Do I need a knee replacement?

[Guest guest]

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

I think almost everyone who has a hip or knee replacements goes

through the same process and the it is individual for each person.

At some point, the pain and circumscribed life style outweigh the fear

or surgery. Much of the life style changes occur gradually so that one

might not be aware of how limited one's life has become -- but again

it varies for the individual. Some people are fine with using canes to

avoid surgery whereas that would be intolerable for other people. Some

people have active life styles whereas others are content with

becoming increasing couch potatoes (such as yourself). And of course

some people are willing to take narcotics for extended periods rather

than have surgery.

All one can say is that for almost everyone the pain and the limits it

places on one's ability to enjoy life makes surgery seem like the only

option. Maybe you are there and maybe you aren't.

Losing weight can be helpful but it really isn't going to do much when

the cause of the pain is apparent from one's X-rays and of course if

movement causes discomfort, one is going to stop movement as much as

possible. That's not just bad for weight control but also bad for

one's health in general - both physical and mental.

ly your doctor seems like a pill to persuade you through the use

of pain -- but if you seriously questioned whether your x-rays were

swapped, perhaps he saw things in the way that you moved that made him

want to persuade you to get surgery. Many people with hip and knee

issues begin to walk in a strange manner so as to minimize pain and

they become unaware of it. Often they must re-learn proper gait as

well as work on getting muscles and tendons back to normal after

surgery because of the way they have misused their body prior to

surgery.

On Feb 12, 2010, at 12:02 AM, cusher53 wrote:

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+

> years, increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two.

> Increasingly I am taking more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work

> (I'm a writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I

> try to do a lot - like painting the house or going for a long walk

> or doing an aquafit class, it hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one

> of the top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on

> sooooo strong it kind of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in

> as bad condition as yours, " and " How are you even walking - you're

> bone on bone. " He said there was no alternative, my knee is shot and

> I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he

> had the wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he

> took his pointy little index finger and stuck it into a few places

> around my kneecap and when I climbed back off the ceiling he asked

> if I still thought he had the wrong xray I guess not but do

> orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every

> time I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on

> crutches for weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own

> question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am not sure of your name, but I am Kim and mostly a lurker on this group.  I

did introduce myself back in October, and got some great suggestions from the

group on getting ready for surgery, which I had done on December 18 (TKR). 

Cliff note version - I am so glad I had it done and it was the best thing I have

done for myself in 10 years.

The reason I felt compelled to jump in, is because I could have written your

email.  I suffered from arthritis since my 20's (now in my 50's), put up with

increasing pain in my knees, and kept saying if I lost weight, excercised more,

etc.  The reality was.........after 20 years, I didn't realize how much I had

cut out of my life.  How many invitations I turned down because I might have to

walk more, or because whatever the activity was, I knew I would end up in pain,

so opted out.  I work from home also and as long as I was quiet and paced

myself in my own house, I wasn't in much pain.  However, that is not living

life to the fullest (for me).

Two years ago, I had a consult with an Orthopod surgeon who also came on strong

(and very arrogant).  I was so turned off, I left his office, never returned

and ripped up the RX he gave me.  Two years later, in a visit to my primary

doc, we discussed how much my life had changed, including the fact that I could

no longer exercise at the gym, even tho I was paying monthly for it.  I

couldn't even do water aerobics, because altho it didn't hurt when I was in the

pool, I was in excruciating pain afterwards.  She referred me to another

Orthopod surgeon who she said I would like better than the first.  And she was

right.  The second one was direct but very consultative, answered all my

questions, and even, a week before surgery when I said to him, " I'm scared " , he

reminded me how many patients he had done this on, and has done it for patients

even in their 90's, and I'd be ok, I believed him.  I also checked my state for

his ratings, etc. and they were good.  So I realized, fear is what got me to

where I was, and I needed to overcome it.  And I did, and I don't regret a

thing.

The big question is, do you want to live life like this (and getting worse as

time goes on), or do you want to live life fully, and choose your activities

because you want to do them, or because it's all you can do?  Only you can

decide, but I decided to jump in and share my sentiments, because I was there. 

And I no longer am!  Thankfully, have made great progress with my knee and I no

longer fear what I can do this summer, I know I will be able to do more than

last summer (because not even two months later, I can do more than pre-surgery),

and that brings me joy.

Good luck with your decision process!  Be true to yourself, and you will make

the right decision.  And find a surgeon who you trust and like, that is very

important to overcoming your fear and also important to your recovery.

Kim

TKR - Dec. 18, 2009

Do I need a knee replacement?

 

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and " How

are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no alternative,

my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

Hi...you and I are in the same boat.

 

I would say go to the website for quad sparing or MIS knee replacement here:

 

http://www.zimmer.com/z/ctl/op/global/action/1/id/512/template/PC/navid/90

 

and see if there is a doctor in your area who is trained to do this surgery. 

The folks on this list who have gone this route seem to be very happy with the

results compared to the traditional knee replacement.

 

Could the O.S. you saw have dialed it down a notch?  Perhaps...but maybe he was

so emphatic for a good reason.

 

Sure, it's scary...I'm definitely not thrilled to think of knee replacement

right after having hip replacement...and to make matters worse (please chuckle a

bit), I probably will have to have surgery to repair the damage OA has done to

my right thumb.  I've already had the left one repaired, one of the best

surgeries...once it's fixed, no more pain ever.

 

I hate to think that you are in such pain.  As a temporary fix, if there's a way

to get Lidoderm pain patches, it helps.  The problem is they are for

shingles...so the insurance usually balks at allowing them without a huge

fight.  There are OTC pain patches like Salonpas and others...very temporary

relief, but worth it, any relief is.

 

Good luck to you...read more here about knee replacement.  Maybe get a second

opinion?

 

Cheers,

Lynn

 

THR 26 Oct 09

Dr. E. Rabbitt

at Southern land Community

Hospital

 

 

 

The longer you wait, the more damage you do.  At this point, loosing weight is

fine, but it won't help your knee.  If you are bone on bone, the damage is done.

What other people think of me is none of my business!  Terry Cole Whittaker

Here's my art blog:  http://www.adreamseyeview.blogspot.com/

From: cusher53 <cusher@...>

Subject: Do I need a knee replacement?

Joint Replacement

Date: Friday, February 12, 2010, 3:02 AM

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, "   and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. "   He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi, Cusher:

I hardly ever post on this forum, but I just have to ask...What are you scared

of?

Seems to me you've been living through the worst for the past several years.

If you didn't like the ortho, go to another one.  You don't have to work with a

surgeon that makes you uncomfortable.

Peggy

LTKR 11/19/2009

W. , M.D., Creve Coeur, Missouri

From: cusher53 <cusher@...>

Subject: Do I need a knee replacement?

Joint Replacement

Date: Friday, February 12, 2010, 2:02 AM

 

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

The surgeon didn't come on strong. He told you the truth. You do have a

choice. You can have a TKR, or you can buy a skooter. To tell you the absolute

truth, there have been times in the last two months when the skooter option

looked really good, and maybe I should have chosen that. But in the long run,

if you want a long run, the TKR is what you do.You have come to the right place

to see what other people have gone through. You are not alone.

Joan, LTKR Hospital for Joint Diseases, NYC 12/04/09

________________________________

From: cusher53 <cusher@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 3:02:25 AM

Subject: Do I need a knee replacement?

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

Good answer, Kim. sometimes still I get negative, but in the long run run, if

you want a life, the surgery is the answer.

Joan

________________________________

From: " kimjayhan@... " <kimjayhan@...>

Total Joint Replacement <Joint Replacement >

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 10:43:33 AM

Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

Hi,

I am not sure of your name, but I am Kim and mostly a lurker on this group. I

did introduce myself back in October, and got some great suggestions from the

group on getting ready for surgery, which I had done on December 18 (TKR).

Cliff note version - I am so glad I had it done and it was the best thing I have

done for myself in 10 years.

The reason I felt compelled to jump in, is because I could have written your

email. I suffered from arthritis since my 20's (now in my 50's), put up with

increasing pain in my knees, and kept saying if I lost weight, excercised more,

etc. The reality was......... after 20 years, I didn't realize how much I had

cut out of my life. How many invitations I turned down because I might have to

walk more, or because whatever the activity was, I knew I would end up in pain,

so opted out. I work from home also and as long as I was quiet and paced myself

in my own house, I wasn't in much pain. However, that is not living life to the

fullest (for me).

Two years ago, I had a consult with an Orthopod surgeon who also came on strong

(and very arrogant). I was so turned off, I left his office, never returned and

ripped up the RX he gave me. Two years later, in a visit to my primary doc, we

discussed how much my life had changed, including the fact that I could no

longer exercise at the gym, even tho I was paying monthly for it. I couldn't

even do water aerobics, because altho it didn't hurt when I was in the pool, I

was in excruciating pain afterwards. She referred me to another Orthopod

surgeon who she said I would like better than the first. And she was right.

The second one was direct but very consultative, answered all my questions, and

even, a week before surgery when I said to him, " I'm scared " , he reminded me how

many patients he had done this on, and has done it for patients even in their

90's, and I'd be ok, I believed him. I also checked my state for his ratings,

etc. and they were good.

So I realized, fear is what got me to where I was, and I needed to overcome it.

And I did, and I don't regret a thing.

The big question is, do you want to live life like this (and getting worse as

time goes on), or do you want to live life fully, and choose your activities

because you want to do them, or because it's all you can do? Only you can

decide, but I decided to jump in and share my sentiments, because I was there.

And I no longer am! Thankfully, have made great progress with my knee and I no

longer fear what I can do this summer, I know I will be able to do more than

last summer (because not even two months later, I can do more than pre-surgery)

, and that brings me joy.

Good luck with your decision process! Be true to yourself, and you will make

the right decision. And find a surgeon who you trust and like, that is very

important to overcoming your fear and also important to your recovery.

Kim

TKR - Dec. 18, 2009

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and " How

are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no alternative,

my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

By the way, the drugs you take after the surgery depress your eating urges. For

most of us, this is a good thing! Not a recommended way of losing weight, but

it is a good by-product!

Good luck! Joan

________________________________

From: cusher53 <cusher@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 3:02:25 AM

Subject: Do I need a knee replacement?

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

You have lots of company. I got all the tests done which proved I was low risk,

packed my nighties and got the surgery done. Still need more surgery but life

is much, much better and getting better each day. The thought of having to use

a scooter / wheelchair bedside toiddy, spongbaths and such scared me more than

the surgery. Guess it pretty much boiled down to did I want to be able to clean

my own butt or have someone else do it.

Aster

________________________________

From: Joan Kell <kell_joan@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 10:12:08 AM

Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

The surgeon didn't come on strong. He told you the truth. You do have a

choice. You can have a TKR, or you can buy a skooter. To tell you the absolute

truth, there have been times in the last two months when the skooter option

looked really good, and maybe I should have chosen that. But in the long run,

if you want a long run, the TKR is what you do.You have come to the right place

to see what other people have gone through. You are not alone.

Joan, LTKR Hospital for Joint Diseases, NYC 12/04/09

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cusher53 <cusherdccnet (DOT) com>

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 3:02:25 AM

Subject: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the wrong

xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy little

index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I climbed

back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray I

guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I try

to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

[Guest guest]

It seems very scary, to have a knee replacement, at first. The fact is, if the

knee pain impacts your life to the point you are limited to the point you are on

crutches after you exercise, you are most likely at a point you are not going to

get better.

I can tell you from first hand experience that life after knee replacement is

good! At least it is for me. My story is long, and not for now, just to say I

had both knees and both hips bone on bone when I saw the OS. I was in alot of

pain, and starting to have back issues as well, from being out of alignment.

After my first TKR, in May 07, the difference was so profound I scheduled my

other knee in August 07. if you can imagine knees with eventually minimal to no

pain ( after your PT work of course) that was my experience.

Now with both hips done as well, I am walking (planning on walking a 5K next

month) , snow shoeing, hope to be biking by summer, gardening, in other words, I

have my life back. And my back is way better.

Yes, surgery, recovery and PT are not always walks in the park, but not as bad

as I anticipated.

Everyone is different in their experiences, but I now encourage people not to

wait, especially if they are losing their fitness.

Are you in B.C. or Washington?

Patti

two hips

two knees

lovin life!

Patti Widener NCTM

Widener Piano Studio

happykeys88@...

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Join me

> Joint Replacement

> From: cusher@...

> Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:02:25 +0000

> Subject: Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside of

the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the new knee

in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that I am

misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after surgery? Can

anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is located and if

you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Stiffness and swelling at this point is not all that unusual. Just continue to

exercise, ice and elevate the leg and it should calm down in time. I'm not quite

certain what you mean about the sensation of the knee??

Jeff

________________________________

From: Kohn <katiekohn@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 6:34:44 PM

Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside of

the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the new knee

in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that I am

misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after surgery? Can

anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is located and if

you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

  Do I need a knee replacement?

  >

  > Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

  > I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

  > But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

  >

  > I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

  >

  > But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

  >

  > Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

  >

  >

  >

  > ------------------------------------

  >

  >

[Guest guest]

Jeff is right, its still early days for you, my knee replacement I don't

know its there well that's the same for all the first round of joints, but

The revisions I am fully aware they are there. Its never the same as the

first time. For me any way.

xx

mary.waspe@...

-- Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside

of the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the

new knee in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that

I am misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after

surgery? Can anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is

located and if you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+

years, increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I

am taking more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I

m a writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a

lot - like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit

class, it hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of

the top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong

it kind of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as

yours, " and " How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there

was no alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had

the wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his

pointy little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap

and when I climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had

the wrong xray I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every

time I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on

crutches for weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again

but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

My first TKR was not completely healed when I had the 2nd one. My surgeon says

when the operated knee becomes your good knee, then do the 2nd one. My none

operated knee was in really bad shape and I was in so much pain from it. My back

was also in alot of pain and I was on a course to get as much fixed asap for my

alignment.

I'm sure I still had some swelling at 4 mos I was probably around 115-118 after

alot of PT. I think each person's surgery is different. If your OS has done

Xrays to check the alignment it is probably O.K.

I have to think about how my new knees felt sensation wise. Still stiff and

swollen some at 4 months. Some numb spots on the kneecap that went away. Some

tingly sensations. Breaking up scar tissue hurts and produces many various

sensations at times. They felt solid. That was my first realization at about a

week, that it was like a normal knee, I didn't have to protect it like before,

even if it was painful and swollen. I had severe osteo arthritis in my knees

for so long, I knew that was over. I was and am grateful and excited. My new

knees feel solid, a they are a part of me. I don't think about them all the

times, or my hips now. My newest hip is nearly 6 months old.

Hang in there, do your PT and ask your doc if you are worried.

Patti

Patti Widener NCTM

Widener Piano Studio

happykeys88@...

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Join me

> Joint Replacement

> From: katiekohn@...

> Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:34:44 -0500

> Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside of

the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the new knee

in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that I am

misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after surgery? Can

anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is located and if

you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

> Do I need a knee replacement?

> >

> > Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> > I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> > But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

> >

> > I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

> >

> > But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

> >

> > Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time

I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for

weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you Patti. Big help!!

Do I need a knee replacement?

> >

> > Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> > I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> > But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

> >

> > I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

> >

> > But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

> >

> > Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time

I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for

weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Well, , you and I are good for chatting. My TKR was on Dec.4. My knee is

still swollen, the left side is numb, and my best ROM was 114. It is still

stiff, but not sore, and it does not hurt to walk. However, I still wake up at

night, the numbness bothers me as it feels sometimes as if Novocaine is wearing

off, the scar hurts, and I cant wear rough fabric, like denim, against it.

My surgeon took x-rays on my 6 week visit that showed my knee was perfectly

aligned. If yours didn't, perhaps you should ask to have it done.

I can't " feel " that there is a new knee or not. I do feel pain when I press the

inside of my knee, exactly where the old pain was! I believe, however, that

instead of the bone on bone pain I used to feel, this pain is from the muscles

attached to the side of the new knee. I am planning to ask about this on my

return visit on Thursday.

I also thought that I would be feeling a lot better than I am. Although I am

not young, I am athletic (tennis, hiking) and have planned to be back on the

courts in June. I have gotten a lot of flack about this on the blog.

Last night I hosted a " Cup " party for out community tennis club. I did run

out of steam during the last hour, and my friends were great and pitched in and

helped clean up. But, I did do it! So, a little over two months and I am

shopping, giving parties, doing bike work, and going to the theatre. But yes,

it is still swollen, still stiff, the numbness is aggravating, and I am still

not entirely sure I have done the right thing.

Let me know how you are getting on. The fact that we had our surgery at the

same time is terrific! We can really compare notes.

All the best, Joan

LTKR, Hospital for Joint Diseases, NYC, Dec.4, 2009

________________________________

From: Kohn <katiekohn@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, February 12, 2010 6:34:44 PM

Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside of

the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the new knee

in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that I am

misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after surgery? Can

anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is located and if

you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the top

ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind of

scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and " How

are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no alternative,

my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Joan, I am thrilled that we have this connection. I promise to keep you updated

on my progress. You are in NYC I believe. I am in Washington, DC area. Part of

my recent at home PT (beyond the weekly PT appts.) has been put on hold due to

the snow. I am so afraid to get out on the partially plowed road and walk like I

usually do. I am a dog walker and boarder by profession so this puts a real

cramp in my style!! The description you gave of your knee discomfort, (swelling,

stiffness, numbness, etc) sounds almost identical to what I am experiencing. My

PT thinks the best exercise is the stationary bike. I find that on days when the

weather has moisture in the forecast, I am much stiffer and less able to make a

full rotation on the bike. I am also trying to make a routine of swimming 3

times a week, but due to the snow, again I have not reached that goal. Do you

have a specific PT regimen that you follow at home? What works best for you? I

am such a walker but the treadmill is off limits at this point! I love the

elliptical, but I think I actually caused a bit of a setback when I did that for

20 minutes one afternoon on the easiest setting possible, a bit frustrating

trying to do the right thing and not quite getting there.

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I talked to my OS about the treadmill. His main concern was that I would lose

my balance and fall on my knee. I actually felt more secure on the treadmill

than when I first started walking outdoors. But after a while it was 6 of one,

half dozen of the other, so to speak. Good luck to you both on your recovery!

RTKR - 9/16/09

OS: Coon, Red Bluff, CA

[Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time

I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for

weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ------

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I had my left knee replaced Nov. 11, 09. My knee is still a little stiff at

times and swollen at at times. Most everyone, including MDs have said it will be

that way for 6-9 months probably. Mostly now I can walk but it still has odd

feelings at times. My fake knee is starting to feel like a part of my body and

I can't even tell there is surgery, unless I look at it. My ROM was 120 when I

finished PT. I walk for 4 to 6 blocks. The six blocks makes me physically

tired but my knee doesn't hurt. I couldn't walk across the street before

surgery.

I had so much to do, for those who think you are wimps, that it took me

considerable time to get ready. But I am so glad I did. I was so scared like

some others here. But by the time surgery came, I was mentally prepared and

physically at my best. I was just 70 last week. I had to stop smoking which I

did last June and never got around to losing the weight I thought the MD would

tell me to lose. I also have not gained weight since I stopped smoking, as I

am moving much more than I was.

I am just at 3 months post surgery and it was so much easier than I anticipated.

I did read here and knew it might not go that well and I was prepared for that

too. I did read the book and got things ready so I wouldn't worry about how it

would go after. But I was driving myself to the grocery store 2 weeks after

surgery and laughing all the way. I didn't take pain meds that day so I could

drive.

I did take pain meds as everyone suggested when I had PT. It made it much

easier to do PT and go back and do it all over again.

I am about to make a date for the second knee which my OS said is really bad. I

didn't have as much trouble with it while I was taking pain meds. But I want

all this done by the spring. And I have no problem going back in for second

surgery. I will have a spinal again and really appreciated the pain relief it

gave me right after surgery.

Thanks for all the good info I got here. My Hospital experience was about as

good as it can get too. I picked a smaller Hospital.

Donna R

Dr Markel, Providence Hospital

Southfield, MI

Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

I have a question. I had TKR Dec. 7 and my ROM is now 112. I feel like it is

still stiff and sore. The really weird part is that it is all on the outside of

the knee. The inside is not swollen at all. I thought I would feel the new knee

in the dead center of my " knee " where the cap is. Could it be that I am

misaligned? Should I still be swollen and stiff at this time after surgery? Can

anyone describe the sensation of the new knee, like where it is located and if

you had swelling for a long time? Thanks,

Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna Rae, Thanks for sharing your experience with me. I feel so much better

about my circumstances than before after learning what other people have to say

in this forum. Really, I can't thank everyone enough for being so kind to

respond and help each other out. That is what it is all about!! Right? Cheers,

TKR

Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time I

try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for weeks

......oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

- so great to hear about your recovery! It sounds like you're doing

everything right. I had my knee done in the middle of September and it was only

yesterday that I totally forgot I had a prosthesis. I remember being a bit

stunned. Definitely a great NON feeling!

RTKR - 9/16/09

OS: Coon, Red Bluff, CA

Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Okay, here is the thing. I'm scared.

> I have this knee that has caused me pain for a long time - like 20+ years,

increasing to quite a bit over the past year or two. Increasingly I am taking

more meds - codeine most nights to sleep.

> But I can get around okay if I have a quiet day where I mostly work (I'm a

writer) and don't get a lot of exercise I am fine. But if I try to do a lot -

like painting the house or going for a long walk or doing an aquafit class, it

hurts, sometimes a LOT.

>

> I guess I am answering my own question. But today I went to see one of the

top ortho surgeons here in Vancouver and he just came on sooooo strong it kind

of scared me. He said " We rarely see a knee in as bad condition as yours, " and

" How are you even walking - you're bone on bone. " He said there was no

alternative, my knee is shot and I would recover beautifully.

>

> But I guess it really took me by surprise. I even asked him if he had the

wrong xrays because his remarks seemed a bit extreme. So he took his pointy

little index finger and stuck it into a few places around my kneecap and when I

climbed back off the ceiling he asked if I still thought he had the wrong xray

I guess not but do orthos always come on this strong?

>

> Maybe if I lost more weight and did some more exercise? Except every time

I try to accelerate the exercise I end up hurting so bad I'm on crutches for

weeks .....oy vay. I guess I am answering my own question again, but I'm scared.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Aster,

I can understand exactly how you feel. I need both knees done and am

terrified. Unfortunately, I suffer with panic disorder, and although

controlled, the thought of surgery puts me in a spin. I can still move but

walking is limited. I haven't found a surgeon yet here in New Jersey. And

still more unfortunate is that I recently lost 2 friends to complications, which

is extremely rare. I know so many people with successful surgeries and

they've regained their lives. However, for me, my mind is just not ready! LOL

I went and bought a scooter for long hauls and it's a saving grace. I'll

continue until I find a surgeon I'm comfortable with and a hospital with a low

infection rate. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Judy

Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

Note: Original message sent as attachment

------------------------------------------------------------

Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

Weight Loss Program

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AYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUko9dj8=

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friends. I can imagine that even

though your mind knows that is extremely rare it would make you fearful.

Glad you know some successes too. And you¹ll her more good stories here.

Do you have any support around the panic attacks so that you can manage

through them?

Some of us here have had both knees done at the same time and others did

them one at a time. What are your thoughts about that? Also we have varied

experience with anesthesia. Some have had general, other spinal. I know

we¹d be glad to share our experience and our thought processes as we went

through those decisions if that would be helpful.

Best wishes,

Jackie

--

Jackie on

Jackiett@...

R-TKR 3-19-09

L-TKR 9-1-09

Dr. Patch

On 2/15/10 11:11 AM, " judy " <judywade109@...> wrote

>

>

> Hi Aster,

>

> I can understand exactly how you feel. I need both knees done and am

> terrified. Unfortunately, I suffer with panic disorder, and although

> controlled, the thought of surgery puts me in a spin. I can still move but

> walking is limited. I haven't found a surgeon yet here in New Jersey. And

> still more unfortunate is that I recently lost 2 friends to complications,

> which is extremely rare. I know so many people with successful surgeries

> and they've regained their lives. However, for me, my mind is just not ready!

> LOL I went and bought a scooter for long hauls and it's a saving grace. I'll

> continue until I find a surgeon I'm comfortable with and a hospital with a low

> infection rate. Good luck in whatever you decide.

>

> Judy

>

> Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Note: Original message sent as attachment

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------

> Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

> Weight Loss Program

> http://tagline.excite.com/c?cp=M7B7h7rWatqtwcG37_MfmwAAKZRInyigADLeIvqJHGCWua4

> QAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUko9dj8=

>

>

[Guest guest]

Judy, you might check out Dr. Alfred Tria who was one of the surgeons who

developed quad sparing TKR. He is in New Jersey. He worked with 's and my

surgeon, Dr. Coon, doing this work for Zimmer.

http://www.rwjuh.edu/physicians/physician_profile.aspx?physicianid=1474

http://investor.zimmer.com/releaseDetail.cfm?releaseid=148859

The best thing to counteract nervousness and terror about surgery, is knowing

you have the very best surgeon.

Ask how many quad sparing surgeries he has done and what his infection rate is.

I drove about 3 hours to go to Dr. Coon, knowing he is the best, he'd done about

4,000 of the quad sparing TKRs and had an infection rate of .004. That is the

best you can do to prevent complications...great surgeon and low infection rate.

Hollie

>

> Hi Aster,

>

> I can understand exactly how you feel. I need both knees done and am

terrified. Unfortunately, I suffer with panic disorder, and although

controlled, the thought of surgery puts me in a spin. I can still move but

walking is limited. I haven't found a surgeon yet here in New Jersey. And

still more unfortunate is that I recently lost 2 friends to complications, which

is extremely rare. I know so many people with successful surgeries and

they've regained their lives. However, for me, my mind is just not ready! LOL

I went and bought a scooter for long hauls and it's a saving grace. I'll

continue until I find a surgeon I'm comfortable with and a hospital with a low

infection rate. Good luck in whatever you decide.

>

> Judy

>

>

>

>

> Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

>

> Note: Original message sent as attachment

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------

> Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

> Weight Loss Program

>

http://tagline.excite.com/c?cp=M7B7h7rWatqtwcG37_MfmwAAKZRInyigADLeIvqJHGCWua4QA\

AYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUko9dj8=

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy

Trying to understand what you go through with the panic disorder using my height

fright I mentally pictured the operation that would repair my knees and free me

from scooters and a staitonary life on the other side of a deep goirge that I

would have to cross on one of those dinky little rope bridges that sway in the

wind. Well thinking of it like that I can understand better what you are going

through. At this time I can not think of anyway to help you but to assure you

that you are in my prayers and thoughts.

Aster

________________________________

From: judy <judywade109@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Mon, February 15, 2010 1:11:42 PM

Subject: Re: Do I need a knee replacement?

Hi Aster,

I can understand exactly how you feel. I need both knees done and am terrified.

Unfortunately, I suffer with panic disorder, and although controlled, the

thought of surgery puts me in a spin. I can still move but walking is limited.

I haven't found a surgeon yet here in New Jersey. And still more unfortunate is

that I recently lost 2 friends to complications, which is extremely rare. I

know so many people with successful surgeries and they've regained their lives.

However, for me, my mind is just not ready! LOL I went and bought a scooter

for long hauls and it's a saving grace. I'll continue until I find a surgeon

I'm comfortable with and a hospital with a low infection rate. Good luck in

whatever you decide.

Judy

Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] Do I need a knee replacement?

Note: Original message sent as attachment

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

Weight Loss Program

http://tagline. excite.com/ c?cp=M7B7h7rWatq twcG37_MfmwAAKZR InyigADLeIvqJHGC

Wua4QAAYAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAADNAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA EUko9dj8=