Im 79 years old with upcoming knee surgery ... maybe.
I would like it now while I may not have (as many hopefully) side effects and mental probs that I might have when I'm older.
I would like to let my husband know what kind of problems caregivers have experienced with loved ones who have had hip or knee surgery.
Just know that the phys therapy will make all the difference in ur recovery, (& it's painful to do the work at first). Choose ur rehab site carefully, that's where u likely get the PT.
You shouldn't do stairs when u first go home, so arrange your home accordingly. Hope all goes well 4u:)
My Dad, who was 90 at the time went to an orthopedic doctor to see if he could help as Dad was having bone on bone knee issue, thus painful to walk. Right away the doctor wanted to sign Dad up for surgery. Thank goodness Dad say "no" as later I heard it would have taken Dad a year to get back to normal due to his age.
Dad was looking for anything new medicine wise. This was before doctors started using a gel that can be injected into the knee to help with the pain. I realize every case is different.
you just have to make up your mind that you WILL recover, and put your will to making that happen. The burden on your husband will not be long if you get up and walk and not let this become a permanent disability
On both occasions she refused to properly prepare the house with equipment the surgeons told her to put in place - grab bars, raised toilet set, etc. which left her children scrambling. She also refused to prehab or rehab. Wouldn’t do any of the stretches or exercises. None. She expected an instant, magic fix with NO WORK on her part. Then she became overly reliant on pain meds. It was a nightmare for me.
Finally - and this night sound condescending, sorry - but be sure you really, really need the surgery. My mothers hip surgeon told her she was boarder line but she insisted - rather than try the physical therapy he recommended. See Magic Fix.
Anyhoo - she wound up with one leg shorter than the other (they say this happens)!which further messed up her bad back.
In the end - she was worse off than if she had not had the surgery.
Ive seriously considered waiting but im lazy and probably wont get better at that and also think the pain is not going to get better either than it is and i’ll just be worse later so i want to get it over.
i’m so sorry your mom wouldnt let you help her get better.
My biggest advice to YOU is: do your pre-hab! Get your muscles stronger so that your post-op rehab will be that much easier. My mother was a bit weak and her other knee should be replaced too so it was hard for her to get up, etc. because she basically didn't have a good leg to stand on. And after your surgery you must do as much PT as possible to get stronger quickly.
She ended up in a rehab facility for a week after 2 nights in the hospital so that she could get strong enough to get back in the house on her own.
Take your pain meds but don't overdo it. Take them to keep ahead of the pain but also try to back off from them as soon you are really able to do.
Good luck!