Over the last few weeks, I know I have mentioned that my right knee has been very sore. In fact, I am using a walker because I cannot put any weight on my right leg. Yesterday I broke down, and I called my orthopedic surgeon three times, asking to come in and have further X-rays and an evaluation of my knee.
I fully expected not to be able to see him and not to be further evaluated. But his office called, and they squeezed me in on Wednesday. Once I got to his office, I was shown into the X-ray room, where they took four different X-ray shots of my knee while I was standing on it so they could see what happens to my knee when I put weight on it.
What they found was, in fact, that I do have bone-on-bone, which will require not just a little surgery to clean it up but a full knee replacement.
The doctor reminded me that on my first visit with him, I had told him I did not want a knee replacement.
I can tell you now that the pain I have been in has led me to do and agree to many things I never thought I would do. Thus, I am waiting to hear from the surgical department about my appointment to have my right knee surgically replaced.
It’s not just that I am elated; after going through all the pain I have been in, I can say I am happy to see light at the end of the tunnel.
I was concerned that I would be forced to go into a rehab hospital after the surgery. But my puppy nanny has agreed to come here to help Heidi and me, and I am ready to roll.
I recall Jack’s three knee replacements, as his first was done at age 57. The doctor advised that Jack should quit running and be cautious with his knee. But Jack was never one to do what he was told, and he kept running, so although he was back to work in seven weeks’ time, that knee replacement did not last very long.
He had two more knee replacements in his late 60s and early 70s, which allowed him to return to his favorite sport, snow skiing.
He snow-skied up until the age of 83, when he voluntarily hung up his skis and ski poles and retired.
I would like my knee to be in good shape so that I can begin walking again with Heidi and help build my strength and endurance.
And, of course, one very important thing is that I lose a few pounds. Ugh, isn’t that always the way?
So, between now and my surgery, I will work on eating better and lose a few more pounds. It will take a lot longer to lose the weight, and it’s something that I simply will have to keep up with after the surgery.
I am elated that they have found what is causing my pain and that there are things that can be done to make my life better.
