My decision had been in the works for a few years because I knew replacement of the right knee was coming----just not sure how long I could avoid it. I've had 7 surgeries on the right, 3 on the left, but Righty is by far the worst of the two and the one we knew was a time bomb.
My progression from 1 to 2 bad knees was fast though, and over the last few months, I've read of this happening A LOT from those here at Bonesmart. That's why I warn people not to make my mistake and wait TOO long. Things can go downhill faster than I EVER thought possible.
Here's my progression:
A) 2016--One really bad knee that limited life some, but mostly exercise & vacations.
B) 2017---Same bad knee that limited life a lot more each year.
C) Feb. 2018---the good knee (Lefty) fell apart seemingly overnight and needed surgery to stop the locking/catching that was a daily occurrence.
D) Summer 2018---BOTH knees became impossible to live with. The rehab from Lefty's May '18 surgery pushed Righty over the edge. I started seeking 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinions plus the opinion of my Rheumatologist. She was my saving grace through all of this and helped me learn the truth about knee replacements for us "younger folks", as I'm only 46.
E) Fall/Winter 2018---Life was at a standstill, as I began struggling with simple activities of daily life.
Losing my daily activities was the final straw, and I knew the choice to put off knee replacements was finally out of my hands. My knees made the decision for me.When my life went from "planning around my knees" to being "100% ruled by" my knees, I knew it was time. The change in my life over 4-5 months was staggering.
Absolutely staggering.
Another warning about waiting-----I was supposed to have the right knee replaced last December but had to cancel due to a family emergency emergency that ended badly. I rescheduled for May 21 and am counting the days. In the meantime though, I developed problems in my left ankle & foot due to compensating so much for the horrible right knee during that tragic time. Little did I know OTHER body parts could so easily be affected.
If I could only go back in time and not wait so long.
I have hope though----hope for getting my active lifestyle back over the next year. I'll take anything at this point.