I have had problems with my knees for years from a young age when i was diagnosed with Osgood Schlatters Disease. Since then my knees have gotten worse.
Back in 2010 i had to have my left Knee reconstructed. This was due to me snapping all the ligaments in my knee and this let the kneecap ‘Float’ free. So had to have the knee reconstructed and pinned into place. I Had 44 Staples, 3 screws and 6 internal staples put in. The knee kept giving way causing me to fall. I had the Surgery in April and was house bound for 5 months and in physiotherapy for a year. Although the knee is a lot better it still has some issues, but overall the surgery was a success. Was also told that in the future the other knee may need surgery.
This year my right knee starting playing up kept giving way or locking in position, which required several trips via ambulance to hospital. Have had X-rays and MRI scan on the right knee and Surgeon wants to operate and do a full reconstruction like i had in 2010.
However, I’m not sure if i want to have it done. I always said after the left knee reconstruction that i would never have the other one done. Yes it is causing issues and normally if i was in good health otherwise i would have it done. But this year i’m having a number of serious Mental health issues and I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to have the operation and go through the recovery at the moment.
I have spoken with my GP & my NHS Counselor about my concerns and they both said to go with what the surgeon suggests, but not not sure the surgeon knows the Mental Health issues. If i don’t have the operation now, then i will need to have it in the future.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Really not sure what to do for the best…. [whohit]Surgery-Required[/whohit]
Big hugs mister. Not an easy set of circumstances…
Just as a surgeon wants you to build up your physical strength before an operation, so you should build up your thoughts and feelings about the operation. You are the only one who can really tell if you feel strong enough to be ‘out of action’ physically for a long period. It will not be as bad as last time because you will know what to expect and be more in control but it will still be a major upheaval in your life. The operation has to be done at some time, and before more damage is caused, but you do not have to rush into it. Give it lots of thought until you are comfortable with your decision. Lots of support waiting for you when you are ready.
Try writing your concerns down and sending them to the consultant and his team. They may read them, they may not but you’ve raised your concerns. Yes being out of action is not good, but would it be easier with out the stress of hospital visits by ambulance and knee locks? When you are strong enough to think if only my right knee was like my left, then its time to seriously consider it. Until then, let the consultant and team know all the facts, they maybe able to give you more objective advice xxxx