I walk 30 miles/week. So I should be in great shape from my knees down.
But I'm not.
My left knee is perpetually swollen and often aches.
It doesn't inhibit anything I do, but it frequently hurts when I'm doing nothing, especially at night.
So I finally schedule an appointment with a recommended orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Roshan Shah. I see him in June. He takes a bunch of x-rays and then schedules me for an MRI. My second visit, earlier this month, is to review the results.
"The MRI was very surprising compared to the X-Rays," he begins.
"Much better?" I ask hopefully.
"No, much worse."
Ugh.
He then points out how I have no ACL (which I knew), a big blob of something that might be synovium, my medial something separating from something else, and a host of other things I don't fully understand. But I do understand his conclusion: knee replacement surgery (he suggests knee-resurfacing), sooner rather than later.
"It's not going to improve on its own. And it's better to get the surgery when you are young and healthy," he says. I love that he uses the word young, but what he means, of course, is that today is the youngest I'll ever be.
I really like this doctor who has gotten great reviews. But he does his surgery at Columbia Presbyterian which is very far from me (166th St. on the westside).
I will get a second opinion, though I am pretty certain it won't be much different.
Doctor number two is Jose Rodriguez at Hospital for Special Surgery. He too, comes highly recommended. And his office is just a few blocks away.
Getting an appointment is not easy. I sent him my records and am then able to get a first appointment for early January.
I'm already thinking about the things I'll need, and how I will do this with no one living with me to help.
Many others have survived this, and I'm sure I will too.
It's just not something I want to do.
I have a great knee surgeon. Text me if you’re interested.
ReplyDeleteLyn, I had mine done 6 years ago and was back spinning in 6 weeks, skiing in 8 months. Better to do it sooner than later, especially since you’re in good shape. And I just had my hip replaced 3 weeks ago and will be skiing in January. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLyn, it’s Gordie. Dr. Pearle (at HSS) has operated on my knees 3 times. He is superb.
ReplyDeleteThx for the reco and so good to hear from you.
Delete(From Linda) So sorry to hear you are dealing with this. If you do need surgery, you have some many friends (including me) who you should rely on. I have become an expert at setting up Meal Trains which is a wonderful help when you are laid up at home.
ReplyDeleteWow; thanks. I am hoping I can rely on my son to stay with me for the first week, if I do get it done.
DeleteI had both done at one time. I drove in two weeks, rode a bike in six and now play pickle ball four times a week. Like so many things, the anticipation is the hardest part!
ReplyDeleteAs a person ages, mobility and independence become more valuable than gold, perhaps even water. Presently I can not do much for you or by you.Prayer is said " to avail much". This I can do for you. This I will do.
ReplyDeleteJust ask. I will be there whenever you want. I have experience in these things. I love you!
ReplyDelete