I saw an orthopedic knee specialist today. I liked the
doctor very much. She talked with me for quite a long time
about my symptoms, looked at the recent X-Rays, poked and
prodded my knees and hip, and said she would be willing to
do bi-lateral knee-replacement surgery on me any time after
next January (she is due in October and is taking three
months leave). However, she said my knees are really not so
bad yet that I *need* to have this surgery, and she isn't
sure (cannot guarantee) that knee replacement will
ameliorate the severe hip pain which is really my main
concern.
She also said that having both done at once is doable but
hard: more pain, much longer recovery, and much more PT.
She said I would definitely have to have 24 hour care for at
least a week after leaving the hospital,and need
twice-weekly PT for at least three months. And I would not
be able to drive *at all* during that time. I knew there
was a good reason for avoiding surgery!
She recommends I see a physical therapist for now, in order
to try to improve the strength and condition of both thigh
muscles, and wait to have knee replacement until I am having
a lot of pain *in my knees*.
Beverly, kinda relieved, actually....
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