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So Much to Think About

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Surfsister

senior
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
278
Age
61
Location
United States (California)
I've known for years that knee replacement was in my future. In 2003 (at 40 years old), I went to the OS who had done the arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery on my knee when I was 18. He said I had severe osteoarthritis, that I should try to hang on as long as possible in order to let technology improve. And that I did.

Six years later, I'm now facing knee replacement. The surgery is on Monday (with a new surgeon—I have nothing but disdain for the one I saw in 2003 because of his attitude). I did my last session in the pool on Wednesday. I've surfed for the past two days and will probably do one last surf session tomorrow. Then, bright and early on Monday, I take my turn at becoming "The Bionic Woman".

My primary goal is to be pain-free. My secondary goal is to return to surfing, cycling and swimming. I understand that each patient is different, that there is no certainty that I will still be the athlete I am today.

I've had fewer than two weeks to prepare myself for surgery. On April 10, I learned that I could get the surgery as soon as April 20th. I jumped at the date. I prefer to do this sooner rather than later. I've worked through my fears about the pain and the rehab. I recognize that nothing would be more painful than losing my way of life because of this knee.

This forum is a godsend!
 
Hello Surfsister,
It is so nice to meet you. So the 20th is your Big Day!!! Wow that is just this Monday!!
Have you got everything you need ready??? You have someone that will be with you when you come home??
I had the Right Knee Replaced Jan 14th of 09 and the Left on March 6th of 09 and
now I am on the recovery side. I know that it can only get better and better for this point forward.
I will Pray that all goes well and you have a fast recovery. Please post as soon as you can and let us all know how it went!
^i^
 
My husband and child are here. How they'll fare without me steering the ship, I don't know. Still, I know that this is a time when I have to concentrate on myself and my own health.

I have a new surfboard on order. If that isn't motivation to get healthy and strong, nothing is. Thanks for the welcoming words!
 
Welcome, Surf!!! So glad you could join us! Best of good luck on your surgery on Monday! We look forward to hearing from you once you're on "the other side". Ahhhhhhhh!!! Those ocean waves sound fabulous!!! :)
 
Welcome, Surfsister! I'm from the hip side, but I truly believe that being in good shape is the one thing that can make this type of surgery and the recovery so much easier! And it sure sounds like you have that going for you! Best of luck to you and we will be waiting to hear from you on "the other side"!
 
Good luck to you tomorrow. I think that having goals really helps us through rehab. Barring unforeseen circumstances or rationale, I would think you will be able to surf if that's what you want to do.
 
Well, welcome to BoneSmart! You sound like you are mentally and physically prepared for this. Please feel free to ask anything and everything. No subjects are taboo here!
[Bonesmart.org] So Much to Think About

 
Hi, SurfSister, and welcome to BoneSmart! We're glad you found us and there are plenty of people here ready to help and support if you need it when you get back home. You know, hubby will do just fine and he'll probably enjoy being the Big Man Caregiver for a while. You just relax and take care of YOU for a while. You definitely have the right attitude. And the fact that you ordered a NEW SURFBOARD made me smile. Girl, you got it workin'!!! Please post when you can after your surgery. We'll be waiting to hear from you.
 
Thanks for writing. No surf here, but I have sure been thinking about taking up kiteboarding. Once I get some knees, that is.

I am beginning to feel like the Tinman from Wizard of Oz...
 
Hi SurfSister!
Best of luck tomorrow--you'll be in our thoughts and prayers! Thinking of your new surfboard should keep you headed in the right direction as you recover.
Blessings
Irene
 
I did my last surf session today. Then I put my boards away in the garage. I've set up my bike on a stationary trainer (even though I know I won't be on it for awhile). I'm writing detailed notes so my husband will know what our child prefers to eat for lunch.

I'm a bit nervous, but the osteoarthritis pain is such that I'm able to recognize that this surgery is a necessity. I've read a great deal on the internet. I've read the words of those who are dissatisfied. I've read the joy of those who are not. I also inadvertently stumbled upon pictures of the surgery. At this point, there is nothing I don't know—benefits, risks, etc.

My friends keep asking how long I'll be out of the water. No one really knows. I understand that I'm younger than the average knee replacement patient. I've also seen very little about athletic folks who've had it done. However, I know they're out there doing the things they did prior to the surgery. I found a blog by a runner who's started running again. (I know that is not a good idea and he does too.) So I know many things are possible with this surgery. The doctor impressed upon me that much depends on the patient's motivation. I am not lacking in the motivation department. I will surf again. It may take longer than I want. It may not.

I'm ready.
 
Thanks, Surfsister. Thanks for reminding me of something in my life I gave up over thirty years ago. Surfing. Reading what you have written, I have added it back into the list of possible things I can do again, if I want to. Cross-country skiing just got added back, too. It sounds like you are going into this eyes wide open, with plenty of motivation. You will be a week into it when I have my first one done. I am hoping you will have some real nice things to say about your experience. It's gonna be great getting rid of this bone-on-bone thing, isn't it.
 
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