Several years ago, my rheumatologist told me that within 10 years time that I would require double knee replacement. Well, the first one will occur within the next week, and will be performed by Dr Peter Brooks at the Cleveland Clinic.
The surgery scares me a bit. They have this “Rapid Recovery” program, with an emphasis on education. Personally, I think they share too much. I nearly ran away and said, “Forget it!” Somehow, I pushed through and am having it done next Thursday.
So what scares me is the notion of a systemic infection causing damage to the unit, necessitating removal. In extremely rare causes, amputation has been the end result. Most people seem to do fine with the procedure, and most seem much more comfortable with the new joint, than their original knee. Our knees wear out and the replacement units do too. The average lifetime of the replacement units is 15 to 20 years, but some people keep them for 30 to 40 years. Holy moly do I ever hope mine lasts a long time.
The other thing that creeps me out is you have to take your advanced directives to the hospital just in case. That’s always unpleasant!
After my back surgery, my doctor, Elena Boruhk, MD, told me that many of her patients are too frightened to do a big surgery like this one. She told me, I was brave! Apparently, it is my bravery that allows me to push through.
Do you have any surgeries that you are putting off? Is there any cost to putting it off? What causes you to put it off? Do you think the surgery is in your best interest? Do you want to have it? What could make it happen for you, if you do indeed want the results that are likely with the surgery? Who needs to help you with this decision?
Best of luck, if you do decide to push forward.
Lisa J Lafave, PhD, MBA, ACC, BCC
CEO & Founder of Coaching Rocks, LLC
The Wellness Coach at Building Better Bodies Rocks
A Single Mom By Choice Raising Surrogacy Twin Boys
Written in My Little Brick in University Heights, Ohio
Leap Into Action!