New left knee-advice? Long tho'

[irisblue]

I'll be getting one some time before the end of next winter, or when the workers compensation people get their act together to approve it. On my way into work, one the last icy day of March 2010, walking across the parking lot on my way into work, i twisted my knee, toes towards right side, heel very far to the left. Immediate, immense pain. Steroid injections took care of it for the last 2 1/2 years, but the pain is increasing, and the (well respected, conservative, and loved) young orthopedic surgeon pointed out, it was past time. There is obvious gait changes, muscle changes and nerve damage that I'm no longer to overlook. He said "young lady (!) it's time." Totally made me laugh, since I've worked for him and I'm easily 15 years older.
That said, California Peggy and Csziggy (sp?) have had recent knee surgery experience, can anyone else enlighten me as to post op care? My front & side doors have 2 steps, we're already looking around for a ramp (for the sorta elderly dog, who had her left knee replaced ~ 2 years ago, oddly, it's very similar to what I'll be getting, but about 1/10 of the cost. BTW ohio state vet hospital can work out payments, I bet other teaching hospitals will too, for the experience. ). My house is a midwest style ranch, so the bathroom, already remodeled with an eye to my moms' coming visits, so there is a grab bar, elevated toilet seat. I can get the bathroom door rehung so it would open into the larger hall, making the bathroom access some 3-5 inches larger. The kitchen & bed room are mere steps from each other, the only small thing is I won't be able to do laundry (aww) since that is in the basement.
I can't garden the way I want to, I can't go for long walks and hikes, like I want to, let alone wear silly , splashy heels for an evening out dancing. Meh on that. Thanks for any input

[HopeHoops]

1. Our postman recently had his replaced. He made out pretty well. I'm worried about my hip.

Last night I lost all feeling and control of my right leg. I even stabbed it with sharp scissors. No feeling. By morning it was at least responsive and I could sort of walk, but my hip is throbbing and I don't know how long it will hold out. From what I know of it, knee replacement is relatively easy and prone to long-term acceptance. Hips only last 10-15 years. Most people I know who've gotten new knees say they're far more mobile than they were before the replacement. Good luck, but keep your spirits up. It should work out fine.

[libodem]

2. Best of luck to you

I haven't had knee surgery but my mom had both knees replaced and I have friends who have had it done. All have complained of discomfort after but said it was comparable to the prior knee pain so they were kind of used to it.

I've taken care of post op knees. You will be iced up and likely in a CPM for a while. It's a trippy continuous motion machine that motors your knee as many degree as it will comfortably bend, over and over at a slow pace. PT and OT will stand you up at the bedside with a walker. Your first steps will be supported. And you will likely have some days of intensive rehab. Medicate first so you can get past the pain and persist. They can send rehab folks to your house to help you excise and to see what equipment you may require.

Again best of luck.

[irisblue]

3. oh yeah

depending on time of year, i'll get leaf clean up or snow shoveling jobbed out to a neighbor. I can't think of anything else.