My aching knees

**Becky Sue** · March 17, 2006, 10:44 PM

Re: My aching knees

((((((((((Becky))))))))))
I hate that you are having all this pain in your knees. I hope you get relief soon.

My mom has had one knee replaced and is wanting to get her other knee replaced. I take her to see her surgeon, mar 28th. Then we'll see what the plan is to be.

I hope the new doctors have some answers for you. Ones that don't require surgery.

**Labarum** · March 18, 2006, 01:41 AM

Re: My aching knees

Sorry to hear your news.

Walking must be off the menu at the moment - what about swimming or cycling? If you're not up to a bicycle, you can get grown up tricyles.

**gaylecda** · March 18, 2006, 01:46 AM

Re: My aching knees

I too am sad to hear of the news of your knees, I hope you get up and kicking soon. Other than water aerobics, your exercise is probably limited for the time being. Keep your chin up though. All good things will come to you in the end

**Lady_Hawke** · March 18, 2006, 03:42 AM

Re: My aching knees

Becky

I'm so sorry your knee's are causing you such pain.
There is one positive side to getting your knees replaced - once you heal, they'll be no stopping you! The bionic woman!!!
Water aerobics or swimming sounds like the exercise for now - Is there an indoor pool by your house you can use?
Love ya!!!

**ttdriver** · March 18, 2006, 05:19 AM

Re: My aching knees

BECKY!!

I'm so sorry .. I can't imagine the pain you are dealing with! I hope you will get the replacements soon and be back out there getting those miles in!! Swimming does sound like a great alternative for now!!

Take care and let us know how things are progressing!

Betty

**dreamof145** · March 18, 2006, 09:36 AM

Re: My aching knees

Thanks everyone. I have looked into swimming. The nearest pool is about 3 miles from my home -- which I intend to start going to. Right now a car to get there is an issue. I'm working on a lady who lives by me to see if she'll do water aerobics with me. I told her I'd pay for them if she goes and drives me. She said she'd think about it. (fingers crossed).

I would love to cycle. But, I can't bend my knees very well. Its really hard to explain how they work (or don't work). Each time I do bend them, they *knock or *scrape causing pain. The doctor said my x-rays show spurs which are also causing pain. She said all the cushing in my knees is gone completely. I thought it was from the walking and swimming I did vigorously a few years ago, but doctor said this is hereditary, so guess I have my family genes to blame. But she also pointed out that the weight loss is a *plus for me and that it would actually hurt more if I were still 285 pounds.

**2big4mysize** · March 18, 2006, 10:26 AM

Re: My aching knees

I knew exactly what you are saying. I have bad knees and was ready to have them replaced in 2004 cause of all the pain but the knee doc I was said he thought he could give me some relief scoping them and cleaning up the joint. I got taller after the surgeries cause I had been inadvertantly bending the knee to keep from feeling so much pain.

I still can't run on them nor can I bike cause the down stroke is very painful but I can walk now. I need to eventually get them replaced but for now they are functional. Your doc may prescribe some specail exercises to realign your knees as you may have overdeveloped the muscles on one side of your lewg and not have good balance. I know I pulled my thighs crooked from all the leg muscle I had playing ball and had to really work after the surgery to balance the muscles.

Does your town have a transportation system? MIne has a shuttle that we can use to arrange regular transportation and doctor appointments. one of my neighbors uses it to go to the aquatic center to workout 3 times a week.

Will be praying for your knees.

**barbarainholland** · March 19, 2006, 05:14 AM

Re: My aching knees

Hi everyone. I skip around boards, and I'm sorry I do that, but I fit so many...over 50+, second time around, etc. I need all of the help I can get. I just had a knee operation, and not able to get around with a limp at the time. I had a motorcycle accident in the 70s and ruined the knees. Not much better after this operation other than less pain, still not able to move them without some movement inside. Dr said it would only get worse, due to age and nothing much left in there after accident. I was using that to not exercise, but thanks to you ladies, I WILL make an effort to go to the swimming pool for some movement. I had not thought of that for awhile so you juggled my brain. I will have to walk aways to get to it but no problem, slow and easy. I'm not doing the best on low carb, but hanging in there. I had sausage and egg omelet for breakfast, a bowl of chicken soup for lunch and lots of water. Dinner will be chicken and a vegetable/salad. I'm at 200 lbs. which doesn't help knees; any tips will help me. I live in Holland so am isolated from any friends, family due to Dutch language problem. Any friends online would be a blessing. Good luck with knee problems and I'll pray that each of you have wisdom on what to do.

**BoxerMom** · March 19, 2006, 07:34 AM

Re: My aching knees

Becky-
I work for an orthopedist who replaces lots of knees and I know there is cartilage in your knees that keeps the bones from grinding and rubbing together. Age, lifestyle, family history, and weight can cause the cartilage to wear away over time. The cartilage does not have the ability to make new cells to replace the damaged tissue so over time the cushion between the bones wears away and causes the pain and dscomfort you are experiencing.

The knees also support the weight of our body and get the most wear and tear. The heavier we get increases the pressure and damage to the knee. The most unfortunate problem with knees and weight is it becomes a vicious circle of pain. If people have sore knees they can't exercise to lose weight and as they gain weight it creates more pain on the knees.

You have lost a incredible amount of weight

and it will do wonders to help you if you choose to go ahead with the replacement. The recovery time for knee surgery takes several months and it isn't something anybody "wants" to do but eventually do it because the quality of their life goes down from the constant pain and not being able to do activities they normally enjoy. There are some lifestyle changes that go with an artificial joint but your doctor would be the one to tell you the pros and cons of surgery.

Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope you are able to do some water exercising in the near future.

**sombersusie** · March 19, 2006, 08:58 AM

Re: My aching knees

Hi Becky! I'm am so sorry to hear about your pain. I think being well is something most people take for granted until something starts hurting! My inlaws have both had knee replacements, upon finishing the latest one my fil said that it already felt better. The pain from the surgery was better than the constant day to day pain. (but then maybe it was the pain killers talking...) Anyway, i hope you find what works best for you and you can put the pain behind you to live freely again.
best wishes hon!

**Becky Sue** · March 19, 2006, 09:42 AM

Re: My aching knees

Becky,
I talked to my mom about her knee replacement surgery. Like Susie stated in the previous post, my mom said that horrible pain of the bone on bone pain is gone. You will notice that that pain is gone, just as soon as you wake from the surgery.
She did say that the knee replacement requires physical therapy to get your mobility back. She said this is a bit rough, but as dedicated to getting healthy, you will breeze right thru this.
Of Course, when you and only you decide it is time to get them replaced.
If you want to talk directly to my mom, just let me know and I will send you her number.
Praying for your knees. Wishing you were painfree!

**dreamof145** · March 19, 2006, 10:32 AM

Re: My aching knees

I so appreciate your post to my aching knees post. It is exactly as you've said. The doctor told me that the cushion is gone, completely in both knees. Since the pain has increased over the past few months, I can barely get around. I am still doing the WOE and doing upper body exercise and some walking. So, I know that surgery will limit me almost completly.

I believe in Atkins and I know it works. I will have to be strong and just pray that if I have to have the surgery...I will maintain my weight and not go higher. I will keep positive and realize that it is temperary and after the several months of rest...I will be able to once again hit the roads (sidewalks) and walk my way down to goal.

Thanks so much to all of you for your support and your words. They mean a lot to me. I will not give up my WOE. I will not give up my fight to get healthy and stay there. Thanks everyone!!!

**BoxerMom** · March 19, 2006, 10:41 AM

Re: My aching knees

Becky-
You will make it through this. If you pursue surgery, stay focused on the end result: Knees that will get you where you want to be.

**Analog6** · March 19, 2006, 05:43 PM

Re: My aching knees

Becky, very timely that I read this today. In a magazine that I get there was a story about a lady who had a knee replacement and turned out to be allergic to the metals used in it (very rare!). Sufered horrendous pain and swelling. So they tried another type and she was allergic to that too! Her advice was anyone comtemplatng one get a metals allergy test done first. If you'd like me to send you the article PM me tour snail mail address.
Swimming/water aerobics sounds like the go for the moment. Thank god you lost all that weight, imagine how bad they would have been otherwise.

Announcement

My aching knees

My aching knees

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment