Surgery a Hard Decision to Make
For some time, I set aside the website, and training, to allow myself time to make a very hard decision whether to have surgery or not and to accept the consequences which may interfere with my plans to enter the Senior Olympics.
I decided to have total right knee replacement.
Initially, I was not going to write about surgery until I recalled how many people, of all ages, I’ve met, who had tough medical decisions ahead of them. Of course, I am not giving advice but just sharing the path I took to arrive at my decision.
My first step was to set aside denial, the “the let’s wait and see” approach to health care and honestly take stock of my medical problems. The one that affects my mobility and uncomfortably interferes with physical training, more than any other, for now, is arthritis… both knees, wrists, hands and feet.
Arthritis treatments vary from country to country, medical schools of thought and attitude towards preventative care, the age, and worth, of the patients, governmental and political money manipulations, available insurances and their rules of coverage, all the way down to one’s personal finances, living situation and willingness to take care of one’s self before and after surgery.
There are also different degrees of arthritis from mild pains to something more serious. For me, both knees are not only severely arthritic but also depleted of cartilage. For a long time, I have taken knee shots in both knees. The shots act as a cushion between bones. Shots are not as affect for my right knee as they once were. However, my left knee is doing quite well.
I could delay surgery for a year or two, maybe longer, but that also means I will be older and both recovery, and healing, may be comprised. By waiting too long to repair my right knee, my left knee will further incur damages as I grow to rely on it more and more. That will affect my hips, back, balance, and ability to train. All of which will decline as I progressively limp to compensate for my right knee.
Pain medications can provide some relief but they cannot cure the problem. I have witnessed people relying heavily on pain medications which, over a period of time, caused medical problems. If that is you, please see a doctor for help.
Another consideration was my need for left- and right-hand surgeries both of which might lessen hand strength. I will need that strength to support my body when I am using crutches, canes, etc. after knee surgery. So, knee first and the rest later.
Pre- and post-surgery, are as important as the surgery itself. Pre-surgery is simply doing everything I can to make the surgery, and what follows, a positive experience and outcome. Post-surgery is physical therapy, hard work, follow up appointments and a personal commitment to taking care of myself and knee.
I began my pre-surgery preparations by asking my orthopedic doctor for surgery at a local hospital, a few months in advance, during the time of year I enjoy (October, the beginning of holiday season) and information on the surgery. All of that affords me time to read the information, organize for surgery and that which follows, ask others about their knee surgery experiences, budget for things needed and, most importantly, time to develop a positive attitude, to build my body up to a healthier state and to nurture a sense of control.
Of course, I am scared. Every day I doubt my decision as I have a very deep fear of losing my independence. I, as many, live independently with all the responsibility for living independently. In other words, I am the honey in the “honey do list”.
So, I am researching every social service available. I do have very dear friends, and distant family that I can ask for help but I do not want to over tax them nor am I good at asking for help. A word, be very careful in contacting social service agencies. Some agencies are too intrusive in one’s life and independence. Because of my age they consider me feeble. in body and mind. That is not truth of all seniors as each age differently yet that does not stop people with perceived ideas of what “old” is. “Old” will come soon enough, for me, but not now.
Knowing that I cannot drive a car, for a few weeks, and wish to recovery as independently as possible, I will: stock the refrigerator with easy meals, add a few “comfort” foods, board the cat, hold the mail, arrange transportation, organize and clean the house, set up my “sick” room, follow physician’s recommended exercises, attend the pool, practice chair yoga and walk as much as possible, etc. etc. etc. It is amazing how much preparation I seem to be involved in! For me, a positive outcome, both physically and mentally, will only be enhanced by preparing as much as I can. My goal is get back to training as soon as possible.
I will try to lose a few pounds but I would rather go into surgery a few pounds overweight than underweight. Any time the body is comprised, such as surgery, the body will fight to heal itself. A few extra pounds only give the body more stores to call upon during healing and the times I will simply not feel like eating. I have set up a diet for myself before surgery. Healthy proteins, veggies, olive oil, fluids, moderate carbohydrates and less sugar. This is not fasting but a diet of breakfast, lunch and a protein shake at night. Small potions and not overeating.
Post-surgery recovery is the KEY to returning to independence and training for the Senior Olympics. It involves a lot of physical therapy, hard work, following my doctor’s instructions, reestablishing daily routines and giving myself permission to first focus on myself, my recovery and let other matters wait till later.
When I am able, I will return to the website, videos and writing my next novel which seems to change every time I revisit it. I know for myself, attention to healing is necessary but also engaging in activities I enjoy are also important.
Without engaging in a bit fun, challenge, imagination, as one sees it, life can be very dull and during the time of healing endlessly dark without a spark of hunger for the future and returning to dreams.
Possibly my surgery, those which may follow, will impede my dream of entering the Senior Olympics but – maybe not – maybe I will just have to try harder which can only make me a better person then I once was.
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