What Made You Decide to Have Knee Replacement?
I had severe medial arthritis in both knees causing major constant pain. Activities such as just going for walks was becoming increasingly difficult. My sleep was constantly being disturbed from the pain I had from just turning over in bed
What Were You Not Prepared For?
I had problems with the pain medication I was prescribed (my stomach couldn't handle what I was given) and therefore had quite severe pain for the first 2 weeks because I was taking less effective medication. One thing that surprised me in a positive way is how natural a prosthetic knee feels. I have some numbness around the incision site, but my knee feels like my "real" other knee!
Lessons Learned
- With my next knee I will have a discussion regarding proper pain control for me...not everyone is the same and they tend to give everyone the same prescribed pain medications.
- This definitely is major surgery...the pain and recovery to where you can tolerate it fairly well is at least a month. Don't even consider having it done if there is another way to go...
- Because I did have severe pain and had tried everything else first, I am super pleased with the outcome. I am at the 3 month point and am not limited in any way and am pain free.
