TKR Mariposa's Left Knee Journey

[Mariposa]

Yes, what I'm going to do it's to give myself until the summer and continue to strengthen to see if there is more improvement.

I think that, by doing that, I'll be sure of my decision by then and my OS (or a second one) won't be able to say "I took the quick or easy

It’s good you have a plan…what matters most is that you feel sure of your decision with something so big. And like you said, the dr’s certainly won’t be able to say you didn’t try everything! I think that helps when you’re a younger patient.

I think @Jockette and @sistersinhim make a good point too about surgeon experience. I had planned on getting the MAKO robotic assisted PKR, but the surgeon I ended up going with does it the traditional way. I I ended up going with him in spite of that because he impressed me with his experience and knowledge of this particular surgery. The dr I found who did MAKO had less experience.

These are tough decisions, but the right surgeon can make all the difference. I did a TON of research and asked SO many questions. But the scary thing is, in the end I couldn’t know for sure. There was no guarantee. We just have to do our due diligence, go with our gut, and hope for the best. For me, I couldn’t go on as I was, losing years of my life to disability. So it was worth taking the leap.

I think you are smart, deliberate, and thoughtful, and you will know if/when the time is right.

@JusticeRider
Thanks for your concern and your will to help.

I see that you did everything to get well. It's like we almost need to to do "medical tourism" to try to find the right option/surgeon. I'm impressed about your research too, I'm really glad everything went well. I see that finding the right surgeon is the key.

I'll continue to strengthen as much as I can and see how it goes in a few months. If there is not significant improvement I'll go back to my OS and search for more opinions from other surgeons.


Not easy, but I'm going to try to 'relax and go day by day'..
I'll keep you posted, thanks again!!

 

[Mariposa]

It took 5 years, lots of test but no MRI, for me to get my revision. My surgeon wanted me to go to the pain clinic and physiotherapy before he did the surgery. COVID held those things up. I finally got my revision done 2 months ago. I've requested surgical report so hopefully that will shed some light.

I sure get wanting to have an active life. I've been going through this since I was 43. First trying to get a diagnosis then getting the TKR then revision at 52.

@CatieViv hi, I see that your experience has been especially tough, sorry to hear it. It sounds that you have been very patient and brave. how is your recovery going?

I hope good! Have they found the reason of failure from the 1st Tkr?

 

[Jockette]

I’m not really in a lot of actual pain, just discomfort, and not all the time. While I’m not at all happy with my outcome, it’s manageable most of the time and at this point I’m just glad it’s not any worse.

 

[CatieViv]

My recovery is going really good this time around. As long as I stay out of the ODIC! Last time, I injured my patella tendon at physio. Totally different outlook from my physiotherapist this time around. No pushing for ROM. I still have swelling so still elevate after activity.

 

[Mariposa]

My recovery is going really good this time around. As long as I stay out of the ODIC! Last time, I injured my patella tendon at physio. Totally different outlook from my physiotherapist this time around. No pushing for ROM. I still have swelling so still elevate after activity.

I'm pleased to hear it, you must feel relieved at last! Bravo for your resilience, I sympathize

 

[Mariposa]

I’m not really in a lot of actual pain, just discomfort, and not all the time. While I’m not at all happy with my outcome, it’s manageable most of the time and at this point I’m just glad it’s not any worse.

I'm glad that it's not "that painful", Jockette. You have a good attitude I think!

 

[Jockette]

You have a good attitude I think!

Not always, but I try.

 

[Mariposa]

Hi BSmarters,
I thought of giving an update about my left knee and the overall state of things on both legs.
I have been doing strengthening exercises at the gym and walking quite a bit too. I can at last walk unaided and the pain has really become more a bother, so I'm pleased for now.
I'm committed to continue the strengthening exercises (at the gym too if it's necessary) for a long time as I think that's pushing the ptf replacement away!

Thanks really all for your support

 

[EalingGran]

That all sounds like great news. I think that strength work is hopefully putting off further hip and knee surgery for me as well....

 

[mendogal]

Hi BSmarters,
I thought of giving an update about my left knee and the overall state of things on both legs.
I have been doing strengthening exercises at the gym and walking quite a bit too. I can at last walk unaided and the pain has really become more a bother, so I'm pleased for now.
I'm committed to continue the strengthening exercises (at the gym too if it's necessary) for a long time as I think that's pushing the ptf replacement away!

Thanks really all for your support

A most welcomed update!!!!

 

[Mariposa]

That all sounds like great news. I think that strength work is hopefully putting off further hip and knee surgery for me as well....

Excellent!! I'm really pleased for you too!

 

[Mariposa]

Thanks for your kind and warm replies ladies! Merry Christmas to everyone.
And GOOD HEALTH especially!

 

[Layla]

Sounds like you're determined and committed, Mariposa.
Thanks for sharing an update. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and I wish you happiness and good health in the New Year. @Mariposa

 

[Mariposa]

Thank you very much Layla! There's definitely still room for improvement... but I'm committed and hopefully things will improve even more.
Xmas all good, here. I hope yours too.