So, I stumbled across a picture I took of my knees about a year and a half ago. I wanted to see what you here think. Let me first say that in the picture, I am standing with my feet together.



Yeah, I need a good waxing. LOL!!!

This picture was taken about 3 months after my 22nd B-day and about 6 years before that I went to a specialist in Philly who explained to me that I have genu varum, or bowed legs. He went on to tell me I would need re-constructive surgery. I put it off for several reasons and some I still hold onto today.

I am fairly sure by now I am looking at probably a partial replacement, but for the same reason I put it off in the past, I am trying to put it off a little longer. The problem with replacements is, the replacements themselves have to be replaced after a while, in other words, I will have to have the same surgery several times. There have been a few advancements since I got looked at last as far as surgical proceedures go (I know, I work in an OR) and the newest replacement, made of zirconium can last 20-25 years compared to the 10-15 of its predecessor.

I think my biggest problem is I'm a work-a-holic. I don't like the idea of being out of work and I don't like the idea of low on income while on disability. And the hospital I work for is real shady too. If I am out more than 12 weeks, I get "let go" and have to re-apply for the position. I am currently waiting for one of the Orthos to come back from vacation so I can get a script (freebie!!!) to have my knees MRI'd or X-Ray'd so I can take them to Hackensack University Medical Center (the same hospital that took care of my wife both times she had Hodgkins Lymphoma and one with a great reputation) and have a doctor there gimme their opinion.

So, what do you think? What would you do? It's not giving me a lot of pain, it just kinda looks gnarly. The only time it's a PITA is if I sit for a long period of time.

I say keep it like it is. Honestly, I think surgery is too risky especially since you are able to walk pain free right now. After surgery, with all the risks involved, you may come out worst than you started. I say weigh in the facts, and determine if you really need to do this. In my opinion, I think you should keep it the way it is, until pain comes in.

I am trying to do that. It's beginning to get a bit much, so I think I'll wait it out till I'm about ready to have kids and see how it is now.

The thing is, it's only gonna get worse. I would rather do it sooner and have less work required.

Thanks for your input!

-Lettuce

They don't look all that bad to me.

There's no point in chancing the risk of your legs if it's unecessary. But if you have the opportunity to make it better before it gets worse, why not.

hackensack is right down 17

They may not look bad, but there is significant damage internally. I'm far from in a rush to get surgery, that's for sure, but I should have it done. The reward overall outweighs the risks.

Yeah, Hackensack is an awesome hospital. I wish I worked there instead of Bayshore Community Hospital. LOL!! If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have my wonderful wife.

X rays would show the problem a lot more cleary, do you have any?

From what i hear its a 3months rehab until back to work? That sucks doesnt it.

heres a little bit of info on a knee replacement KNEE PAIN IN ATHLETES