My Mom will be having Knee surgery in October and she is wondering if anybody has any suggestions as for the pain that exist now.

Any sort of relief ideas would be appreciated.

She is on Coumadin.

Thank you!

I am struggling with the same choice. My surgery will not be until Jan and my current doctor said that it is no longer recommended to do both knees together for a higher risk of infection. I have not decided for myself if that is highly supported and the route I want to take. Replacement is the only option left for both of my knees that were injured in a car accident. My doctor said he will do one and the other one 6 weeks later. I have had my ACL's replace and judging by that, it means I will barely get past the most severe pain of one and go back in for the second, not sure that is the plan I want.

I found this forum yesterday and have to say that it is just filled with information so spent time and read and write and though no one can make the decision for your mom, this seems to be the place for a huge flow of support.

I've heard that it's safest to get one done and then the other for a few reasons:
#1) If something doesn't set right on the first knee, and the patient complains about it, chances are the doctor will know how to do it better for the second knee, and maybe even be able to fix the first knee, thus saving the patient some money instead of going back with two wrongly-done knees.
#2) It is easier for the doctor. It will make it so he doesn't have to rush to get two knees done, therefore he will concentrate on the knee having more time to think. The more order the better, and for doctors, order is time.
#3)(Being an optomist) The patient won't have as much fear going in for the second operation, having already a knowledge of what will be done.
Patrick

Thank you mrsmilbs and Patrick B. Asay



My Mom spoke to the doctor yesterday and she will have one knee at a time replaced in October. The doctor said you can have both knees done
at the same time but he definitly recommends have one at a time. She will wait about 6 weeks until they do the other knee.

Thank you again for the advice.

I am 53 and helped my 80-year-old mother after her 2 knee replacements; the right one in march, 2003 and the left one in august, 2003. She has done wonderfully! I attribute that to her determination and actively staying with her pt after surgery.
A consultation regarding my own knee problems (a running accident on the right, a skiing accident on the left) has resulted in my being advised yesterday to consider tkr on my left knee. It will be that or bone surgery which 'may' delay knee replacement 8-10 years. I am researching all I can, and will appreciate any feedback you can offer.
When I talked with mother last evening, she said couldn't help but wonder if the knee problems were 'hereditary', bless her heart! :p
thank you.