Just plain scared

[Lujo]

This is my first post. Have lurked around here for several months and found this forum to be the most positive one out there.

My OS has told me that after 10 years, from the first injury, of pounding my left knee I have nothing left. My knee looks like the Alps instead of the smooth surface that it should be.

I have to admit that I am terrified of this surgery. I have a friend who went through a TKR two years ago and he still has problems.

I am very active and fear that I won't be able to go back to my life style. But at this point I have difficulty doing what I love anyway. So in a catch 22 situation; damed if I do and damed if I don't.

And to compound matters my OS wants to do my right knee shortly after the left. I have favored the left knee so much over the years that I damaged the right knee.

I am only 45 years old and hope that my age will help with the recovery process. I hope that I am not coming across as a whinner. I just know that this is not a surgery to be taken lightly. I have followed and studied TKR for years and have seen many success stories.

 

[Josephine]

But just think, Lujo - in a year's time you'll look back and say to yourself "What ever made me wait so long!"

Welcome to BoneSmart, BTW!

 

[schoust]

Well I have to tell you that if the condition of your knee is that bad if I were you I certainly would not wait to long! I waited until I needed a pill to do anything and by then it's to late! I was also very scared and I still am because I am not out of the water yet. I have limited range of motion because of the time that I waited to get this done now I have to have my knee minipulated tomorow mourning. I am also 45 and I know that in the long run I will be much better off than I was before!

 

[Sandy R]

Lujo... go back and read the posts from those that have had a positive outcome. Lots of people post here because they have a problem after a TKR. Not enough people post how well they're doing. Guess that's human nature. I'm 69 years old and had a RTKR 2 weeks ago yesterday and I'm ahead of schedule in my recovery and have very little pain... which I credit my OS and his MIS technique. I think it will help if you concentrate on the success stories. Good luck!

 

[Rowdy66]

I think scared is something we all have been through and with good reason, this is not a simple surgery and it does take time and a lot of hard work to get back to where you can live a relatively painfree life. So no one here is going to dismiss your aprehension, but I think the key question we have all had to ask ourselves is, "How bad do I hurt?" For me and for most of the rest of us the pain was just so debilitating that we felt we had no choice. I had spent two years in pain so bad I was in the last few weeks before surgery barely able to walk. I waited too long, I know that now and it was out of fear. I wasted 18 months when I could have had the surgery and recuperated but I was afraid. That is the only thing I would change, I would have had the surgery sooner. I am 67 and had both knees done at the same time five months ago. I won't say my recovery was painfree or a piece of cake but it sure beat the alternative. I hope you decide to risk the surgery and are willing to put in the hard work required to get back to normal. Heck, for some of us normal was so long ago we can't even remember what it was like. LOL. You are young, don't waste the best years of your life in pain because someone you know had a result that was not perfect. I would bet that your friend is still better off than he/she was before. Just remember the results depend on two things, the surgeon you choose (most important) and the work you do after the surgery to regain use of your legs. I am so glad you found this forum. The people here are WONDERFUL and I Jo, our nurse moderator and good friend is priceless. I do not know what I would have done the last six months without them. They have all been so supportive of all the problems I had both with my knees and in my personal life. Good luck. Rowdy.

 

[Gretchendz]

The vast majority of people who have it done are very glad they did it.

Yes--a few have problems with infections or clots,,,but the majority of us do great.

For me, I had no clue how much pain I was in until it was gone. It's nothing short of getting your life back! I am 6 months out from my first TKR and getting my second done...tomorrow

Good luck!

 

[ship4]

Lujo,
I was 58 (currently 59) when I had both knees replaced in June of 08. I go for my 4 month check up on Thursday. I was in the hospital 2.5 days after general anesthesia and femoral blocks in each leg. The first 2 weeks is not picnic! But, I went to a rehabilitation hospital for 6 days post op. I came home and was walking in the house without assistance. I used crutches to walk outside and maintain balance. I had 9 home PT visits and was "dismissed' after reaching 125 degrees ROM with each knee and at 0 degrees. I prepared for the surgery by exercising! I also used the book on Total Knee Replacement that describes exercises and recovery for a year post op.
I had 9 children in my home at day 12 post op as I operate a child care business from my home. I have done this for 27 years and was fortunate to have a parent client run the business for me for about 4 weeks until I could participate on a daily basis without sleeping all day!
So, I encourage you to go forth and get your life back! I plan to ski again. Don't know if it will be this season or next, but I do know I am better already.
I will post again to tell you all what my current ROM is as I am wondering........
Go for it!
Best,
Crystal

 

[1jt@atime]

Hi Lujo, I had my knees replaced 8 months apart at the ages of 46 and 47. I'm afraid age has nothing to do with how well you will recover and often people say that youth is against you in the recovery process. My first knee has been a very difficult recovery and the second, much easier. You can't even predict the recovery pace based on the person! The surgery is definitely worth it but also realize it's a very long and often, emotional recovery. Good luck! There is a lot of support here for those ups and downs.... Karen

 

[Linda2]

I am very active and fear that I won't be able to go back to my life style. But at this point I have difficulty doing what I love anyway. So in a catch 22 situation; damed if I do and damed if I don't.

I am another one who would recommend going ahead with it, BUT--what kind of "active life style" are you talking about? From everything I have read, you really should give up running, basketball, wrestling and other things that would really pound or torque your replacement. That doesn't mean you have to be sedentary, they are many other ways to be active. People who are imprudent with their new knees are more likely to need revision sooner, and revisions--at this point in time, anyway--are more problematic than original replacements. Once you weigh all the options and sensible restrictions, you will be able to make a good decision for you. If your knees are really bad, you probably cannot do the high impact/torque stuff now without paying a very high price for it. It's like most of life's big choices, you weigh the risks and benefits.

 

[Lujo]

Sorry to take so long to get back to everyone. Thank you for the postive responses.

Ship4 I have the same book and have found many useful ideas and exercises.

As far as my activity level, I should say that I am very active riding motorcycles on/off road, hunting/fishing, hiking, and yes contact sports which I know I will most likely have to give up. But with the pain levels I have now most of what I love to do I either can not do or have difficulties doing. But if I can be pain free then I sure I can still do my hobbies just a modified version.

I am hoping I have not waited to long. My OS has told me he should not have any problems but won't know for sure until he starts the procedure.

As soon as I can get some insurance issues taken care of I am proceeding with both knees. Looks like Jan/Feb 09.

Again thanks for the words of encouragement. Everyone is wonderful on this forum. Even those that have had less than positive outcomes have good spirits and are "fighters" not willing to give up keeping a positive attitude which will take you much farther than a negative one.