Wow, that's a big thing to do at one time. Do you have someone to care for you because I'm sure you wouldn't be able to get around for a while. I've never heard of anyone having both knees done at the same time. I had a hip replacement last June and will have to have the other one done, but I can't imagine both of them at once. Rehab is pretty intense to get back to a normal walking pattern and being able to function from day to day. Then again, it could be good to get them both out of the way at one time...Pain once and not having to endure surgery and being put to sleep two times. Let us know what your surgeon advises. I wish you well with surgery and recovery.

Hi Sandrac

Yes I had bilateral total knee replacement done May 2011. I was 46.

It is a very tough surgery. Very tough. But you get through it.
They pretty much get you walking as soon as possible next day after surgery. Physical therapy is tough. You have to use a walker for a few weeks. Then cane, then nothing.

I am glad I had my knees done but still can't say if getting them both done at same time is the thing to do.
It is a very personal call.
There are benefits to Doing them both.
You get it all out the way in one go.
My surgeon and my arthritis doctor gave me the reasons to its advantage but left me to decide and after deliberation I decided to get both done at same time.
It was very hard on me pain wise but we are all different.

I have recovered very well and I'm getting around fine now 2 years on.

I know another lady who lives near me who had both hers done in the fall '12.

She had a tough time too but is Coming along fine now 5 months on.

Each case is different. I didn't go to a rehab center after release from the hospital and I came straight home and received physical therapy and nurse visits at home. The other lady went to rehab for 2 weeks before going home. She is in her 60's.
Different situations.

If you are overweight try and lose some prior to surgery. It will help with PT. the less stress on the joints, the better.
Build muscle strength in leg muscles if possible prior to surgery. Also helps.

I found the book.
Total knee replacement and Rehabilitation.
A Knee Owners Manual.
A very helpful book to have. It's available from Amazon.

I wish you the best.

naturalgirl, thanks for the positive post. I'm sure it will help
sandrac make up her mind which way to go.

My Dr. will only do one knee right now. I have Fibromyalgia real bad also. Dr said one will put me into a major flare. So I am scheduled for surgery on March 11, 2013. I am sure not looking forward to it, but I have put it off way to long.
Wish me luck

Sandra, I'm wishing you the best with your surgery and a speedy recovery. Well, as speedy as possible. I know PT will take time but knowing how much better you are going to feel later is a huge incentive to have this done. Blessings to you. Please let us know how you are doing.

Sandrac,
That's good you are scheduled. I think it's good that the doc took the fibromyalgia into consideration.

I have fibro too and yes I did flare. The muscles in my legs was the main area of the flare. Not fun!
My knees were bone on bone and I feel my docs persuaded me to get both done as I had no good leg to stand on. Literally. But it was still up to me.
The more I think about If i had to do it again I think I would go for one knee at a time if it was possible.

So I think it's a good call for you really.
one knee at a time.

I wish you ever success with the surgery and minimal pain and you heal well.

It will be ok. A better quality of life awaits you a few months from now. Better mobility.
So on those difficult days post surgery keep your mind on that it WILL get better and it is all worth it.

If you need help with anything just message me. Or post here.

Thanks ladies, I appreciate your words of incouragement. I will post and let you know how I am doing when I am up to it. I am going to be staying at my daughters house for a few weeks since she doesn't work and can be with me during the day. My husband said he will feel better if I am with her so she can take care of me.
Thanks Again
Sandra

I'm glad you've made up your mind and now you can focus on the
one knee. Please let us know how you do and how you feel on
your journay.

You are so brave. Good luck

Deanna

My husband lost almost40 lbs & no longer has knee pain. He weighs 148 lbs & is 5'8". But incentive to all of us over 148 including me to lose

I guess its up to the person. I know I need knee replacement at some point, but my husband just had one knee done a few years ago. He has done very well with it, and he said its the good rehab afterward that makes the knee work like it should. He went for 4 months, and 3 times a week. I think I would do one at a time, unless they are both real bad. I do not think it would be easy to deal with two at once, but thats just my opinion.

I had both my knees replaced but 6 months apart. I had asked my dr. to do both at the same time but he refused. I do know people that did both at the same time and got along okay. I think it is hard to get a dr. to agree to do this. I know I could not have stood the physical therapy for both knees at the same time. But each person constitution is different. Good Luck with your surgery.

How interesting that this topic was just posted. I have friends in NJ and the wife called Tuesday. Her husband is having both knees replaced Today..3/21/2013. The only way his doctor would do it is if he stayed in patient for rehab..for 2 weeks. She said that was fine by her. She thinks he's nuts for having both done at the same time and is not trained to help him at home. Glad the doctor helped her out with that. I'll keep a check on him and give an update later.

Hi: I am reading everyone's story, and I am in a real predicament as far as getting my knee done. I have problem with my blood due to having Leukemia, and I am afraid to get the knee done. I have heard nightmare stories from people who only had the Arthroscopic Surgery to clean up the broken cartilage in the knees. I am in pain everyday, and I just do the best I can. I also need to lose a lot of weight to get the weight off legs and body. I am really frustrated, and wondering what to do to postpone the knee replacement.

@susan1947
I can imagine that is a tough situation. Sorry you have so much going on. Are you in treatment for the leukemia?
I would think that is main priority for now right?

I have mainly come across successful knee replacement stories. Myself included. And it has Improved life for the patient. I'm not saying none of us went through hell, cuz yeah it's a rough surgery. But the end result has been good. So maybe consider the good stories and keep away from the horror ones.
And when you are ready to get surgery make sure you get an orthopedic surgeon who has a good reputation for performing knee replacements. You will know by word of mouth if you ask friends and neighbors. There will always be someone who can recommend a good TKR surgeon. And then look at the surgeon's profile online too.

I think it is important to discuss all your concerns with your doctors.
Arm yourself with as much as info as possible.

It is important to try and lose the weight if you can. Make dietary changes in any way you can. Adjust bad habits. If you are a night time snacker, got a sweet tooth :). Anything that may help to shed a few pounds. I lost a few prior to my surgery. It isn't easy but can be done. 3 yrs since surgery and I gain some back but kept most off.

If you can do some kind of exercise too.
A stationary recumbent bike will probably be the best thing to use if you have bad knees and overweight. It is less of an angle to turn peddle and you can alter the resistance to an easy one. And there's no stress on the joints. If you can access one perhaps give it a try.
Check with doctor first if you feel that you need to.
But most doctors say keep moving. Every arthritis doc I've seen over the years. Say to me, you gotta move.
It hurts but it's important. BUT you don't do things that cause agony or over do it. You can break up the exercise into ten minute sessions instead of one long hour. Do a bit at a time.

Use Ice or heat or alternate between the two will be helpful.
Maybe use a knee brace. I use to just use the ones you can get in pharmacies. Can provide some support. Or ask doctor about a knee brace.

Maybe explore some alternative treatments out there if finances allow. See a naturopath or holistic practitioner, or acupuncturist.

Maybe these are all things that can help hold you off from surgery.

I hope you get the help for the leukemia. Do you need bone marrow?
Treatments? I wish you all the best and hope you find answers for your healing.

Thanks for the reply: I am doing very well with the Leukemia. I am on a oral chemo drug for life, as I was not a candidate for a BMT. The weight issue seems to be worse than the Leukemia or the Knees. Its just a constant problem for many years. When things do not go well like health and finances its a emotional eating issue.
I will try to find the right solution along the way, but maybe the knee brace might help for awhile.
My husband is doing very well with his replacement, and many other people have done well with this Ortho Doc, therefore, when I am ready I will probably use the same doctor.