worried about recovery

[dhope]

Having surgery on the 23rd of Oct and getting nervous. I have been putting off my new knee for 6 years and during that time my activity level has decreased and my weight has increased. I'm worried about getting back to a life - any advice?

 

[Dawnie]

Hi,
I have had my two new knees for 5 full days now and every day is getting easier, I know that in a few weeks time I shall be back to fighting fit like I have not been for several years. I am sure you will not regret your decision, good luck with your operation, you will be pleased you had it done.

 

[Texas]

You will soooo get your life back look around on here people are skiing horseback riding we have a lady who had both knees down and just went zip lining........If it is effecting you life when you think about it what choice do you have the quality of life is most important thats why we have these surgeries to get our life back and you will better then ever..........at first it was be a lil rough but well worth it in the long run.......post anytime we have all been thru it...............Best of luck to you , you will be fine and we will do everything we can to help ya ........)

 

[tom67]

Hi dhope, and welcome to Bonesmart. I am currently 13 day's
post-op with a partial knee replacement (PKR), and slowly
getting there. This Forum is amazing and I credit all these
wonderful people, for helping me through some rough spots. The advice and caring is second to none. Please
post whenever you are nervous, scared or just need people
to talk to who have been In your shoes. Believe me! You
will feel so much better. Best Wishes Tom

 

[abunnybabe]

dhope, I am having my RTKR on the same day. Yup, I am getting nervous too, very nervous. But everyday that I spend with my painful old knee just reminds me how glad I am to be getting a new one.

 

[FrogFeathers]

I didn't put off getting mine. I had to wait because the GP I was seeing wouldn't give me a referral to a surgeon. I was stuck in limbo for three years, steadily gaining weight.

I lost thirty pounds shortly after following surgery. I don't know why, my activity level wasn't any higher. I'm slowly getting my life back. I used to walk daily for exercise and was hoping to be back at that in May (surgery was in March) but that didn't happen. I'm pretty sure my weight is why my recovery is taking longer than I'd hoped. My new GP told me to "forget" that I ever walked four miles a day... I'm starting completely over now. This is a whole new thing and I have to start slow.

So, my personal-not-medical-person-advice to you is to take it slow and steady and don't be down on yourself. Things will move forward as long as you take care of yourself along the way.

 

[dhope]

Thank you all -- I cried when I read your responses, I am really happy I found you all...

 

[cindy88fan]

Welcome to BoneSmart! You should be able to get your life back with no problem. Just make sure you do as your OS says and keep moving. My OS just told me the other day that if you don't use your new knees...you will loose them. And that is so true. I have been in such bad pain for sooooo many years. And now 11 weeks out...I'm doing things I have not been able to do for years and years. I am also loosing weight right along with it. So you will do fine. Feel free to post anytime...we are always here for you.

 

[kimberlyann]

Hi, and welcome! I am having my first new knee on October 12. Just like you, I have gained weight because I have been sitting around in pain for 3 years!
I do many exercises, especially in the pool, but can't get my heart rate up because it hurts my knees!
Hopefully, after surgery we will be more active and the weight will come off.

I find that my attitude about the surgery sometimes isn't great because it is hard for me to truly believe that the pain will be gone and the function will return. That is where hearing from some of these folks has really helped me. They give me hope that I will get back in the saddle again!

Take care and be brave, and ask a million questions, someone here probably knows the answer.

Sincerely, Kimberly

 

[Judles]

Rejoice!! You'll be getting your lives back!!!:evil:
:thmb:

 

[calling_all_angels]

Hi dHope,
It is nice to meet you. I am going to tell
that you are making the right choice to have
a TKR some people float right throught it,
some of us have to work to get it where we
need it. But it is worth it no doubt about it
pain and all!!!! And one day I even believe that
I will forget that I have 2 new knee's and that
will be quite the WOW monent of my Life.

 

[spinningman]

Hi,
The only thing I can say is try to be as positive as you can. I had my knee replaced on 9/8/09. It's been about a month. I am a fitness instructor, indoor cycle and water aerobics. I am a very positive and determined person. I want to be better faster but it doesn't work that way. I am able to walk about 1/4 mile now without a cane or walker. I am doing my exercises and icing as much as I can. We are all different. Don't give up on yourself. I have a motto "Yes I Can". It's also important to have a great caregiver, husband, wife, friend etc.
Yes you will need help to do thing initially but every little milestone like taking a shower by yourself, dressing yourself, getting yourself out of bed etc., will happen. It has for me. Yes I have a ways to go but I am thankfully everyday. Try to thank your caregiver every day too. It's not easy for them.

Total knee replacement is tough but try to have the short term goals and the utlimate goal of walking "normally". Good luck to you.

Please let me know how things work out.

Les..

 

[Josephine]

Welcome dhope. They are all so correct in what they've said. About the knee replacement of course but they're also right about the forum! :hehe:

You will not regret having it done and you've mentioned two very prime reasons for not putting it off! Can I ask why you've put it off so long? Have you had negative reactions from your doctor? Or the surgeon?

My OS just told me the other day that if you don't use your new knees...you will loose them. And that is so true.

Cindy, can I just correct this statement a teensy weensy bit? I know what you meant but others might not.

It's not the knee you would lose but the ROM (range of movement) and even then it's generally only in small degrees, not a catastrophic event.

I think it's a ploy that surgeons and PTs like to use to "motivate" people and not, imo, a good ploy.

 

[Jamie]

Welcome to the BoneSmart family, dhope. You are one of us now and we'll be here to support you through the surgery, recovery and beyond. You'll be fine!!! We all were scared. That's a very normal human reaction.

I suggest you spend some time reading threads in the knee surgery and recovery forums (let me know if you need help navigating there). You'll find lots of information and posts from people just like you. And, believe me, knowledge is POWER. Once you are more comfortable with what is going to happen, you'll be less anxious about surgery day. It sounds like you are going to have some great company here on the forum in recovery. So post away....no question or concern is too minor for us to address and help you with!

 

[dhope]

Hi,
I have had my two new knees for 5 full days now and every day is getting easier, I know that in a few weeks time I shall be back to fighting fit like I have not been for several years. I am sure you will not regret your decision, good luck with your operation, you will be pleased you had it done.

Thank you for your kind words. I hope that your healing is going well. I am feeling far better about surgery.

 

[newfie girl]

I was terrified and when i finally agreed to be referred to the os I thought it would be at least five years before they would do it. this website helped me make up my mind and has given me so much information and i ahve wanted to cry sometimes as it is uncanny when you go on and get the answer you need. am now two weeks post op and had my staples put today and doing fine. just go for it you wont regret it.