appliances 3 years apart. The right knee's components are a bit larger than the ones in the left which is going on four years now.

It must be a good improvement as I was AMAZED at how quickly Donald recovered and was back to work (8 weeks or something?). Mine was a bit longer, about 12 weeks on the first and 14 weeks on the last one (had difficulty getting it straight).

But now, it's not like having natural healthy knees, but it sure as he!! beats stiff, arthritic ones. I still have some stiffness if the joints are not moved, like sitting a couple hours over dinner or when I was at work. But when in use, they are fine - I can pedal my kayak all day, I would never have purchased a pedal boat with my old arthritic kness. Before the 1st replacement I could not walk 100 yds, really the pain was that bad, I can make several circuits around the mall or town now and no pain.

Find a good surgeon - one that's done several dozen replacements. If you choose the Stryker, the surgeon you select should have some experience with that appliance and sucess stories from his patiients. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is the rehab - the first week or so will have you questioning your sanity but it gets better every day after the first week you start PT. It wasn't any fun at all (for me) because it hurts - that may have changed with impovements to the appliance, surgical procedures, and the PT itself but it is important to get the leg straight and a good flex backward. Do all the work and you'll be very happy with the results, I'm sure.

The thing I'd ask about is a new technique for the surgery that does not cut the qudracept muscle (I think that's the one, your doctor WILL know) and that makes recovery less painful and the scar much smaller. ASK every question you can think of about the surgery, recovery, where you'll do your PT and visit them before your surgery.

Ask your doctor about BLOOD. As the procedures change blood requirements may have also changed. I used 2 pints after each of mine and I stockpiled my own blood a couple weeks prior to surgery. There is currently a blood shortage per the Red Cross, you don't want to be caught having issues with blood just before surgery. I very particular about blood, my own I know is good, anything else scares the crap out of me.

Lastly, good luck when you make the decision to go ahead. I'm certain you'll be much happier a couple months after the procedure is completed.

[nobass]

bruce is spot on they did not cut any mucles at all just moved them out of way. they did however cut nerves. mind are still firing . and i do have some dumbness. blood lose is different my surgeon told me three pints .,like bruce said use your own . and the red cross will not use it if you do not. what you experince as far as pain goes you will have some for first three weeks then mind really started to improve week four i only took pain pills for pt (cause you will hurt till things loosen up and strenghten.) i picked my hospital for two reasons one was they had a ward just for knee and hip replacement. two they also had rehab/pt ward for 1st week. the ortho group i used also had their on outpatient rehab. that is what they where specialize in . do your home work and ask questions. check with your insurance on what they will cover as far as rehab and pt . do not expect dr, or hospital to. my goal was to be able to bend my knee back 135 degrees. when sitting. took me 5 1/2 weeks to do that. pt was 9 weeks. tillwas released. do not rush it your knees will tell you what to do. like i said call i will answer any questions i can DO NOT EXPECT FULL RECOVERY AND TO HAVE NO PAIN FOR 9 TO 12 MONTHS. but is does get better everday.

[bcklash]

Thanks Don and Bruce. I got some homework to do.