How my life changed afyer a knee prothesis

Experiences of a 55 year old patient after total knee prosthesis. She was operated by RPA Janssen, MD at Máxima Medical Center Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

I have struggled with knee osteoarthritis for years. It all started with a ruptured meniscus. The pain increased progressively with cartilage loss in both knees. I could no longer walk without pain, sometimes not even bend my knee. I needed help to get in and out of my car. A short walk (500 meters) or shopping was no longer possible. I used considerable amounts of pain medication and somebody advised glucosamine. I visited orthopaedic doctors who gave injections and told me that I was too young for surgery. Finally, dr Janssen recommended surgery of the knee: a knee prosthesis. 

The operation was 100, no 1000% less troublesome than I expected. Surgery on monday, back home on thursday evening. This was because I was quite able to walk on crutches. Unbelievable, no more pain and my crooked leg was straight again. I walked with 2 crutches for 6 weeks (sometimes in my house with 1 or without crutches). After 4 months of rehabilitation, of which 2 months were very intense training, I can walk normally again. I walk through the forest and city for 2-3 hours without pain. Surprisingly, replacement of my knee has really improved my walking; my other osteoarthritic knee feels less painful. I feel that surgery of the other knee may still be postponed for some years.