Just has VSG August 1st. Now have total knee replacement scheduled September 2nd.

[Judith L. Barrett Crawford 0]

I recently had VSG on August 1st. Preparation took 9 months due to insurance requirements. I had some issues due to BMI requirements- I did not quite meet requirements and my DJD evidently is not considered a comorbidity. I have had the diagnosis of Degenerative Joint Disease for several years. I am soon to be 55yo. I am Registered Nurse. I have a 13yo autistic son and I need to be able to continue to work as a nurse for 15 more years at least. Having the VSG is part of my plan to maintain my mobility and improve my overall health. Other than Gastric reflux, past stomach ulcer and high cholesterol I am otherwise fairly healthy. My knee discomfort has been hindering my activities this last year especially. Orthopedic Dr originally thought cortisone shots would work. After those failed to improve my mobility they thought that maybe the worst case scenario was a scope an repair of meniscus. A few days before my VSG surgery I had an MRI that showed the only option was a total knee replacement. I am scheduled for a total knee replacement Sept 2nd. I have had people question why so close together. I have to get them done close together due to insurance (deductibles paid, required time off before disability starts). Also I work full time and while I am on great terms with my job no one can be off work indefinitely. FMLA only guarantees 12weeks time off a year. If I do not have the surgery now I will have to wait 12 months. I do not believe I will be able to walk in 12 months. I have to wear a brace now as it is. That is frowned upon as a nurse. Also disability can deny coverage for preexisting problems. So that is my story. What I want to know is has anyone else ever had surgery this close to a gastric sleeve. I am working like crazy to get my nutrients in, stay flexible and mobile. Due to post op limitations there is no way to get my calories in yet. I take my Vitamins, Calcium, and Protein Shakes. I will not be able to take Nsaids or steroids after knee surgery. Any ideas or suggestions to help with this process woild be greatly appreciated.Thank you.

[theantichick 2,204]

I haven't had a knee replacement, but had autologous cartilage implantation with a tibial tuberosity transfer (Fulkerson's) which was an open knee operation with 18 months total rehab (4 months at PT, 14 months on my own at the gym). Here's my advice, FWIW.

• Use the CPM machine religiously. It can be a PITA, but it's worth it in the long run.
• Learn to love those sadists at PT, and do what they say even if it hurts.
• Get someone to write a script for an IceMan (http://www.djoglobal.com/products/donjoy/donjoy-iceman-classic) and pay for it out of pocket if you have to - price match online, there are a few discount suppliers where it's reasonable.
• Get in the pool as soon as they clear you for submersion. Nothing helped my ROM more than getting in the Water and either deep Water jogging or just water walking (I wasn't clear for the kicking needed for actual swimming to start, but just moving in the water was easier and gave resistance to help push the ROM.)
• I don't know if you'll have issues as long as I did, but a riser on the toilet and a shower bench were lifesavers.

I don't work bedside anymore, because I have auto-immune arthritis, but if you have the option try to go back on shorter shifts. 12 hours on a post-op knee is sheer hell for quite a while.