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haele

(12,650 posts)
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:10 PM Feb 2023

Wish me luck, second total knee replacement surgery is tomorrow. Update.

Last edited Wed Feb 22, 2023, 11:06 PM - Edit history (1)

The first one last October, I recovered really well - except for that part two months later when I got tired of no one cleaning the kitty litter box for three weeks (because apparently walking short distances with a cane and being cleared to drive again meant I was all healed up) and I finally did it myself against doctor orders -and ended up spending the week before Xmas in the hospital with an infection below the surgery location that went septic.
Almost lost the leg below the knee; Aetna would have been so pissed after spending over $300k on that knee.

So now, everyone knows the drill. Grandma/Stepmom/Spouse does absolutely no cleaning that can scatter germs or bacteria for at least three months. Also, make sure Superwoman doesn't take over and start overdoing it with the "I can walk again" routine.

I can't wait for this last knee to be replaced. The pain really started ramping up as the weather got wet.

Update. The surgeon, who also did my right knee, declared this one was the worse he's seen once he opened it up and was pretty amazed I rehabbed to walking with a cane on it before. Bone spurs, no cartilage and indications that the lower joint was splitting.
Surgery went just fine, pain level (with nerve blockers still active) "four and sore" and the hospital food here is bourgie-good.
Four star level - dinner was Roast Beef Au-jus (Medium Rare) with roasted Garlic Red potatoes and Butter roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan, served with a fresh melon cup. Last time I was here, I had fresh made oatmeal with french toast that was like I would have made it at home.
Apparently the locals here come to the hospital cafeteria (where our food comes from) for low cost good food. My recovery nurse takes her boyfriend here for date night dinners.
This is Sharp Coronado Hospital in the San Diego Area. The rooms are horrible, the staff and doctors are great, and the food is better than a lot of restaurants in town. The staff complains they have to fight with the locals for tables in the cafeteria.

Anyway, going home tomorrow.

Haele

33 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Wish me luck, second total knee replacement surgery is tomorrow. Update. (Original Post) haele Feb 2023 OP
Good luck! Luciferous Feb 2023 #1
haele, good luck to you on your surgery. And take it easy for as long as the doctor says. debm55 Feb 2023 #2
Healing vibes on the way! 💓💓💓 SheltieLover Feb 2023 #3
Good luck!🍀 mobeau69 Feb 2023 #4
Good luck, haele! thatcrowwoman Feb 2023 #5
Good Luck! Irish_Dem Feb 2023 #6
Break a leg! ret5hd Feb 2023 #7
Wishing you a speedy recovery, haele gademocrat7 Feb 2023 #8
Best wishes and good vibes for your second surgery. brer cat Feb 2023 #9
Good Luck to you!!! Hope all goes well and you'll be running marathons in no time!! Fla Dem Feb 2023 #10
Sending you loads of good vibes for tomorrow! MLAA Feb 2023 #11
Good luck! You know what to expect for the next few months, but you also know what Scrivener7 Feb 2023 #12
(Really) Odd Question Ahna KneeMoose Feb 2023 #13
My other knee. 40 years around Navy ships and shipyards can kill knees, feet and hips. haele Feb 2023 #16
Sending healing vibes and best wishes. Niagara Feb 2023 #14
I had both knees done 10 years ago one 6 weeks after the other Walleye Feb 2023 #15
Best wishes... 2naSalit Feb 2023 #17
Strength and honor. WheelWalker Feb 2023 #18
Holding you in light and love. Vibes for easy, successful surgery and smooth recovery. niyad Feb 2023 #19
How horrific! Here's to SAFE, SUCCESSFUL Surgery With an Excellent Recovery/Result! electric_blue68 Feb 2023 #20
Luck to you, you'll feel so much better. we can do it Feb 2023 #21
good luck! Kali Feb 2023 #22
Best hopes Haele irisblue Feb 2023 #23
Best of luck, haele! ancianita Feb 2023 #24
Big challenge in front of you.. Permanut Feb 2023 #25
🌺. Best of luck -- swift and gentle healing, Haele 💕💕 Hekate Feb 2023 #26
Good luck!!! Karadeniz Feb 2023 #27
Wish you the best gerryatwork Feb 2023 #28
I hope your surgery goes well. Sending healing vibes your way. Lonestarblue Feb 2023 #29
You will be a Superwoman even while taking it easy as you heal. calimary Feb 2023 #30
Good luck 🍀 live love laugh Feb 2023 #31
Let us know when you're out and awake and how you're doing, Haele! Scrivener7 Feb 2023 #32
Hope all went well with your surgery!! Fla Dem Feb 2023 #33

Irish_Dem

(47,014 posts)
6. Good Luck!
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:25 PM
Feb 2023

This time you know what to expect and how to handle it better.

I know the hardest part is following doctor's orders not to overdo things.
I am so independent, I don't think the post op rules apply to me.
Then I pay for it.

brer cat

(24,562 posts)
9. Best wishes and good vibes for your second surgery.
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:30 PM
Feb 2023

Pay close attention to your Doctor; that's why s/he gets the big bucks. I had a reverse total shoulder replacement two years ago and decided on my own when I was ready to start using that arm again. it was not a very good idea and I paid for it. I was careful to avoid anything likely to cause infection.

MLAA

(17,288 posts)
11. Sending you loads of good vibes for tomorrow!
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:41 PM
Feb 2023

You got this Haele! You give the orders on who needs to do what to keep you safe and healthy while you recover. Make ‘em all pitch in!

Scrivener7

(50,949 posts)
12. Good luck! You know what to expect for the next few months, but you also know what
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:47 PM
Feb 2023

it is like when you have done the work and the pain is gone.

And glad the family is on board this time!

You've got this.

Ahna KneeMoose

(302 posts)
13. (Really) Odd Question
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:49 PM
Feb 2023

Is this(your) 'second total knee replacement' a 'redo' of the initial(first) total knee replacement (?)...

...OR...

Is this for your 'other(remaining, but also damaged) knee (?)

haele

(12,650 posts)
16. My other knee. 40 years around Navy ships and shipyards can kill knees, feet and hips.
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 09:20 PM
Feb 2023

I'm just lucky my hips are still in good shape. Feet, that's another story.

Haele

Walleye

(31,017 posts)
15. I had both knees done 10 years ago one 6 weeks after the other
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 08:58 PM
Feb 2023

It was a good move because I had been in a lot of pain myself. Now I’m a little bit pissed because my shoulder is all messed up. I haven’t made any decisions on that yet. Lots of luck on your surgery keep us updated

Kali

(55,007 posts)
22. good luck!
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 09:52 PM
Feb 2023

I won't bother you with my replacement infection story but will advise paying close attention anytime you start to feel "off" even a year or more out.

Permanut

(5,602 posts)
25. Big challenge in front of you..
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 10:27 PM
Feb 2023

Sounds like you know what's ahead. Best vibes to you and your medical team; looking forward to a 100 percent positive report

gerryatwork

(64 posts)
28. Wish you the best
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 10:40 PM
Feb 2023

of luck. You have been through it before so know the drill.The 1st 3-4 days are torture and gets better from there. I don’t know your age. Just under 2 years ago at 73 I had my right knee replaced. Walking without a cane or walker at 8 days. At 10 days I drove to 3 light shopping stops and left any walking aid behind.

At exactly 5 weeks I rode 10 miles on my bicycle and by week 8 was riding 35 miles. In the almost 2 years since the replacement I’ve ridden over 5000 miles. I had my hip replaced 13 years ago.

As I said you know the drill. So hopefully my story might be helpful for someone who has a replacement down the pike.

Again best of luck.

calimary

(81,238 posts)
30. You will be a Superwoman even while taking it easy as you heal.
Tue Feb 21, 2023, 10:59 PM
Feb 2023

Your good attitude will enhance that healing.

You’ll have lots of time to relax, and read, and keep up with DU!

Please keep us posted on your recovery.

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