Wow! Sorry to be gone so long. T is off for 10 days and I took a few days off as well. We went down to the beach to celebrate my son's birthday. Also his gf's, since hers is 13 days before his! Had a lovely visit and now we are in Helen GA. It's very quiet (off season), and we are just chilling.
T's former ortho basically didn't want to do knee replacement on someone his age (52) unless it got to the point he could no longer work. Believe me, it's not that WE weren't open to surgery, but it was clear that doctor wasn't willing, even though other options weren't working.
Last week we went to a new ortho, who was much more open to the idea. After discussing what has been tried so far, he offered one new suggestion: PRP injections. T has an appointment to try that in a couple of weeks. If that doesn't work, then surgery it is. I know he was very nervous about having surgery, but our quality of life has reached a point that we have to do something. But it's his knees, so HE needed to get to that place mentally.
Anyway, having a lovely time here in Helen. Back soon!
Take care.
3 comments:
Good for you for getting a second opinion. I have a friend in her mid-50s doing the same. Top ortho here told her that they are doing knee replacements earlier now as the old strategy of waiting was detrimental. Advice she got was she had to "pre-hab" to get ready for the surgery, including joining a gym with a pool to swim or walk in the water on a regular basis, regular PT visits and diligently doing PT exercises at home. And losing weight. Unfortunately then Covid hit and everything for her is delayed. I hope your DH can get some relief.
Will/Can he do a stationary bike? Swimming would clearly be great, but pools are nearly impossible (unless you are in Texas!) in Covid times. The better shape he is before surgery, the better it will go. (Will he motivate himself to get all his extra weight off? That makes such a huge huge difference with knees/recovery. It is the thing that makes the most difference.)
And as hard as it is to hear - you just have to live your own life. Walk and exercise and get outside and be active. He will either work to join in or he won’t. But you can’t both end up sitting in chairs waiting for his knees to magically get better. You are exactly right, he will have to make up his mind.
Major Physical therapy is key to knee replacement recovery. My suggestion - if he wants a full life - find a therapist who works with athletes. (Some therapists are only concerned about on and off the toilet, in and out of cars, up and down from chairs.)
Welcome back. Glad you had a nice long vacation.
Paula C
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