My Journey of a Total Knee Replacement (Part One)
After an injury about 18 months ago, I had been experiencing pain in my right knee and noticed that it was looking a little thicker than the other.
I telephoned my doctor who arranged for an appointment with a physiotherapist. He sent me straight to the local hospital for x-rays, and called the following morning to say I had developed severe arthritis and, in his opinion, would need a total knee replacement.
Could I Delay It?
To be honest, I was taken aback by this news. I had always been extremely healthy, and I knew a TKR (Total Knee Replacement) would mean a long recovery, something I felt I didn’t have time for. I wouldn’t be able to drive for between six and eight weeks. I live alone, with no family within a hundred miles. I wasn’t worried about the operation at all, but I was worried about how I would cope with being immobile for so long.
I decided I would try to delay it as long as possible. I felt the damage was already done, so I would just have to accept the pain, and do what I could to delay the inevitable. I took calcium and turmeric supplements, began a healthy eating regime, started aqua aerobics, and spent as long as I could in the sunshine.
Things Became Worse
Sadly, things became worse very quickly. My knee started giving way, and I had several falls. It also hurt a great deal and walking was extremely painful. I dropped from walking around 15,000 steps a day to about 500. I couldn’t even walk around a supermarket! As much as I didn’t want to accept it, I knew something had to be done.
Seeing My X-rays Was a Turning Point
I went to see my doctor again to ask if there was any other course of action other than the TKR. She showed me the x-rays on screen, indicating I had severe osteoarthritis, and said she could understand how painful it must be as it was bone on bone. The doctor explained that my options were: do nothing, injections, physiotherapy, or a TKR. In her opinion, the only real course of action was the knee replacement. Sadly, I was beginning to agree.
Operation Assessment
I was sent to a lovely lady called Sara Pearce, a specialist in joint replacement. She went through the operation, the recovery and the potential outcomes. She also agreed that a TKR was the only thing that would really make a difference long term.
It was helpful to have time to talk things through without feeling under any pressure. When I left the office, I was given a pamphlet explaining the operation and what I could do before – for example, exercises and getting my home ready – and also how to prepare for the long recuperation after the operation.
All Systems Go!
The following week I received a letter saying I could choose where I wanted the operation done. My local hospital was approximately a one-year wait, but I could go private and it would be a wait of only four to six weeks… and the NHS would pay! I had heard this might be a possibility and also met a few people at my aqua class who had chosen this opportunity, all extolling their fabulous care. All things considered, I was very happy :)
I called to make my pre-operation appointment and was given a date of September 17th. The operation would be a week or two after. So here I am… preparing my home, filling my cupboards, exercising my muscles and, most importantly, preparing my mind. I know going into this the more positive I am, the better.
Wish me luck :)
Join the Conversation:
Have you had a knee replacement? What was your experience? Has it changed your life?
Tags Medical Conditions
I had right knee done 7 years ago and left knee 2 years ago. Best thing I ever decided to do after all the pain I was having when I walked. I was driving in 2 weeks and went back to work half days in just 3 weeks post surgery.
Hi Janice, thank you for joining the conversation. That is wonderful to hear :) Lily x
I had a tkr left knee almost 3 years ago. Like you, I had bone on bone osteoarthritis,and for years I received joint injections. After a while they no longer worked and I knew it was time. My knee told me it was. My biggest concern living alone was who would care for my dog , but family jumped in and saved the day. The results are dramatic and I’ve lost 30 pounds since. I still need to get the RT knee done and will.plan that when it’s time
Good luck. You will do fine! Manage the pain and do your post op rehab and you’ll be back in no time .
Hi Kris, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you too for your excellent advice. My knee told me it was time, even though I didn’t want to believe it :) Now I am so looking forward to it! Lily x
This will be major surgery! It’s going to hurt and will take time and patience to heal. You will learn to dislike your physical therapist for a few weeks! You got this! You won’t regret your decision. Be good to your self. Make sure.you are well cared for. Ice will be your best friend!
Hi Betty, thank you for joining the conversation. I think this is all very good advice. I am sure the pain will be tough, but hope the results will be more than worth it! Lily x
Will probably have to have both knees done very soon. I am 81 and not looking forward to knee surgery. My back surgery two years ago left me with peripheral neuropathy. I am very interested in how your surgery turned out.
Hi Dee, thank you for joining the conversation. I am sorry to hear your back surgery left you with peripheral neuropathy but hoping your future surgery (s) will be much better. I haven’t had the operation done yet, but should be within the next two weeks! Lily x
I had my left knee replaced four years ago and my right knee is scheduled for Monday. Do your physical therapy. It is very important to get your leg straight, after that the bend will come. If you cannot straighten your leg all the way you cannot walk up right well. I did the stairs to the top of Saint Peters last year and had no issues with my left knee. After 40 years of pain it was gone. I do wish I had done it years earlier, but I wasn’t ready for it. If you need it, get it done while you’re able as it’s easier to recoup. The longer you put it off the longer your quality of life will suffer and that’s more important. This will be a blip in time. You’ll have a scar to talk about, but there are hundreds of thousands of people that have the same type. I look forward to having my freedom back from a cane. Be in charge of your life and enjoy it.
Hi Robin, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you to for your experienced advice. I have just bought a treadmill so I can start walking again as soon as possible. I miss it so much! You are so positive and I am sure that really helps. Wishing you the best of luck for Monday. Lily x