Total Elbow Replacement - I have had this done. Anyone else?

I agree it is awesome to get new joints and be pain-free and have good motion again. It sounds like you have had many joints replaced. In your experience with your elbow replacement, can you tell me what your recovery timeline (WHen you could do what) was like after they removed the splint and started allowing you to do flexion and extension, pronation supination exercises? Did you experience any floppiness in your elbow or wrist initially? I am 5 weeks post op now (Nov 2016) and am not allowed to strengthen yet, but just do range of motion. I want to drive soon, but that is not allowed yet either. I saw some you tube videos where people were doing these things a few weeks post-op. ANother surgeon here told me doing things early could lead to need for revisions in 2-5 years. What is your experience with that?

Hi

Total elbow replacement recovery

Aug 30 surgery...arm was loosely bandaged in full extension...it burned...turns out I was allergic to the chlorhexadiene used to sterilize my skin

Aug 31 Doc took hard splint off which left me with a loose dressing covering the stitches I was cleared to feed myself (this was a pipe dream, I could not flex my elbow enough to feed myself! funny doctor) I was told that my job was to fully extend my elbow on my own ..that if I learned how to fully extend my elbow, everything else would fall into place. I had the nurse stack the pillows hifh enough that my elbow was above my heart. Next. she put ice beneath the elbow and ice on top of the elbow I would nudge the ice towards my hand so that gravity would help me extend.

Sept 2 I was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. Same pillow and ice set up. I experienced a major juvenile rheumatoid arthritis flare in my arm so the swelling and bruising was intense. No pulling. no pushing, no pulling up the blankets, total non weight bearing. Pronation, supination, flex and extend allowed...first shower...felt so good...put my arm into a hugh, long plastic glove to keep my arm dry...felt like I was going out to calve lol

Sept 7 was able to extend to 161 degrees counting shoulder as zero...still could not pull toilet paper from roll. ugh

Sept 9 home

As of today. I basically just work on range of motion...

Sept 26 No more pain medication...back to driving .. my vehicle is handicapped modified, so I drove with my left arm before surgery...I allow my right TER to hang as I drive so that gravity will help extend the elbow

Oct 3 took Ziggy for a walk.. first time driving power wheelchair a good distance...was sore and pleased...learned how to put leash on Ziggy...removing the leash was very difficult

Nov 9 began physical therapy...therapist manually manipulated the elbow joint capsule. Homework: open and close fist, pronate. supinate, flex. and extend...each ten repetitions done fuve times per day... for four days I was able to noticeably extend further.. picked up clothes off of the floor!!! wooo hooo!

Nov 16 physical therapy more manual manipulation of joint capsule.. this time noticed a marked improvement in flexion, made full supination, about 50% probation...Homework: same

34 years ago my antebrachium was repaired...during my total elbow replacement, the ulnar nerve was released...and my antebrachiun repair was fractured...frankly, we are all amazed it lasted so long...so I have had my lower arm splinted this whole time. I am on rituxinab infusions and needed one infusion in Octobef and a second infusion in November...therefore I can not have more surgery until January because of infection risk. So January I will have a DRUJR, distal radial ulnar joint replacement. This implant is being custom made for my arm by a University of Kentucky group. I am told that three weeks from surgery I will be good to go! So, in the meantime my lower arm must remain non weight bearing but my elbow replacement graduates Tuesday!!!

Then in February the shoulder will be replaced. March is chemo, April is chemo and then I face the three month wait but I plan to do therapy the entire time.

I must tell you, I have been around the replacement block many. many times. My first replacement joint was a wrist made by Swanson in the early 1980s.

When surgeons say, no...I listen and do not do anything I have not been told I can do...I asked if I could do the dishes . the answer was, no.

The wait is not about how you feel.. the wait is all about allowing the bone cement to cure and giving your body a chance to remodel the bones.

I have never had a revision because the implant came loose. I had a wrist revision because the implant fractured with normal use.. remenber this was the very first wrist available..things have improved greatly. I have had multiple revisions on my hand because my JRA is destructive...oops, was destructive...rituximab infusions have dramatically modified my JRA!

hugs

Thanks for the intensive log. This is helpful to me to see how another person went through this process. Was your replacement this year (2016)? Blessings to you as you deal with all the other things also!

Yes, 2016......HOORAY, last day of the 12 week hold back...my elbow graduates tomorrow!!!!!!!

Congrats! SO now what do you get to do? I was just told by my surgeon today that I could start driving, and go into the pool as well as work (as long as I don't lift more than 2 lbs) at six weeks which is this coming Friday after Thanksgiving! So I know how you feel, with the desire to be "free" of restrictions!  I was also told, later, I would never be able to lift more than 5 lbs., the rest of my life. I almost didn't do it because of that, but my arm became so disabled, I needed to do something to relieve my pain and continual dislocations. so two out of three things I wanted isn't bad. I am pain free and have my mobility back!

You mentioned that you had a splint on you arm post surgery, is that a common practice? Thanks, Maureen

I had a splint on for the first two weeks full time, to "hold my arm" in the full extension position initially during the first healing phase. They took it off when I was told to start flexing and extending my elbow and pronating and supinating it. I have a pamplet that says many people may use a extension splint at night to help "train the arm to stay open" as it heals, and a flexion one to use during the day to protect the joint except during exercise times. My doctor has just told me to use an extension splint at night, since my arm is returning to some contracture again as it was for many years before the operation. Its all about helping the arm heal properly. I hope this helps!

 

I have a splint on ny lower arm....a repsir done 34-5 years ago broke lose...it will be repaired January 6 and should be operational by Jan 27...I am having a DRUJR ..dustsl radial ulnar joint replacement...my lower arm.

oh wow...I see how effective this could be...I will ask for one for the next elbow...thank you!

I had to "Google" to find out what a splint is! Can you remove the splint to brush your teeth and to shower? My surgery is scheduled for December 14th and I find myself thinking more about the surgery, I have had Spinal Anesthetic for the hip and knee surgery and I will be required to have General Anesthetic, I was told I can't have SA for the elbow surgery.

Cheers, Maureen

I was not able ro remove the splint I had on post-op myself or bend my arm for 2 weeks. Mostly I had to have it up on pillows above heart height and above my shoulder. I bagged it with help in the hospital for a shower, but mostly did sponge bathes at the sink. Teeth brushing, and other things had to be done with my good arm.  Its doable for a short time! I also had general anesthetic, that takes some time to get over. I am still tired unpredictably, six weeks later. I was told it was necessary because it is a "big surgery", and it would be too hard to do under local. ASK WHATEVER QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK NOW OF YOUR DOCTOR, SO YOU KNOW HOW HE'SHE PLANS TO DO IT. i HAD TO HAVE HELP AFTER AND COULD NOT BE ALONE FOR 2 WEEKS. gOOD LUCK!

Hello everyone, you are so encouraging! I went for my Pre-op on Monday of this week and I passed. My surgery is still slated for December 14th, I am not worried about it, I always think everything will be okay because l have great surgeon's. I am 69 years old and I have osteoarthritis and a CAT Scan showed that I have arthritis in all of my joints. Today I noticed that my right arm is bruised on the inside of my arm and my skin has developed ridges in it! I should let you know my right arm is the one I will be having surgery on, has anyone else had this happen to their elbow pre-surgery? Thank you Maureen

Maureen,

I don't know about the ridges thing, have you found out what that was from now? I would regularly wake up with bruises, hematomas in my elbow ands forearm areas as my inner structure was moving around and nicking blood vessels and nerves. SOmetimes my arm be paralyzed for awhile from this movement.. It is much better now since the elbow replacement surgery.

In reading my query I realize my explanation was as clear as mud! The bruising is on the inside of my joint and it hasn't changed. The way you describe your arm issue sounds the same as mine. In the summer I could not move my arm at all, it lasted for 3 days and the surgeon said it was from bone chips moving around inside of my joint.I have decided the ridges are wrinkles or loose skin from not being able to use my arm.

I am thinking of you, you're probably in the pre surgery jitters...so give yourself nice facials, do your nails, pack your bag, shave...and fill the prescription for pain meds before surgery so that you do not have to stop on the way home, and gel packs to freeze...get four medium.

Happy new elbow surgery and recovery

warm hugs

judith

Thanks Judith,

Yes I just want to get it over with, my surgery will be tomorrow (Wednesday.) I thank you and others on this sight for the help with the questions I had. You are so right about the jitters, I have done the mani-pedi I think the facial sounds good! I will write when I am back home. Irene is concerned about golfing, I am concerned about whether I will still be able to do my quilting, needlework and cake and cookie decorating!

Cheers, Maureen

Hi - There is a lot of variation about what weight restrictions are required for a total elbow replacement. For this operation the limit is low, and does not increase after 12 weeks. It is certainly possible to lift the heavy stuff without an ummerdiate issue, however over time the risk is that the cement will come loose and it caannot be repaired. it requires a new replacement. In this specifc operation it is only viable to have up tp 3 replacements (if that) in the same arm so my advice is to look after your joint. I have had mine done 2 and half years ago now and so far I have had no problems at all. I have an annual check to ensure that the cement is still secure. I drive, I swim but I am very careful what I lift or push.      

Maureen,

 I think you will be able to do your crafts and cooking things after you recover, because you gain more mobility. I am a big crafter and have a tie-dye business. I had not been able to knit or wring things out or cook/cut veggies for years. These are all coming back to me now with increased rage of motion. Its exciting and so worth the surgery!

Patrice

For the first 12 weeks I was completely non weight bearing to allow the cement to cure. Although difficult, I have faithfully spent the first twelve weeks not bearing any weight.

My game plan is to completely avoid carrying anything that will extend my elbow, hanging weightfrom it. As a female, I can't imagine trying to lift more that ten pounds of groceries.

I was in agony with my greatly deformed elbow.. and Iam absolutely pain free...have driven a long trip twice without shedding a single tear, without gritting me teeth. I am so very grateful.

May we live happily ever after our total elbow replacements.

Hello Judith,

I had the surgery a week ago and I need some advice! My right elbow was replaced and my arm feels pretty good, of course I am still on meds and they control the pain in my arm...but my hand is a different experience completely! I have strange feelings like "pins & needles" and pains that "flash" in my hand in the operated arm, I wonder how long this goes on for? I have noticed that my right hand is feeling cold and my small pinky finger has no feeling in it and the finger beside my pinky has about half the feeling. The doctor checked my arm before I was discharged and both fingers were not working atthat

(Sorry my phone froze again and booted me out.) What I was trying to tell you is; both of my fingers were unmovable when I came home so I think I may get the feelings back in both fingers. The surgery took 5 1/2 hours, I was surprised that it took so long! I was in for 4 days, my kidneys did not start working until the 4th day. I have had my kidneys shut down on numerous occasions and have been sent to the hospital many times and my respiration stops also. I feel okay 1 week post op my biggest problem is my right hand feeling that feels so crazy!!! I am 69 years old and I have an inherited disease called "Charcot Marie Tooth" if you are interested in the disorder you can google it. Has anyone on this sight got CMT?

Cheers from Canada, Maureen

Hi

When I had this done I was advised the the nerves may take a bit of time to recover and as with all surgery there is a small risk that they won't fully recover.

I didn't have any problems at all but I would suggest you need to wait a while and they may be fine.

Jeanette

Hello Maureen68763,

I'm going to have an elbow replacement in Toronto on 9th. My JRA has limited my range of motion and this was only option. I'm extremely nervous, and after reading many of the posts I'm concerned that I might have a bit of an issue as I have a rambunctious 19 month old at home.

I was wondering how the healing is going for you.

I was told I would be able to lift my son and have no issues after my surgery, he's about 25lbs.

Also did they let you know how long before you could return to work?

I was put on a wait list in March which usually takes 2-3 years for the surgery but thankfully I was on a cancellation list and got a call 2 weeks ago for the surgery. So I'm trying to get as much info as possible.

Hello to all,

 I had this surgery in Oct , 2016, and was just cleared  this week (12 weeks post-op) to start strengthening. I was, however,  given a 2 pound weight limit for the rest of my life too! I asked my elbow surgeon, who is a regional expert in the SW U.S. about the different weight amounts people are being told they can lift after the surgery, and he said there is controversy about that. It is proven that people who regularly lift weight over 2-5 pounds, end up needing revision surgeries every 2-5 years!  A lot of Drs. feel it is too restrictive for people to lift so little (I do too!), so they started upping the weights to make it easier for their patients to comply. They are also seeing just how many people do need revisions lifting more weight than originally advised (2-5 pounds) SO he told me, stick with the lower weight as much as you can and if you occassionally go over, no worries. But it you regularly lift more, I will most likely wear out the joint much sooner and need a revision surgery. DO you really want to go through this again???

As to when to go back to work, I was told no less than two weeks, but sometime between 2-6 weeks, when I felt better. I still was not to use my arm to lift, and just was given clearance at 12 weeks to go back to work, with my 2 pound weight restriction. I am getting the picture that different doctors see these restrictions differently, so you might want to follow your doctor's guidelines and your heart on this one! I was feeling pretty OK at about 2-3 weeks post-op, but really am still getting over the surgery now and have less energy than normal still at this point. It is probably a very individual thing!

Good luck and  blessings for a speedy recovery!

Patrice

Hi, I also live in S.Fla. About 4 years ago I fell and shattered my radial head of the right elbow which also caused the elbow to dislocate and severed the ligaments. I was told by my surgeon that I would need elbow replacement down the road. I had the radial head replaced but I have limited range of motion and pain daily. I told my family Dr I would probably go to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for replacement when needed. He told me the best hospital for this surgery is at the Hospital for Special Surgeries in Manhattan. I Googled the surgery and that hospital came up first. Like we all know this surgery is limited to a few good surgeons. I am lucky when I fell that the ambulance took me to Holy Cross hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. Dr. Levy that operated said few Dr's ever see my type of Injury which is rare, he called it a Triple Triad. If I were you I also wouldn't have this replacement surgery done in South Florida. Check out The Hospital for Special Surgeries in NY. Maybe they can suggest somewhere closer to home. I myself am going to put it off as long as possible. I have problems with my right arm but at least now I am allowed to lift as much weight as my arm will allow. After reading some of the post of people post-operative problems, they are what I live with everyday. So, I am not sure replacement would help at this point. I wish you well.

I am having surgery next month. RA since age 12 now 48.  I can use my elbow but to straighten it back out is teeth gritting intense pain.  Should I be worried to have the surgery?  I have already had both elbows reconstructed and my dr. Says it is time.  Just trying to ......... make sure this is the right decision.