"I can't climb stairs"

[jaminhealth]

Originally Posted by elliedeee

Your last ETA is what scares me. I should have knee replacement surgery but one person I know suffered from so many hospital acquired infections that they were considering amputation at one point. He was in the hospital for months on IV antibiotic drips. He's now confined to a wheelchair because of the surgery.

The other person I know who was supposed to have full knee replacement surgery ended up having partial replacement. He went to rehab one day and now he's walking around. That was 4 days ago.

I wish there was a guarantee with this type of surgery but I guess it depends on the person. Both of them were in the late 60's and not in the best of health. I don't know whether its better to suffer with my knees who detest rainy damp days or go for the surgery.

I've gone thru staph infection and while in rehabs and NOT getting the right dx, I feared losing a leg too...Some times it's better to hang in and "deal with it"...no guarantees, Knee supports help and different joint onintments. I use them all. We have NO rain around these parts...but when there is dark days I just live with it.

As far as better outcomes with total or partial, surgery is surgery.

A friend just send me a note and she had a shoulder repair done over a year ago and she's never been good with the surgery, lots of PT etc etc etc...now she's scheduled for shoulder replacement in a couple weeks...that's another iffy no guarantee surgery. She wants to play her piano again which she's not done in 5 yrs she says.

I had Prolo injections in right shoulder about 10 yrs ago and got 3 yrs of relief and it's giving me issues but I can move it and do.

[Perryinva]

No bubble to burst, I never said they are the same, how silly is that? I am a well educated adult..no need to point out the obvious! Of course surgery is surgery and joint replacement is always major. Do not minimize how serious it is. You HAVE to be your own advocate and research the surgeon and facilities extensively. Due diligence is required.

My boss had total replacements, not robotic, just less invasive than traditional. No tendons were cut. I WAS totally misinformed about his PT though (didn't actually talk to him until this AM) and apologize for the misinformation. He did have a full week of at home PT, and his surgery was the previous weekend, so he was back to work in a week and 4 days, not just 4 days. He finished another week of at home PT, and now goes 3 times a week for an hour and will for 3-4 months. It is covered by insurance, and they use a number of devices that they have there, that he can not duplicate at home. He does a lot of exercises on his own, but walks very slowly and deliberately. He has already planned a ski trip for January. He did say it is very stiff, like the joint isn't loose enough, but he has been assured this is normal. So yes, it is definitely not a walk in the park, and I apologize if I made it sound as such. It would be a difficult few weeks if one lived alone and had no other help, for sure.