The Bees Knees

Today, Thursday May 30, 2013, I got caught off guard. Allow me to explain. I was scheduled for a six month evaluation on my knees. This included X-rays and a surgical consult.

Here is a little history. This would be my 4th visit over the past 2 years with this orthopedic surgeon. Usually the conversation consists of him telling me I’m too heavy, on too many steroids & immunosuppressant drugs, and too young for a total knee replacement surgery. Needless to say today’s expectations were not high.

Fast forward to today. With X-rays completed, I waited for the doctor. Running 45 minutes late, my number was finally called. Johnny tell him what he’s won…a move from the waiting room to waiting in “A” room. Following another hour wait, the doctor eventually comes to my door.

He manipulated my knees, asked about pain, mobility and medication. I told him about my recent surgeries, hip fracture, and weight loss. Then, we looked over the X-rays. The right knee looked decent minus some corrosion of the knee cap. The left leg was interesting. Many angles showed little too no damage except on the outside of my femur. The bended view exhibited a blatant deterioration of the femur.

Now, I am preparing for the “you’re too fat, too young, etc.,” speech but it doesn’t come. Instead he offers me a cortisone shot and explains that we could perform a total knee replacement and knee revision. I decline the shot. (Avoiding needles is a must.) Having surgery is completely my decision and for a change, there is a willing and able surgeon.

What does the replacement and revision entail? For starters, they need to remove the corroded portion of my femur and add a metal plate. This is the revision. The total knee involved stems (rods) into the bones for support, the removal of the knee joint and installation of the new.

What are the cons? 1. I will outlive the replacement. Replacements last 10-15 years and I just turned 35. 2. Infection. 3. Rejection. 4. Amputation. All risks I'm willing to take.

However, if surgery is successful, I could walk with less pain, go up and down stairs, exercise and have more fun with Gabe. My personal plan is to keep dieting. I want to drop another 15lbs, enjoy the summer with my son, and then schedule surgery in early autumn.

That is the long and short of it. I could go on about the great family time & celebration in St. Louis last week for Beau’s graduation or my first successful relationship since the divorce or how amazing my son is but I’ve written enough this evening.

Thanks for reading.
Cheers!