United StatesI'm 58 years old and live in Texas, as you can tell by my username. My story began 14 years ago, when I tripped over my dog's leash and fell to the pavement. I tore the meniscus in my right knee and had arthroscopic repair, followed by over 2 years of Synvisc injections. At that time I was 44 years old. My doctor said he cleaned out all the trash in my knee, and that I was "bone-on-bone" and would need a replacement at some point in my life. After a period of time, I was able to function, and quit seeing that orthopedic doctor, as I was still years away from being "old enough" to have a replacement surgery (per insurance). Fast forward through 14 years of compression sleeves, icy-hot and biofreeze, limping, and loss of ability to climb or descend stairs normally. In that timeframe, I also lost 60 pounds and was able to walk for exercise, usually 2-3 miles a day.
A couple weeks ago our first cold snap came through and I was suddenly no longer able to get my 8000-10000 steps a day without being in significant pain and needing 2-3 days to recuperate and be able to walk again. I made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, expecting to get a steroid shot and go on my way. Instead, the xrays showed extreme arthritis and degenerative bone on bone situation. He wouldn't give me a steroid shot and said surgery was the only solution.
SO! I'm having my right knee replaced in 2 weeks, on 10/31. Its being done at a surgical hospital and I think I'll go home the same day.... but I really don't know. My husband has had 2 kneecap surgeries and he did go home same day. We have all the medical devices - ice water circulator, walker, crutches, bath chair, handrails in tub and by the toilet, bedside commode - so I'm prepared in that way. I'm planning to cook and freeze some meals and stock up the groceries so hubby won't be overwhelmed with my care and the household. Fortunately its just the 2 of us, and he's retired, so I'm feeling good about the recovery. I've chosen a Physical Therapy clinic that provides transportation; we've used them before and are happy with their work.
What else do I need to know? I'm off to read everyone's stories. Thanks for being here and sharing your experiences.
A couple weeks ago our first cold snap came through and I was suddenly no longer able to get my 8000-10000 steps a day without being in significant pain and needing 2-3 days to recuperate and be able to walk again. I made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, expecting to get a steroid shot and go on my way. Instead, the xrays showed extreme arthritis and degenerative bone on bone situation. He wouldn't give me a steroid shot and said surgery was the only solution.
SO! I'm having my right knee replaced in 2 weeks, on 10/31. Its being done at a surgical hospital and I think I'll go home the same day.... but I really don't know. My husband has had 2 kneecap surgeries and he did go home same day. We have all the medical devices - ice water circulator, walker, crutches, bath chair, handrails in tub and by the toilet, bedside commode - so I'm prepared in that way. I'm planning to cook and freeze some meals and stock up the groceries so hubby won't be overwhelmed with my care and the household. Fortunately its just the 2 of us, and he's retired, so I'm feeling good about the recovery. I've chosen a Physical Therapy clinic that provides transportation; we've used them before and are happy with their work.
What else do I need to know? I'm off to read everyone's stories. Thanks for being here and sharing your experiences.
Mostly lots of sitting around and healing. You'll get good information about how to prepare for recovery from this part of the forum. If you have a question, ask! You'll get lots of input.
