Having 2nd Total Knee Replacement in 3 weeks

[AussiePolyDee]

Hi all,

Finally having 2nd TKR mid November. Not over-enthused but have been TOLD by orthopod and rheumy that I will be able to mobilise better then lose some weight (possibly!) as I'm not able to do much at present.

A bit apprehensive because of last years 1st TKR and subsequent flares, but upon advice from PMRpro and DorsetLady and others on this site, saw Rheumy last week & he is contacting Orthopod re the prednisolone I'm taking and IV following surgery. (which to my lack of knowledge regarding Iv Hydrocortisone re major surgery, I didn't ask about last year) A better informed patient this time round! lol (although most certainly not going to be a 'good' patient, I fear!)

Have managed to reduce to 6mg daily since last years flares (was back up to 30mg) so Rheumy advised me stay on 6mg till January and then try reducing .5mg month and see him again in March 2018

Thanks to all who have given such good advice and who continue to post interesting and informative comments ..... I was originally intending to have TKR this month, but had problem with infiltrating bcc on cheek, so had to postpone whilst had surgery for that in the meantime.

Regards and best wishes to all, x D

[GOOD_GRIEF]

You've certainly been through the mill, PolyDee, but with good luck you'll be getting on your feet again for real in a few short months.

Do your physical therapy religiously, even if slowly and gently, so you get a good result and can be back in the thick of it ASAP.

Will be thinking about you...

[AussiePolyDee in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thanks for your support, and will be back to 'report' on the op. x D

[Grammajoy in reply to AussiePolyDee]

I have had both knees replaced (latest was July 2016. )I was not on prednisone at that time but I did all the strengthening exercises for over a month before the surgery and came through beautifully. Home physical therapist ,after second visit, said "you don't need me anymore" great range of motion, very little pain. So get going on those exercises to strengthen your muscles !🤗

[AussiePolyDee in reply to Grammajoy]

Thanks Grammajoy, just getting a bit nervous 'thinking' too much! xD

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good luck!

[AussiePolyDee in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, looking forward to 'reporting back' after op. xD

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to AussiePolyDee]

Please do, I’ve been referred to surgeon for mine, but won’t be until next year sometime. Have to get NZ trip done and dusted first!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All the best! I should hope he was encouraging you not to reduce at present - hope he also gave permission to take more if needed!

[AussiePolyDee in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, he was very supportive and was sending letter to my orthopod, he also stated that I should make sure I increase if needed. (I said 'thank you' and 'getting excellent advice from informed sources on this site'!) lol. Will be back to let you all know how this butterball is mobilising....... x D

[cctraveler]

Best of luck PolyDee. I've had both knees replaced (years ago, and thankfully while not dealing with PMR) -- a tough surgery and rehab, but the payoff is a knee that will not fail you when you are ready to resume activity. I hope that was the case with the first one.

I worked as a post-op ortho nurse for many years, and saw over and over that my most prepared and determined patients did the very best after surgery. If you have the opportunity (ask for it if not offered) speak to the anesthesiologist before surgery. He (or she) is the person most responsible for a safe recovery from anesthesia, and should hear from you directly about your Pred dose/prior post-op flare.

I had back surgery two months ago, and was quite apprehensive beforehand with Pred and PMR changes and all. The anesthesiologist gave me a "small steroid dose" intra-op. I felt much more relaxed knowing he was aware of my Pred dose and had my back (and the rest of me), and I had only the slightest brief flare post-op. My daily reading on this forum, of course, also helped me with optimum recovery. I'm so grateful.

Let us know how it goes ...

[AussiePolyDee in reply to cctraveler]

Hi cctraveler,

I am grateful for your positive words and hope you are improving by the day!

I have pre-op clinic next week and have 'compiled' list of things that I either forgot or didn't think to ask last time..... hadn't found this forum prior to last year's first Rt. TKR, so am better informed and prepared (fingers crossed.....don't want to tempt fate!) this time.

So much support and excellent information on this site..... thanks again...I'll keep you all posted..... in the meantime..... everyone behave themselves....... x D