[Tarara Boomdea]

I need knee replacements and would like to get them both done at the same time.

Don't have time to recover from two consecutive operations. Friend in NYC hospital orthopedics unit has recommended this, since you go to rehab (with supervised, scheduled exercises) straight from the hospital and total recovery time is much shorter.

Time is the main consideration. Also, I'm afraid if I get one done, I won't have the nerve to get the second one done Hear it's no picnic.

So far the doctors I have called (who take my insurance) will only do them with a three month break between (time varies).

Any poor soul who has had this operation done here in Las Vegas care to share?

[SportyandMisty]

I don't know for sure, but try Dr. Bernard Ong. Bernard Ong, MD

[Tarara Boomdea]

Thank you. I'll give him a call.

[winter-rabbit]

Are you sure you even need it?

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by lvnyc

I need knee replacements and would like to get them both done at the same time.

Don't have time to recover from two consecutive operations. Friend in NYC hospital orthopedics unit has recommended this, since you go to rehab (with supervised, scheduled exercises) straight from the hospital and total recovery time is much shorter.

Time is the main consideration. Also, I'm afraid if I get one done, I won't have the nerve to get the second one done Hear it's no picnic.

So far the doctors I have called (who take my insurance) will only do them with a three month break between (time varies).

Any poor soul who has had this operation done here in Las Vegas care to share?

What insurance do you have?

Sometimes, they will not do things like that for HMO patients because of financial considerations. It sounds to me though, like the doctors you've spoken with want a three month gap for reasons of patient safety.

[Tarara Boomdea]

Originally Posted by winter-rabbit

Are you sure you even need it?

Definitely. I had an accident about nine years ago, really wracked up my right knee and the other was also hurt, but not as badly. Over the years it's degenerated. I've tried various glucosamine and chondroitin formulas (gave them more than enough time to work), gelatin, steroid shots (they didn't even last a week.)

Don't want to, looks like I'll have to.

[Tarara Boomdea]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

What insurance do you have?

Sometimes, they will not do things like that for HMO patients because of financial considerations. It sounds to me though, like the doctors you've spoken with want a three month gap for reasons of patient safety.

That's exactly what they said - too much of a risk. From what I've read, to get both done at the same time is cheaper.

I have a PPO - MGM Direct Care (Sierra). It's been great.

I am in the middle of getting cataracts removed. $50 co-pay for each surgery. Lots of eye drops involved (three types - $5 each except for one that is $100.) When I arrived at the surgery place they told me I might not be covered for a $1,000+ stent I needed for one eye, sign here to guarantee you'll pay it if the insurance doesn't. The doctor's office told me it might not be covered. I signed. Just got a letter from the PPO. They agree it was medically necessary, no final judgment made yet if they'll pay.

It was a piece of cake. I knew my sight was bad, but I'm shocked at the difference between each eye. After Monday (when I have the other one done) I won't have to wear glasses at all.

So that's a little info for those needing cataract surgery. (Highly recommend Dr. Peter DeBry, Nevada Eye Surgery.)

[NLVgal]

Sounds like it's a best practice to wait between surgeries. If a mistake gets made, or a post-op infection were to occur... Well, you get the picture.

Best of luck to you. I worked with a gal that had knee replacement, and it wasn't nearly as bad as she expected.

[Tarara Boomdea]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

Sounds like it's a best practice to wait between surgeries. If a mistake gets made, or a post-op infection were to occur... Well, you get the picture.

Best of luck to you. I worked with a gal that had knee replacement, and it wasn't nearly as bad as she expected.

Thank you. That is really, really good to hear.

I try to be unemotional about decisions like this; what other choice do I have? And it's great that I have good coverage in these times, and all this stuff is fixable. I have also realized what a big chickensh!t I am , hee hee.

[winter-rabbit]

I have talked to many folks who thought they needed surgery. I helped them adjust the way they walked and they avoided big surgery.

Good luck.