so used to living in pain

so for years and years i'm been in pain, I put heat, or ice, take advil.  now since surgery I've tried so hard to get in my exercise with my knees hurting me so much. (BUT, trying not to use it as an excuse not to excersice) so pushed myself to do my best, but no where near everyone else.  so I go to Dr's for physical last thurs. I said, "MY KNEES HURT" (never complained before, just hate calling Dr's for no reason) he checked them and almost shouted "HOly COW", no wonder your in pain, your knees are in very bad condition, probably at the knee replacement stage.  hmmm?  He said I"ve done good walking 30 - 40 mins on them.  so, I move on, not having surgery, but now I know its not in my head.  I just dont' want to use them as an excuse.  so, that being said, I"m off to walk the mall for 40 mins. this morning.  Have the ice waiting.

Ummmm.....I'm not sure if this news is good or bad....why wouldn't you consider knee replacement surgery if you need it?

Hey MamaG...you go girl!  I know how much pain you are going through b/c my mother and mother in law live with chronic pain in their knees and back everyday!  Have you thought of cortisone shots??  That may alleviate some of the inflammation around them.

My first knee replacement was May 2000. It was a breeze and no problems. I said I would NEVER wait that long again. Well I  waited in pain and my second knee replacement was Nov 2004. Doc said this one was so bad and everything went wrong. But I survived. My point of telling you is don't wait too long. It is harder for them to do you replacement and why would you put yourelf through all that pain for ??/ I kept asking myself. Whya did I endure this pain and make even the surgery harder by waiting for what????
yes Bless Dr Martin's heart he did surgery on me both times at 400+ lbs

I too need knee replacements.  I had the lap band so I could lose weight to make the knee surgery recovery easier.  I have a consult with a knee surgeon in May.

I have delayed the surgery several years with cortisone and synvisc injections.  Both reduced the pain and made it easier to walk.  I found that the synvisc was much more effective if it was done by someone with a lot of experience with it; and if for 24 hours after each injection I stayed off my feet, did not use stairs, and iced my knees. 

I take Mobic daily, it helps a lot with the pain.  My lap band surgeon had me switch to liquid Mobic so it would be easier on my band.  However, the liquid is very expensive and difficult to get.  (My insurance covers most of the cost).  The pills are small so, when I travel I take them with no problems. 

My orthopaedic doctors warned me not to do things that will further damage my knees.  So, I exercise in a pool, walking in water is so much easier and I go to a gym and work with a trainer who has shown me exercises that will not damage my knees.

Good luck, please let me know if you have any questions, I will be glad to help.

Tricia

Yes, why suffer with the pain? Go have it done for goodness sake! 

ETA: I am sorry, not trying to sound unsupportive.  I have lived with RA since 1992 and if my doc gave me a solution to the pain, I would jump on it!  Def my weight loss has helped tremendously, obviously I am skiing, rollerskating, exercising 4 days a week...Life is good!  And it can be for you, Mamag!

I know it is hard I am the kind of person that does not like to give in to pain. Always have been that way. Maybe that is why my tolerance is so high. If it will help you to not be in this kind of pain anymore why not have the surgery. It is your choice however and I will pray for your pain to be bearable.. Hugs

Mammag  now you sound like my dad.   No it is not in your head and  when do you start putting your self first and not your family.  I really think that time has come.  dont you!!!   But you are like the rest of us out here   do what we  darn will please.   But   remember we support what ever you do.

I don't know why I posted this.  I am NOT ready for surgery, for one, i have no long term disability or short and have seen my DH go thru his hip replacement, rehab is long.  I need to take care of MLM.  I can live with it and just hope when I loose some weight It will help,  but the funny thing is I need to walk to loose weight, but I need to loose weigh to walk????  I  really need to consider the shots, but right now, the cost of the Band is taking priority.  CMMC bills are really adding up.  fill, unfill, fill... its adding up really quick. 

I can understand what you are saying here, I just know how hard it can be living with the pain.