Ay other "old" guys out there with knee replacements? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gary Ganaway · #1 09-28-2002, 06:03 PM

Next Wednesday I go in for a total knee replacement. I'm "only" 60, but its time to get this thing fixed...too much pain and it is limiting my ability to do work on my '95 E420. I'm really bummed out that I will not be able to drive for a few weeks and enjoy the car. Anyway, today I drove the "hell" out of it and just turned 60,000 miles, runs like a charm!

If any other of you guys have had experience with knee replacements, let me know. I'm in pretty good shapr so do not expect any major complications, plus I have been working out to strengthen it for the last 3 months to make the therapy easier.

Anything I should do to the car since it will be sitting idle for about 3 weeks ? Hopefully , I will be able to drag myself to the computer and check the forum and keep up with what's going on.

#2 09-28-2002, 07:53 PM

I personally have not had a knee replacement but I work with an orthopaedic surgeon and have seen alot of them lately.

As with any surgical procedure there is risk of infection and complications post op. So be aware of any signs that you may have a systemic infection. Ask your doctor what to look for. Basically fever and dementia.

Now the good news. I have seen many satisified total knee recipients. To tell you how long it will take to get you back on your feet and active agian I am not sure but I will ask the Doc on monday on what is typical.

The most important aspect to recovery is patient motivation and compliance with physical therapy recommendations. You have to ask 150 percent from your knee just to get it back to 100 percent. IT sounds like your attitude is a good one and that along with a good surgical event will give you the best results.

Best of luck

bob c

you can email me directly if you have anything more specific questions.
counihan@mc.net

Kuan · #3 10-02-2002, 07:57 AM

I just reread this post. Michael Jordan comes to mind

In any case Bob, you don't seem to worried about the knee, you're more worried about the car! It's nice to see someone who has his priorities right for once

Good luck!

Kuan

jsmith · #4 10-02-2002, 09:59 AM

i've seen this surgery performed on one of the cable channels. pretty gruesome for most but very interesting for me since i have a bad knee myself, and looking to an "R&R" down the road maybe. the were showing an elderly patient - not in particularly good shape, have a knee replaced. i remember that in particular they make you get up and do stuff the following day (at least at that place) as part of the ensuing PT. i think in 3 weeks there was remarkable progress, with the patient able to walk, keeping in mind that the patient was unable to walk prior to the operation. with your conditioning the recovery time should be lessened. keep us posted!

DALE DORIA · #5 10-02-2002, 03:34 PM

My mother -in-law has had BOTH knees replaced within 2 years at the age of 75!! Much to my chagrin,(only kidding), she's back on her feet and does better than she has in many years. THERAPY is the key to recovery and she was quite diligent about it. She's now as moble

as ever, and visits often to let us know

. Anyway, while it has become a routine procedure, it still is quite invasive and needs to be monitered for infection. However, she did absolutly wonderful!! As a matter of fact....there's a knock at the door now....if only I could escape with the dog.................

.............

jsmith · #6 10-02-2002, 06:43 PM

if you're awake during the procedure, watch what they are doing and make sure they don't put the new knee on backwards

! JUST KIDDING - good luck, i'm sure it'll work out for the best. now if they could only invent a lower back replacement