I have had the knee replacement surgery nine months ago. I do not regret having it.
I am basically pain free in that knee. All the limitations I was experiencing are now gone. I can do things that I haven't done in several years.
Even though the osteoarthritis is in the other knee, I am not in the amount of pain that I was in.
Yes, the pain that one experiences while doing rehab is quite extensive, it did go away for me as I advanced in physical therapy.
My orthopedic doctor used computer aided type of surgery. The type of knee that was used was made by DePuy and it is the rotating platform knee.
The only thing that seems to bother me is the clicking of the knee that doesn't seem to go away.
I am so happy to have the ability to bend the knee and extend it. My extension is 0 degrees and my flexion is at 120 degrees (normal).
I did the exercises as described and prescribed by the physical therapist. I ride my stationery bicycle at least 20 minutes a day still and I walk.
You will know yourself when its time to have your knee replaced. I know that mose insurance companies have protocols in which the orthopedic doctor must comply with.
For me, I had to endure the following
1. arthroscopic procedure to repair the meniscus and "clean out" the knee
2. cortisone shots
3. a series of euflexa shots (synthentic form of rooster comb)
4. pain control
before he would consider doing replacement surgery. This was partially due to the fact that I am only 45 yrs old.
It got to where I wasn't able to do the activities of daily living and I was in considerable amount of pain.
It was then I went to see him and I decided to go through with the replacement. I don't regret it!
