Knee replacement

Hi friends - well I have lots of trouble with arthritis in my knee and am going to have a knee replacement on 10/2. I don't know why but I'm just a wee bit nervous about this. I am so active now, even though it hurts, I just don't want to go backwards in that activity. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? I don't want to limp. I know I will probably never be able to sit on my heels (for yoga), but I want to be able to still do yoga. According to my doctor, whom I really trust, I will be able to, but I guess I am just a little nervous. Help! And also, (I haven't talked to my surgeon yet) what about my time in the hospital and my wls, can I do my protein, take my vitamins, -- I'm pretty anal about all that stuff. love donna

Good Luck Donna, I'll be thinking about you. My BIL had knee surgery about a year ago and he did fine. He was supposed to take it easy the first couple of weeks but he said he felt so good he kind of resumed his daily work around the house. You should do fine. Sandy

Hi Sandy, thanks for the message. I know it will be fine -- and besides, I'm a really good patient! I always am so compliant it is sickening. So I'm sure I'll have a speedy recovery. Thanks for your good thoughts, Sandy, love donna

Bless you Donna, After all you have been through, think of this as the next steep... No painful knee. Talk with your WLS surgeon and knee surgeon about the surgery and your concerns. I also have protein powder stuff in case I cannot eat the food...but gosh, you will be in hospital with a dietian who should be made aware of your special needs: Protein, Prtotein. Protein. October 2 is just around the corner and you will be up and running around again without the pain. You deserve this next step and hope you will begin to look forward to it. Yes, I am sure there will be recovery time and pain involved for a little while, but with medical technology so advanced...imagine the rest of your life without knee pain!! Sound good? I hope so. You just keep US all informed and trust the doctors. Hugs, jacqueline

Hi Jacqueline, so how are you doing today!! I'm doing good. Yes, you're right, no more painful knee. That will be so nice. I told my daughter that it just seemed like such an 'old person's thing' and she said (she has a sense of humor like I do!!) and she said just tell people you played football in high school and you blew it out!! Ha ha - I like that!! Thanks so much for your very encouragine message! love you! donna

Hi Donna, My Dad has had both of his knees replaced and one of his hips. Based on his experience, I think it is better to get it done sooner rather than later. With his knees my dad waited so long that his hips and back began deteriorating and he is not able to walk normally. He also did not really comply with the physical therapy. However, he is pain free in his knees and hip. Given that he wasn't active to begin that in and of itself is a huge a benefit. Most people who are reasonalby active and comply with treatment do very well. It is a scary thing though and I'm glad you are going to do it now. Just as an aside my german shepherd had a hip replacement this summer. Same basic operation as the human one. Her recovery was about 2 months and she seems to be pain free also. What hospital will you be in?

Hey Courtney, that is good info about your dad. I think I'll do the physical therapy though cause I really want to get as active as I am (not that I'm extremely active, but hey, I'm walking at the obesity walk tomorrow, so that's something!!) And I'm glad to hear about your baby german shepherd. I didn't kinow you had a big dog! I have three!! Oh, and I'm going to be in your hospital -- INOVA on Gallows!! Take care Courtney, love donna

I'll be keeping you in my prayers. I think it's normal to be nervous about any surgery. I'm having hand surgery this Tuesday (ruptured UCL of the thumb) and even though it's just my hand I'm nervous. There's a woman in my belly dancing class that has had knee replacement and she can dance! Remember though don't weigh yourself for a week or so after you get home because those IV fluids will still be with you. Micha

Hi Micha, I didn't konw you did belly dancing!! What a fox you are. Yes, you're right, I had forgotten about the IV fluids, that will totally be a downer. Thanks for your message, and I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. I had carpel tunnel surgery, by this same doctor a few years ago actually, so I know about the hand business. You'll be fine, probably no computing for awhile?? love donna

hey donna my brother has had both his knees replaced (within 6 months of each other) and he's walking better now than he ever did - he's also able to walk more and do more physical activity. and the best part...he is pain free! I'm sure you'll do just fine and you'll be glad you did this - talk to your WLS surgeon about what to do about your protein and vitamins in the hospital - I'm sure they will have ideas for you! Good luck and you'll be in my thoughts. Linda