Wednesday, September 29, 2004

my visit with the orthopedist

The specialist gave me my options.  Here they are:

1.  a special brace to help take weight off my knee joint and keep me from twisting it.

2.  Arthroscopy - Arthroscopy of the knee, according to AAOS, was first performed in the late 1960s. If you have persistent pain or swelling of your knee, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend this procedure to relieve the problems. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon the opportunity to diagnose and treat knee disorders, according to AAOS. Using a pencil-sized device, called an arthroscope, small incisions are made into the knee. The scope transmits an image of your knee, which is projected onto a television screen. This clear view of the inside of the knee allows surgeons to find out what's causing your problem. Surgical instruments can also be inserted into other small incisions to remove or repair the damaged tissue. Almost all arthroscopic knee surgery, according to AAOS, is done on an outpatient basis.

3.  Total knee replacement

Seeing my confusion, she said if it were her, she'd try option #2.  She said the main risk with it is that it might not help.  I said, "Would I be able to work afterward without hurting myself?"  "You would need a special brace to protect your knee," she answered.  Turns out it's the same special brace as option #1.  So, although I can't see it helping me at all, I got fitted for one, knowing that I can use it if I go ahead with option #2.  I'll get it next Monday, probably (Total cost, $1,250, but insurance pays 90%).  I'm very negative on this... I do not expect it to work.  But at least I'll have it when I move on to my next option!  My sister-in-law had the arthroscopy, and it helped her for perhaps three months.  Then she got total knee replacement.  If it would get me by until July 17, 2005, I'd be fully vested on the 401K at my job, and that would be a good thing.

So, that's what's up with my knee.  I think I'll saddle up and go check the fire damage down at the cornfield, and forget my problems!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

First of all I would get a second opinion before doing surgery. I hope the brace does it.Careful on your ride. You may need to mount from a mounting block.

Anonymous said...

Good luck on what ever decision you make. I hope you can get by until you are vested in your job at least. I know how important that is. Paula