Your first option should always be non-surgical, and only when all of those options have been exhausted should surgery be discussed. Before signing off on, operation however, do your research and speak with your doctor to fully understand what the expectations are.
What Are The Risks?
Regardless of the surgery, there will always be risks. Although minimal, knowing everything there is to know about the potential risk of infection or other complications can have you thoroughly prepared going into surgery as well as post-op. Being well educated about the risks and complications are never meant to scare a patient but rather to give them all the facts to ensure they are making the best decision for them.
Ask What Happens During the Surgery
Asking questions about the procedure will allow you to have a better understanding of what takes place and what is occurring while you are under anesthesia. Having a better understanding of each stage of surgery will leave you better prepared throughout the entire, pre-surgery, post-op, and recovery.
Managing Pain
Managing your pain following surgery means all the difference on your road to a successful recovery. Each patient is different, as is their level of tolerance in regards to their pain threshold. Some patients may be fine with over the counter medications where others may need something stronger. It is always best to discuss any concerns about pain and medications with your doctor as soon as they come up to avoid unnecessary levels of pain.
Recovery Times
Our knee specialists know that you want nothing more than to get back to your life before this pain taking over your life. However, each patient and each case is different, so depending on your level of pre-surgery, fitness and health will determine how quickly you can jump back into things. The last thing you want to do is overdo it and cause yourself to go backward in your recovery process, causing everything to slow down even more. Discuss with your doctor what your expectations are following surgery and see if they agree with your plan and, if not, modify according to the doctor’s recommendations to ensure a successful recovery.
Don’t Put Off Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgery may not sound like something you have time for or something you even want to deal with, but is the pain and constant mobility struggles worth putting the surgery off? No. The longer you wait, the more damage is done, and time is wasted. Reach out to our Atlanta orthopedic doctors to learn more about how a knee replacement may be right for you. If knee replacement is something that you see in your future, or if you are unsure what you may need it, contact our Atlanta knee specialists to learn more about your options and to see if knee replacement surgery is right for you. Contacts us today at (404) 855-2141.
