Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm struggling with if I should just go ahead and get a knee replacement in Nov. or put it off. I'm really struggling with a lot of pain. I have had several doctors look at it and they all agree all the sections are shot. I have a baker's cyst behind my left knee that is being fed from the irritation. So after I walk about 20 minutes my knee locks up. My hesitation comes from having had five knee operations. I have a half knee replacement on the other knee which has really done great from 2000. It's just the recovery that is so hard. I babysit two days a week for my 2 1/2 and 5 month old grand daughters. My husband says he will help but that is asking a lot.
Do I put this off or will it be harder the older I get. I'm going on 60 and in otherwise good health. I thought when the grandkids are older maybe it would be easier. What to do????
Knee replacement has changed a lot since 2000. I think it's important to ask exactly what to expect during recovery now compared to then so that you can make an informed decision. I'm having my knee "cleaned out" this coming winter and expect to walk out of the hospital. My sister had the same surgery 10 years ago and was on crutches for 10 days.
Maine Writer-good point. I think he said several months of rehab which I'm not looking forward to but the pain is really bad. I made a decision not to take any pain meds and the doctor was amazed. But everything has side affects and I just don't want all that in my system. I did take vioxx when it was on the market and had NO pain. When they took that off the market I got six month's worth and cut it in half to make it last. But when you read the side affects it scares you to death.
I did have it cleaned out a year ago and it seemed better for about four months and now it is worse than ever. I might have to bite the bullet
Maine Writer-good point. I think he said several months of rehab which I'm not looking forward to but the pain is really bad. I made a decision not to take any pain meds and the doctor was amazed. But everything has side affects and I just don't want all that in my system. I did take vioxx when it was on the market and had NO pain. When they took that off the market I got six month's worth and cut it in half to make it last. But when you read the side affects it scares you to death.
I did have it cleaned out a year ago and it seemed better for about four months and now it is worse than ever. I might have to bite the bullet
Having had the other side done already, you probably already know this but knee replacement is totally elective, that is to say patient driven. If you can no longer stand the pain and/or function normally and the xrays show bone on bone changes then nothing short of knee replacement is likely to help your situation.
Some things to keep in mind, while you are in good health now, if something were to change in your health status, knee replacement could become too risky and you would no longer be a candidate for the surgery. Also keep in mind that knee stiffness is related to more than just the joint surface. If you are not using the knee because of pain the ligaments, tendons and capsule of the joint become stiff and even after knee replacement you may not regain the motion you have lost.
A friend is contemplating a total knee replacement also and called me last week with some info she found about research on when to have total knee surgery. I'll ask her for links if you'd like.
She's decided that she will have the surgery sooner than later because the research shows that for function, comfort, and long range results those that had the surgery while they could still function without severe pain did much better than those that waited until they were in agonizing pain and couldn't do their daily activities.
I'm really thinking about it in November now. If my husband will help with the grand kids I may be able to get it done. I can tell it is getting harder and harder to get around this year. So frustrating!!!! I'm trying to stretch and walk some to keep some strength in my leg. I've always planned the knee operations in the winter months, sure don't want to waste the good weather!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
