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44 yrs old... I have 4 weeks until my TKR- I'm scared to death

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Keli_44
Keli_44

I am 44 yrs old, I've had tons of shots etc in the last year, and I am finally scheduled oct 14 for TKR, I had one doc tell me I needed a partial, and one tell me total. I figured do the whole thing, instead of part now and total in 10 yrs. My dad has had both his knees done in the last year. When he went in for his first surgery, I wondered what they did with the ligaments etc, so I made the mistake of youtubing TKR surgery. And now I cant get those images out of my head. But I've been putting it off for so long. I am not participating in life like I usually do. My question is, is there anything I can do to prepare myself? I go to the gym everyday, doing the bike and row machine. Is there anything specific I can be doing to make sure I have the strength? Realisticly, how long will i be on pain meds? They said 6 weeks ! Is that true ?

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  • bobsled
    bobsled Keli_44

    Posted

    Hi Keli, I made the same mistake as you, watching the video of the surgery. I almost canceled the surgery soo many times. I went thru with it on August 1, stayed in the hospital 3 days. Had physical therapy at the house for 3 weeks. Then started PT at an outpatient facility. My biggest problem has been getting my leg straight. Saw the doc last week Tuesday was not happy with the progress. Ordered a MUA which is a manipulation under anistesia. They baisicly put you out and bend your knee to break up leasions and scar tissue. I was on hydro-morphone a form of morphine for this entire time now on vicodine. My advice is I get the being scared so was I. Go in as strong as possible, also if you can find a bikram yoga studio I would get there yesterday! It will do wonders to open up your joints. I wish I had gone sooner! No lie everyone heals at their own pace. Do only what your body will let you. You can't get caught up in what anyone tells you this is a personal thing. It is a painful operation and sleeping is rough. But I hope yours and mine are worth it. I am taking longer than most but just try to stay positive and remember the pain you are in now will be gone soon. I also found a x-10 machine online seems to be helping my range of motion. I would look into it. Best of luck God bless you

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