Knee Replacement Questions

[Redwood Path]

I'm considering a knee replacement and I would love to talk to others who have had this procedure. I'm interested in how you are doing with pain, sleep, etc. How much activity can you now do that you couldn't prior to surgery? Has it been a complete success or are their issues now that are challenging. I want to be completely informed as to what I am getting into, since there's no going back after I get the surgery.
I have chronic fatigue issues and I'm concerned about the stress to my body. And at 61 years old, I'm younger than many who have this surgery.
Any comments are much appreciated as I consider this major operation.

[Sara S]

I've had both knees (and a hip) replaced, and I am so thankful that these procedures are available, since I'd have been in a wheelchair years ago without them. The knees and the techniques have improved a lot since my first one, too. I would positively say that they have all been complete successes!

Sara

I'm considering a knee replacement and I would love to talk to others who have had this procedure. I'm interested in how you are doing with pain, sleep, etc. ....

[Shandi]

Sara, could you share where these were done, and by what doctor(s)? Thanks!

[Mahria]

I'm considering a knee replacement and I would love to talk to others who have had this procedure. ...

I've had both knees replaced At times I still have knee pain, but nothing like before the surgery. Sleeping
involves keeping a pillow between my knees, or else there is discomfort. I can do all my activities, with a few
exceptions: in yoga, it is difficult doing kneeling poses; I no longer run, but then I haven't in many years. I ride a stationary bike at the gym three times a week to keep all the knee fluids operating at max. The recovery was two weeks of hell, with improvement on a daily basis. I was very committed to doing strength training before and doing psychical therapy afterwards. Building up your core is important.. Hope that helps.Good luck.

[Sara S]

Sara, could you share where these were done, and by what doctor(s)? Thanks!

Sure. The first one was done by Dr. Craig Campbell (now retired) years ago; the second one, and the hip, were done by Dr. Bruce Bragonier; both here in Sebastopol, all done at Palm Drive Hospital....and let's keep it open!

[margritmy cat]

I've had both knees replaced 2nd disease and working on hard ER floors for years as a nurse. I had no idea I could feel this good.I cycle and walk to stay limber and mostly fit. It's all good. Technology is fabulous. I do set off the machines in the court house though.

[Sandy2y]

I've had both hips, 2003 & 2009 and one knee replaced. The 2009 was done by Bollinger here, very successfully. The knee, 2014, was done by John Diana at St. Helena's hospital in Napa because Palm Drive was closed. I had very little pain afterwards and luckily, recovered quickly all three times.The only drawback was I never got all my range of motion back, but that's insignificant for me, as I got enough back. I'm 81 and will have the second knee replaced this year or next. I keep active with walking and going to the gym.

Sandy

[Redwood Path]

Thank you all for your responses to my inquiry. I am scheduled for Sept. 12 and I'm feeling more positive about the journey.