Am I crazy?

I went to the doctor today for clearance for surgery on October 8 for another arthroscopic knee surgery. I am looking forward to it. I get rid of some pain, and get at least 6 weeks out of the hell hole I work in. I had all the lab work done this past week end and just can't wait to finally get it done. Last year around this time I stepped out my front door with my shotgun and ammo case my knee just gave way underneath me. This will be the third time for this knee. I am really confident with the doctor doing the surgery. No talk of knee replacement for another 10 years as far as the doctor can tell from the MRI.

No you're not. Everyone has a different pain threshold. Once it's reached getting it fixed right and getting relief isn't a crazy idea.

You're not crazy, you're smart. At the very least arthroscopic surgery buys you time and could in the long run negate the need for knee replacement. In the early 1980's my knees were doing same thing yours are ... giving way at the most inopportune times and given my occupation at the time (oil patch, offshore), that wasn't a good thing. Had both knees 'scoped and it was like a new lease on life. Pain was gone and my knees didn't give out. Don't think I could have kept my job if I hadn't had it done. It's good to be able to do the things you like to do with less or no pain and without the fear of falling flat on your face.

I think it will give me the opportunity to find a job that can be outside or inside instead of being stuck in the office because walking around a construction site before could have torn more and make things worse.
I need to get in another 3-4 years of work at a decent wage before I retire.

Glad they can do something for you and make it better.
My one knee locked up twice while riding a bike, probably 9 years ago know, and they haven't said why it did that. Walking on uneven ground makes it feel tired/spongy over time.

Oh, and a 6 week partially paid vacation? That's what you're really excited about!

6 week full paid vacation. I have built up 8 weeks of sick time. Yea that's it, I'm out for 8 weeks!

I had my left knee scoped twice. Last time they did it they did the micro-fracture procedure on it. It's improved it 100%. Close to as good as new as you can get. Took a bit of time, but it's been great. No issues whatsoever since the surgery about 10 years ago.

I had it done last in 2011. There isn't much left to cut out. He told me not to expect to be like a 25 year old afterwards, but it will make life better.

TheQuig wrote:

There isn't much left to cut out.

That was my problem ... had the left knee replaced in 2001, the right and both hips replaced over 2005-2006 and the right knee rebuilt in 2010 after calcification in the knee joint due to DISH (also called Forestier's disease). Can't do the stuff I did when I was 25 for sure but I'm still reasonably mobile- I've been up on the roof a time or two to check it out, something I don't mention to the orthopedic doc.  

I'm pretty certain I'd be reduced to using a walker/cane without the joint replacements and am glad to live in a time where they can fix some of this stuff .... I'm amazed at the progress they've made since my first arthroscopic surgery.

So is Rustys new nickname Steve Austin?

Diesel Dan wrote:

So is Rustys new nickname Steve Austin?

..... DW calls me the Six Million Dollar Man, only I'm a little slower (o.k. a lot slower) than Steve Austin.