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Anyone with FMS have a knee replacement?

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 4/19/2023 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all. I've been refusing to have a knee replacement for over 10 years. My lower right leg was even bowed out and I limped. It got to the point of not being able to go many places or stand for very long. Well, I finally "gave in" and had it replaced almost 3 months ago. Just curious if anyone else has had a knee replacement, and if you thought your FMS impacted your recover?
I was actually surprised at how quickly I could walk without using a cane or walker. But..........it's still a rough recovery, in that my muscles/tendons, etc., are hard to keep stretched out around that knee. I'm on a knee replacement facebook forum and it's amazing how long the process of healing can be even for people without FMS.....maybe even up to a year, post surgery. Anyhow.......long story even longer.......have any of you had a knee replacement before and did you think having FMS slowed your recovery down at all? Thanks!
Posted 4/21/2023 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I haven’t had knee replacement surgery but I had had major surgery several times and fibro hasn’t caused more pain. When I had my entire colon and part of my small intestines removed, I was Christmas shopping at the mall 11 days after surgery with 89 staples in me that had t been removed yet.

I think attitude plays a huge part. I don’t expect to be in excessive pain so many times I seem to be able to handle it better. I have had occasions when I have had excessive pain and that’s when I search to see how I can handle the situation. Obviously I push myself to do things because I truly believe if you don’t use it you lose it.

Knee surgery…actually any weight bearing joint that needs to be replaced will be difficult but people have these surgeries done every day. If it’s a quality of life issue then I would go for it. The sooner you go for it the sooner you will be back on your feet and able to do the things you want to do. I am assuming you will only be having one knee done. Do remember everyone is different and how they heal and get on their feet is different for everyone. I had a friend have a hip replacement and they had her up and walking the day after surgery!

Below are two articles from the Mayo Clinic that could help you.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-it-time-for-a-total-knee-replacement

Sherrine
Posted 4/26/2023 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherrine! I'm hanging in there. I have to say, in spite of some on-going pain, I absolutely love being able to walk again! Thanks again for your support!
Posted 6/26/2023 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
I needed both knees done, had them 8 weeks apart and the surgery was extensive. Surgeon had to remove my knee caps and scrape out the bone spurs along with some other stuff. Oxy did nothing for the pain so after a discussion my doctor told me to try cannabis. I have been on medically prescribed cannabis since 2012 so upping the dosage for post surgery pain was workable. Right knee had two wound infections, incision wouldn’t close, I was having all kinds of fun!

That was four years ago and pain and all, IT WAS WORTH IT! I can walk through a big store without pain and no longer ride in the handicapped carts. I don’t even think about walking anymore. I just do it.

One important piece of advice: I asked my therapist what the best way to aid my healing was and he said, “Sleep on your back every night.” So I followed his advice and things have gone well. Healing for a fibro can take twice as long because of pain issues but just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
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