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must make a decision about knee - need help/input....please

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Posted 7/18/2006 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday, the 19th of July.  I injured (rather reinjured) my knee on May 28.  We did x-rays, an MRI, we even waited until I had two addition Remicade infusions.  I'm still in pain and hurt when I walk.  So, Wednesday we have to make a decision on what to do.  Since I'm a teacher, school will be starting soon and I Supartz injections at regular intervals.  Supartz is replaceable joint fluid.I did this in my other knee to bide time until we could do that replacement.  It is paintful as the needles are HUGE!!!!!  Or, the doctor can operate on my knee and just clean it out.  That is a quick fix or so it seems.  My doctor has given me both options as rather equal choices.  And yes next summer, I will be getting a knee replacement.  I've already had 5 surgeries on this knee 3 scopes, 1 surgery to reconstruct it (called a high tibial osteotomy) and 1 surgery to remove the screws and plate.  Has anyone had any of these done or are familiar with this type of situation.  Do you have any opinion?  I need some advice or thoughts from you.  I believe it would help me make my decision.  My husband says it's my body, my leg, I should decide if I want to do surgery or not.  He supports me whatever I do.  When I fell back in May, you all were so great to help me know what would be the best thing to do, well......I need you again.  I need relief from the pain and something that will get me through until May.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...................WHAT DO YOU THINK??????????????????????????

Thanks for your input!

Posted 7/18/2006 1:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hi DeeJane,

I don't have any experience with the type of injury you have, or with the options you face.  But if the surgery will provide a semi-permanent fix (at least until you have knee replacement next year), I might consider that option.  To have to go in for  painful injections every month or so does not sound attractive to me.  I'd rather deal with the pain and risk of surgery and get it all over with at once.  Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Elcamino

Posted 7/18/2006 1:52 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Deejane,

Oh God what a thing to decide.  If it were me...I would go for the surgery to clean out the knee.  It might be more invasive, but I feel in the end it would actually pose less a risk of infection & complication & pain than the repeated intra articular knee injections.

I hate the process of the joint injections...and given the choice I would opt for a joint replacement if I was offered one!

When do you have to give final notice?

The best to you!

erin 

Posted 7/19/2006 12:10 AM (GMT 0)

I see my orthopedist tomorrow afternoon so we'll talk then.  I'm really hoping we can make some kind of decision.  I'm in alot of pain....I'm getting sharp, shooting pains now.  I know that's not too good.  But, we'll see tomorrow afternoon.  I'll let you all know something when I get home.  Thanks for your input and support.  I do appreciate it.

Posted 7/19/2006 3:56 PM (GMT 0)

:-)  hi deejane,

please, when you get home & have time...let us know how everything went.

i hope you got some guidance & advice.

Posted 7/20/2006 12:48 AM (GMT 0)

Hi all!  Well, I saw my orthopedic surgeon today and it looks like I will have surgery.  We're going to wait until next summer to do a knee replacement.  I already have a knee replacement in my other knee.  The doc doesn't think I'm quite ready for a replacement in the left knee so that's a good thing.  I also don't feel like I'm ready for that yet.  He didn't even discuss the injections today...said they were not an option, after looking at my MRI again.  There's just too much damage in the meniscus.  I think I will wait until the end of August or the first of September to have the surgery because it is close to school beginning here.  I am responsible for the new teachers on my campus and I'd like to get them going on the right track before I have to be off.  He said that amount of time won't make any difference, at this point.

 

However.....I had a bit of a reaction to my Remicade infusion yesterday - itching, hives, and really bad nausea.  That's never happened before.  So, they're going to add some other meds to my pre-meds for next infusion.  Anyway, what a week it's been!!

Posted 7/20/2006 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
My hubby just had his 2nd knee replaced.By the time it hurts to walk it's already bone on bone.Have the surgery you will be glad you did.Just make sure you follow the Drs.&therapists instructions to the letter.They know what they are doing.
Posted 7/20/2006 1:53 AM (GMT 0)

You're probably right there.  It's already bone on bone.....since I've have 5 surgeries.  I've had one knee replacement and it really did make a huge difference in the other knee so I guess I do have alot to think about.  Thanks for your thoughts!

Posted 7/20/2006 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
dear deejane,

any relief now that a decision's been made?  at the least, one less thing to think about until...next month! tongue wow, hats off to ya sista!  no matter how many surgeries...i still get very apprehensive each time before you go "under".  they should put people out when they're outside the OR.  i like the OR...just not if i'm on the table.

lots of blessings and well wishes from now till your surgery.

you're very brave!

erin

Posted 7/21/2006 8:13 AM (GMT 0)
dear erin,

Yes, I do feel better now than the decision has been make.   I'm trying to see if my schedule will allow me to have the surgery sooner than later.    I, too, HATE the table in the surgery room.  I always ask for pre-meds because otherwise my blood pressure get too high.  Good excuse, anyway,,,

 

Posted 7/21/2006 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
hey dee,
when i was doing my OR rotation in nursing school...it was sooooo cool. i was apprehensive at first because you know, i have mobility issues & it required you to be on your feet for the surgeries. but it was so much fun! and ya got to sit too! on a stool on the ground but sitting at least.
it was a BIG ankle break and broken leg! they had drills, saws, hammers, nails! hah...it was like being at the mechanics! and it is freezin in that room!
take care deejane.
Posted 7/25/2006 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,I to am looking at having total knee replacement as well on my left knee it is shot bone to bone and I have had shot's to replace fluid lost but like you it has gone so fare that nothing is doing any good.My Ortho wanted me to do two months ago but I decided to put it off untill the end of September because of some other health issues that need attention.
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