United StatesIt was one year ago today that I had a total arthroplasty on my left knee…..hard to believe that twelve months have passed since that day. I do not believe my outcome could have been more positive…strength and stability are at levels that I have not experienced for many, many years. While my quadracept had severely atrophied, I have been able to re-build significant mass through my weight training regime. I have basically been 100 percent since six months post-surgery. It is also five-months today since the surgery for my right knee and my recovery from that total arthroplasty has been even quicker and equally as successful as for my left knee….I have been basically 100 percent since about three and a half months post-surgery. From what I have learned through this experience my recovery has been exceptional.
I still have some discomfort….especially after a really hard work out….and get stiff if I sit for an extended period but can easily walk the stiffness away. I continue my exercise program at the gym, and there are no limits to my physical activities….I am able to participate in any exercise or activity….there are some activities that I have chosen to not continue however even though I am physical able.
Even though I did not have many options left, my decision to finally have the surgery was one of the more difficult decisions I have ever had to make…..even so I do not regret my postponement for so many years as I firmly believe that the time-frame for recovery could not have been as quick had I opted for the surgeries several years ago before the development of the minimally invasive surgery procedure.
To those who will have to confront this situation I offer the key to my success…..select a doctor who is an expert and specialist in joint replacements (should perform hundreds of knee arthroplasties per year), select a physical therapy facility that has extensive experience with knee replacement patients, and then commit to the physical therapy and work very hard. I was very focused and determined to be successful and had goals for both the surgery and the physical therapy…..it is not easy but the rewards are significant.
Steve
Spring, Tx.
I still have some discomfort….especially after a really hard work out….and get stiff if I sit for an extended period but can easily walk the stiffness away. I continue my exercise program at the gym, and there are no limits to my physical activities….I am able to participate in any exercise or activity….there are some activities that I have chosen to not continue however even though I am physical able.
Even though I did not have many options left, my decision to finally have the surgery was one of the more difficult decisions I have ever had to make…..even so I do not regret my postponement for so many years as I firmly believe that the time-frame for recovery could not have been as quick had I opted for the surgeries several years ago before the development of the minimally invasive surgery procedure.
To those who will have to confront this situation I offer the key to my success…..select a doctor who is an expert and specialist in joint replacements (should perform hundreds of knee arthroplasties per year), select a physical therapy facility that has extensive experience with knee replacement patients, and then commit to the physical therapy and work very hard. I was very focused and determined to be successful and had goals for both the surgery and the physical therapy…..it is not easy but the rewards are significant.
Steve
Spring, Tx.
