Total Knee Replacement Was Not A Total Solution For Me

It has been many years since my work injury. Three different surgical procedures, multiple therapies from hospital to inpatient rehab to home rehab to outpatient rehab never addressed full recovery. They never addressed the limitations or pain that the fall left me with either. Since that time my leg has not functioned properly. My activity level is limited–no high impact activities means no long walks, no bowling, no swimming. Even climbing stairs and showering remains difficulties.

My knee is the source of pain after I lie down. It stiffens. I have been prescribed a walker. I am forced to use a cane. I now have problems with the veins in my left leg. I experience swelling in the calf, ankle, and foot regularly. I cannot conscientiously take rx’s to alleviate the problems because they would complicate my other long term health factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

I did everything I could. I have modified my life activities. I have been subjected to injections including cortisone and synvic. I have been medicated. I have undergone stomach surgery to help me reduce my weight–all past attempts at weight loss failed. Even that has not solved the issues inherent with my knee injury. I want more than pain and physical limitations. The normal expectancy of a total knee replacement is 10 to 15 years.