Severe pain and depression

[FindingSassy 38]

I'm 7 1/2 weeks post op and down 35 pounds and 13 1/2 inches. Unfortunately, I'm stuck at the 35 pounds. I'm proud I've lost that much and can't wait to lose more but I'm having a major problem. I can hardly walk and just about any form of exercise is out of the question. My knees have been bothering me for a few years now. I was told a few years ago it was mild arthritis and was given the cushioning gel injections. The injections helped a little but that's when my knees were only semi painful. When I moved, my new Dr. Told me I didn't have arthritis and if I just lost the weight, my knees would be fine. Two years later, my knees are screaming in pain, instead of going to my regular Dr. I went to urgent care where I got my x-rays done. I was able to look at my x-rays and see that both knees are bone on bone. My left knee is by far worse than the left, I even have bone spurs growing on the left knee.

My new Dr. is referring me to a pain management clinic where they will try the gel cushioning shots again, along with physical therapy. If the shots and therapy don't help the situation, it looks like I'll be having knee replacement surgery. I'm not excited at the though of surgery so my fingers are crossed that the shots and therapy do the trick.

I'm so disappointed. I was so excited to have gastric bypass surgery so I could exercise and lose this weight. Now, I can hardly walk and forget exercise. On a scale of 1 to 10 for pain, I'm pinned at 10. This pain is excruciating and all I want to do is cry. My Dr. Ordered me a cane to help me walk and I can't wait to get it. I'm 42 years old and need a cane, it's depressing. Any. Ideas or suggestions are gladly welcome.

[Debbie Jean 406]

((((((BIG HUGS))))) only someone who has been through this can understand how this feels, the pain and the frustration.

I had both my knees replaced 3 years ago, staged a month apart. Like you I was bone on bone and there was really no hope. It was probably the hardest thing I ever did. The recovery was long and painful. BUT I can tell you now I would do it again in a heartbeat. My life had become so limited. I went to the grocery store several times a week because I couldn't do more than 2 aisles in a trip. I sat and watched while others enjoyed life and it felt like the world was passing me by.

I wanted to do just one knee but my doctor insisted I do both a month apart. He said I wouldn't really get the benefit since my condition was so bad. I trusted him and he was right. Later I went to Hawaii for my daughters wedding and truly enjoyed myself in a way I could never have done before. Heck I toured Pearl Harbor climbing up and down the battleship Missouri! It was such a thrilling trip!

I had WLS after my knee replacements partly to make sure they last. I said I was going to take care of my new knees in a way I hadn't taken care of my first pair.

There are things I can't do. I can't kneel anymore, though I think God understands. I can't run, either. I have to be careful of any exercise that pounds on the joint. Other than that I'm good to go. No cane, no limp. Most people are surprised when I tell them I have fake knees!

It's a tough surgery but so worth it! Believe me I have been where you are now. Life really can be so much better!

I hope you have relief with the shots. But if you don't replacement surgery can open a whole new world for you. It was a world I thought was lost to me forever. I think finding that it wasn't has been such a surprise and blessing

Edited March 2, 2015 by Debbie Jean

[Daisee68 2,493]

I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I haven't had knee troubles, but I have had 4 shoulder surgeries so I do understand pain and what it can do to the mind causing depression. Mostly I want to say hang in there. My dad had knee replacement for same situation you were in and man, he wouldn't trade that for anything. He is good as new (as are my shoulders now ). I hope the injections work, but if not, just try to look at the knee replacement the same as the WLS - which is to say short term pain for a long term freedom.

PS - 35 pounds is great!! Don't discount that!! From what I have read on here, everyone hits stalls. If you haven't checked your measurements yet, try that.