Re: Total Knee Replacement

[Betty/WV]

Hi Everyone: I'm scheduled for a total knee replacement, and I'm SOOOO nervous about it. The risk of infection, whether they will give me anything to make my RLS worse, etc. etc. I've ask all the questions, have my durable medical power of attorney ready, also have medical alert cards for RLS ready.

It isn't until August, so I have time to cancel if I so decide. But I have so much pain, I don't know if I want to continue like this. My quality of life isn't so good either. Because I'm so limited in what I can do. I just turned 73 and would still like to be able to go places, do my shopping etc. with out having to spend the next day in bed.

So, if any of you have any suggestions, thoughts etc. I would appreciate it.

BETTY/WV

[Aiken]

I can't speak for the other issues, but one surgical issue that anyone over 30 is usually thinking of is the risk of simply being under general anesthesia. I'm guessing that's why you mentioned your medical POA. However, that risk has declined significantly in the last 20 years or so, with different drugs being used now, and it's not really significant anymore.

If that's one of your concerns, I wouldn't let it be if I were you.

[Betty/WV]

Hi Aiken: Thanks for answering my post. The nurse told me I would have "twilight sleep", which I understand isn't general anesthesia. I think it is like a spinal????

I guess just being put to sleep and having someone cutting on your body is enough to make one anxious.

Also the surgeon listened carefully when I explained about RLS. And told him about the antinauseates, which they usually give you after surgery. I will talk to the antesthesiologist before the surgery about the meds.

This to I shall get through.

Thanks again. BETTY/WV

[SquirmingSusan]

It sounds like they are going to sedate you and use a local or spinal anesthetic on your knee. I had a procedure done a couple years ago and I was sedated with something they called "MAC." It was a lighter version of general anesthesia. It was the best sleep I've had in years. I fell asleep with a smile on my face and woke up still smiling. I felt great all day afterward. It was a combination of Fentanyl, Valium (or similar), and a barbiturate. Whenever I've been "sedated" I've been out like a light, but maybe that's just me. They also gave me Sofran for nausea, because I talked with the anesthesiologist before and told him about the RLS. Although with Fentanyl as one of the sedating meds, I'm not sure anything would have bothered my legs anyway.

A knee replacement is a bit more of an ordeal than the procedure I went through, but you'll get through it. I understand that it's a bit of work afterward to get moving, but that the pain is so much less right away. My bil had a knee replacement and got a MRSA infection, but was treated and is fine. Just remember that even MRSA can be treated easily, as long as you don't take antibiotics before they culture the infection and know for sure what it is.

You'll be fine and you'll be up and about in no time.

[SquirmingSusan]

Oh yeah, what I meant to emphasize, before I got carried away babbling, was that the anesthesiologist is the key to keeping the RLS under control. Bring your RLS card, a list of meds to avoid, and make sure that the anesthesiologist understands completely.

I think that the RLS foundation (http://www.rls.org) has a pamphlet about surgery that you can give to the doctors.

[Polar Bear]

My friend had a knee replacement and is doing great.

I think all has been covered with the rls medical alert card, talking with the anaesthesiologist, and also I printed out the pamphlet that Susan mentions for 'surgery with rls' and keep it in my rls folder of useful information along with the Mayo Algorithm.

Good luck.

[ViewsAskew]

You keep up the great attitude! You will get through it. And, think of how wonderful it will be to have that new knee! As I force my old knee not to hate me everyday, I can't help but think of how much you are going to enjoy it.

[Betty/WV]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I have made a copy of the booklet, Restless Legs syndrome and surgery (or something like that) and I will take it with me when I meet with the doctor next time, and also the anestheseologist. Thanks again. BETTY/WV

[stitch]

Hi Betty/WV

I have never had knee surgery but my sister did and she is doing great, but she is not the one in the family that has rls. I have had 8 surgeries since 2002, all on my back. Some I had terrible rls after the surgery and others nothing. My last surgery I got lucky because the anestheseologist had rls and at the last minute he gave me one of his maripax.

I just turned 73 on June 8th and I am trying very hard to be able to walk the dog, work around the house etc. It's hard but I am going to continue to try and do as much as I can. PT will help you the most after the surgery to get betterand back on your feet.

Good luck with everything and you will do just fine and will be dancing before you know it. Stitch/Jeannie

[Betty/WV]

Hi Stitch/Jean: I just turned 73 on June 14th. Thanks for the encouragement. I am nervous about the surgery, but everything is coming together. I am one that needs to be informed about all the little details. I can't go into things blind. I know before when I had a heart cath. and the nurse gave me benedryl and all the time I'm telling her NO, you can't give me that, and she did anyway. And I had horrible RLS for hours after the cath. I emailed Dr. B about it, and he said to give everyone that is envolved with my care one of the Medical Alert Cards for RLS and don't hesitate to tell them if they give me anything that is listed on that card that will exacerbate my RLS symptoms that they could be liable for a lawsuit. I'm sort of afraid to do that but who knows. He said that for them to give me any meds listed on that card would be the same as giving me meds that I'm allergic to. Again thanks for your post. I need all the positive input that I can get. BETTY/WV

[sardsy75]

Hey Betty

I can understand you wanting to be completey sure of everything before going ahead.

My mother had a full knee replacement done in January. When I was talking to her (or dad, cant remember lol) I stressed that even though she only has very mild RLS, that the anethetist, specialist and physiotherapist were to be well aware of what RLS is and what drugs can exacebate RLS.

I ended up emaling my mum the links that can be found in the infomation section on the Foundation Site here and it's what she took.

The anethetist and surgeon's decided on a full General Anesthetic for mum's procedure. Don't know if the sedation was available.

A good six months later, mum is doing extremely well.

She still has to have the other knee done yet, so she'll be a pro next time!

Take care of you Betty!

[Betty/WV]

Thanks Sardsy: Glad your Mum is doing well. I printed out the booklet "RLS and Surgery" to give to the surgeon and anyone else involved with my care. What would we do without this site???? We would still be rambling around in a fog, not knowing how to handle all these situations we get into. Thanks again, I love hearing from you all.

BETTY/WV