Not been here for some time but hoping for feedback re TKR

calcass

Hi
I've not posted on here for a few years though I still scan the pages from time to time but was kinda hoping to gain a few viewpoints in order for me to try and work a few things out for myself - you know make some sense of things ?!?

I quick bio of where I am - 37yrs old, had Juvenile Stills Disease from childhood, diagnosed with Secondary OsteoArthritis @ 26yrs old in 2001, TKR on left knee in 2002, TKR on right in 2004, revision of Left in 2005, right patella resurfaced 2006, left patella done in 2007, then finally a radical synovectomy of left knee in 2008. My surgeon and I have avoided each other since lol.

I have been unable to work since 2002 but wonder whether if I had only have had to have the one knee replaced and no further surgery would I have been able to continue in my career?? I know many of you will prob be thinking that I shouldn't be thinking this way but please just humour me and if anybody has returned to work or a relatively normal lifestyle, I would be really interested to hear from you.

I am trying to find work and haven't sat on my laurels in-between ops, I gained a Bachelors Degree in Criminology in 2007 and this year completed a PostGraduate Diploma in Criminal Justice.

I look forward to hearing from anyone and likewise will share

Thanks Cal

stickywicket

I'm finding this a really difficult post to answer, Cal. I've officially got Stills Disease, 2 THRs, two TKRs and a knee revision but never did paid work in all that time, or for some years before as I had two small boys to look after. I don't see how anyone can tell anyone else what their situation would be if they had/hadn't had TKRs. I don't even know what your career is/was. Presumably, a career as, say a novelist would be much easier to continue with than a career as a cricketer.

All credit to you for the degree and Post-Grad. I hope you will find them useful. I also hope you can continue to avoid that surgeon. But what life may or may not have been like if stuff had been different......I've no idea.

diamond

Well done Cal on your Degree and Post Grad keep looking forward.I gave up my work 2 years ago due to dodgy knees,I am older so it was not a major tragedy for me although i miss the company.Just had 2nd TKR 6 weeks ago been in a lot of pain last 10 days.Looking forward to be able to get out and about pain free in the near future.I see you have come through several surgeries and got there in the end.Good Luck in whatever path you follow.xx

dreamdaisy

I can't answer either and I suspect no-one can. Who knows how thiings would have turned out if you had not had the ops? I am sure my life would have been a great deal better if I had been born to another family but as I wasn't I have to get on with things as best I can, as do all of us. And what constitutes a relatively normal lifestyle? The fictional Jim Royle had a lifestyle, so does Madonna, Grayson Perry, Mario Ballatelli, my neighbour Kerry, the Queen and Mrs Obama but they all lead very different lives albeit 'normal' to them. I am managing to work (I do have the luxury of being self-employed and so can tailor things according to need) and I remember a quote from GBS when I was busy setting up my little business: it ran along the lines of 'Those who cannot find the circumstances they want go out and make them.' How very true. You have studied and qualified, now employ the fruits of your efforts and I hope you can find a way to do just that. DD

calcass

Thank you for your feedback guys and I appreciate the positive comments - I have to admit I am at the stage where I have accepted what has happened and how my cards have been dealt and have few regrets, if the past 10 years hadn't happened I can't say that I would be in the a secure relationship that I am in or in my home city surrounded by my friends and family.
Somebody asked me the question some weeks ago regarding my career before (I was a publican - it was my ideal job and I had big plans, so it's taken quite some time to lose the bitterness) so it just got me thinking and I thought I'd throw the question out there to see whether Arthur had been held at bay for some time for the sake of a career.
Obviously I was in quite a physical job but changes may have been viable.

Thank you again for your very positive comments and I will no doubt be appearing a little more often just on the odd off day if you are all this uplifting and helpful

Thanks again Cal

stickywicket

I think we all do what we can, and what we have to do, to hold arthritis at bay. When I had my TKRs it was a no brainer so I never looked back. We are where we are and regrets only get in the way of a decent future. I hope yours is a good one.

RosieGlow

The only time I look back nowadays is to savour all the wonderful memories. You can`t go back in time to change the bad stuff. You can only learn from it, right wrongs where possible, and move on to the very best of your ability. You sound as though you have certainly done that Cal, against great odds. Good luck in all you do in the future...Rosie.x

caroldeeg

Hi
I had a tkr in December 2003 and returned to work after 8 weeks, I have severe OA but continued to work full time and go to Uni to get a degree and also get married for the second time
I am now 61 and am retired. I will probably need my second knee done shortly as its mega painful at present, I also had a shoulder replacement just over a year ago.
Yes its possible to have a normal life after joint replacements but its not easy. U have to be very focussed to make it happen. But life will not come to u. U have to go looking for it.
Hope this helps

Carol

calcass

Thank you Carol your feedback helped. Thank you all for the advice - I do have great memories of times before Arthur returned with a vengeance 11 years ago plus many good memories, experiences and fabulous friends that I have made since then and I always try to live life with few regrets but I was bitter for a long long time!!
I am in a much better place now (still having those days which we all experience when 'why me?!' springs to mind) but I've had help in coping with them.
Thanks again & will chat again soon no doubt

Cal

JoeB2

As you obviously have an interest in Criminology and Criminal Justice and, on the basis of your academic background - Have you considered undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Law with a view to eventual qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor ?

Just a thought.

Arthur

calcass

Arthur, I have always been interested in Criminology but my heart lay in the licensed trade and being a publican which I was very good at and really enjoyed.
I took the opportunity to explore Criminology when IT reared it's ugly head and the surgeries began, I was able to keep my mind active and feel like I wasn't vegetating.
Unfortunately, The reason I was unable to complete my Masters was my inability to write my dissertation which was extremely frustrating as it was a brilliant concept but as a result of my medications I can't write to Graduate standard or even Secondary school some days lol.

Maybe one day, either I'll find a way round it or find someone to help me complete it - that would make me a happy bunny!
Although my proudest moment to this day is my BA degree considering I underwent 4 knee surgeries during my studies.

Who knows what is round the corner though!! Thanks Arthur (I feel quite positive now!)

frogmorton

Hi there!!

sorry i am late on, but wanted to say that I think you are amazing! Well done you and you should be proud of your acheivements :shock:

My opinion?

If ANYONE is going to get out there back working it will be someone like you Go for it girl then come back and tell us .

Thanks for making me smile

Love

Toni xxx