I am scheduled for me total left knee replacement on January 7, 2022. Just a few days behind you
@christopher_car
My right total knee replacement was this past February 3rd, so I have a good idea what to expect. I too was originally nervous. The thing I was most nervous about was what if the outcome did not come out the way I expected? What If I was unable to take my boat out (alone) and fish? That would be a very serious problem in my world! I was unsure if I would be able to do the things that I love and live to do.
Asides from a few issues early after my right knee surgery I am overall very happy with it. I followed the Bonesmart principles in my recovery. My surgeon firmly believes in range of motion and NO strengthening exercises. Rest, Ice, elevation, take pain meds, leg straightening, and ROM. No rubbing no stretching exercises either. Strength will come over time, no need to increase swelling trying to push it.
I live on Long Island. In three months I had my boat in the water and was fishing locally. In five months I was hiking with lots of steps and elevation changes on uneven ground at the Delaware Water Gap and Letchworth State Park.
After six months I was fishing on a friend's 32' boat sixty five miles offshore! We fished for a week out of Montauk and there were some 'sporty' days for sure!
The new knee preformed very well. The next month I was installing a trolling motor on my 22' boat. (basically hundreds of times up and down a stepladder, in and out of the boat, and contorting your body into tight places at weird angles)
My new right knee did very well through all that, but my left knee has suffered through it all.
I wouldn't call what I feeling about my upcoming surgery as 'nervous', more like anxious to get it over with I guess. The major issues I had with my first knee replacement won't happen again. One was severe stomach reaction (pain) to high dose aspirin and anti-inflammatory. That lasted a few days. The other issue was a physical therapist who did what they were instructed not to. Ended up hyper extending the knee.
The doctor will prescribe different medications and I will use a different at home PT organization this time.
My pre-surgical testing appointments were last week. To be honest my left knee has been feeling fair lately so of course I am second guessing myself and wondering; can I put this off for a year?
I arrived for my testing appointment early so I decided to take a walk. I was thinking of going about a mile, slight to moderate uphill most the way there. City sidewalk surfaces. By the time I was not even halfway there the real pain returned and reminded me that waiting another year is not the best of ideas!
I limped my way downhill into the hospital for my testing being fully aware that this left knee needs to be fixed. No more second guessing.
Be sure to know christopher_car that I am not the slightest bit nervous that the outcome won't be what I expected. I am confidant that I will be able to do the things that I love and need to do after the second knee replacement.
It takes some pain and time getting used to, but the new knee now feels great. I am almost looking forward to January 7th!
Well, maybe not looking forward to it but looking forward to next summer. By that time both my knees should be good for the first time in 45 years. I've had pain/problems with my knees since I was about 13 years old.