KNEE ARTHRITIS - Total Knee Replacement :
Advice please - - Posted by Tanner (Tanner), 21 October 2003
Hi I'm from the UK and new here. I had a TKR 7 months ago. I went to see my specialist today to see about having the other one done. The problem is , after the first one (which went really well) I was rushed into hospital with a suspected blood clot on the lung. Thankfully it wasn't that ( I had fluid on the lung). My problem is do I go ahead and have the other knee done with the risk that next time I may not be so lucky.I am more scared of the posability of this happening again than I am of the operation. I have to see the specialist again in 6 months ,by which time I have to decide if I want to go ahead with the other TKR. I would like to know if anyone has any advice please. 
Posted by Chuck (Chuck), 23 October 2003
Tanner;
To put your mind at ease, find out why you had fluid in your lungs. Did you have some sort of respiratory infection? Perhaps it could be as simple as not getting up and moving enough after the initial surgery.
Anyway, I'm sure your Doc. will prescribe a full course of antibiotics prior to surgery, to ward off infection, along with a full spectrum antibiotic immediately after surgery. Make sure you discuss your previous condition with the Hospital pre-admissions folks, as they will have a pulmonary specialist review your case, prior to surgery, and plan a course of action.
Good Luck,
Chuck
Posted by ozzybug (ozzybug), 23 October 2003
Tanner-
I totally agree with Chuck. If yout OS, and the hospital staff are made aware of the rush to the hospital after your first surgery- they will take very strong measures and will keep a very close watch on you to insure that measures are taken to keep this from happening again.
Pus, you will be more aware of how your body is acting post-op and will know if something is amiss.
Best of luck to you and let us know what you decide! We are all here for you!
Lezlee
Updated Mon Dec 1 2008