The verdict on my knee is unanimous

I was fairly sure that I was going to get the same answer, but I saw another orthopedic surgeon today to see if there was anything we are not already doing to improve my knee, short of replacing it. My PCP and I thought that it might be possible to stall the replacement by having some of the bone spurs eliminated, especially since I have lost so much weight. Nope.

Even before he did the full set of X-rays (I have not had any in almost 2 years), he could tell by looking at the external swelling on the inner half of my knee that it was a problem. The X-rays now show complete bone on bone on the inside of BOTH knees. He expressed surprise that my right knee doesn't cause more pain than I reported (so I am feeling thankful that it doesn't). It looks very much like the left one; it just doesn't have as many bone spurs.

So, the verdict is unanimous. Since the Synvisc injections and Tramadol and/or Vicodin are only helping somewhat, replacement is the only option.

Since I get my Chow puppy on Dec 8th, I will not do anything for a couple of months. He needs to be completely housebroken and not require my supervision outside before I can afford to have my mobility limited for a while. I need to have it done and be reasonably recovered by the time grass mowing season arrives, though.

I was really hoping for a different answer. I am scared to have the surgery done because when I had surgery for a meniscus tear a number of years ago, recovery was VERY painful. I was on crutches for several weeks and in pain for several months. I was, however, also close to 300 pounds at the time. I know being only 147 pounds will make recovery much easier, but it is also a MUCH more complex surgery. Gonna have to suck it up, though, and just do it (and do it while I can still have my choice of surgeons and hospitals and don't have to worry that some government bureaucrat will tell me that (s)he won't approve it).

Lora

I'm sorry you have to go through the surgery.  I do think it will really help you though, after you are all healed up!!

Yes, probably. Even the surgeon said that.

I am just being a chicken. It doesn't help that my best friend's husband had to have his replacement done twice because of ongoing issues (and 6 months of pain) the first time.

Lora

I'm sorry for the news. I'm sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery your way. And Gus (for now, unless you pick another name) will keep you entertained.

Sorry to hear about your knee. I would be chicken too. Good luck!

One of my friends just had her knew done. She had spurs and the doc said once he got in there the damage was worse than he expected to find. She did say recovery the first coupe of weeks was hard but it's getting better and it's way better than the pre-surgery pain.

Everyone I know that has had it done (4) have all said its well worth recovery.

Sorry to hear that news! But if you want a happy story, here is one. My brother in law had his knee replaced, (he is older than you by at least 10 years) and was skiing ten weeks later! They have come a very long way from when I started nursing and it is amazing how a body can recover. eating protein is the best thing we can do! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, good luck with the puppy!