What Made You Decide to Have Knee Replacement?
Bone-on-bone pain made it impossible even to do my grocery shopping. My other knee was not quite as bad, but due to insurance issues, I decided to have it done 16 months after the first.
What Were You Not Prepared For?
Even though I had approximately 16 surgeries before my knee replacements, the post-op pain was more severe than I had anticipated. Also, I developed scar tissue in both knees which required extra medication, aggressive physical therapy, and manipulations under anesthesia for both. Thankfully, I have a wonderful orthopedic surgeon and very good physical therapists who saw me through this unexpected development.
Lessons Learned
- Be sure to purchase a raised toilet seat before you go to the hospital!
- Buy a body pillow before your surgery. This was recommended by a nurse, and it was so helpful when I got home. Sleeping is difficult, especially if you are accustomed to sleeping on your stomach or back. The pillow makes it easier to get into a semi-side position. Also, it is nice having it to protect your knee from being accidentally bumped by your bedmate!
- If possible, have some meals in your freezer. Fast food gets old very quickly, and homemade food ready to bake or microwave will be an enormous help.
