Wellness

[chrystaltree]

@Vivian

Hi, sounds like my situation.  I've already had the mri and it's bone on bone; no cartilage.  My pain started gradually about 3 years ago and now I am at the point where doing stairs and getting in and out of cars is difficult.  Walking any distance is painful and the knee hurts and has limited movement.   The sterioid injections help with the pain but only for 6 or 7 weeks. When the injections wear off, it's 24/7 pain again and I only get the injections every 12 weeks.    My rheumatologist suggested that I see a surgeon to discuss TKR but, a year ago I wasn't ready for it.  I was in denial.  I thought losing weight would help.  Lost 55 pounds but that did nothing for the knee situation.  Hubby and I went to London for vacation and that was the wake up call.  I couldn't walk and do all the things we love to do in London.  I realized how this knee pain is holding me back.  So, I made the appointment and I'v been talking to people who have their knees replaced recently.  I'm ready.  Ideally, I would love to have the surgery done in January or February.  

[Vivian]

Chrystaltree, my story is almost identical to yours. My knee troubles started almost 10 years ago but with the help of my sports med doctor, I could maintain my normal life. Like you, my wake-up call also occurred during this year’s vacation. We were in Québec City, where we do a great deal of walking. I had had a cortisone shot the week before we left. The shots always allowed me to walk everywhere. This trip was different. I could go only so far and the old steep steps were a very painful challenge. 

When we returned home from our trip, I called my sports med doc. He took x-rays and, for the first time, he said it was time for knee replacement. There is no cartilage on the lateral side. I have at least two meniscal tears. After two more opinions from orthopedic surgeons, and this unremitting pain that is taking away my quality of life, I knew it was time. Since my husband had knee replacement surgery, I know what I’m in for, but living the rest of my life like this is not an option. Good luck to both of us!

[Renata22]

@VivianI am placing your name on my fridge so I will remember to pray for you & a wonderful recovery. I also need this surgery & haven’t gotten the courage up for it yet. Good for you that you have. ❤️

[Vivian]

Renata—Thank you SO MUCH. The first thing I said to my surgeon after I made my decision was “Uncle!” The pain worsens every day. I used to work out every day and now I feel like a wounded slug.

[hckynut]

@RedTop

I wish you the best in your upcoming surgery. My friend is a Sports Med Orthopod that specializes in repair and replacement of Hips and Knees. He does several of these every week and has told me many times that there is seldom any major issues from these surgeries.

He always has told me the biggest problems are with some patients not following up with their Rehab, thus their problems. 

Stay healthy and my best to you,

hckynut(john)

[Cathy1950]

Vivian,

I will follow your progress closely.  I had artrhoscopic surgery for a torn meniscus about 2 months ago and things still aren't back to normal.  I think I am eventually heading for a knee replacement.  My friend , a nurse, had one in June and she is coming along great.  She is so happy to be out of the constant pain she was in for many years.  As others have mentioned, pushing yourself with the PT is essential.  Particularly during the first few weeks, take whatever pain meds you need to in order to complete the PT successfully so that you get a good range of motion. as you heal.

I can't wait to follow your progress as you grow young again.

Cathy

[Vivian]

Hi Cathy— I sought out several opinions before making my decision. The PA at one of the surgeons told me I had two meniscal tears and needed arthroscopic surgery. I checked with my sports med doc, who has always been the physician I trust most, and he said my x-rays and MRI clearly showed bone-on-bone on the lateral side. He thinks that the PA read part of the report and as soon as he saw torn meniscus he went no further. When a no-surgery doctor tells me for the first time in 8 years that I need surgery, I listen. A second opinion with a surgeon agreed. I’m having her do the surgery.

[Daisy Sunflower]

Hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery time.

[insomniac2]

I've had replacements the last three Januarys: left hip, left knee, and right knee.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I've been very faithful with my exercises--it truly makes a difference.

I wish you the best!

[Vivian]

I cared for my husband when he had knee replacement surgery several years ago so I know what I’m facing. He was absolutely compliant with his PT and now he is fine. So, I know how important rehab is. I was told I could return to my low impact aerobics after my recovery. That is my goal.