In the month January I had finally come to a place where I knew it was time to do something with my arthritic knee. I could no longer enjoy a simple bike ride without significant swelling and difficulty in completing one pedal stroke. Knowing that the joint would never get better on it's own, I made an appointment with my ortho and I told him that I was ready for joint replacement and together we discussed the game plan.

In mid February I checked into the hospital and signed on the dotted line for my new knee. I had mourned the loss of my old knee and thanked it for being as dependable as it could be, given the arthritic changes that had occurred over a period of 30+ years. My leg was bowing somewhat and I had many bone spurs that kept me from fully flexing or extending my knee, not to mention several foreign bodies floating around and lodging against the nerve which caused intense pain and swelling. I came to realize that if I didn't have it replaced soon, it would soon take it's toll on my joints from overcompensating. I looked at the TKA as an insurance policy in that respect.

I was wheeled into OR and 1 hour 45 minutes later I emerged with a new prosthesis that would afford a better quality of life. As the anesthetic wore off, a smile slowly crept across my face and I laid there in bliss. My new life had begun and I had a new set of challenges ahead of me. I didn't care that there may be a series of hurdles to overcome because for once in my life the pain would lessen with each passing day, rather than increase. Gone were the days of popping ibuprofen before and after a simple bike ride. Or cringing in pain while seated in the backseat of a friend's car. Or limping from the table after enjoying a wonderful gourmet meal. No longer did I have to plan a life around limitations and the amount of pain I was willing to endure as a price. I am now free to explore life with a knee that helps me to walk a little taller and a little straighter.

The morning after the surgery my physical therapist took me for my first walk. As I gingerly took that first step, I remember thinking, "Wow! This knee just glides and works so smoothly!" I walked 500 feet my first day. No joint pain, just muscle stiffness and swelling. That afternoon as the PT worked my knee in passive range of motion, I remember how good it felt to bend it just a little more with each rep. My pain was managed quite well and even during therapy I felt it was a .5 on a scale of 0-10. I was quite fortunate to have had a femoral block as well as a transdermal pain delivery system that all but blocked the pain entirely. The only time I experienced discomfort was when I was hooked up to the constant passive motion machine where it would slowly bend and straighten my knee as I snoozed. For whatever reason, I just could not get comfortable in it and at the end of the session my knee and foot would swell tremendously.

I am now 11 days post op. The days that followed continued to amaze me in my recovery. By the time I left the hospital I could walk the east wing 3 times. My range of motion was -10 extension and and 110 flexion by day 7. I was able to pedal forwards on the stationary bike by day 8. The day that I did 5 minutes of pedaling I just grinned from ear to ear. I can pretty much manage the pain with just ibuprofen but as a precaution I am using the pain meds sparingly just to make sure I don't get behind with managing the pain well. I will get my staples out this coming week and I look forward to pedaling 10 minutes on the bike. Then 15. Then 30 minutes.

I know that part of the reason I have done so well with my post op recovery is due in part to my attitude, my goals, and the prayers spoken on behalf of friends and family. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to change what is broken and to make it better. I feel very fortunate to live in an era of advanced medicine. But most of all, I am thankful for my faith that brought me through this life changing event. I look forward to seeing the little victories of the day that will occur with each day that passes. I am blessed and I pray that if you are facing a similar circumstance that you will consider the risks and benefits by researching joint replacement thoroughly, talking with your doctor, and beginning your new journey of a life without debilitation.