Hi Mela,
My ortho said if the pump took care of my knees great, but if not then I will be looking at knee replacements, both knees.The only thing the pain pump has done for my knees is make me realize how bad they really are. When I was having so much pain everywhere else, I knew my knees were very stiff, swollen and they hurt. But once I got the pain level down, I really realized just how bad they actually are. I had an appt w/ortho Tues and felt too bad to go. I have to call & get an appt. But, I sort of have my own plan. I have a pool here at my home and I want get in it and exercise these knees to see if I can build them up somehow. My PCP is in total agreement, along with pain mgt dr. But, now I have to wait for this cyst thing to heal up, before that it was the incisions in my back and stomach from having the pain pump put in. Its hard for me to get up & down out of a chair, in & out of a car, up & down stairs, walking in my yard is instant bad pain, the uneveness kills me, up & down off the pot, walking very much, I mean I walk with a cane but I am really limited with these knees.It wouldn't be so bad if it was one knee but I couldn't have been that lucky. If I set very long its excruciating to try and stand up.
My sister in Oklahoma has begged me not to have any more surgery for at least a year. She says I need to give my body time to heal from all of the surgeries I have had in the past 12 months and I agree with her. I have had surgery on both knees and then the pump put in in the past 12 months so I really believe I need time. Plus, I am not sure I have my head on right about the knee replacements, and thats a must anytime you are in need of surgery.
What about you, can you get into your dr with this flare or do you have meds to take to try and get it under control? Let me know. Hugs & love, Susie