Should I or Shouldn't I?
I’m (63F) scheduled for left TKR at the end of June, but I am debating whether I want to do it right now. It’s bone-on-bone and my HMO approved it with no pushback so I assume it’s necessary or at least warranted.
Background: ACL reconstruction on right knee in 1993 and left knee in 2010, meniscus surgery in right knee 2011. Left knee bows out when I walk (hubby says it’s creepy). Right knee is not as bad (left knee injury was much worse).
Quite honestly, left knee is not that painful. It doesn’t prevent me from doing daily activities. It’s sore/stiff after I’ve been sitting and sometimes feels “sting-y”, but is not terrible. Biggest issue is it feels unstable at times and "pops out" at times. I suspect there’s a secondary ligament issue but have not pursued that as the knee is already FUBAR.
I walk/hike 7,500-10,000 steps a day. I got an unloader brace ~2 years ago but walking with it makes my back hurt. At some point it would be fun to try pickleball, but I haven’t seriously looked into doing that.
My concerns:
- After 1993 ACL surgery (non HMO), I went to PT 2-3 times a week for 8 weeks. After 2010 ACL surgery (HMO), I went once. Rehab was basically one visit with exercises to do at home. I’m concerned that might be all I would get after TKR, and that worries me.
- After 2010 ACL surgery, I was sent home with Norco. Ended up at the ER that night in severe pain. (Used an ice machine for all knee surgeries.) They are so reluctant to send home anything stronger, and this concerns me. I don’t want a 30 day supply, but I know something more is needed the first few days.
- Have some concerns about help at home afterwards. We have several dogs that don’t get along and I’m worried about hubby’s ability to wrangle them if I’m completely laid up. My other option is to rehab at my elderly mother’s house with some of the dogs, but I’m afraid it might be a burden on her. Both hubby and mom are “sure it will be fine,” but I am not so sure.
If you were me, would you or wouldn't you?