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Is this crazy?

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mj5

mj5

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I found out friday that I definitely need a TKR. I am still in a little bit of freak out mode. I am really thinking I need a little time, like 6 months. To get stuff at work ready (I'm in the middle of some big projects at work.....can they function without me, of course! But....) Also I have finally just finally gotten serious about losing weight (and I have a long way to go!). I would like to lose more weight before surgery.

I don't know if I am just freaking out or if it's ok to ask for just 6 months. I know the pain won't get better, probably worse. I know I won't get the 6 months back, but wouldn't it be better to be healthier?

What do you think?
 
I wouldnt put it off course your decision but i know you are in pain get it over with this pain wont go away the surg pain will..........why put it off what will you benefit think about it.....you will be more active after with pt etc...........I just hate to see anyone in pain........you can loose weight after easier you can walk more do more things now your at a stand still............just think hard you know we are behind you either way..........)
 
As far as your work, do you know how far out your Dr. operates? That may help with your projects...you may just have time to tidy things up.

As far as diet and weight, I actually changed my eating habits prior to surgery, and have continued to do so...and have actually lost weight. I finally figured whatever I stuffed into my mouth, I have to carry the load so it seems to help make better decisions.

Today marks my 2-month anniversary of my bilaterals. I have before and after pictures....just taking the latter yesterday. It is unreal how deformed my legs were in the 'before' pictures. I had no idea my legs were so bad and would never look back wishing I had waited.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.:thmb:
 
Thanks! I think I just in freak out mode. My OS offered to get me in quickly b/c this saga has been going on for so long. I may have just needed to get the words out (does that make sense). In reality, it's going to take a bit to get the workers comp approval--they always take a long time!

I will continue to eat better and exercise. I plan on checking out a water aerobics class at my gym. Work, well, there's never a good time, but we'll make it work. Luckily I have lots of sick time and can be at my desk when I go back.

I don't know.....I guess this is just about accepting that it's time.
 
I'd say the sooner the better since it's stressful to have that hanging over your head. But, if you're eating much healthier and getting stronger, that would be a good reason to wait. You should not lose weight after surgery when you're trying to heal. I accidentally did since the pain pills messed me up so much (and the pain) and it was the only time in my life that I didn't want to eat. Now at over six months, I'm hungry and have gained back about 6 pounds which I really needed to keep off (along with several more.)
 
I say just go forward. You don't really know with the workers comp how long it will take anyway. Keep trying to loose and who knows maybe it will be 6 months before it gets approved. Maybe it will be 6 days, just go for it.
I told my doc asap in july!!!!! Still haven't had mine yet so who knows what gets in the way.
judy
 
I would definitely listen to your gut. As long as you are not making excuses to yourself to put it off, but planning wisely, that is appropriate. I would put the wheels in motion, set a specific date 6 months in the future, and it will be here before you know it.
Losing weight is hard, and you can eat properly all through the surgery process. Exercise will continue, and you will be amazed at your capabilities after.

It is a very scary thought, this surgery is no small thing. It affects all aspects of your life and you will be more successful with your recovery if you are well prepared.

Just don't keep putting it off. Six months will fly by and despite all of your best plans, things may still not be lined up exactly as you like at that time, so you will need to be very firm with yourself. I found no less than a million reasons that seemed very valid at the last moment to want to postpone mine, but I did not allow myself to chicken out for any reason.

Each person is different. You are the only one who knows what is best for you. We will support you no matter what your choice is, just do what feels right to you.

Best wishes!
Kimberly
 
I understand exactly.. I was told in February that I needed both knees replaced .. I was freaked .. My job was very busy in the spring, our daughter was gettign married the end of May and I put off the 1st surgery until Sept., scheduling the 2nd one this week with the OS.. Do what works best for you .. Putting up with the "Pre-Surgery " pain is not any fun .. You have to do whatever works best for you and your life..
I needed to lose weight before surgery also it did not happen! I am one of those stress eaters and I was so freaked out I think I actually gained a little .. but after surgery I have actually lost with all the walking and exercise .. Best of luck we will all be here for support no matter what you chose or when take care deb
 
I do think a lot of your feelings are related to the "freak factor." I would imagine you are automatically going to have some wait because of the workman's comp claim.

But even if you CAN get it done very quickly and there is no workman's comp delay, I would go for it. You will feel better, move better, and the recovery process will naturally lead you to an exercise program.

Don't labor under the thought that there is a "perfect" time for you to elect to have the surgery where all the stars, sun and moon align. Even with work....things could come up while you are "preparing" for the surgery that would guilt you into waiting even longer. Stress to your boss what a great person you'll be when you return and go for it.
 
Hi and welcome to BoneSmart!

I chose to wait for just under 6 months to have my BTKR. This choice was made because of work and also a family celebration I didn't want to miss. It was the right choice for me. I spent the extra time eating well and working on some upper body exercises that REALLY helped me to move myself in bed, etc.

Whatever choice you make will be the best one for you. This is a tough thing to go through, but so, so worth it!

Blessings,
Irene
 
Thanks everyone. You have all given me some great things to think about. I don't want to put a stop to anything, because it could take months for the approval anyway--I would hate to ask the drs office to slow things down and then have it take another 6 months after that! It's not that I am trying to avoid it, not yet, well, maybe a little! LOL!

As for work, my boss will be totally ok w/ it (well, she'll freak out at first, but she is great!) and my co-workers will step up. There are some projects that I have to finish up, but I can be working on them now--not like this is going to happen tomorrow.

So, I'll keep making my list of questions for the OS, get to the gym tomorrow, and keep plugging along.
 
MJ,

Sounds like a good plan. I had to wait 5 months for my second TKR. The rate of deterioration was incredible. By the time I had my LTKR done almost exactly 5 months after the RTKR, I was hardly able to walk much less exercise. I wore the braces and faithfully followed my OS and PTs orders.

With 9 children at home (6 of which I homeschool) and a very busy life, I found there was never a good time to do this. Best to go for it as soon as the approval is in place. In the meantime continue with your plan and tidy up as much as possible at work. I'm sure you are necessary at work, but not replaceable.

Take the time to set up your home as well for the best recovery. My husband and I rearranged the furniture and did some 'spring cleaning' so there wasn't so much to do after my surgery. Made it alot easier this second round for sure. Planned school around my surgery and held off on starting new things until it worked for me. Flexibility is the key.

Once you begin the habit of eating heathier and exercising, that will hopefully follow you after your surgery. It has for many of us. You will probably loose 5-10 pounds the first few weeks anyway. After you are back on your feet, pt will help you keep it off and loose more.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and timeline that works best for you!

Blessings,
 
I know what you are going through but you should not put it off. I was 100 pounds over weight before my surgery and I was going to stay 100 pounds over weight because it was so hard on my knees to exercise. Now that the surgery is in the past I now have my life back and I'm able to exercise with no pain. Since my surgery 14 weeks ago I have lost 26 pounds. I am so much more active and walking does not bother me. My problem I have right now is breaking the old habits. I will catch myself looking for the closest parking spot so I don't have to walk so far but then the light bulb comes on and says hey you can walk now so park out further in the lot so you can walk farther. I am a manager and I felt they could not do without me but they did just fine. So don't let your job make you decide to hold off for 6 months because 6 months from now your knee will be worse. Good Luck!
 
I scheduled mine 6 months in advance and it worked out great. I was able to get my affairs at work in order and loose weight before surgery. I also worked hard on getting those quads in as good a shape as possible which I think helped greatly during recovery and PT.

Best Wishes!
 
Hi MJ, Hope your feeling great today, Just wanted to say hello, and RETAIL THERAPY!!!
thats HILARIOUS!! Does Insurnce cover that???:rotfl::whis:
 
I am feeling great today Tom, which of course is awesome, but at the same time confuses me more!!!!

Haven't you heard of "retail therapy" before???? My hubby swears he's never heard me say it until recently--I've said it for years (and know lots of others who say it too). Oh boy, I SO wish insurance covered that....just think of the clothes, shoes, purses, and makeup I could get! LOL!!! If they covered manicures and pedicures, too, I wouldn't have to work! LOL!!!!

The good news is, I am (mostly) a bargain shopper...I LOVE to shop, but I love finding a bargain!

Glad I could make you laugh!
 
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