bghlpc said:
Probably people that don't have issues or pain don't read this website
bgh, you are sooo right! Only people who have problems after the surgery are going to be looking for answers on a forum like this so right off, I would appeal to those reading this who have not yet had their ops NOT to be scared off by these accounts. It is very true that a number of people have very bad times with their new knees. Therefore, this group of 'subjects' are what researchers would refer to as 'self selecting'.
When looking at fora like this, you have to bear in mind that of the hundreds of thousands of people who have knee replacements carried out in any one year between UK and US, we only have about 280 registered members here. That represents a very tiny sample and therefore does not give a very accurate picture of how many get a rough time and how many don't.
Also, the majority who do find it plain sailing, will be too busy getting on with their lives to even think of contributing to a forum such as this. I'm reminded of a computer hardware forum I am registered with. The only time I post in there is when I have a problem. So what I am saying is, please don't be discouraged by these threads. We are very keen to try and offer help and advice to those who need it, but don't for one minute, think that their experiences are the norm because they are not!
Over the years I have got to know hundreds of patients who have had knee replacements. Often met some of them coming back for their second to be done. And when I asked them about their experience the first time around, they would waggle the leg in the air and proclaim it to be wonderful!! Indeed, 70 yr old friend of mine had his done earlier this year and two months later was repairing the roof tiles on his bungalow!!