TKR Making a decision, finally

[GneeSLP]

Good evening - I am home from my last cortisone injection. After a year and a half, it's time to take my head out of the sand and I am scheduled for surgery. Amazingly, it looked as bad as the left knee I had replaced eight years ago. It never bothered me until a year and a half ago. Injections worked for a while, but now they are lasting less time.

At 72 I have many fears remembering the recovery. My quality of life is suffering. I still work two days a week as a speech-language pathologist. I knew I needed to find back here once again.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart. Thanks for joining us!

Please leave your surgery dates, both your left and your upcoming right TKR. We will use the info to create a signature for you. Thanks in advance!

I am sure you remember from your first surgery how wonderful it is to lose the pain and get back to life. I am sorry you’re struggling with discomfort and the pre-op anxiety, familiar to us all. We’ll be here to support and encourage along the way.
I wish you lots of comfort as you await your surgery date.

Here is some pre-op reading for you. Please stop back often, we’d love to follow your journey!


KNEE PRE-OP ARTICLES

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:

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Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee?​

Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis​

BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery​

Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?​

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:

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Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home​

Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery​

Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?​

Regardless of where you are in the process, the website and app My Knee Guide can help you stay organized and informed. The free service keeps all the information pertaining to your surgery and recovery in one place on your smartphone. It is intended to be a personal support tool for the entire process.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at some stories of amazing knee recoveries
@GneeSLP

 

[GneeSLP]

Thank you for the warm welcome. Here is some information:
TLKR: June 15, 2015
Neurosurgery for broken L4/L5: May 30, 2018 (from a fall)
TRKR: Upcoming December, 2023 - I need to schedule it around winter break since I work two days a week. I have been through a year and a half. I had balance issues because of my knee issues.

I live on my own and have for 34 years. I have a lot of practice being my own best advocate.

Thank you, again, for your support.

 

[Mutti3]

@GneeSLP
Your journey sounds like mine! Had X-ray of right knee in 9/22, showed OA,but no bone on bone. Early July 2023, had severe knee pain. Saw OS 7/13/2023 X-ray showed bone on bone. Decided not to‘ kick the can ‘ down the road. Didn‘t want conservation treatment. Scheduled total knee for august.
My first recovery was uneventful. I am using all my previous knowledge of my first recovery to enhance this one. The first two week of recovery is just a blurred. Now I am POD 16, and feel great! I used the period of time between July13 to end of August doing online exercises classes, and preparing for surgery.
You made a wise decision to get the right knee scheduled. Want to add one tidbit, I didn’t initially find Bonesmart until I was 3 months post op In 2018. Now I follow bonesmart post op advice. No PT will cause pain. I will be my own advocate!

 

[benne68]

Welcome back, @GneeSLP!

We are here for you. Let us know how we can help you through the waiting period.