Having Knee Replacement

Hey All,

Met with another orthopedic surgeon last Thursday and he's willing to do a total knee replacement on my right knee in August and the left one in November or so.  He said since my right knee is bone on bone, the kneecap is being eaten from the back side due to the friction of the joint behind it, there's no reason not to do it.  Yes, I'm weigh 310 but he thinks when I can move more/better, it'll help weight loss.  He's amazed at the 130 lb weight loss.

So we're looking at dates and trying to plan schedules around work, dd starting back to school, etc.  I'm ready to have less pain...dare I hope for no pain? My mom had both knees replaced at the same times years ago and she did so very well.  I have to admit that three major surgeries in a year is daunting to me - hard to emotionally "gear up" but it has to be done sooner or later.  The pain has gotten only worse - even bending my right knee to get into the driver's seat of the car is almost unbearable.

Take Care,

Jana

I hope you can get this done quickly. My Mom is needed the same thing...and she is miserable!

I'll be praying it gets done quickly and smoothly!

Thanks!  It really sucks to be only 43 and needing new knees.  However, this is a consequence of my weight - it's difficult to finally "get it" that I've made a wreckage of my body because I made the excuse of "I can lose it ANYTIME!" ::snort::

On the other hand, I've never been on a bike ride with my daughter (she's 6), I haven't camped or hiked for over 20 years.  The thought of going on a walking tour, spending all day in shopping mall, a museum (we'd love to go to Washington DC), DisneyWorld is out of the question - no way could I walk any amount of distance, let alone stand in line for long. I keep telling myself the postitives outweigh the risks (and pain!)

Here I go!

Jana

Well this might help a little lessening of pain. At Disneyworld you can either rent a Disney scooter which sucks or rent one from an outside business and theirs are awesome. They deliver right to your hotel room. If you stay at a Disney resort they have access to every Kingdom free and accessible to electric wheelchairs. (Yes I have been there twice now in a electric wheelchair. Another little hint. Most rides YOU can ride and you have a chair. You and whom ever is accompanying you go right to the front of the line. It is mostly no fuss or waiting though I did run into 3 rides that did not let you, besides those if it is a ride "you" can ride you go to the front of the live. Not sure if it is a privilege or not but boyyyy does it help with those long hot days when you get tired easy.

Kathleen

Jana I was wondering how long you were going to make it by your posts.  It sounds tremendously painful and I hate that you are having to have surgery but you'll feel 1000% better once it's done and you'll be able to do things like ride a bike with your daughter.  Keep us posted on the dates!

Thanks Kathy.  I had really hoped that surgery would  be enough to buy me some more time with my knees.  However, it's only with a NSAID that I can even begin to tolerate the pain.  NSAID not good for the tummy, but somewhat manages the pain.  The pain has gotten worse; even sitting at my desk it sometimes feels like my knee will lock up; walking on it after sitting for awhile is very painful.

While I'm not looking forward to having surgery, I am looking forward to getting some relief from the pain and doing things that I haven't been able to do in YEARS.

Thanks, Jana

What a gift to be able to have this done now as opposed to later. My pain is mostly in my feet and ankles, and I can't wait to no longer have the condition of my feet limit what I can do.

Good luck on this next "step" to the new YOU.

Hi Jana,

I had a knee replacement 3 years ago when I was 41 & I wish I had done it so much earlier. You will not believe the difference.  The pain IS gone, however, not everything is wonderful...I have some nerve damage to the upper thigh & it is painful to go through the physical therapy immediately afterward. 

Just remember, it will be well worth it in the end.  I could feel the difference when I was able to come home on just the 3rd day. I was walking upright, hadn't realized how much I limped before!

You go, girl, you will thank yourself for it later!

I'm so grateful there's someone else out there who has been through this and at an early age, too!  I'm hoping that all the swimming I've been doing these last months will pay off when it comes time for physical therapy and maybe I'll be able to avoid the most intense of pain - okay I can live in my own little fantasy world!

I am glad you will be able to have the knee surgery. I can only imagine what kind of pain you must be induring. How great that you have lost enough weight to have the surgery. Good luck.