When I was first told that I needed a total knee replacement, I'll admit, I was in denial. I mean, I was only in my late 30s!
How could this be happening to me? But the x-rays don't lie, and my orthopedic surgeon was very clear that a TKR was my best option.
So, I began to do some research and talk to people who had been through the same thing. What I discovered is that a TKR is not for the faint of heart. It's a major surgery with a long recovery process. But it is also an incredibly life-changing experience—in a good way (Nod to the Yetter Getter's Mindset)!
Here's what you can expect during your journey from knee pain to knee replacement surgery and beyond.
The First Stage: Denial
When you first find out that you need a TKR, it's normal to feel scared and alone. You might even be in denial about your diagnosis. After all, no one wants to have surgery, especially such a major surgery. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 700,000 people have knee replacement surgery each year in the United States alone.
You're also not alone in your feelings of denial. In fact, denial is actually a common response to a TKR diagnosis. It can be hard to accept that you need such a major surgery, especially when you're still relatively young. But try to remember that a TKR is often the best option for relieving chronic knee pain and restoring mobility. Once you're able to accept your diagnosis, you can begin to move on to the next stage of your journey.
The Second Stage: Grief
After you've come to terms with your diagnosis, it's normal to feel like you're grieving the loss of your old life. Maybe you feel like you are giving up things post-surgery. Also, totally normal. You may, for certain, need to make some changes to your diet and exercise routine as you recover from surgery and adjust to living with artificial joints.
It's totally normal to grieve these changes—after all, they represent a loss of your old life and identity. But, try not to view them as negative changes. Instead, think of them as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. I always liked to think of my replacements as a level up!
The Third Stage: Anger
As you move through the grieving process, it's normal to feel angry at times—angry at your body for betraying you, angry at fate for putting you in this position, angry at the world for being so unfair. These are all totally valid feelings! It's important to allow yourself to feel anger as you process what's happening. Just be careful not to dwell on these negative emotions for too long or allow them take over your life entirely. Remember that there is still hope—hope for relief from chronic pain and hope for regaining mobility and independence.
The Fourth Stage: Acceptance
Finally, after working through stages of grief and anger, you will reach acceptance—the point at which you are ready to move forward with surgery and begin rebuilding your life. This stage is marked by feelings of hope and excitement for what lies ahead. It's also characterized by increased motivation to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally as you prepare for surgery and embark on the road to recovery post-op.
If you're facing a total knee replacement (TKR), know that you are not alone—millions of Americans undergo this type of surgery every year successfully! The journey from diagnosis to full recovery can be an emotional one, but, if approached with positivity, and, an open mind, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience full of growth opportunities!
Please join my free group on Facebook where we focus on your knee adventure with positivity and an open mind!
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