Wellness

[insomniac2]

First I had a hip replacement--what a difference that made! Then I had a knee replacement, followed a year later with another one. Again, what a difference!

HOWEVER, YOU NEED TO BE DILIGENT ABOUT DOING THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES. Otherwise, you've kind of wasted your time.

I'll probably be getting my other hip replaced this year.

 I am so grateful that this surgery is available. I will gladly do the exercises to keep everything in order.

My brother-in-law tried the shots routine: a very temporary fix. He finally had both hips replaced and feels like a human being again.

[grandma r]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 if you trust your doctor and the shots are no longer helping, it's time.  TKR techniques have come a long way.  Quad sparing is standard now.  

I put off surgery for  too long;  a wheelchair would have been my future.  I had both done at the same time.  That was more than 10 years ago!!  Yes, the recovery was trying, but, I don't regret it at all!!!  PT is a must along with doing your exercises at home too.  Ice will be your best friend.  Prior to surgery I went thru several rounds of injections.  Eventually the shots stopped working.  Both knees were gone on bone.  Yes, I have some pain, however, I have arthritis throughout my body.  But, I am mobile!!!  And, I am thankful for that!

I wish you the very best, whatever you decide.

[Meowingkitty]

I had mine done October 2016 and my husband had his done 6 weeks ago. We are both doing fine. The first two weeks are the worst but it gets better all the time. I too had the shots for a while but they lasted less and less time with each shot. My knee got so bad I couldn’t make it through the parking lot of Costco without pain. Now I’m pain free. I can walk where I want. My husband is 6 week out and has been able to walk 2 miles pain free a couple of times a week. He went back to work the next week working from home but he does wish he had taken that week off. No regrets. Therapy works wonders. 

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences.  I know it's inevitable but as I said between my husband's illness, seeing Drs. to deal with hip pain before new hip and then surgery, and a  stroke. I am sick to death of Drs. and hospitals.  But have to just do it and shut up. Truth be told I don't know if I will remember how to walk normally  without caneor walker. Thanks again, it helps knowing how others made out and dealt with it.

[Lilysmom]

@CrazyKittyLvr2, no comments about the knee surgery but I just wanted to send a few prayers your way.  You have had more than your share of sorry and illness.  I wish you every success with your issue and hope that you can slow down and take a deep breath now.  LM

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

@Lilysmom   Thank you for your kind words.  With the exception of my bum knee life has finally calmed down somewhat.  DH is doing well, still has CT scans 3 times a year and this month he will have an MRI. I do get jumpy waiting for the results but so far so good. He had to have a colostomy but small price to pay. Funny thing is in addition to the colorectal cancer he also had prostate cancer. It hadn't spread. Totally different kind.

His urologist had only seen it twice before. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[Shiloh09]

I had both of my knees replaced (2009 and 2011). I was in my 50's. While not easy recovery, it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I got my life back!

I exhausted PT, medication, and shots of cortisone in my kneecaps. There was no place to go, but up! I had recommendations for those surgeons specializing in knee replacements and chose the right one. I was in a surgical hospital for 3-4 days and went home. I was up the day after surgery walking with a walker. The most important thing for a successful replacement is to follow the pain med regimen even if you don't think you need it and most importantly commit to 100% during your PT. The surgeries are even better these days, but you must commit to the PT at home and at the facility. It is hard, but the first time I was able to make a full revolution on the recumbent bike, the place erupted with excitement! My insurance provided a passive resistance machine to work on range of motion and a cryotherapy machine that iced me down. As much as you are able, strengthen and stretch your legs. You will work on range of motion, flexibility, balance, and strength in PT. It is definitely a commitment and you might cry or wish you hadn't elected to do it, but unless you have a subpar surgeon you should be fine. 

[Shiloh09]

One last thing I will add is that an informed decision is the right decision for you. Ask the questions and understand what is involved. Best wishes with whatever decision you make. 

[Shiloh09]

@RedTop that's horrible!!!

[Sweet Caroline 1]

Dear Retired Legal Secretary I am having much trouble with my right knee.  October of 2017 I pushed something with my foot and tore meniscus in my knee.  It couldn't be repaired so it was trimmed away.  It never got better.  I have been hobbling, limping and in pain the whole time.  I work in a very fast paced manufacturing plant with heavy lifting and concrete floor.  I told my sisters that I would like my leg to be removed above the knee.  I don't want anymore knee surgery.  It is bent and will not straighten.  I feel like I look like a zombie when I walk and I am a very femenine female.  I'm so weary of the pain.  My dr. is going to start giving me shots but if they don't straighten my leg at the knee, then they will be useless.  I hope you find the answers that you need and get blessed relief with what you decide on.  God bless you, SC