beth1954
graduate
United StatesHas anyone out there started feeling better w/pain meds and everything, and then thought to yourself, "I don't need this surgery! I'm feeling alot better!"
Hey--do I really need the surgery? I feel better! (haha)
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Beth
I can't even tell you how many times over thirty plus years. I had problems starting in high school and over the next 15 years had 9 major surgeries and a few minor ones. Everything worked for awhile. After the last one in my early 30's the OS said they will need to be replaced by the 40's. Well I just kept going with flare ups and then it would clear but I was also very gradually not doing things I use to like to do and adjusting. I just kept increasing the aspirin (refused to take pain meds). By the late 40's it was taking alot longer for those flare ups to calm down. Also started gaining alot of weight as I cut back on activity. Did reach a point where I knew I had to do something but kept pushing it off. Then I slipped on the ice, tore the meniscus so the right knee was swollen for 2 years. I knew it was way past time to get them replaced. I would not schedule surgery till I lost all the weight I had gained. It took about 2 more years before the weight was getting close to where I wanted it. I then found the log cabin I always wanted. Working on it took out the knees so I could not continue exercising (along with breaking a foot) and I started to gain weight. Well that was it, I was giving up too much. I was able to lose most of what I had gained back.
Well I had BTKR last June and it has been slow but great overall. I was really stupid to wait.
The bottom line is, yes it is better know but you don't want to live on pain pills and being careful. Go ahead with the TKR and get back you life, it ain't going to get better.
Simon
I can't even tell you how many times over thirty plus years. I had problems starting in high school and over the next 15 years had 9 major surgeries and a few minor ones. Everything worked for awhile. After the last one in my early 30's the OS said they will need to be replaced by the 40's. Well I just kept going with flare ups and then it would clear but I was also very gradually not doing things I use to like to do and adjusting. I just kept increasing the aspirin (refused to take pain meds). By the late 40's it was taking alot longer for those flare ups to calm down. Also started gaining alot of weight as I cut back on activity. Did reach a point where I knew I had to do something but kept pushing it off. Then I slipped on the ice, tore the meniscus so the right knee was swollen for 2 years. I knew it was way past time to get them replaced. I would not schedule surgery till I lost all the weight I had gained. It took about 2 more years before the weight was getting close to where I wanted it. I then found the log cabin I always wanted. Working on it took out the knees so I could not continue exercising (along with breaking a foot) and I started to gain weight. Well that was it, I was giving up too much. I was able to lose most of what I had gained back.
Well I had BTKR last June and it has been slow but great overall. I was really stupid to wait.
The bottom line is, yes it is better know but you don't want to live on pain pills and being careful. Go ahead with the TKR and get back you life, it ain't going to get better.
Simon
Beth, I think this is a very common thing. Everyone has doubts about this huge decision for elective surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.....and it's a difficult one. Simon is right....once the surgery and recovery are completed, your joint works again and pain pills are not a daily requirement to live your life.
OP
OP
beth1954
graduate
Well, I really knew the answer to that question. The pain meds I'm on have finally really kicked in. It still hurts like crazy when I get up in the morning and if I have been sitting down too long. I woke up the other night in such pain that I didn't think I was going to be able to move even 1/8 of an inch. I have to be VERY careful going up and down stairs, or just turning without moving my whole leg. No spinning on THIS leg!!) No Texas Two-Step for me! (Haven't done that since about 1977 anyway!!) At least I'm getting a little relief--mostly during the day. (I'm going to the doc Friday and will probably schedule a date.
He has me on Darvocet and then I take Advil along with it. It does pretty well.
I'm very anxious about Friday.
Thanks everyone.
He has me on Darvocet and then I take Advil along with it. It does pretty well.
I'm very anxious about Friday.
Thanks everyone.
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