I believe here is where I will be and so if anyone can help. I need new knees and see the surgeon on fri.

But I am scared to have the surgery--really scared.
My journey began with advanced Lyme and then a DX of FM. Eventually I ended up on disablity.

Since then, it has been found that I have 2 ruptered disks in lumbar area (controlled right now) and my knees are bone on bone.
The knee trouble is a family thing.

I also have diverticulitis (falling a part). I take Oxycontin 100mg per day.

My major concern besides just the normal fear of being put under is the pain--the added FM issues it will cause etc..

Any help would be wonderful.
Thanks
Debbie

Hi Bubbi ~

I know what you mean about surgery. The thought of it scares me too!

But just think how much better you will be when those knees are taken care of! I know what that pain is like ~ although I can't even get a Doctor to look at my knees right now ~ I put on a bit of weight when I was on Methadone and Neurontin ~ Since I switched to Kadian and went off the Neurontin I've lost some of the weight but not all yet.

I've seen three different Doctors now and they all seem to think if I get rid of the rest of the weight I've gained ~ I won't have any problems with my knees. They don't take into consideration that I fell twice, right smack down on both knees ~ Grrrr!

But that's enough about me ~ I really think once the surgery is over and you've gone through the post-surgical pain that you will feel much better. I know you think it will exacerbate your FM ~ and I don't know enough about FM to say it won't ~ but I think the relief you will get from the knee pain will out-weigh any other pain. Does that make sense?

Also, do you have a good Pain Doc? If so, make sure that you discuss all of these issues before the surgery.

I'm sorry if I wasn't much help ~ but I also wanted you to know I'm thinking of you ~ I remember you from the OBT ~

Love,
dadsgirl

I'm a walking train wreck, myself. I have a friend who had a knee replacement, and I think the recovery took some time, but she is in better shape than ever. So far, I haven't heard of anyone regretting a joint replacement.
Good luck...

Thanks, both of you. Dadsgirl--I remember you as well
The weight thing was an issue for me as well--they put off the surgery for a yr as I gained 35 pounds aftert getting sick. I have lost that but never being a small person to begin with--I dont know if it is enough--my primary doc seems to think so.

Well--I am at a place that is sort of a catch 22 because how can I loose more if it hurts to much to walk? If I eliminate anymore meals--that will be a whole other problem.

I have kept up low impact exercise--so I am still limber.
The surgery will flare the FM--thats just what happens but Yes, I have a good pain doc.

Hi Coyote--walking train wreck--yes--that works as a good description
I know several who have had this surgery and your right--all of them sing its praises.
Its the long recovery period that has me worried and being put under--I dont know why--I just am scared of being put under.

Anyway--the appt got changed to next thur. I will have to think about this but Yes--it would be nice to be able to walk and not worry that my knee will slip out and falling.

I feel for you!!! I am just afraid to go to have my teeth pulled. Can't imagine the panic that you must have. But...guess, if you are anything like me, you're too mean for them to to get you down for long. LOL...joke. Hope it gets behind you before you know it. I will be thinking of you.

sally

HI ya Bubbi. I figured it wouldn't be long until you woud be seeing a surgeon about your knees.

With FM, I always ask the anesthia guy/gal to give me a shot of demerol/morphine before heading to the OR.

Good Luck AND I HAVE MISSED YA!

Hugs To Ya!
Claudia

morning Debbie. I am ever so sorry abut all your health problems. Like you need more stress in your life? Just know I'm thinking og you and hope the visit Friday will take some of the fear and give you hope for better days.

You take care and don't over do with your caregiving. I'll be looking for an update , hoping it will be better than you hope for. my love, Jo

Silverlady, who posts mostly on peripheral neuropathy and sjorgren's, had both knees done and might have something to offer.