Wellness

[chrystaltree]

It's official, I need a total knee replacement.  I'm not surprised, my orthopodic specialist said as much and that's why he sent me for a consult to a surgeon.  I have to call the surgeon's scheduler to schedule the surgery.  It will be in mid January, at the earliest. That's perfect for me I dont want surgery until after the holidays but before spring.  Gives me time to prepare. 

[ciao_bella]

@chrystaltree... I have had two TKR; one in 2012 and the other in 2013.  There are many others here also who have had it done and we can support you and answer any questions you might have before and after the surgery.  For me, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I can do things now that I did when I was 20 years old.  The timing is also good..after the holidays but before the nice weather arrives..

[Vivian]

Chrystaltree, I feel your pain...literally. I am having total knee replacement on November 30. I had to postpone it from October because I had a sinus infection. We won’t be going to Florida over the holidays but my grandson and his girlfriend will be visiting us up north. The knee pain has been excruciating at times. I can’t work out, can’t even take a walk. I’ve been active for all of my 70 years and Mother Nature is laughing at me.

[chrystaltree]

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@Vivian Florimond wrote:

Chrystaltree, I feel your pain...literally. I am having total knee replacement on November 30. I had to postpone it from October because I had a sinus infection. We won’t be going to Florida over the holidays but my grandson and his girlfriend will be visiting us up north. The knee pain has been excruciating at times. I can’t work out, can’t even take a walk. I’ve been active for all of my 70 years and Mother Nature is laughing at me.

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        I remember that, I'm so happy to hear that you are getting your surgery.  It's definitely time, I've been in denial for quite some time.  I'm ready to get it done so I can get back to being myself.  

[chrystaltree]

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@ciao_bella wrote:

@chrystaltree... I have had two TKR; one in 2012 and the other in 2013.  There are many others here also who have had it done and we can support you and answer any questions you might have before and after the surgery.  For me, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I can do things now that I did when I was 20 years old.  The timing is also good..after the holidays but before the nice weather arrives..

Yes indeed, I know there are lot of posters who can share there experiences and give me advice and tips.  I'm lucky, to have that support.  The timing worked out perfectly for me.  Looking foward to 2018.

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[Kinz]

I have had one total replacement in 2009 and a partial on the other knee in 2012. I am so glad I did it after being in pain for so many years.  I had many rounds of shots and they just were not effective any longer so I took the plunge.  I was only in my 50’s which is considered young for replacement.  But I am not sorry and I am loving being virtually pain free in the knees.  I hope it all works out well for you.

[q-girl]

@chrystaltree. . . . I wish you all the best with the surgery. Once the surgery and the rehab/recovery are over you will be amazed at the difference it will make at your comfort and your ability to move again. 

I have been been through the surgery/recovery three times. The first surgery was a partial replacement that failed within the first 12 to 18 months. The best tips I can think of to pass on would be:

*Follow your doctor's/ physical therapist's advice above any others. Technology changes rapidly, and they will know what is best for you.

*Control your pain - don't let your pain get out of control. Use meds (whether prescription or over the counter) responsibly, but sufficiently for pain tolerance. Remember that pain control includes positioning of the leg for maximum comfort, using ice/heat (especially before and after PT), and distraction techniques such as reading, watching TV, or participating here on the forums, to get your mind off your pain.

*Work hard at your Physical Therapy. Don't skip any sessions and do all your "at home" exercises, even if you feel sore or mild pain. Moderate or severe pain should be immediately reported to your physician/therapist.

*Prepare ahead. You will not be on your feet and able to do more than care for yourself for several weeks. Perhaps you can prepare some freeze-ahead meals that can be easily reheated after surgery. Stock your kitchen/pantry/freezer/bathroom as much as possible to decrease the need for frequent shopping trips. Arrange for extra help for care for your husband, yourself and your home. Maybe if/when friends and family ask what you want or need for holiday gifts you could ask for them to prepare their famous watever and freeze it for you, or for a gift card for a day of house cleaning from a local service. Or perhaps even a gift of time where a friend or relative would come and cook or clean, care for you and/or your husband, or assist with transportation to follow-up doctor visits or PT appointments. You WILL need help. Don't be afraid to ask for it, and don't hesitate to accept it.

*Just remember . . .  This will take time, but you will get through it, and you will be better off for it.

[SeaMaiden]

@chrystaltree  I had both knees replaced in 2013. A website I found to be so helpfor before , and after surgery is BONESMART dot ORG.   You will form friend ships in the chat rooms with others having surgery.... and can ask questions....read others journeys .  

[grandma r]

Wishing you all the best!!!  I had both replaced at the same time.  Now many are done with the quad sparing technique.  The recovery is supposed to be better.  Regardless of the procedure, make up your mind to go to physical therapy and do your exercises at home too.  In the first weeks you may feel discouraged.  Don't give in to doubt.  Do your exercises, keep a positive attitude, and your body will heal the rest.  Enjoy your holidays!!

[Meowingkitty]

Mine is scheduled for this Monday. After walking around Walmart today I am positive this is the right thing to do, it seems to be getting worse everyday. Not looking forward to the pain after surgery but I know this is what’s best for me. Right now I can’t walk very far without pain. I’m having the quad sparing technique so hopefully that will be less painful. I ran into a guy I used to work with in the doctors office and he was 7 weeks out and he was very positive. Gave me lots of useful information. There are videos of my doctors patients on YouTube and they are walking around shortly after surgery. I got discouraged reading Bonesmart website. It just made me more scared. Seems everyone there had a horror story.