My own experience... Here and there over the last 10 years I had a little knee pain, initially, used over the counter Ibuprofin. Then saw a general physician and got 800mg Motrin. 18 months ago, I finally saw an orthopedic. When his PA brings up the XRays and asks, "when do you want to schedule that replacement", made a HUGE impression on me. At that time, I still had cartilage in my left knee. So I had a round of Cortisone followed a couple weeks later by gel injection series. I made it through last winter, but by spring I went back for the gel. Went through the series again in May, and by July I couldn't tell I'd had any. New Xray showed bone on bone. And wearing grooves. Until that moment, I had hoped I could make it another 2 years on gel.

So last Monday, I said goodbye to my original knee. I'm still wondering if I did the right thing with the replacement. But my current resting pain level is a world less than a week ago. The next morning, therapy had me on my feet. Just a little. About 30 steps. Gawd that was work. Then 2 hours with my leg strapped intop a CPM machine . This torture device moves your leg and knee from -5* extension to 110*. I haven't passed 90 yet though. I hope to be there in a few more days. Anyway, Wednesday was more of the same, but more walking and more time on the machine.

Thursday, I got to come home. And, even though I thought I had prepared my house better, I couldn't believe how hard it is to get about. Still good to be home. Friday, the Home Health nurse admitted me, so I will have my dressing changed at home twice a week for a couple weeks. Nice. And I have a close friend that will doing my therapy. I KNOW she won't take it easy on me. And she knows what I like to do and want to do, since our families go camping together.

How things stand tonight. My home is multi-level, hey, I thought it was a great layout when I bought it... On this level, it is 2 steps down into the garage where I have a beer fridge full of water, juices and food. This level, is where my recliner is, a microwave, and a restroom. Yesterday, I managed the 5 steps up to the kitchen and living room. From here it is 5 steps down the front steps out the front door.... I still haven't attempted the 9 additional steps to my bedroom... Maybe tomorrow.

My wife is having medical issues of her own, so I am almost on my own. Friends have dropped by, which are always appreciated. And a neighbor drops off food now and again...

So the moral of the story here, if you have pain in the knee, see an orthopedic doc. The earlier the better. Had I seen one 10 years ago, I might not have ruined this knee. Or, I might have been able to push this replacement off another couple years. Also, bad genetic were in play, I remember my great grandfather on a cane, my grandfather had both knees replaced about 25 years ago, 2 uncles have had knees replaced. And my dad has been working with an orthopedic doc the last couple years, but will probably replace one next year.

Goals. Once my therapy is over, and I can get my knee wet, off to the gym and swimming. And weight training with my therapist/friend's approval. I suppose I should use the membership for more than the Jacuzzi... Come Spring, back on the bike. This time next year, I would like to 50 pounds lighter. I weighed 303 this morning. About 50 pounds would be good. But will take what I get. Planning a dietary change along with this, and look forward to working with my wife on this.