Knee replacement surgery moved up to March 5th!

Jodi

I am 1 month out from my first knee replacement. I too, was scared before but not enough to stop me. I decided nothing could hurt as badly as the pain I had already been living through for the last 5 years.

So, everyone is different but the surgery and the pain for me has not been nearly as bad as I expected. I have cut my pain meds down to very little as of last week. The PT exercises are hard work, sometimes painful but so important.

Best thing you can do is to exercise to get ready. You want to get the quads in your legs stretched and stronger. It will help so much in your recovery. 

Good luck!

You will be so glad when it is over! I am!

Cindy

Thanks so much. That's good to hear. I don't know why this one has got me so worried. I've been through about 17 surgeries including brain surgery. I'm still hoping the dr. will be able to repair my knee and hold off the replacement for a few more years. 

Jodi

I have also had a number of surgeries (most of them open rather than laparoscopic), and I have never been this anxious about any other surgery.  Just the thought of what they actually DO to replace the knee makes me queasy! I know part of it is because when I had the arthroscopic surgery for my torn meniscus (they just removed the torn portion, which seems odd to me, but whatever) about 12 years ago, I was close to 300 pounds and the recovery just from that is ole surgery was very painful.  I know that it was primarily because of the amount of weight I was carrying, and that being less than half that size will make a HUGE difference in recovery, but emotionally I am still extremely anxious. They called to schedule my pre-op testing and the class for post-op instructions, and my hands were actually shaking by the time I hung up the phone!

i hope they are able to just repair the damage to your knee (but it a nice to know that I am not the only one who is extremely anxious about this).

Lora

3 months from now, you will say "what surgery?". There will be absolutely no pain. The whole operation has gotten so easy.  Knees can be painful at first so stay on top of the pain.  Do you have a walker and cane ready. ?  Good luck!!!

I know intellectually that you are probably right. I will just be glad to get it over with!!!

i already have crutches, but the surgeon said I will be using a walker and then a cane. I figure they will tell me how to best obtain those when I go to the pre-op testing and instruction class on the 22nd.

Lora