Devra’s Story
Prior to surgery, it was extremely difficult for me to walk and use stairs. My knee locked up or gave out while I was walking. I was afraid to carry anything up or down stairs. I stopped going out with friends because I held everyone up because I was so slow. I didn’t go on hikes or shopping at the mall. It was just too much for me to do all that walking. I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep in, so I was always tired beyond belief. I found myself snapping at others for little things, then I got irritated with myself for snapping at people. Pain at that level is consuming and becomes the focus of your life. Nothing I tried stopped the pain.
My turning point came when I was going down the stairs, my knee gave out and I almost tumbled down them. It was scary and left me shaken. When the cortisone shots and other pain-relief options didn’t help any longer, I knew it was time to try something different. I investigated a partial knee replacement, and after consulting with my doctor, we decided together it was time to have the surgery. I wish I hadn’t put the surgery off for so long.
I am almost one-year post-surgery, and I am happy I did it. My knee doesn’t give out or lock up anymore, and the pain is gone. I am more mobile. I can walk normally now and keep up with my family and friends, and I’m sleeping better and not snapping at people.
Everyone experiences recovery in their own way. Mine wasn’t all smooth, and it probably took longer than other people’s recoveries. I wish I had started building my strength before the operation because that would have helped a lot. I went to all of my physical therapy sessions and did the home exercises as well. Never give up on your recovery.
