You take a lot of things for granted when you're younger. At one time, the biggest issue for my knees was skirt lengths. Now, I spend every day wondering how difficult walking, sitting, or sleeping will be for me. It all dates back to one moment around 12 years ago when I slipped on wet tiles in my bathroom and tore the meniscus in my left knee. An operation seemed to solve the problem and I was a very happy camper for many years. Then, trouble arrived. It turned out that the operation that solved the meniscus tear set me up for future problems. And the future is now. My left knee hurts horribly all the time, leading to severe hip pain, because I don't walk properly anymore. And my right knee hurts, because it feels lonely and wants attention too. Actually, it's been overworked, compensating for the left knee. I'm sure there are many people nodding their head as they read this, because they've gone through a similar experience.
My knee doctor (who hates knee surgery) tried all the non-surgical fixes: glucosamine and chondroitin, synovial fluid injections, cortisone injections, lidocaine patches, etc. Finally, he gave me a prescription for vicodin. It helps some with the pain, but mostly makes me very sleepy. So, I decided enough was enough and asked to be referred to an orthopedic surgeon. I want an knee replacement. I want to walk like a normal person, ride my bike, take yoga classes, and go to Italy. This Thursday I have an appointment with the surgeon, and I hope this is the first step in a more active, pain free life.
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