Story Details

I should have had knee replacement surgery YEARS ago. What was holding me back was my weight. In the past, doctors told me that I need to first lose 100 lbs. WOW! That sounded like an impossible challenge. I would try, but would fail.

So, I suffered. Not only was I in pain, but I was losing out on life - and it affected my family.

Now that I'm on Medicare, I decided to give it another shot. Over the years the pain has become unbearable. Walking a few yards was near impossible.

I went to an ortho surgeon and he could see from the x-rays that I was in a lot of pain. He told me I had to lose weight first - but only 40lbs. I could get behind that. 40lbs was a more achievable goal.

In 4 months I lost 47lbs, and I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb. 24th. I can't believe this is really going to happen.

But I have a feeling it's not going to happen. Yesterday I felt a sore throat and a cough coming on. I'm not supposed to take any meds this week - so I'm getting worried.

Thanks for reading my story...

Eydie :)

Comments

truckama

I went to one Orthopedic surgeon that they set my appt with and he was a pure a**. He walked in room and first thing he said to me was "you need to go starve yourself". He never explained the xrays of my knees at all. My husband and I were trying our best knock to knock him out onto the floor. We walked out. I later called for appt to see my husbands dr. Best thing I have ever done. He automatically explained what was going on with my knees in full detail. He did say that the hospitals have a regulation that requires patients before having surgery be at a 40 BMI because of health issues. I had already lost a lot of weight prior to his visit by going to the Bariatric Center and being put on a high protein diet. I drank a lot of Premier Protein Shakes with 1 or 2 meals daily. Dr was only able to give me cortisone shots until I was able to get down to the required BMI. I have already had my left knee replaced back in September 2016 and am already loving having no pain in my left leg. I am now going into my 4th week of having my right knee replaced. Therapy is going well, I just need to remind myself to slow down and not rush it. Before all of this was able to happen, I had to lose a lot of weight over the past years since I was on the verge of 400lbs, and let me tell you it was not easy at all. Just a lot of determination and willpower and support. By the time I was able to have my left knee replaced, with the help from the staff of the Bariatric Center, I finally made it down to 248lbs and still holding at that now. I still want to lose at least another 100lbs so once I get my right knee to the point of no pain also, more exercise and diet will continue. To stay positive throughout the whole surgery process you need an excellent dr that is very informative and is there with you every step of the way. My dr and his assistant were awesome.

mesagal

WOW!!!! Congrats on your weight loss! It's to easy. I lost 47 pounds and I'm sure I should have lost more. Weight is a life long issue for some of us. I'm proud of you for doing so well.

Sounds like you don't have patience -- just like me. I want healing to happen overnight. LOL I know that it's unreasonable to feel that way. I have to dig deep down inside of me to find my patience - so that I don't overdo the exercises.

Yes, stay positive and continued success!

Eydie :)

Hilldo369

eydie, I also have a cold now but surgery is still almost three weeks away. were you able to have your surgery with your cold?

mesagal

Hi Hilldo369---- sorry I didn't see your comment sooner. Haven't been on this site for quite some time. Yes, I had the surgery because it turned out that it was allergies. Whew!

How about you? How did your surgery go?

Eydie :)

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