Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A few short weeks ago, I endured the surgery for a total knee replacement. If I am counting correctly, this was my ninth joint replacement surgery. No, I'm not bragging, this is simply a statement of the facts! I KNEW that I'd gone through many surgeries due to OA, but it was somewhat disconc...
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Wow, Pattye! I have been struggling with the idea of knee replacement surgery, and I feel kind of silly after reading your story. Were all of your surgeries the result of OA? According to my rheumatologitst, I have OA, EIO and Fibromyalgia. I have spurs in my shoulders, DDD, especially in my lower back, and I have something going on with my left hip. I'm going to have a cat-scan guided injection sometime this month. I am looking forward to that. I had one last year and it provided wonderful relief for almost ten months. According to the orthopedic surgeon, I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, and they will have to be replaced some time in the future. I am putting it off as long as I can. I am 56. Any hints or recommendations re: total knee replacement surgery? Hope you continue to recover well. You sound unstoppable!
Thanks, V
V---I keep thinking about your upcoming challenges. Yes, all of my surgeries have been compliments of OA. The only non-surgical treatment I've had was Synvisc injections in 1 knee before I left for Africa last Fall (I'm a nature photographer as well as doing a great deal of volunteer work in Tanzania). When my surgeon did the series of injections, he admitted that he didn't know if they would help for 2 weeks or 6 months. I was there for 7 months, and the pain didn't really return until after 6 months! I personally would not put off the knee replacements simply because of the "side effects" I was developing. Because most of my transportation in Africa is on foot, my "strange" walking pattern due to the knee problem, was also messing up my lower back and endangering my right artificial hip! The only suggestion I would have is to try to not be overweight when you go into surgery. I had lost about 30lbs. before my knee replacement, which I'm sure made my recovery easier. Post-op, I'm always persistent in doing my Physical Therapy. I KNOW that it hurts at times. but it is vital to get the new joints working correctly. Best of luck, and please stay in touch---
pattye
I am a 62 almost 63 female I have raised 8 children I had a total knee replacement last March I am doing really well I did loss some weight before the surgery. After the surgery I started physical theraphy. I think that I would recomend having the surgery. I have a fantastic surgeon and he helped me alot, even when I was mad at him and when I didn't want to do anymore I appreciated the workouts and I would do it again. I am having problems other problems with OA I have a strong belief in God and thank him for my blessings. God Bless you and good Luck Kate