Well I went to the ortho doc today for my results from the MRI of the other knee...and it is the same as the right. OA/RA and a torn miniscus---so surgery for both. I have my right knee surgery scheduled for Sept 7th. It is going to be weird. I have never had surgery, stiches, nothing. This is all a new experience for me. As a nurse I know it is soooo minor, but still, I worry about the anesthesia....and flaring after surgery. But I am satisfied with the doctor...I researched orthos before choosing him. I am just being a weenie. I hope this will put a stop to the aching pain that I have had for the past 15 years.
Crunchy, are they doing a knee replacement or arthoscopy?
Your worries are valid. The only thing you can do is be very honest about all your medical conditions. Be sure to list your bad reactions to medicines, like the Enbrel and your current problems with the Humira. The anesthiaologist will take all of this into consideration in the medicines that they give.
You may also be able to opt for a nerve block, depending on the surgery. Plan things before and afterwards so that you have help there when you need it and you have arranged your house for easy getting around.
There's a lot of web sites out there that can tell you how to prepare. Also, talk to your Rheumy about the medicines before and after the surgery and what do if you flare. You might flare, which you can't help, but you can prepare for it.
If you want, I will look up all the sites that I've found on knee surgery.
If they do arthoscopic instead of a total knee, that's a lot less recovery time. That's what they said they could do on my knees and my shoulder. I am estactic at that news.
So, tell me more. You don't have to go through this alone. Several people here have either had the surgery or are being scheduled for it.
I'm waiting to do mine until I get my COBRA in place. But I don't think I'll wait much past that. The thought of having relief and actually going for walks again sounds too marvelous to comprehend.
Crunchy it will be good to have the surgery over with. I haven't had any myself but several friends have with success. My husband had no trouble with his arthroscopic on both knees at the same time. He walks circles around me. Good luck to you. My prayers are with you.
Okay....I am just having the arthroscopic done, and the doc said I will be allowed to walk on it the same day, but he is sending me home with crutches too. He said within a few days I will be walking around fine.
I did go to the Arthritis Foundation web-site and they have a little animation of the procedure. Not real detailed, but okay.
I would like to do both at the same time, but the surgeon advised against it and since I have the additional risk of the flare..I am going to do one at a time.
I do have a choice between the spinal and general anesthesia....I am opting for general. It is easier...just an IV...a little Versed, Fentynal, Bupvicane cocktail and nighty night. The procedure only takes 20 min so I wont be fully intubated or anything like that. Doc says that most people choose the general so you go home sooner. With the spinal you have to stay at the hospital until you can walk, which is 6-8 hrs. With general, you are on your way home in 2-4 hrs post op.
I do have to stop all anti-inflammatories 8 days pre-op...no biggie...they dont work anyways when I do take them. The MTX and what ever else doesnt work either...so I dont really have a problem holding anything untill after surgery.
I think you'll be fine. I am going to have the arthoscopic on my knees and I'm thrilled at that instead of the total knee.
You know my knees being so difficult does make a difference in how I feel overall. Once your knees are done, you may find an improvement in how you feel. At least you will be able to walk again.
I am hoping that is true...I worry that I carry myself differently either because of my feet or my knees. At least I can fix one....Crunchy,I had 2 scopes on my left knee and 1 on my right,the sports doc i went to (later found out) does the scope on everybody that comes in his office and thats what messed me up cause I didn't really need it,but if thats what you need to have done I hope it goes well,its not so bad,usually your up and walking the next day,I just had a bad experience and bad doctor,I hope it helps you good luckHey There!
Hello to all! "crunchy," It's "normal" to have some apprehension before any type of a "procedure!"
I, personally, would choose the "spinal." It seems the general cangive a muli-day "hangover." Or so..that has been my experience! My husband's grandfather has recently had his hip replaced using only a "spinal!" Amazing! I think there might be fewer systemic complications with a "spinal????" I am not sure. It's great you have some time to think about this! I am just checking in shortly here. I have been "straight out" with the "real estate" search and "inspectons," property research, etc. One more "inspection" on a property today. If we do not "go" with this one, we are taking a break from the "search!' We are both VERY tired!
Blessings!
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