Degenerative Joint Disease Support Group
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. OA is the most common form of arthritis.
My mother is in her mid-fifties and having her knees replaced this year - one in December and the other in June. I understand the toll this will place on her as an individual, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. I want to help her, but she is convinced that I will be her slave throughout her recovery time. She tried to talk Dad into getting a ramp set up for the three back steps, a brand-new wheelchair for her recovery, and a special chair to lift her up and lower her while she rests. She maintains that I will have no life outside work and the home during her six weeks of recovery because she will need help with every little thing (getting up and around, going to the bathroom... My life will, "revolve around wiping her bottom" as she puts it) and can't possibly take care of herself. However, my aunts and my friends who have had the surgery have informed me that this is the worst possible scenario for my mother; they say she will lose all mobility in her legs if her expectations are to be carried out. What's true? Will she need tons and tons of help, or will babying her leave her worse off than before? If so, how do I demonstrate tough love and make her work on getting better without being cruel?
ann54
i am 58 and had my knee replaced last October. i definetly needed help the first 2 weeks, my husband has been deceased for a long time. my daughter came to stay to help with icing and such, but i had to get up and move as much as possible. she was there to watch out for me, help doing household things as the pain the first 2 weeks is out of sight. one should start therapy right in the hospital and get home therapy until you can drive and then go to OP therapy. movement is key, babying would be the worst thing. she will not be able to walk if she has lifts and wheel chairs. i had a walker in the beginning, the first 2 weeks was out walking short distances very early with therapist and moved to a cane before i knew it. mobility is key. has your mom said these things to her doctor? if he is any good he will tell her not to do what she is saying or he wont do the surgery, it will be a waste of everything. time for tough love, be there, your dad is there but she has to get up and move. best of luck
Ann60
I am having a knee replacement Feb 8, 2016. I should have had it a long time ago. If a person isn't mobile and doing the exercises in therapy and at home also then the surgery will be wasted. I heard of a woman who wouldn't do the exercises because they were too painful and she can't walk right today. I live alone with 2 dogs and only have my married daughter to help me. I will do all I can on my own. It's hard for me to be dependent on anyone but I know I have to be. I can't even drive for 4-6 weeks. Someone will have to take me to my hour long physical therapy. I am 69 years old, will be 70 in October. I had a hip replacement in 1991. I wonder how long a knee replacement should work. I keep forgetting to ask.
Ann60
I am having a knee replacement Feb 18, 2016. I should have had it a long time ago. If a person isn't mobile and doing the exercises in therapy and at home also then the surgery will be wasted. I heard of a woman who wouldn't do the exercises because they were too painful and she can't walk right today. I live alone with 2 dogs and only have my married daughter to help me. I will do all I can on my own. It's hard for me to be dependent on anyone but I know I have to be. I can't even drive for 4-6 weeks. Someone will have to take me to my hour long physical therapy. I am 69 years old, will be 70 in October. I had a hip replacement in 1991. I wonder how long a knee replacement should work. I keep forgetting to ask.
Inconinmiss
I had my right knee replaced three years ago (2013). I used a cane to limp around for about 6 weeks and had a course of specialized Physiotherapy for 6 weeks. Before the replacement, I was in severe pain with every step I took. My replacement knee has completely elimated that. Having the replacement was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has made it possible for me to be fully active once again.
Join the Conversation