Injury

I was a runner most of my adult life and now my knees are bad. My Orthopedic Specialist says I need two new knees, I watched the surgery on YouTube turned my stomach. Anyone out there have any thoughts on this subject.

Replies

  • karen_majeau
    karen_majeau Posts: 1 Member
    While it may sound a bit flippant, you will not be looking at your knees while they are doing the surgery so I would not think about what it looks like as your basis for your decision making for getting it done. I was training for a half marathon and doing yoga 4 times a week then an injury put an end to all that. I've had a rib, teo neck muscles, a muscle in my chest removed, shoulder surgery and numerous chest tubes to correct collapsed lung. And that's just the surgery stuff. I will do what ever it takes to get back as close to my pre injury life back. Post/op knee replacement physical therapy is a lot of work but the new knees are really awesome (yes I am in the medical field), so if you really need the surgery and you want quality if life back and you are willing to do the work, then don't think about what it looks like, think about what your life looks like without having it done vs having it done.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Knee replacement has helped a lot of people. Most surgery looks gross to the average person.
  • saltydawg57
    saltydawg57 Posts: 11 Member
    While it may sound a bit flippant, you will not be looking at your knees while they are doing the surgery so I would not think about what it looks like as your basis for your decision making for getting it done. I was training for a half marathon and doing yoga 4 times a week then an injury put an end to all that. I've had a rib, teo neck muscles, a muscle in my chest removed, shoulder surgery and numerous chest tubes to correct collapsed lung. And that's just the surgery stuff. I will do what ever it takes to get back as close to my pre injury life back. Post/op knee replacement physical therapy is a lot of work but the new knees are really awesome (yes I am in the medical field), so if you really need the surgery and you want quality if life back and you are willing to do the work, then don't think about what it looks like, think about what your life looks like without having it done vs having it done.

  • saltydawg57
    saltydawg57 Posts: 11 Member
    Thanks Karen, I am very serious that's why I'm talking.
    Thomas
  • fiddletime
    fiddletime Posts: 1,868 Member
    I have a friend in his 80's who just had his knee done. He was walking around without a limp at 3 weeks post-op. I was impressed as I know it can take longer. We're lucky to have this amazing technology to enable us to live more fully despite our aging joints.

    I'd have that surgery in a heartbeat if I needed it. I remember an episode of 20:20 on TV where old Hugh Downs had both of his knees replaced at the same time. He had a film crew film the surgery and his recovery process. It was pretty neat. He was back traveling around the world and scuba diving in a few months.
  • LisaTang789
    LisaTang789 Posts: 9 Member
    I'm a massive massive runner. Completed marathons early in the year, and plenty of half marathons. At a point where I was doing really well and coming highly placed in races. Then my neuromas in my feet started playing up and causing my toes to bend. I had foot surgery in June this year, and have been out since. I've been told October I can start running again. It's been awful being restricted from running. And have just started now being able to swim and do a little exercise, walking is even hard. I know in the long run its the best option if I want to keep running. It will be hard, and the mental side is the hardest part, but it'll be worth it. Make sure you've got a good support network, and a good physio and then get something in the calendar to work towards. I've booked a 5km race for mid November, and I've got a place in the London Marathon in April. So start small with a final goal :)
  • cheryllynn513
    cheryllynn513 Posts: 8 Member
    this forum is everything right now! I lost over 100 pounds but now an injury had thrown a monkey wrench in everything. the only option is a hip replacement (at 35 years old blah) to get myself back to the active lifestyle I've come to love. am I terrified..... absolutely.
  • Fflpnari
    Fflpnari Posts: 975 Member
    edited January 2018
    The day before I was to have my gallbladder removed my college nutrition teacher showed a video of the surgery (Didnt know i was having it done). Surgery is gross, but will it help you in the long run? Surgery, recovery, physical therapy withh not be easy... but will they be worth it. Talk with your doctor about the options, dicuss with them risk vs. benefit etc