Gretchendz
senior
- Joined
- May 22, 2008
- Messages
- 341
- Gender
- Female
- Country
United States
Hello all.
I had a RTKR in April 2008 and a LTKR in October 2008. Yes, my second knee is having it's one year anniversary.
I found this forum just before my first TKR and it was a total godsend. All those silly little recovery questions--everything form stool softeners (Take Them!) to When will the numbness stop?(eventually) to Will I ever sleep through the night again? (Yes--you will). All the encouragement is here--take advantage of it!
I stopped by to give you HOPE. For me, and the vast majority of people, this surgery gives you back your life.
I am 57. Before the surgery, I didn't even realize how much pain I was in. I wouldn't stand for 5 minutes without looking for a chair. I couldn't walk but half a mile without pain. I tried the shots with minimal relief. We went to Disney World and the family had to push me around in a wheel chair.
NOW, I barely think about my knees. They are NOT the first thing I think of as I get out of bed in the morning. I no longer sleep with a pillow under my knees. I can walk for miles. As we walk, my husband STILL frequently remarks with delight how amazing it is that I can walk so well and so quickly.
Last May, with one knee 1 year old and the other barely 6 months old, I went to Egypt and climbed a pyramid! A big one!
The recovery is tough, that's no lie. But it fades as you become able to do more. Like Jo & Jamie preach, Just do your exercises (but not overdo), take your pain meds, take your stool softeners, don't go back to work too soon, ICE, and rest!!!
For me, like for so many, this surgery is nothing short of a miracle. I have a life again! Also, like so many others, my only regret is not having done it sooner.
It's okay to be scared--but don't let fear stop you or limit you. Arm yourself with knowledge. Find a good competent caring doctor and trust. The odds are WAY in your favor.
I had a RTKR in April 2008 and a LTKR in October 2008. Yes, my second knee is having it's one year anniversary.
I found this forum just before my first TKR and it was a total godsend. All those silly little recovery questions--everything form stool softeners (Take Them!) to When will the numbness stop?(eventually) to Will I ever sleep through the night again? (Yes--you will). All the encouragement is here--take advantage of it!
I stopped by to give you HOPE. For me, and the vast majority of people, this surgery gives you back your life.
I am 57. Before the surgery, I didn't even realize how much pain I was in. I wouldn't stand for 5 minutes without looking for a chair. I couldn't walk but half a mile without pain. I tried the shots with minimal relief. We went to Disney World and the family had to push me around in a wheel chair.
NOW, I barely think about my knees. They are NOT the first thing I think of as I get out of bed in the morning. I no longer sleep with a pillow under my knees. I can walk for miles. As we walk, my husband STILL frequently remarks with delight how amazing it is that I can walk so well and so quickly.
Last May, with one knee 1 year old and the other barely 6 months old, I went to Egypt and climbed a pyramid! A big one!
The recovery is tough, that's no lie. But it fades as you become able to do more. Like Jo & Jamie preach, Just do your exercises (but not overdo), take your pain meds, take your stool softeners, don't go back to work too soon, ICE, and rest!!!
For me, like for so many, this surgery is nothing short of a miracle. I have a life again! Also, like so many others, my only regret is not having done it sooner.
It's okay to be scared--but don't let fear stop you or limit you. Arm yourself with knowledge. Find a good competent caring doctor and trust. The odds are WAY in your favor.