Hi, @Scaredy-cat .... it’s so Good to hear from you! I am a little “hit-and-miss” these days, & I’m sure I’m missing some posts. We are in the midst of our gardening season ( YAY!), and, are having our 6 1/2 year old grandson with us 2 days & nights each week, so it gets busy! ( but Fun.... he’s a mischievous little delight).
I was a bit like you, for different reasons, and, I tend to be a bit bull-headed. I had several surgeries and an extended stay in the hospital for ulcerative colitis my freshman year in college. Some pretty rough experiences and bad memories, although I did meet some wonderful people along the way. Married several years later, we have 2 wonderful kids, and that grandson, and a happy life. A hysterectomy and abdominal tumor removed, and, resolved that I’d never have another surgery unless it was a matter of life or death.
As my knee deteriorated over the past few years, my family tried, and a physical therapist kept telling me, “ you are going to Have to have that knee replaced!”. Finally when it was to the point that I had to use a cane, & even with that, was in constant severe pain, I gave in, we saw my now wonderful surgeon, & x-rays showed a Bad bone-on-bone knee. Like you, recovery wasn’t always easy, but it’s So good to have a Much better knee. I can Walk! I can garden! The knee doesn’t constantly hurt, and, after two bad falls onto concrete ( I’m a klutz, but learning to watch for uneven surfaces), although I scraped my elbow & hand pretty badly, my new knee Shined! Never knew I had fallen!
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Like you, I have No regrets on having this done. My surgery was 2 weeks before yours, but I had an infection in the scar, and had to have a second, cleanout surgery about 5 weeks later, so that put me back a little. But, While not a fun experience, I met some wonderful people during my hospital stay, received excellent care, and, like you, I have a wonderful surgeon and good insurance. My balance is still a bit wonky, probably partly due to my staying so busy, enjoying feeling better. I won’t say this has been Easy, but, I feel I have grown and learned a lot.
So, for anyone out there needing this surgery, & afraid to do it.... Do it, if you can! And look forward to learning, about life, about yourself, and getting to know, and learn from, other friends who have traveled this journey.
And thanks to you,@Scaredy-cat, for letting us all know how you’re doing. I always thought of you as very brave, and your posts often really inspired & encouraged me .... probably some of those at 3 am
. (that Was a novel experience for someone who normally -and thankfully, now - sleeps easily!)
My very, very best wishes to you!
Catalien
United States
as opposed to recovering, although you might get more respect with a walking stick.
