There is a knee replacement in my not-too-distant future...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

Went to see my orthopedic MD today for a routine check...

My left knee is bad, and not getting better.

He thinks it's time to replace it.

I agree.

Next week, I go see the surgeon...

Stay tuned.

A few vibes would be really REALLY appreciated!

[hedgehog]

1. Lots and lots of vibes!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Thank you, my dear hedgehog!

[OriginalGeek]

3. one vibe is not enough so

here, Take 5

and if that's not enough I'll keep sending them!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear OriginalGeek...

Aw, thank you!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!

I'll need more when the surgery happens...

Thank you...

[ohiosmith]

4. You got it CP.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Thank you, my dear ohiosmith!

It means a lot!

[woodsprite]

7. Sending good vibes and prayers your way.

They told my father-in-law that the best thing he could do help his healing when he had his knee replacements was to start doing the exercises before the procedures. He is doing great now, still fairly active (a retired HS carpentry teacher with a mile-long 'honey-do' list that my MIL keeps adding to). He said the pain is gone. The only thing that bothers him is that he can only bend 90 degrees, so kneeling is difficult.

Wishing you the best of luck. I'm sure that a similar surgery isn't too far off for me either. I'm going to try losing some weight first That should buy me some additional time.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear woodsprite...

Thank you for your very good words and prayers...

I thought too that exercise now would be a good idea, plus some more weight loss. My weight is stable, but I could sure stand to lose some more!

I'm getting back in the regime of going to the gym, which can do nothing but good...

I want to get this done and recover as quickly as possible!

I have a life to live, waiting for me...

[sarge43]

25. What woodsprite said.

Talk with your med team about pre-op exercises. It helped me a lot with the hip surgery.

[rurallib]

8. can't even think up any snark

will you be live blogging?

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ left knee vibes }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. My dear rurallib...

Well, not blogging...

But I do expect to post!

Thanks, sweetie...

[AsahinaKimi]

10. Stay well Peggy !

Hayaku yokunatte kudasai ! odaijini ! Get well soon, and take care of yourself!



Kimiko ~Yori.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. My dear AsahinaKimi!

Aw, thanks, sweetie...

I plan to do both of those...




Love your profile pic!

[AsahinaKimi]

13. sankyu!

Kimiko ~yori

[OffWithTheirHeads]

14. Had mine done in June.

I was recovering from rotator cup surgery done in January. When my PT people found out I was having the knee done they insisted I tell them who the sergeon was. Apparently they are not all equal and the PT folks have to clean up the mess so they really know who is good and who isn't. Turns out I had one of the most highly regarded in Arizona but I got to watch some folks who were not so lucky and the difference was frightening.

Take care, good luck and don't plan on playing golf anytime soon.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. Thank you, my dear OffWithTheirHeads!

I appreciate your input.....a lot!

I trust my MD. He no longer does knee replacement surgery; he's getting too old, he says. But he and his partner hired a surgeon who he really likes and trusts. That works for me...

Well, I don't play golf, lol, so that shouldn't be a problem! I just want to be able to walk, climb stairs and etc without pain.

[Old Troop]

16. Oh CaliforiaPeggy. I wish you the best of fortune

in your upcoming maintenance.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. Thank you, my dear Old Troop...

Now there's a word I can get behind: maintenance!

Just going in for a little maintenance...

[geardaddy]

18. Good vibes headed your way.

My mom had hers done last year.

Good luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. Thank you, my dear geardaddy!

I hope your mom is much happier now!

I expect to be...

[geardaddy]

20. Yes, she is.

She had a little bit of trouble with a weird lingering pain, but she's good now.

[greytdemocrat]

21. My wife just had her left knee replaced

A few weeks ago.

Make sure you get proper rehab and lots of it!

Good luck!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. Thank you, my dear greytdemocrat...

My doc and I already discussed it!

Good vibes to your wife...hope she's feeling well.

[WCGreen]

22. Better a knee now than worse if you were to not have it replaced and take a fall....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. Thanks, Chris!

Exactly. A fall is just what I want to avoid...

Plus the pain I have now is just not going away.

[sarge43]

23. Good viberations Dear Peggy.

You will be fine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

30. Aw, thank you, my dear sarge43...

I expect I will be...

But it's so good to have my friends wishing for it too...

[HappyMe]

24. Well, I'll send a whole bunch of good vibes

your way.


It will all be good. Your surgery will be such a success, that everyone in the hospital that day will applaud. Recovery and rehab will be smooth as glass.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. My dear HappyMe!

Wow, what an optimist!

I Like that!

Thank you, sweetie...

[Bossy Monkey]

26. The vibiest!

Best wishes for an easy surgery, a quick recovery and an enjoyable rehab.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. My dear Bossy Monkey!

Thanks!

Hmmm...I've never thought of those things as enjoyable...

I'll try that, and see if your optimism works!

[applegrove]

27. vibes Peggy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. I thank you, my dear applegrove!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

32. Welcome to the club!

It's really not as scary and as painful a thing as most people think. Just keep a positive vibe going and you'll be fine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

36. My dear Prisoner_Number_Six!

Oh, you too?

Hey, somehow knowing that you've been there helps me!

I'm really looking forward to being done.

The pain is making me nuts!

Thanks, sweetie...

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

40. Yup- twice, on the same knee.

Hopefully I'll talk 'em into doing the other one after I move this year. It would be nice...

[dimbear]

33. Positive outcome and speedy recovery. We'll be on tenterhooks until.

Where' d I put those tenterhooks?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

37. Thank you, my dear dimbear...

Um...I think tenterhooks are what they hang meat from, aren't they?

You might want to avoid those!


I appreciate your good thoughts!

[frogmarch]

38. Good vibes from me to you,

Peggy!

I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

62. My dear frogmarch!

Omigod, how did I miss your post?

Thank you so much for all the good vibes and wishes...

[Denninmi]

39. My family has a lot of experience with joint replacements.

RA runs in our family. I personally haven't had the pleasure, thank God, but immediate family has.

Various things replaced - knees, hips, elbows, ankles, shoulders.

To a person, they all think it has been very worthwhile.

My mother was the first, having knee replacements in 1990.

Today's knee replacement, while still a major surgery, isn't quite as bad as it was 20 years ago.

Definitely a procedure that will have a dramatic and very positive impact on your life. Be brave and go for it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

41. Thank you,my dear Denninmi!

Maybe I'm brave, because I am most def going for it.

I can't stand the pain day in and day out...plus the fatigue of dragging this damn thing around.

I am willing to go through whatever it takes to get to a much better place!

[Denninmi]

44. One thing my mother said right away was the relief from constant pain.

While she had surgical pain from the incisions and the physical therapy, she said that there was an immediate relief from the 24/7 pain from the severely damaged arthritic knees.

Honestly, a few months after it's over, you'll be so glad you did it.

[trof]

42. Oh, so NOW you wish you'd taken better care of your knees, hunh?

But Nooooo, you just swanned about through life, abusing your knees as you liked.
No thought for the rest of us who'll now have to pick up the tab to fix YOUR precious knee with socialized MEDICARE.
And I'm sure we'll have to pay the freight for your lengthy frou-frou pampered 'rehab'.
Prolly lounging around in some ritzy Arizona spa.
Caviar and lobster fricassee.
A personal trainer.
Massages.
Harumph.

OK, freeper: off.
Seriesly sweetie, all the best.
You'll love your new knee.

I'm hoping mine outlive me, but you never know.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

43. Now, THAT'S a DUzy, my dear trof!

I'll have you know that my knee has always been trouble, since childhood, so there! (Truly, it has!)

Yeah, some ritzy Arizona spa......I wish, lol!


Thanks for the good vibes...

I already love my new knee, even though I don't have it yet!

[trof]

47. I wish.

Remember, mobility is your ally.
Post op - WALK!

[whistler162]

95. That what you get for reacting so vociferously over the years....

With the new knee no more knee jerk reactions for you!

My Aunt and her husband have had their knees replaced and are doing great. Just follow the Dr.'s and PT's advise and you should be fine.

[Swede]

45. Vibes for you,my friend Peg.

Always. My friend Darryl had both done last summer. Now he's a regular in the gym again.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

46. Aw, thanks, my dear Swede...

I don't think it'll hold me up very long...

[OhioChick]

48. Good thoughts coming your way....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

51. Thank you soooo much, my dear OhioChick!

I appreciate it bunches!


And I'm really glad you kept your sigline!

[dana_b]

49. the best vibes to you!

Surgery - ugh!! I just hope it goes smoothly and you are up and walking pain-free soon.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

52. My dear dana_b!

Yeah, I'm not crazy about surgery either, but if it gets me where I want to go...

Thanks for the good thoughts!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

50. Aw, hell, CP...

...of course you have my vibes.

I have friends who have gone through the procedure and have bounced back REMARKABLY fast, so I'm going to wish for the same for you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

54. My dear Amerigo Vespucci!

Thanks, sweetie!

Unfortunately, the older people get, usually the slower they are to heal...

However, with all the vibes this thread has generated, maybe I'll have enough to be quick!

[elleng]

53. CONSTANT VIBES . . . .

[CaliforniaPeggy]

55. Thank you so much, my sweet elleng...

[MiddleFingerMom]

56. My dear CaliforniaPeggy!!!

.
.
.
I'm so sorry you're probably going to need to go through this... BUT, in my experience
at least, people who get knees replaced have all had wonderful improvements in their
situations.
.
.
.
Strength and healing vibes already on their way for you to stockpile.
.
.
.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

57. My dear MiddleFingerMom!

Ah, no worries, sweetie...

I definitely need to do this. And the sooner I do it, the sooner I'm healed...

It has bothered me most of my life, and since the meniscus tear last year, it has (mostly) gotten worse.

It is time.

Thanks, sweetie...

[Simo 1939_1940]

58. Good luck, CP!

I have two friends who have had both knees replaced, and they are doing well. Needless to say, not to comfortable for a while, but I guess that's the price you pay for ultimate freedom.

I've had serious shoulder work done twice on my right shoulder, and it's now pretty much 100%. If you follow rehab directions, great things are possible. Best wishes!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

64. My dear Simo 1939_1940...

Thank you for the very good thoughts!

I'm prepared to endure any unpleasant feelings as long as I get well!

[denbot]

59. Mega Meta Vibes for you Miss CP

A knee replacement sounds rough.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. My dear denbot...

Hey, good to see you!

I appreciate the mega meta vibes so much...

Hopefully my knee replacement won't be too bad...

I'm ready.

[femmocrat]

60. Best vibes, Peggy!

Hope all goes well.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

66. Thank you so much, my dear femmocrat...

I hope so too...

[HeiressofBickworth]

61. Vibes for now

Let us know when the big day arrives so we can amp up the volume of vibes for you. From the posts here, it seems that in the grand scheme of things, knee replacement surgery doesn't rank among the top most dangerous or debilitating so even with the temporary inconvenience (and pain, I assume), we look to your total healing. We'll hope to hear from you soon and learn of your rehab adventures.

Best wishes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

67. My dear HeiressofBickworth!

I see the surgeon next Thursday, the 12th, and then I'll have a much better idea about the timetable...

You know I will keep you informed!

Thanks for all your very good thoughts, sweetie!

[madinmaryland]

63. Best of Luck! My BIL has had both knees replaced

and it made a world of difference. The surgery now is very non-invasive, and the recover time has been reduced dramatically! You will be amazed with the difference it makes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. Thank you, my dear madinmaryland!

I have been hearing how much less invasive the surgery is, compared to 20 years ago...

I sure hope to be amazed!

[pacalo]

69. My most special vibes are coming your way, CalPeggy!

I think with your positive, can-do attitude, you're going to be just fine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

70. Oh, I thank you so much, my dear pacalo!

I appreciate your good thoughts a lot...

[PETRUS]

71. Be thinkin' of ya

I had reconstructive knee surgery (not a replacement) a few years back. When you're coming out of anesthesia, if get the urge to stand up (I did, who knows why) DON'T TRY IT!

And take the physical therapy/rehab seriously. It works wonders.

Good luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

72. Not to worry, my dear PETRUS!

I've had general anesthesia before, and believe you me, I have NEVER wanted to stand up as soon as I woke up!

Usually my first thought runs along the lines of .....I'm alive!

I will take the PT very seriously. I want my knee to be better than it has been for a long time...

Thank you so much!

[mrmpa]

73. Sending good vibes your way-I had my right knee

replaced in October. Physical therapy 3 times a week, you just got to work at it & keep positive.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

74. Thank you, my dear mrmpa!

There's nothing quite like hearing from someone who's been there.

I plan on taking the PT very seriously...

And with all these positive vibes, how could I not be positive too?

I appreciate your good advice!

[seabeyond]

75. my MIL went thru it oct, maybe sept, but think oct. we spent 4 days in new orleans and she did well

walking around. we walked everywhere. she did very well thru it and she has a lot of weight she is putting on it.....

you will do great

ok, my father had it a year or two ago. he was so glad to get it done. he healed quickly. rehab.... work it and the quicker you heal

the best to you. i know it is scary.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

76. Thank you, my dear seabeyond!

I want to get it over with!

I'm not really scared about the surgery so much...

My gut doesn't like being shut down, though, and that's never fun.

And believe it or not, maybe washing my long hair might be a problem!

[seabeyond]

77. the best to you.....

that long hair might just have to be pulled back in a pony for a while.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

78. Oh, of course!

It gets oily after a couple of days...

Maybe the step-down unit will have some ideas...

[seabeyond]

79. ya... i know peggy

i get what you say.

we are used to a daily shower. hard to go without. i hear ya.

[akbacchus_BC]

80. CP, sending you good wishes & Happy New Year

[CaliforniaPeggy]

81. Thank you so much, my dear akbacchus_BC!

A very Happy New Year to you as well!

I appreciate your good wishes...

[csziggy]

82. CaliforniaPeggy

Most of the people I've talked to have been very happy once they heal up. The one person who is unhappy complains that he can no longer get down on his knees to work on his haying equipment. Mind you, he can still ride the tractor all day, still helps to load the hay on the trailers and move it into the barns. At the age of 65+

Sooner than later, I'll be joining you in this. Right now I'm doing physical therapy to see how much that will help. If I go for the surgery, I'm getting both knees done at the same time. It's the same amount of hospital time, rehab time, and physical therapy time whether it's one knee or two.

Good luck with it and keep us posted!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

84. My dear csziggy!

Well, all I can say is thank god I don't have any haying equipment!

Good luck to you too, sweetie...

I can understand why you'd want to have them both done at the same time...

I am most grateful that my right knee is (so far, lol!) in good shape!

I will keep you posted...

[Aristus]

83. A truckload of vibes, CalPeg!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

85. Thank you so much, my dear Aristus!

They mean a lot...

[HopeHoops]

86. We'll all be thinking about you! Good luck.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

89. Thank you so much, my dear HopeHoops!

[HopeHoops]

92. Just keep us posted and take care.

[Raven]

87. Good vibes, Peg! My SIL just

had her knee replaced and she's doing fine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

90. Thank you, my dear raven!

It's always heartening to hear about someone else's good outcome!

[barbtries]

88. dear CaliforniaPeggy

sweetest person on DU: all the best as you get your new knee! just keep visualizing walking without pain.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

91. Aw, thank you, my dear barbtries...

What a sweet thing to say!

I remember not walking with pain...and I'm eager to get back to that!

[Phentex]

93. I'm sure you'll be good as new!...

I think I have one of these in my future as well. I am doing what I can to avoid it!

Best wishes!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

94. Thank you so much, my dear Phentex!

I'm hoping for that outcome too!

Good luck to you, sweetie...

[eppur_se_muova]

96. Some cool vibes for you ...

My mom had her knee replaced over a year ago -- very routine surgery, nowadays. Don't skimp on the physical therapy -- I really like what someone said above about beginning the exercises *before* the surgery. Just don't rest with your ankles crossed for a while, it caused my mom some problems, as it restricted circulation.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

97. my dear eppur_se_muova!

I'm lovin' those Gary Burton cool vibes! Thank you so much for this neat clip.

And be sure that I *am* not skimping on being active before the surgery. I have resumed my workouts and though it makes me tired, it's a good tired.

I always feel better when I work out and now I have more reasons to do it!

[Kali]

98. saw this linked in the DUzy Awards

I'm totally jealous! bad knees suck big time! Good luck and feel better fast!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

99. Thanks, Kali!

Jealous? Of me, going under the knife?

Thanks for the good vibes...

I'll know more next week when I see the surgeon...




Oh, yeah...trof got his DUzy! I knew he would! He was really funny!

[handmade34]

100. vibes to you

2 of my family just got new knees last year and they are both doing great!

this is what they used for a bit to work the knee

[CaliforniaPeggy]

102. Thanks so much, my dear handmade34...

My dad got one several years ago, plus one other friend, and they both say: Why did we wait so long?

I'm ready.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

101. sending vibes, Peggy. I am sure you will do just fine. Therapy will not be fun but, you have

that can-do spirit and a positive outlook and that goes a long way.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

103. Aw, thank you so much, my dear Tuesday Afternoon!

I appreciate your very positive outlook!

I'm going to do my darndest to get well fast!

[snacker]

104. When it's all said and done,

I'm sure you'll be happy with the results. I don't think the therapy is much fun, but you always have such a positive outlook. All of the goodness you have given to us here at DU will be paid back to you, I'm certain. Good luck and good vibes to you, dear CaliforniaPeggy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

105. Ah, thank you, my dear snacker...

I expect to be happy too!

I really appreciate your very sweet comments...

Very nice of you...

[OmahaBlueDog]

106. Everyone I know who has had knee replacement wishes they'd done it years earlier

I'm sure I'm telling you what you already know -- the biggest risk is post-op infection (staph). You'll probably get lots of swell antibiotics.

Good Luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

107. My dear OmahaBlueDog!

Well, at least I haven't done that...this just came up this last year. Before last year, I was fine, darn it!

I'm not too worried about post-op infection. My doctor is very careful, and the hospital is first-rate. But as a retired RN, you can bet I'll be watching out for any early signs!

I appreciate your very good thoughts!

[ChazII]

108. Joining the other DUers

in sending you vibes and positive thoughts.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

109. Thank you so much, my dear ChazII...n/t

[sakabatou]

110. I used to be witty DUer

'Till I took an arrow to the knee.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

111. ALL I can say is...

I'm so glad I didn't take an arrow in the knee!

Cool clip, my dear sakabatou!

Thank you!

[cordelia]

112. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

114. Thank you so much, my dear cordelia! I hope so too...n/t

[av8rdave]

113. Vibes sent

A new knee should make a lot of improvements. I remember when I replaced the tie rod ends in my car. It drove so much better!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

115. My dear av8rdave!

Are you comparing me to your CAR?

I sure hope my new knee will be an improvement...the old one sucks!

Thanks, sweetie!

[av8rdave]

118. Of course not

I'm just a tireless advocate for new joints!

[TBF]

116. Lots of vibes and prayers from me -

I am in my 40s with arthritis. My left knee is also the bad one - even before the diagnosis I had been taping it back in high school when I ran. So far the rooster comb injections work for me (Hyalgan) - have you tried them??

[CaliforniaPeggy]

117. Thank you, my dear TBF...

My knee is full of arthritis and bony spurs. The doctor and I talked it over, and he pointed out that he could give me injections.

All those would do would be put off the inevitable...

I'm more than ready for this surgery.

Still, I thank you for your good thoughts.

[RushIsRot]

119. Your wish is my command.

[rustydog]

120. Sending vibes your way!

[flying_wahini]

121. I know you will be glad when it is all over. By Easter you will be wishing you had done it years ago

Good luck and God Speed.

[Mira]

122. You will be on my mind and in my prayers

and in that special place where I manufacture healing vibes.
You will be missed, and after recovery you will be fine.

[benld74]

123. My wife has 1 in her future as well, she just keeps putting it off,,

I swear I dont know how she still walks. She goes down the stairs sideways, and if she is standing too long or walks too long - MAJOR pain for a longer period of time.

She is tough, and stubborn!
TAke care

[denbot]

124. Alley send her vibes Miss CP

FWIW, she says that the people she knows who have had a knee replacement really like the results.

[MiddleFingerMom]

125. I''m looking for and posting on your "trouble sleeping" thread.

[Chan790]

126. I had both knees and a repair of one of the replacements before I was 30.

It's really not a big deal. A week of pain, a month of PT and a lot of Oxycontin.

Don't sweat it. At this point the only time I remember is when I make funny noises when I stand up after sitting all day and the pain when it's about to rain...but that has more to do with the arthritis than the replacement and I had that long before I set off metal detectors with my bionic patellae.

[Taverner]

127. Good vibes and a suggestion:

Make the most of your Physical Therapy afterwards!

Go 3, perhaps 4 times a week. It really does cut your recovery time in half!