[AT] Knees

[Herbert Metz]

Charlie & Larry
Glad to hear of your success stories; that is Great.
My situation is scoliosis (curvature of the spine).  This normally occurs
early in life (like my sister).   I experienced this in my 70's.  In a way
I guess I was lucky to not have this situation decades earlier.  Major
surgery is the only option offered today.  That is recommended only when
the pain becomes unbearable or when organs are affected (physically) by the
backbones shifting.  My sister experienced both of above. A few decades ago
when young people first experience this situation, torso braces were
applied for considerably long periods (several years, worn day and night). 
This aid was reasonably successful.  I wear a modest brace; my opinion ??
I know of many people who have experienced wonderful results from knee or
hip replacement surgery; that is great.
At my age, I am not interested in an eight to ten hour surgery.  It helped
my sister, but the pain from the cutting of nerves, etc has pretty much
offset the intended benefits of the back surgery.
On the costs, Yes, I certainly agree they are going up.  I will be
diplomatic and not go further on this subject. So, I agree that one
contemplating surgery should not wait until next year.
And, I do appreciate your concerns.
Herb 

> [Original Message]
> From: charlie hill <charliehill at embarqmail.com>
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Date: 11/15/2010 11:16:06 PM
> Subject: Re: [AT] Knees
>
> Larry and Herb,
>
> My mother had her second knee done last year on New Years Eve at age 91. 
> She came through it like a champ.  She took the residential rehab option
for 
> her second one as well and was happy with the choice.  Herb if you are 
> thinking of doing it, do it NOW.  Without meaning to be political, things 
> are changing in the world of medicine and you might not always be able to 
> get these procedures without the approval of some bureaucrat who is more 
> interested in cutting cost than in your health and well being.
>
> Charlie
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Larry Goss" <rlgoss at insightbb.com>
> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 9:24 PM
> To: "Antique tractor email discussion group"
<at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Subject: [AT] Knees
>
> > Herb -- I hear you missed this weekend's show.
> >
> > Get yourself to a hospital and get new knees.  NOW!  Since I last saw
you, 
> > I have had both knees replaced == November 2008, and February 2010.  I
am 
> > pain-free for the first time in many years.  You know you're in trouble 
> > when you have to take the maximum number of pain killers every day, and 
> > the steroid shots give you no relief at all.  I was at that point.  I 
> > broke down and cried for joy three days after my second replacement
when I 
> > was able to stand on my new knee with no pain at all.  Get it done, and
if 
> > you have the option of taking your initial rehab in a long-term-care
rehab 
> > center, DO IT!  I've been through it both ways  (on my own, and in a 
> > residential rehab)  The residential rehab is much better.  If you don't
do 
> > it, you won't even be able to climb up on those Allis-G's you have.
> >
> > Larry
> >
> >
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