Hi, I am a 60 year old female who had both knees done in March and back again for a manipulation in May. I had them both done because I was bow legged and had arthritis. If I had only one at a time one leg would of been straight and one bowed!! I am having trouble with ROM. I cannot straighten my legs all the way. Scare tissue took over even though I had the manipuation I only had one week to get ahead of ther scare tissue. I had 3 athroscopic on each knee previously. My theapist was very aggressive to the point I thought I would pass out. I had a CPM machine at home for a month. still can't straighten all the way. I can't stand for any length of time without a cane. It's been 6 months I am frustrated. I just keep doing my exersies and hope for the best. WORK ON STRAIGHTENING YOU LEGS NO MATTER HOW PAINFUL OR YOU WILL HAVE PROBLEMS STANDING. I would do both legs at the same time again. Best wishes
07/14/2006 11:50 PM
soski
Posts: 10
Not sure what Gary decided to do--I'm 62 and had bilateral partial knee replacements in May--did a lot of soul searching before I decided to do both. I was in the hospital for four days, rehab center for 6 and then home. Went back to work (sitting job mostly) after about three weeks--probably way to soon, but I had pain whether I was at home or at work so might as well go to work.
Anyway, I hope whichever method Gary chose, he is doing well.
07/08/2006 08:49 AM
Paulab
Posts: 2
I do not know if you had both done or not - but i say both. It is no "bed of roses", but it is OVER! My bilateral was done on june 1. In hospital for five day - rehad hospital for six. I would reccoment that if you have not had it done - or others thinking of having biteral - do some upper body weight trainging. If takes some doing to get your self up and out of bed, wheel chair, etc. After surgery - push your self. Good luck. I am now walking with out a cane - unless it have to walk for a distance. still gett really tired. Paula
05/23/2006 01:26 PM
Judie52
Posts: 14
I had both knees done at the same time 8 months ago. I wanted all the recovery and hospital time over at once. I had an epidural and was awake for the procedure. They had me up and walking with a walker in two days. I fortunately had good insurance and was in the hospital for 30 days until I could manage the requirements of physical therapy. I continued with home therapy for six weeks after that. I was driving 7 weeks after the surgery. I just use a cane now for mild support. I will admit it was hard but I don't think it was more trouble having them both done at once. My knees were both shot and when I first stood up after the surgery I could not believe how strong my knees felt. I can stand for long periods of time but short on walking as much as I would like and do get stiff when sitting too long. I still get some swelling when walking or being on my feet too much. I do not regret having them done both at once. Feel free to e-mail me personally if you have more questions. I am 52 years old and luckily retired so I didn't have the stress of getting back to work right away. Good luck with whatever you decide! Judie in Texas
05/17/2006 02:08 PM
texasted
Posts: 4
I am 52, and had both done at the same time. It makes the recovery harder, but then you have only one hospital stay, one anisthetic, and one set of physical therapy. AND, one round of hassle dealing with insurance.
Also I have heard of several people who get one done, and then never go back for the seond. Better to get it over with all at once.
05/17/2006 12:30 PM
LATRICIA
Posts: 1
Hi, I just returned to work after having bilateral knee replacements in march of 2006, It was bad but not as bad as I thought..you just have to make up your mind that you are going to do your therapy no matter what..if I had it to do over I would definately have them both done at the same time, there is pain but they have medication for that and as long as you take your meds and not let the pain get ahead of you you'll be fine. I hope this has been helpful, I'll be glad to answer any questions that I can.
05/14/2006 08:48 PM
gary1047
Posts: 2
Thanks for your input. I probably will have one done at a time.
05/04/2006 04:20 AM
gammawbecky
Posts: 319
I have not had both knees done at the same time, but I have been around surgeries and rehab for seven years, so I have head and seen alot. The one thing I know to be true is that folks with both knees doine usually end up in a rehab hospital post-op so they can get the therapy they need which is above and beyond what a person would need if they only had one done (you usually get physical therapy at home for the first few weeks and then it is on to the actual physical therapy location.
Now, when it is done right, I have heard wonderful outcomes for double replacement patients. It is alot of very hard work.....but in my opinion ALL rehab is hard work in the beginning and achieving as much Range of Motion (ROM) at that time is essential to the success of any TKR surgeries.
I can certainly understand your desire to "get it over with". On the other had, people who have them done within months of each other seem to do quite well most of the time. What you read on this forum is usually stories of things not turning out well whether it is single or double replacements. But, you have no reason to worry since most TKR's turn out just fine. There is just a small percentage of patients who have trouble.
So....I would follow your heart and do what seems best for you. I would ask lots of questions about the post-op care you will receive....make sure it is immediate rehab. That seems to be a real key issue.
Best of luck and think positive thoughts.
Becky
05/02/2006 11:47 PM
rocknmom2
Posts: 9
I am 49 and had both knees done last fall. I had wanted to do both at the same time and my Dr. refused to do so. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to him for standing up against my request. I am doing extremely well now, however, and am so happy with both results. I had one done in August and the other in Oct. About 9 weeks apart. It takes alot out of you just through the healing process. It isn't easy, but worth it in most cases. You have to keep a positive attitude above all else. I took vitamins and calcium and worked both knees to "get in shape" before surgery, also very important. I cannot stress how much I needed the non-operative knee while recovering from surgery. It is ultimately a personal decision, but I would not recommend doing both at once, unless you have been extremely athletic and have strong thigh muscles in both legs. Good luck and God Bless!!
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Rock on!
04/16/2006 11:20 AM
gary1047
Posts: 2
I am 65 years old and was told by the doctor that I need both knees replaced. I'm thinking of having both done at the same time. Can anyone please tell me if this is a wise decision? My thoughts are to have them done at the same time to avoid duplicate pain and problems. HAS ANYONE HAD BOTH TNR AT THE SAME TIME.
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