Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 09, 2000 01:55am | #1

   *
   Worked as director of maintenance for a rehab center. Saw hundreds (well maybe hundred) of knee replacement patients. All said they wished they had done it years ago. Within three weeks, most were walking fine, and said the pain was gone.

   Knew a nurse who had it done at 35. Both knees. Bad arthritis. She was back at work in about a month and had great things to say about it.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 09, 2000 05:49pm | #2

   *Haven't had the need myself but several of my friends have had joints replaced. Their advise has been to get it done sooner rather than later and to make sure the doc doing the job does LOTS of them. The only people I know who have had bad outcomes have had the job done by docs who don't do hundreds of them a year. Guess it is like most trades, if a person does it a lot they get better than if they only do a few a year.Oh yes, some do have a hitch in their get-a-long. But it doesn't seem to slow them down any.The other half of the question: I handle my arthritis by doing a lot of exercise to keep the joints moving and the ligaments and tendons strong. My doc says doing the right exercise makes the difference between surgery and being well. So, far he has been right.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 09, 2000 05:59pm | #3

   *Ditto re experience. It's funny, i've met a docs who are or who considered orthopedic surgery (bone surgeon) who had backgrounds as carpenters! The two trades are similar -- both use saws, drills, screws, glue, etc. and are very physical -- and, uh, if you remove too much material installing the prosthesis, the bone can break later ... ouch ... etc. . It is supposed to a very gratifying kind of work because the results are instant and visible: patient comes in and can't walk; after surgery thay can.I also have heard that experience matters, and politely asking "How many have you done in the last year" is a great idea. Kind of like a homeowner asking you how many decks you've built, how long you've been in business, etc. My grandmother has three, 2 hips and a knee, but she isn't trying to be a roofer or anything. I too would like to hear of first-hand experience.Therer are resources and discussions for just about every ailment on the Web, including Web addiction -- try a search for "joint replacement carpenter." <a href=http://www.hughston.com/hha/a.11.2.1.htm>This resource is very factual and does caution against strenuous activity because it will accelerate the detioration of the joint (they wear out eventually and need replacement, assuming you don't first).

1. 
   Guest_ | May 10, 2000 05:15pm | #4

   *I had ACL Surgery 10 years ago, and they said I would never hike again. I still take 10 mile hikes, uphill both ways!The secret is a stationary bike, about 20 minutes a day. It will build up collateral muscles that will give you support.You should also try Tylenol, Percodan, and More Sex With Hookers.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 10, 2000 06:19pm | #5

   *Been taking Celebrex .....works well and doesn't eat out my stomach. As far as the last suggestion goes, the side effects are too nasty, and besides, I couldn't afford the Viagra necessary to do it.

2. 
   Guest_ | May 11, 2000 03:08am | #6

   *I had ACL Surgery 10 years ago, and they said I would never hike again. I still take 10 mile hikes, uphill both ways!The secret is a stationary bike, about 20 minutes a day. It will build up collateral muscles that will give you support.You should also try Tylenol, Percodan, and More Sex With Hookers.

3. 
   Guest_ | May 11, 2000 08:51pm | #7

   *Thanks, really informative.