Knee Replacement? Please share your experiences.

[csneill]

Well after some really great advice given by so many nice people, I've decided to see a different doctor. I didn't much care for the one I had seen but was going to settle for him. I did some checking on some review sites and it seems he's not well rated. I guess I'm not the only one who found him off.

I have another appointment on August 22 to see someone else who hopefully will be a better fit and will agree with doing it, we shall see, my good decisions can often end up bad decisions. I still want it done, but with someone I'm comfortable with and at the correct time.

I kept feeling uneasy about it and I think it was because I didn't like the doctor, so thanks everyone for motivating me not to settle. I did that with my chemo doctor and now I'm stuck with a doctor I don't much like. For now he just runs blood work mostly, but if ever I need him again I think I might ask for someone more compatible.

Another few weeks of waiting and pondering.

That sounds like a well thought out plan. I'm hoping you like your new doctor. Keep us posted on how things are going! There's truth you probably don't want to wait too long for this kind of surgery but you also shouldn't rush in- esp w a doctor you're not comfortable with! Best of luck!

 

[sourland]

Good idea!

 

[donrae]

I'm totally with you that surgery just sucks.

I guess my thought is, since you know it's going to need to be done, why delay the inevitable? No offense, but is't not like you're going to get in better shape in the meantime. I'd think things will just get riskier the longer you wait.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That sounds like a well thought out plan. I'm hoping you like your new doctor. Keep us posted on how things are going! There's truth you probably don't want to wait too long for this kind of surgery but you also shouldn't rush in- esp w a doctor you're not comfortable with! Best of luck!

You quoted me and than I deleted it in disgust, so that made me laugh a bit. Thanks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm totally with you that surgery just sucks. 




I guess my thought is, since you know it's going to need to be done, why delay the inevitable? No offense, but is't not like you're going to get in better shape in the meantime. I'd think things will just get riskier the longer you wait. 

Thanks I still do plan to hopefully get one done this year, just dragging my feet I guess, pun intended.

 

[csneill]

You quoted me and than I deleted it in disgust, so that made me laugh a bit. Thanks.

I just noticed that- I guess you don't get to delete that post after all! Go to your 2nd opinion doctor & then see who you like better- knowledge is power- you're not out anything- besides a co-pay probably. If you know any PTs in your area- ask them who they would let operate on their grandparent or parent- that'll give you an honest answer on surgeons!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks, I feel stupid suddenly panicking, but it's a big deal, I have other health problems that need consideration. The funny part is I have a nephew in law who's an orthopedist surgeon. He practices about a 100 miles from here. He was actually my second opinion and said it needs doing. I have asked about how to know if a guy is good, I'm waiting on his answer. I haven't been to PT in a few years, but maybe it's time to call them up again.

 

[csneill]

Definitely go see him!! Even if you didn't want him to operate on you he could definitely steer you in the right direction! And don't feel stupid- it is a big surgery- I think sometimes people forget it is a major operation w a major recovery. You have to consider your health & lots of other things about taking care of yourself, your home, your flock , and lots of other considerations. It's certainly not a decision to take lightly.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I can see you understand the whole of the procedure. I'm trying to think about my husband who will have to keep working, as well as take care of all my critters, take care of me, and take care of the household stuff, I have a lot of things I do, gardens to take care.

I have to think what time of the years is best, those six weeks of therapy, who's gonna take me, who do I ask? I have to consider the out of pocket expenses, how am I gonna manage 5 dogs all day? Can I do at least some things myself, am I an invalid again? How many days am I in the hospital again? Will I have complications? Than I have to do it all again for the other one. Blah.

 

[csneill]

Yeah- it is pretty blah to consider all of those things. I don't blame you for having fears & reservations. If you have any other friends/family/neighbors that could help they could be a valuable resource.
I can say as far as mobility- the first 10-14 days are the worst for pain & just feeling crappy- w pain meds, nausea, fatigue, etc. People typically are hospitalized for a night or 2 anymore w this procedure. You won't be an invalid but definitely slower for a while. You'll probably use a walker for a week or 2 then progress to a cane then to walking independently. If your insurance deductible is met you may try to get your surgery/therapy done before the end of the year to help w costs too. Therapy is typically 3x a week for a 6 week average. Driving is usually limited to none for 2-4 weeks depending on pain meds & which leg they do- usually takes longer to return to driving if it's your right leg. (Feel like I'm educating a patient at the clinic now- lol!)