Total Knee Replacement on June 6

[broncovet]

Im getting my right knee replaced at the VAMC on June 6.  Its a Zimmer NexGen, installed by the VA ortho surgeon.  

I have been told that I will be using a walker for up to 3 months after the surgery.  The arthritis in my knee is, even tho I fractured my leg in service, NSC, because VA never bothered to adjuticate it.  There was just a note ("rating sheet") that says its NSC.  While I dont like to use resources needed by other Vets, I am considering re applying, then fighting them for the effective date.  Im currently 100 percent plus 20 percent plus 10 percent.  So, if the knee replacement is 50 percent, that should be enough for SMC S.  

     Im posting this in case others are considering TKR, and will let you know the results.  

[broncovet]

Gastone posted:

Quote

Bronc, any idea of how long the VA has been using the Z NexGen? The whole LowBid deal gives a #10 Pucker Factor.

I got a good laff out of that one.  I went to the blog site where dozens, no hundreds of people got TKR's.

I read and read.  The general consensus is to do your research on the surgeon, the make of the device is less important.  Its kind of like a car.  Most any  car can be /is very safe with some drivers, and is exceptionally dangerous with other drivers. 

According to this website, Zimmer nex gen started in 1995.  They (Zimmer) are the largest manufacturer of knee implants.  Yes, they have lawsuits, but at least some of those are the result of poor surgical techniques, and not a defective product.  

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/zimmer-product.18601/

My surgeon is Anil Krishnamurphy

[Guest L]

Good luck ! - Speedy recovery

- 3 months is a bit long for the walker, try 4 weeks. Progress to a cane if needed.

I have 21 yrs of experience in therapy.

3 day hospital stay - discharged to home with home health or outpatient therapy - 6 -8 weeks max recovery time,if you are not smoking and doing all exercises religiously.  

[WomanMarine]

On 6/3/2018 at 5:19 PM, broncovet said:

Thanks to all.  I will try to keep posting here on my progress, just so other Vets can benefit, especially those considering their own knee replacement at VA.  

The VA is now telling me I need a TKR ... I am like most and do not trust. I am going to be monitoring progress on this one.

Good luck broncovet! May God be with you! 

[broncovet]

Thank you.  I posted this elsewhere, but, I have postponed the surgury probably until fall.  

A lot of it had to do with the PT telling me the goal was to get my pain level to 1 or 2, which is what it is now, without surgery.  Of course there are good days and bad days.  

The important issue was that my son needed me at this time, and felt I would have let him down if I had the surgery right now.  So I waited.