I am getting ready to go in for total knee replacement surgery in about ten days. I am not looking forward to the surgery, though, I am looking forward to be able to walk without pain. I have tried everything before I exhausted the options available to me. For the past four years I have been getting prolo-thearpy injections, which helped push the surgery back by four years. But now, it is clear if I wish to have my former life back the only option left for me is replacement surgery. I intend to document my journey here so that I can remember how I felt and also share this blog with others who might be contemplating the same path I have chosen.
I saw my surgeon earlier this week, he felt like I was in good condition for my surgery. I have been taking iron tablets along with vitamin C to help with my blood count. I have been doing daily stretches of Yoga to keep my hamstrings in good shape. I have also been doing leg lifts so that my quads are in better shape. I want my surgery and post op to be as successful as possible. I have scheduled my physical therapy session after the surgery and am doing my best to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for this surgical procedure.
I do wish that I could have avoided knee replacement, many years of running, walking on hard surfaces and genetics played a role in the situation I find myself in today. When I see people who are running or, just out for a stroll, I am wistful. Because, that is one thing I am not able to do anymore. I have to carefully plan what activities I can do on a daily basis. If I need to go grocery shopping, then, that is the only outdoor activity I can plan for the day. Gone are the days when I could walk all over the mall, now I have to carefully plan how many stores I can go to, how much rest I will need in-between and where to park the car! All of this happened over a period of last fifteen years, slowly my mobility inched downwards. I came to the conclusion last year, after the birth of my granddaughter that I needed to be able to play with her, take her on nature walks, show her how to plant a garden. I want to be able to enjoy her fresh new world with her. After all, I moved to Portland to be closer to her. And, Portland is a city of walkers, bikers and all get out outdoors people!
I will share my journey here, if you wish to leave comments, please do so, I will do my best to answer you!
I saw my surgeon earlier this week, he felt like I was in good condition for my surgery. I have been taking iron tablets along with vitamin C to help with my blood count. I have been doing daily stretches of Yoga to keep my hamstrings in good shape. I have also been doing leg lifts so that my quads are in better shape. I want my surgery and post op to be as successful as possible. I have scheduled my physical therapy session after the surgery and am doing my best to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for this surgical procedure.
I do wish that I could have avoided knee replacement, many years of running, walking on hard surfaces and genetics played a role in the situation I find myself in today. When I see people who are running or, just out for a stroll, I am wistful. Because, that is one thing I am not able to do anymore. I have to carefully plan what activities I can do on a daily basis. If I need to go grocery shopping, then, that is the only outdoor activity I can plan for the day. Gone are the days when I could walk all over the mall, now I have to carefully plan how many stores I can go to, how much rest I will need in-between and where to park the car! All of this happened over a period of last fifteen years, slowly my mobility inched downwards. I came to the conclusion last year, after the birth of my granddaughter that I needed to be able to play with her, take her on nature walks, show her how to plant a garden. I want to be able to enjoy her fresh new world with her. After all, I moved to Portland to be closer to her. And, Portland is a city of walkers, bikers and all get out outdoors people!
I will share my journey here, if you wish to leave comments, please do so, I will do my best to answer you!
