You're a good man, GB.

Best regards, and wishes, Harry

Hi, Yeah, I am here, alive and almost kicking!
I truly do thank you for your words about the surgery..and your nurse story made me laugh.
When I was wheeled into the surgery room they told me to sit up, for the epidural I guess, but I was so surprised it looked like a workshop! I guess that is what it is, but I saw grinders, etc..then I was out.
Soon I will be kicking, shifting, and running again.
Thanks again.
Suzan

Hi, just thought I would write and tell you tomorrow is the day, and I am still scared. Fear of the unknown..and NEEDLES! But, like you said it will be worth it. I truely appreciate your message, and have kept it to reread to myself to remember it is a good thing to do!
bye, until I am hoofing again. Suzan

Hi, and thank you for your message. It really did relieve some of my apprehension. I will let you know how it goes. And the answer will be "Just wonderfully" hopefully! Talk again then, Suzan

First, I would like to apologize for my delay in replying to you.

Don't stress over your knee replacement. I injured my knee in Viet Nam in 1972 while severing in the USAF. My first surgery was done in Wiesbaden Germany in 1974. It was an open knee surgery (no arthroscopic at that time). They removed the torn meniscus. I had many knee problems and much pain for many years following this surgery.

Fast forward to 1998. The VA did a scope on my knee only to find the ACL was missing, and it was NOT surgically removed when they did the meniscus. (?). It must have been torn during the original injury, and it was simply overlooked at that time. One month later, they did a knee reconstructive surgery by replacing the ACL. I was told then. it would only be a mater of time before I would require a total knee replacement. The VA does not like doing these for someone as young as me, so they had no choice but to replace my knee in 2003 at 50 years of age.

Post surgery while in the hospital for 5 days, you will have very little discomfort. Morphine will be your friend here. I'm not going to lie to you...the first two weeks of physical therapy is a real bitch!. I pushed myself until I had tears going down my cheeks. The end results will only be as good as the therapy that follows the replacement. Is my knee perfect? No. Is it better than it was? YES! I still have some pain, but nothing like the pain I was experiencing for over three decades.

Women have a much better threshold than men when it comes to pain. That's why women give birth, because men couldn't handle it.

You will do just fine Susan. Don't sweat it. Two weeks of real discomfort is not much to ask for a stable leg, with much less pain. Yes, I'm glad I had it done, eventhough I had no real choice.

Good luck!

Chuck

Please let me know how it went.

YIPES!! I just saw your pic of your knee replacement. Just today I set the date for mine and I am scared spitless. I haven't been in a hospital since I was three, (uh, that was more than 1/2 century and 5 years ago!) Are you glad you did it?? Tell me all the postivies PLEASE!!!
Thanks, Suzan