Wellness

[Vivian]

I've worked out all my life...dancing, figure skating, tennis, aerobics, Zumba. Now my knees are a wreck. I've been seeing a sports med doctor who has kept me going for the past few years. However, the last time I saw him, he told me it was time to consider knee replacement. I am in awful pain 24/7. Today, I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon. After looking at my most recent X-rays, she said I'm bone-to-bone and I've exhausted all my options. Surgery is indicated. So now two doctors have said it. I am NOT happy.

[SeaMaiden]

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@Vivian Florimond wrote:

I've worked out all my life...dancing, figure skating, tennis, aerobics, Zumba. Now my knees are a wreck. I've been seeing a sports med doctor who has kept me going for the past few years. However, the last time I saw him, he told me it was time to consider knee replacement. I am in awful pain 24/7. Today, I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon. After looking at my most recent X-rays, she said I'm bone-to-bone and I've exhausted all my options. Surgery is indicated. So now two doctors have said it. I am NOT happy.

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@Vivian   I suffered for over Ten years with my knees....I got to the point  where I was using crutches as the pain was so bad and my knees were so bowed out.  Had double knee replacements in 2013...... and I am pain free walking MILES everyday where before I use to count the steps from say the bedroom to the kitchen my pain was THAT TERRIBLE.   I have a new life without knee pain that use to dictate my life. Now I dictate my life! 

Rejoice in the fact that you too will have a new lease on life.  It is worth any inconvenience the healing process of 8 weeks takes after surgery  to really see how great your knees can feel.  

[Meowingkitty]

I'm having my right knee replaced in October. I'm bone on bone with lots of arthritis in the knee. I was getting steroid shots for the past 18 months and they aren't working anymore. My knee is swollen and if I walk more than 10 minutes the pain starts. 

[Kachina624]

@Vivian Florimond  You'll have maybe a month of discomfort and inconvenience then you'll be home free.  Better to get it done sooner than later.  Aren't we lucky to live in a time and place where this type of surgery is available?  Think how you'd feel if you had to be in your condition the rest of your life.  It's not that bad... really. 

[RedTop]

@Vivian,

I suffered 13 years before having my left knee done 5 1/2 years ago.   Joint replacement was not being done on anyone under 60, when my issues started, so I was treated with various NSAIDS, arthritis medication and steroids before referral to an ortho for Synvisc injections.  The injections came many years too late, so I had surgery at age 56.   

Surgery gave me my life back; my advice is to wrap your head around what you have to do, and go for it.   

I found out last year that my right knee is ready, and I scheduled surgery for April.   Circumstances beyond my control forced me to cancel that surgery, but am hopeful I will be able to reschedule soon.   I absolutely will not allow myself to deteriorate as far as last time, or suffer mentally and physically to that degree again. 

Best wishes to you with your decision.  

[Big Sister]

@Vivian  What a shame that  you have to go through the surgery, but please be thankful that there is a treatment that will alleviate your pain.  Good luck.

[Vivian]

Thanks, everyone! You're all making a lot of sense. With my husband's cognitive impairment, which is only getting worse, my daughter said that this is the time to act. I'll be seeing the orthopedist in six weeks, giving me time to reflect on what I aleady know I should do.

[ciao_bella]

I had both knees replaced; 2011 and 2012.  Like others here, I tolerated the bad pain too long before getting the surgeries.  The small inconvenience of PT and minor pain after surgery no way compares to the pain and inconvenience you have now. 

I am pain free, walk as much as I like, climb stairs and step ladders easily and feel like my knees were in my 20s.  My only advice to you would be; search out the very best ortho who has done many successful TNRs; do everything the PT instruct; and have a positive frame of mind.   Once you commit yourself to getting the surgery, the rest will be just fine!...   

[chrystaltree]

I shouldn't say it but that's why I haven't been to see the knee specialist yet.  I know what he's going to say and I'm just not ready to make that decision.  I've had xrays and I know that the left knee that hurts so badly is a bone on bone situation.  My orthopod wants me to see a  doc who specializes in knees but I'm ok with the sterioud injections.  I get them every three months in the radiology department and  I get a good 8 or 9 weeks with relatively little pain.  But now movement is becoming a problem so I'm going to have to bite the bullet and make that appointment.  Ideally, I would like to have the knee replacement right after the holidays so I can be totally recovered and ready to rock and roll by next summer.  

[Vivian]

I, too, am leery about the surgery. I did some research and will try to get an appointment with the best knee replacement orthopod in the region. If he says what my local docs have said, I'll probably do it. I've been very active all my 70 years and being sidelined is torture. My husband had knee replacement so I know what the recovery entails. It's not easy, but when I asked if I can return to my daily workouts after knee replacement, I was told yes. Hope that's the truth.