2 new knees!!!

I am soooo excited!!! March 28th I got a new right knee and on August 8th I got a new left knee!!!! WooooHooo!!!

Recovery was challenging for sure but I was determined. "Arthur" (itis) had me long enough!!!

After loosing 136 lbs I was approved for the much needed surgery to restore my mobility and I was thrilled!!! The first doc said no... 136 was not enough and I was sad for 3 months then.... I realized... he's not the only surgeon on the planet!!! I went to the surgeon who did a fantastic job with my Mother's knees 9 & 11 years ago and he has done a fantastic job with mine!! I am soooo happy!!!

Every ounce of effort with the weight loss was worth the joy of my mobility!! I have a long list of places I want to walk through! Back to NH to see so many places... to Maine to walk my favorite paths!!!

Starting this weekend!!! Going to walk Rachel Carson and Margian Way!!! The beach of course!!!

I even have permission to start training for the Pan Mass cycling event in 2013!!! WoooHooo!! That I do have to work off a few more pounds for... but I can't wait for spring when I can purchase my bike for training!!!

Don't let Arthur (itis) get you down!!!

Do you mind if I ask how old you are? I keep hearing I am too young. I am in so much pain all the time.

 I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees when I was in my mid-30's.

 Congrats to the OP!  Now get out there and "walk" life 

I was diagnosed in early 30's as well. I am 47 and supposedly too young still. I am at my wits end!

If a surgeon is telling you that you are too young, find another surgeon.  I was told I was too young (I'm 47) even though my knees were bone on bone.  I finally had both my knees replaced on 9/23.  I'm still in recovery, so I'm not walking around so great yet, but I'm getting there.

 The norm for surgery use to be '62'..because the replacement knee would not last long. Now replacement knees are lasting longer and surgeons are able to do another replacement if needed in 30 years.
40's is not too young to have surgery. I've needed surgery since '08 when I had the arthroscopy done and microfracture. Celebrex, Neurotin and Zanaflex are wonderful combo meds to take for pain relief. Ice and Bio-Freeze or 'Stop Pain' are great for short time relief.
Hope this helps.

Is the same true for replacement hips, do you think?  I got my "bionic" knee in 2002 because of injuries from a head-on collision.    9 years later, my knee is doing great but my left hip that was injured in the same accident, is becoming increasingly more painful if I overdo it (walk around too much ).  I havent been able to sleep on my left side since before the accident.    

I see my Orthopedic surgeon once a year...still says I don't need a hip replacement yet.  What can I do to convince him I'm not too young for it?    I'm getting bursitus in my right elbow now due to sleeping only on that side LOL.  

Meh...As I read about other's pain, mine seems so small. Thanks for hearing my rambling tonight.

How about a 2nd opinion? When was the last time you had an x-ray on it?
My father just had his replaced & he is 75. Lesser pain than having a knee replaced!
I would also let you doctor know that this pain is preventing you to LIVE your life and is limiting you what you can and cannot do!  You could add that the next step will be pain medication & you do not want to go on pain meds when all that needs to be done is a replacement!~
When I was going through therapy there was a young lady in there much younger than me that had a hip replacement and that was in '08.
Hope this helps!~ Good Luck!

Have you had WLS?  My surgeon who did my sleeve surgery does not let me take NSAIDS.  Do you take those?  I'm terrified about having this big surgery without them.

 No, I do not take NSAIDS and I have not had my WLS. I've done well w/just Cymbalta, Neuotin and Zanaflex. If I am having terrible pain, I use ice.
I use to take NSAIDS, but my stomach just does not tolerate them, as I am prone to ulcers.
Have you shared your concern w/your PCP and Bariatric surgeon?