jlwilson
Pre-takeoff checklist
Hi Guys,
This isn't an 'ask the Doc' post, I just wanted to share my recent experience. 13 days ago, I had a partial knee replacement, my 2nd actually. I had the left knee done in Dec '07 and had the right one done May 21. I don't know if all my years in marching bands caused my problems or if it was more likely just good old heredity, but I had osteoarthritis of the medial compartments of both knees. I had quite a bit of pain with walking for probably 3+ years. Flying actually seemed to help - rudder work must be a good non-weight-bearing exercise! Anyhow, I put the surgery off for as long as I could and then weighed my options for timing. The May 21 date gave me 5 weeks before we fly to Africa to spend 4 weeks out of the country. I figured that I'd lose less flying time this way :smile: ( some things are really important).
I realize that this being the second surgery and me being highly motivated are big factors, but I just got my staples out this morning and I've been off crutches for 5 days now. My Doc even released me to drive, while reminding me that yes I am still healing and to be careful .
Orthopedic surgery is a pretty big deal, but I just wanted to give any encouragement to anyone out there who may be putting off something like knee replacement. The new surgical techniques are really amazing. I know it's not for everyone, but I'm the most pain-free that I've been in 3+ years.
Just my 2 cents.
Joyce
This isn't an 'ask the Doc' post, I just wanted to share my recent experience. 13 days ago, I had a partial knee replacement, my 2nd actually. I had the left knee done in Dec '07 and had the right one done May 21. I don't know if all my years in marching bands caused my problems or if it was more likely just good old heredity, but I had osteoarthritis of the medial compartments of both knees. I had quite a bit of pain with walking for probably 3+ years. Flying actually seemed to help - rudder work must be a good non-weight-bearing exercise! Anyhow, I put the surgery off for as long as I could and then weighed my options for timing. The May 21 date gave me 5 weeks before we fly to Africa to spend 4 weeks out of the country. I figured that I'd lose less flying time this way :smile: ( some things are really important).
I realize that this being the second surgery and me being highly motivated are big factors, but I just got my staples out this morning and I've been off crutches for 5 days now. My Doc even released me to drive, while reminding me that yes I am still healing and to be careful .
Orthopedic surgery is a pretty big deal, but I just wanted to give any encouragement to anyone out there who may be putting off something like knee replacement. The new surgical techniques are really amazing. I know it's not for everyone, but I'm the most pain-free that I've been in 3+ years.
Just my 2 cents.
Joyce