Total Knee Replacement - One Man's Journey
Photo: Gary Minnaert
His disability was actually canceled because they didn't feel that he really needed it. Yet he had documentation from doctors and consultants attesting to the extent of his limitations, pain, and suffering that he endured. Doctors even wrote that he needed a total knee replacement It seemed like the left hand didn't know what the right was doing and the stress of trying to keep on top of everything really limited his ability to cope with his situation.
My husband's initial injury to his knee occurred at the age of 14. He fought for years to try and have his joint repaired however no one wanted to do so because he was "too young"... So he suffered for over 30 years while his knee joint steadily declined in function and his pain levels continued to rise. He suffered and worked full time. As a commuter into NYC he walked city blocks from bus stations, ferry landings, etc. until his knee started buckling. He fell on numerous occasions and had many close calls. By the time he had surgery, his knee was buckling while walking in the house. Several falls and near falls led to minor injuries on top of the major problems.
I began to seek assistance for him to try and get him cleared for surgery. Here is a man who enjoyed his work and who wanted to work and maintain responsibility for his financial obligations and yet was made to suffer months without any money and a need to appeal decisions that were made using inaccurate information.
All the while the pain he experienced became severe and persistent, requiring heavy medications which often left him groggy and unsafe for travel or basic functioning. Like so many people, my husband feared drug addiction and refused to take pain meds for a long time. Finally I was able to convince him he needed to try taking meds to gain a level of comfort to sustain the ability to manage activities of daily living independently.
Once the dates were set for pre-op testing and surgery, my husband began focusing on strengthening muscles he would need to assist with ambulation and normal function. He wanted to be sure his legs were in optimum condition in hopes of a speedy recovery. He made sure to eat well balanced meals and rest frequently. He didn't want anything to occur that might delay his surgery any further.
I must add, my husband recently learned he was diabetic which concerned us with his ability to undergo successful surgery and proper healing. It seemed like something was always being added to the stress this man was already enduring. Thank goodness he maintained an optimistic view and relied on his faith to get him through.
Part 1: Total Knee Replacement - One Man's Journey
Part II: Total Knee Replacement - The Big Event
Part III: Coming Home!
Part IV: Healing Continues
Part V: Total Knee Replacement - And the Beat Goes On
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: pain, knee replacement, disability
5 Comments:
I recently had a knee replacement, my second in 2 years. The first was my right knee, the operation went well. The second, the left knee went very well. My doctor gave me a pain cocktail, an injection of different pain relievers, into the knee right after the operation. I got around a lot faster than the first. I am still recovering, it's only been 5 days since the operation.
I read an article in The Naples Daily News about a doctor here 2/24/08) that is doing the same thing. He says the 'key' is to not have general anesthesia, go with a spinal. Secondly, the wound is not stapled but glued and thirdly, as you mentioned - a cocktail in the knee which means no pain meds in the I.V. You recuperate quicker and you don't have to have a doctors visit 7 - 10 days later
to remove staples.
Best of luck!
I had total knee replacement surgery done on both knees at once and it went wonderfully. I say get it all over with all at once.
I have been dealing with OA in both my knees for over 6 years and have been throught the Hyaluronan injections, which worked great for me, now I have an appointment with a knee surgeon next month, a consultation on what to expect before, during, after knee surgery and I am scard to death! I am in such great pain and I cannot wait to have them done and get my life back, but scard. I am glad to read that all of you have done well.
I have been dealing with OA in both my knees for over 6 years and have been throught the Hyaluronan injections, which worked great for me, now I have an appointment with a knee surgeon next month, a consultation on what to expect before, during, after knee surgery and I am scard to death! I am in such great pain and I cannot wait to have them done and get my life back, but scard. I am glad to read that all of you have done well.
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