Has anyone had Knee Replacement surgery?!
Question:
Has anyone had Knee Replacement surgery?
My mother who is going to be 65 in August was told that surgery might be the best option now. She has had a lot of inflammation and cannot walk all the time. She has trouble standing up and walking. She has gotten cortosone shots, but still painful. She went to another dr and he is giving her therapy. Her dr told her to stop therapy and just have surgery. I am worried. Why? Well because my mother has always been very active around the home and taking care of kids and stuff. I do not want to see her depressed and tied down to a bed if its not going to work out. Can anyone please give me their honest opinion, prefferably someone that is a dr or knows (experience) more about this surgery. Thanks in advance.
Additional Details2 days ago
She has severe arthiritis and beginings of osteoporosis, if that makes a difference
2 days ago
thank you all so much, you do not know how much your testimony is helping me be more comfortable. My mom is worried cuz i get married in nov and she wants to be able to walk and be there...i guess its just emotions and stress...thank you all again.
Answers:
I am 61 years old and had a TKR in June of 2001. It was the best thing that happened to me. Before I could not walk for any considerable distance without experiencing pain. Even going to the grocery store was painful. I would sit on the sofa with ice packs to relieve the pain. Before the surgery my activity level gradually began to decrease because of the pain. After, my activity went back up to what it was about 10 years previously and I am pain free!
I will not kid you, therapy is rough and painful but after about a month to 6 weeks you are feeling really good. Your mother's doctor will prescribe pain meds to help get through the first weeks. It took me about a year of continuing my leg exercises to get almost full range of motion back in my knee. (Not everyone does this and full range of motion is not necessary for a lot of people.)
I think your mom's doc has told her to have the surgery because her disease has progressed so far that further therapy will not help (therapy helps to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the knee) relieve her pain.
My advice is go for it. Recovery is a lot of work but, you get your life back !