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My ortho want's me to have bilateral knee replacements at the same time..any suggestions

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Posted 9/7/2011 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
I went to see the pre-op doc's today 9/6 for my left total hip on 9/8 and my ortho doc told me after the hip he would do both knee's together then go to rehab after the surgery. Has anybody had a total knee done or both at the same time. Thanks Beck

                                                                    

Posted 9/7/2011 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
My mother in law had both hips done at one time and said she would do it all over again. The recovery was tough, but she only had to go through it one time. Her recovery time wasn't "double", it was only extended by about a week/week 1/2. If I ever have to go through a double joint replacement, I most certainly would consider the 2 in 1 method.
Posted 9/8/2011 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
When I was in college I did a rotation at a rehab hospital as an Occupational Therapist. I had several patients that had bilateral knee replacements. Everyone I worked with was very happy that they did it. It is tough, but it forces you to use those knees and strengthen them faster. When you have one done at a time your recovery seems to be extended due to natural guarding that takes place. Of course you dont want it to be hurting, so you lean more on the non effected side. It may be a little more painful to start off but in the long run it is a very good recommendation IMHO personal opinion.

The only question I would have for your dr would be the fact that you will need to be using alot of upper body stregnth, especially if you do both at the same time, and probably a walker for a couple weeks. How will your shoulder tolorate that?

Whatever you decide I wish you good luck! Will be thinking about you tomorrow as well. You will do great!

Big hugs,
Shell
Posted 9/8/2011 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
First....GOOD LUCK today!! :-)

Next, my niece had both of her feet done at the same time, no regrets. A little tough at first but well worth it. Recovery time in the long run is shorter and less chances of stressing the other by over-compensating while one is healing.

I'm sure whatever decision you make will be what's right for you.

Best wishes ~
Lisa
Posted 9/8/2011 10:38 AM (GMT 0)
Beck, my old boss' wife had both knees done at the same time. She was in her early 50's at the time. Once she got past all of the post-op period in the hospital, she was then transferred to an in-patient rehab program for 6 weeks. She said this in patient rehab is what made her recovery so much easier and would recommend it to anyone if their insurance will pay for it.

Good luck on the pending shoulder surgery.
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