After years of pain from my torn meniscus to my quick degenerating arthritis in my knee, the time is quickly approaching. As you may (or may not) know, my better/healthier lifestyle began a few years ago. I have literally busted my ass, bled, cried, became frustrated, got overwhelmed, dieted, lost a lot of weight and gained quite a bit back when I had to severely cut back on my workouts.
I have been to countless doctors, I had a scope surgery to repair my meniscus, I have been on daily pain killers for the past 2 years, I have had Steroid injecteions, Euflexxa injections and Stem Cell (PRP) injections and unfortunately.... none of them gave me relief for more than a week or two. I've been tired of feeling this way. Tired of not being able to do the things that I want to do to maintain the lifestyle that I have come to adopt and enjoy so much.
After much discussion, a lot of research and every other alternative, my doctor sent me to see another Orth Surgeon, one that literally designed a popular artificial knee. I met with him earlier this week and it has been decided that I need a total knee replacement. I am only 42 years old. Some days that feels ancient... but doctors don't like to do joint replacements on patients this young because it will have to be done again at some point (20-25 years down the road).
As much as having the surgery scares me and really makes me nervous, I know that in the long run, it will help tremendously. I know that once I have had time to heal and go through therapy (and I will not push myself too hard too fast like I did after my last surgery).... I will be back to my old self, back to my old self again. Will I ever be 100%? Who knows.... but I hope so. I just know that anything is better than what I'm feeling now.
I'm also going to use this time to go back to the basics and focus on food.... I mean, it's not like I will be exercising and I don't want to gain any weight so I will cut back on my calories (because I won't need as much as I do now that I have lifting weights). I want to do the best that I can and get back to really feeling proud of myself for my accomplishments. With time, I will begin my therapy and reintroduce cardio, HIIT and weight lifting. I might not ever leg press 500 lbs again but I'm ready to set some new goals!
My family and friends are amazing and the best support I can ask for and I plan to document my progress to help me more than anything. :)
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