Wellness

[Vivian]

As one of the first people to join these QVC boards, I am always impressed by the kindness and wisdom of the people who come here. I've read every post and send my thanks. My husband had knee replacement surgery so I know what's involved. His "faux" knee is great.

My doctor tells me that I'll be able to return to my low impact dance classes; that makes me so happy because I had to give them up last month. In fact, I can't do anything except lift free weights at home. Everything else is just too painful. I am getting this surgery because I want to minimize my loss of fitness and, yes, as someone said, my husband is still OK to care for me. However, one of my daughters is coming up to help out after I get out of the hospital. I also have a cleaning woman who will help out whenever I need her. So, I think I'm ready. My knee CERTAINLY is ready!

[Kachina624]

I had mine done in 2011, and was amazed it wasn't more painful considering the trauma to the knee joint.  I breezed through it and made a quick recovery.  I spent 2 weeks in a rehab facility since I live alone.  Just don't overdo it too soon like I tried to do.

[Justice4all]

@Vivian

Caution about PT.  Read the website bonesmart.  Many suffer from overdoing.  

[Goodie2shoes]

Good luck on your knee replacement, I had my left knee done in 2015. I've been dealing with left thigh and leg pain down to my calf, had a MRI in January, told I now have a disc problem so I had to have a epidural steroid injection that stopped the pain but it has returned although not nearly as bad. My right knee has been getting worse had a steroid injection back in May but I'm trying to put the inevitable off as long as possible. I think my gait is off because of the left knee so maybe getting my right knee done will help level my walk.   Keep us updated on your post op progress, again best of luck and I bet you will do fine !  

[hckynut]

@Vivian

Kudos to both you and you Sports Med Doctor. It took a lot of work from you to do all you could to protect your knees for so many years, and I am happy your doctor is Sports Med Certified. Their methods are to keep their patients doing their regular activities, until joints reach the point of precluding them from doing so.

Many of my less active friends have had 1 or both knees replaced. A few of them used to tell me "if you keep running, your knees are gonna go"! Well, my knees are doing just fine, and I have never had an issue with the knee joint itself. Did have Patella Tendonitis once, but that is completely different than having a knee joint problem.

Had 2 of my hockey players still playing after their knee replacements. They sat out a full season and then returned. They had to change different ways they skated, but they were still able to play well. They both were in their later 60's when they had the surgeries.

My best to you with your surgery and I am sure you will still be quite active post surgery. Many give up too easy, in my opinion, and chalk it up to age and/or injuries. You are not among that group. Take good care pre-surgery, and keep me/us posted.

hckynut(john)

[chrystaltree]

Good luck and please keep us informed.  I have arthritis in my knee myself and I'm also tired of the pain and tired of making plans based on how my knee feels today.  This knee thing is making me old before my time so I have an appointment next week for a consultation with a surgeon who specializes in knees.  I know 3 or 4 people who had TKR's in the past year and they did beautifully and are thrilled with the results.  

[Mmsfoxxie]

God be with you on October 24th @Vivian.  Sounds like this is an absolutely necessary step to make at this time.  I'm 70 as well but not nearly as in the pain you're having.  I'm still functioning for the most part.  Thank you for giving me your symptoms to compare mine to because this has been on my mind.  I'll be watching to see your 'all is well' post after the surgery.  Take care.

[Vivian]

Chrystaltree, of course I don’t know the extent of your suffering, but you may be able to benefit from my experience. For almost ten years I’ve had knee pain, first on the right, then both knees. I continued my workouts at the Y with the help of my sports med doc. Then, all of a sudden it seemed that my knees started hurting intensely 24/7. Nothing alleviated the pain, especially on the right. My sports med doc took x-rays and gave me the bad news. Two orthopedic surgeons confirmed it, as did the MRI one of them ordered. It’s bone-on-bone on one side. That’s why it hurts so much.

I think I waited too long to make the decision to get knee replacement. If I sit for awhile, getting up is torture. Getting out of bed is even worse. Sometimes I can hardly walk. I’ve gone from a daily work-out exerciser to an orthopedic mess. I just hope the surgeon I chose can fix this.

[Ditzydori]

I wish you the best of luck. I just had my second knee done on August 14. I'm loving it. For years, as someone else mentioned, it was either do it or a wheel chair. You will do great. 

The fact that you are in good shape means everything. You're recovery will be so much easier. The first few days are painful, BUT, they will give you what you need to feel comfortable. Then after the first week or so, you are well on your way to a new you. 

My only regret is not doing it sooner because of fear. There isn't anything to fear. As long as you pick a good, reputable surgeon, (and that is very important), you will do great. They know just what you will need to do to get well and be comfortable. 

I have 4 more weeks of physical therapy, and I'm done. They told me I could stop now, but I opted to go the full course. Can't hurt. I really enjoy PT. It's good exercise in a very pleasant, friendly setting,  3Xs a week. 

Thanks goodness for modern medicine. I just can't help but wondering what they did years ago. I never remember my grandmother complaining of her joints. Hmmm. I wonder. 

[RedTop]

I hope to be on my doctors surgery schedule this month too!   Best wishes to @Vivian, and @Meowingkitty.