Don't retire too soon Docs, keep those videos coming. Thanks again.

Hey Docs my hips and knees are over 20 years old and look like new! My surgeon was surprised but pleased because I had my first hip done at 35 and I’m now 62. I love listening to you because it’s like I’m listening to my doctors (I was an Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler before retirement)

I love these two doctors. Great information and nicely presented!

Following a motorcycle accident at age 53 I had my right knee replaced with a Scorpio joint. Now, 20 years later, the joint needs replacement, so my initial estimate of the joint's life ("10 to 15 years") has been easily exceeded. Iam a 6ft tall heavily built guy (260 lbs) so I have been delighted with the knee's performance. Thanks for your excellent videos.

Loved to hear all these things. I’m terrified having this done because of unknown. Glad to hear you both! I haven’t heard this.

I had my knee replacement 15 years ago. I am a lightweight woman, 116 lbs, age 72. I hike but stopped backpacking after I had this done. I snowshoe, walk, hike, do Yoga. I think my knee will work for the rest of my life.

Great info! Love the joy you guys have, keeps my interest when you throw in the comedy!

I joined the double knee replacement club about 18 months ago. Walking is great no running. My favorite exersize is swimming. I turned 68 and am loving life. Just sharing and think you guys are great.

I really enjoy watching your videos! Thanks

Thank you for that info, my husband is having a total knee replacement this year, this is helpful.

Hi Doc’s, I had my knee replaced Jan 16/20. It is now 3 weeks & so far so good. I had a spinal instead anesthesia which I would recommend as you are not full of gas. After surgery there is not much time for relaxing. Your up & walking a bit hours after surgery. Amazing! I was in hospital 2 days then home again. I’m going to physio twice a week & I’m finding it a bit tough at the moment. I think my bend is around 90 deg. Obviously I still have a ways to yet. Your videos are so informative.

I had a partial replacement on one knee, for arthritis, 12 years ago, age 54. 18 months ago, my leg started collapsing under me and it turned out the polyethylene lining was slipping. Having a TKR on it next week. In fairness, my surgeon told me initially that the partial would last 10-15 years, so he was right! Hoping for 25-40 years for the new one! Thanks for all your great videos, they’re so helpful.💖

The question needed clarification because the answers are all over the place. Nice job.

Definitely the best channel!

Yet again another useful and informative video…thank you 👍🇬🇧

I just love your information and presentation 😁

You guys absolutely rule! It’s fun hearing you guys talk and laugh, you guys have a great sense of humour!

Love the information on all of your videos! Wish I could get one of you to do my tkr. Too long a wait time so it looks like I will have to go to to the US orAlberta.

Hey Docs, My partial knee replacement is 14 years old now and going well. I HAD a high BMI. But, still seem to be in good shape. I never run, but often walk and work hard in the garden. This has been a good health investment. The pain from surgery for three weeks was hell.

My first knee was done in 2000, it lasted 18 years. I drive semi-local delivery, in and out of the truck 10-12 times a day. Had it replaced in 2108, retired in 2020. Still going strong.

Thanks appreciate your videos.

I've had mine for 25 years now and it's still doing really well and I have no problem with it at all. I was told, at that time, it would last about 10 years.....lol.

Docs.....I had a L TKR 3 1/2 yrs. ago at 65yo. I had a horrible recovery... pain and PT for 1 yr.!!!! Wish I had you guys doing my surgery...the Physical Therapist was excellent. Have been an RN for 30 yrs. and a co-worker at NYPH, whom I became friends with recommended one of the surgeons on the Rehabilitation floor we worked on. I only stayed on that unit 5 yrs. but she was sure this was the best and nicest guy. Well, the years changed him and not for the better. I did have 2 consults but I truly know I picked the wrong surgeon. It was bone on bone, but I wish I never had it done. No one suggested the hylauronic acid injections to me....I have been getting them now for 2 years in my R knee (bone on bone) and they are helping. One year ago was in a car accident and the prosthetic knee was smashed against the dash...when the EMT'S saw my knee, they thought I had a compound fracture, swelling was sticking up about 2 inches from under my slacks and they wanted to cut leg of pants up to knee. Orthopedist (not the same surgeon) said it was a hematoma and would go away in 6 to 8 weeks....its now 11mos.!!! Before the accident I was eventually able to go hiking without a problem, but the lump and discoloration are still there, though it has gotten somewhat smaller. I had other injuries and am going to PT for them, but not the knee. The last 3 weeks the pain in the replaced knee has gotten much worse...hard to go up & downstairs...hard to walk and feel a loud click sometimes even turning in bed. Nothing showed up on the x-ray, or the MRI, and am now scheduled to have a bone scan (12/12). Listening to your video, I'm really afraid that by now something has cracked or broken...maybe the plastic. I researched what can be done for a really painful replacement and all I found was, have another replacement. I can't continue with this pain, it seems worse than before I had it replaced. Please let me know if there is any other way I can have a normal life. Am on pain meds for back but can't take any NSAIDS because I ruined my stomach with Advil, despite taking them with milk and/or food. The pain meds are not helping the knee pain. Replaced knee is swollen, hot, and painful. I never want to go through another replacement again....can you Docs think of anything at all? You both are so nice...how far away are you Docs from NYC or New Jersey? When people are nice, it makes one cry, which is what I'm doing now. 😢😪😥 Was never heavy till I couldn't hike, walk, or bike. Have lost 17 lbs. since June and would like to lose another 15 or 20lbs. That would put me at a good weight and if lost another 10lbs would be thin. I hope you will be able to respond to me. ( I loved working in the OR.) Thanks, Docs.

Thank you - very interesting! I had mine done at quite suddenly at 73 after smashing my tibial plateau in a fall. I’m trying ro be careful and hoping not to have to do it again. Have resigned myself to being a walker and a retired runner.

You guys add to my ..getting to be...daily enjoyment. This particular video very appreciated- am considering a knee replacement. Have had 2 hips replaced. The 2nd one is a little wonky when I do knee bends with that knee forward...it kind of 'wavers out to the side'. Have one more follow up with my surgeon so I'll ask him, but it does preoccupy me a bit. Back to main point of this note- much appreciated information-thank you

4 months since full left knee replacement. I worked my butt off at PT and feels great now, still a little tender but I’m good to go... and I ride a bike 3/4x a week and lots of squats too just keep it stretched I’m getting the right one done next week 😱 Perfect timing during this virus 🦠 BS

I had a total knee replacement, both but one at a time 20 years ago . They were Zimmers and have given me no problem. I needed them young because of the pain. I didn't run but I did clog. and I have almost full range of motion. I feel blessed. The only thing I don't do is run or get down on my knees. Great video. 👍💕😲

I had bilateral replacements. (5 weeks from surgery) I hope to God above I never have to have another.

Awesome...you guys are very interesting.

Four and a half years for my r knee . Done in the UK but using an American prosthetic. No post op pain which was what everyone promised :-) I enjoy working out and do kettlebell goblet squats no problem . It’s been a huge improvement for me

Mine (2) are 24 years old. I had a minor revision to replace the liner between top and bottom at 22 years. All is well and doctor said the implants look great. Mine were done at 50. I’ve never missed a beat at doing whatever I like to do. Staying a healthy weight is very helpful.

Well, my own knee was crap. Injuries started at 17. Had arthritis in it by 30. TKR at 50...5.5 yrs. ago. Probably waited a year too long. It was the 8th surgery on that knee. I’m now able to hike for 5-8 miles. I am on ladders for work and walk on rooftops. My TKR gave me back my life joy. My other knee is coming in another year or two.

Excellent...inspiring I'm confident now of planning for the replacement of my damaged knees

Would you consider doing an episode on the Calypso knee system and when it might be available?

I had both mine done. One year apart in 2015 -L, 2016-R, 2018- Revision Right due to Knee Instability/Loose Implant. BMI is very high. Battling with prolonged use and effects of steroids for three decades (for pain and severe asthma attacks)- Morbid obesity is the byproduct. I am 47(2021). I was working full time whilst being bone on bone for the span of 10 years- every three month knee injections with Supartz/Hyaluronic membrane/Corticosteroids to tolerate pain while working until I cannot do it anymore. Thanks for the beautiful video, doctors.

You truly are my fav docs. Gotta ask I am getting the gel injections every 6 months. Can’t do the 1 shot have to go 3 weeks in a row. In the winter that’s difficult for me Other then injections do you have other recommendations to help with bone on bone. Supplements etc. I watched your vid on topical pain meds. Look forward to all your vids Thanks

Hi Doc's Fantastic series of videos. My knee replacement is 10 years old and starting to become painful again, my surgeon says that the joint has become loose and needs to be replaced again!!! please can I have your thoughts on the implications of a second replacement replacement, thanks

I seem to recall my Dr. Telling me I would probably need a revision (?) in roughly 12 - 15 years. Basically going in and replacing the plastic ( ?) pads ( 12 years in now on a Smith & Nephew). Is this a more/less invasive a surgery and how does the pain compare?

Well my 3rd day out,Had some pain this morning, no family living close, sorta on my own feeling good & stronger, i can see how a guy might over do it,thats in the front of my mind too,, but for me just at this short time, soo glad i did it, and with Talking With Docs was a big helper thanks Leland

Great video I had a ankle replacement nine years ago and it is still going strong, unfortunately my bones have decided to make spurs not hurting yet but will need to have them cleaned out and while that is happening they will change my plastic piece. I had the Star ankle replacement. And running or jumping is a no no.

Had a “complex” knee replacement that failed within a few months due to some form of contamination of the metal!. Had several ops to clean out/debrief the abscess that formed. Ultimately the whole prosthesis was removed & the knee area replaced by cement. Result was a stiff leg for 12 months. All the time there was an underlying risk of above knee amputation! Ultimately, I had a second stage complete knee prosthetic inserted with the loss of some tib & fib bone. The operation was a complete success, but my leg is now at least two inches shorter than previously - hence a pronounced limp! The prosthetic is working well - only minus is the knee jerks forward occasionally, causing me to stumble. I use crutches continuously for added support.

Intermedullary nail 8n my right leg how long will it last, and general lifr time of metal implants??

You guys are great and wish I had seen these before my surgery. I had my TKR 7 years ago at Mayo Clinic and fortunately my surgeon gave almost the same advice you recommended in the Top 5 Things Not to Do and the running part. Due to injuries from my early days of ski racing and bad luck, I had to have mine done at 45. Knowing these are only going to last for a period of time, what happens if I have to have it replaced again and how many times can it be replaced?

I am now 70. I have needed my left knee replaced for about 20 yrs. I had Synvisc injections for all of that time & it worked well for me. Jan 2020 I am getting my knee replaced as the pain is now getting to me.The other knee will also have to be replaced,but thats a few yrs down the road. Thank you Doc's for your video's I have enjoyed them.

If you have pronation/flat feet can this adversely affect how the wear on the prosthesis evolves and cause more wear in some areas over others?

How about a similar discussion on total hip replacement. Thanks, great and helpful videos.

I gor my knee replaced at 39 years of age due to trauma. It is still going strong at 22 years. I had the non-metal parts replaced 3 years ago due to a massive infection that origininated from another part of my body. Don't give up on your knee!

I had ACL reconstruction in 1986 in right knee. I can’t really kneel on that knee, and have had cortisone injections every few years. the last cortisone was may 2019, and he said I would probably need TKR in a few years! This is after he saw the size difference in my knees, as my right is kinda larger than the left knee when you compare the two. I take 800 mg of ibuprofen 2-3x/d, and when I tried to stop taking it, it started aching so much. When I resumed taking it the pain stopped. It now it seems to ache more often, even with the ibuprofen, and will ache at night often. I take about 30-50 flights of stairs daily, get about 10-16k steps a day, and do elliptical for 1-1.5 hours on days off. Would this type of movement/exercise be ok to resume if I get TKR? I don’t want to take the ibuprofen forever, and it seems to be losing its effect.

Question about infection: I've heard people talk about getting infections around their implants, as in the parts that are within the bone itself. How prevalent is that and what are the risk factors for developing an infection like that? Can I do anything to decrease the likelihood of developing that type of infection? I'm having a TKR August 31.

I’m 54 years old and seven weeks postop as of today for a right total knee replacement. The left one needs it too, but it wasn’t as bad. I was 100% bone on bone in the medial and middle part of my knee and had a lot of scar tissue. Anyway, my goal is this December, I can ski again, because I am still having issues with soreness and stiffness. I’ve heard it could take up to a year to recover from. I just hope skiing does not wear out the parts. I always stick to groomed runs, unless there’s been a huge downpour of snow.

I was 47 years old when I finally got my TKR. Prior to that I went through an Osteotomy of the femur as to delay the TKR. It's been 20 years now and being 67, I am wondering how much longer it will last. I don't look forward to a revision nor my inevitable TKR of the other leg.

I had my TKR done 20 years ago. In the last month I have been getting what feels like bone pain up the outside of my femur and about 4" below the knee on the tibia. Would you advise that I need it reviewed? I have been having issues previously with a Baker's cyst but this pain doesn't feel associated with the BC.

I had my first hips replaced with metal on metal and 5 years later I was poisoned with Chromium and Cobalt. My knees started squeeking and failing and I had metal poisoning. I had to have both knees taken out and replaced. It was a horrendous experience and lots of lost time. I just had a Bi-Lateral knee replacement at 74. I have no regrets and was glad to get it over with at once. I was not overweight and never smoked, so my surgeon and I decided to go for it. I just started to drive again and today is my 8th week after surgery and rehab has been great. I wouldn't recommend it to many people-you need lots of help the first two weeks almost full time. I had home therapy and now finishing up outside therapy this week with no regrets. Believe me, no pain, no gain. Exercise, exercise, and more exercise!

I got one 32 years ago still working great and it was even recalled because the plastic incert was over sterileized and the little peg part broke off a little bit after a year never had it fixed.I was told then it would last about 10 years never took it easy on it have done lots of tree work.

Hi, thanks for the informative TKR videos. I'm almost 60. As a result of now being 'bone-on-bone', I'm looking at a (near) future TKR. In part from losing the squishy stuff in between, also maybe because a broken-hip repair (in 2020 (of course)), and maybe also for genetic reasons, my left leg is now 2 cm shorter than my right. I don't do anything to correct it, but I do notice it. Would/could a knee replacement decrease that disparity at all?

Hi Docs! Do you have video on cementless vs cemented implants. Which is preferred?

Interesting information. I had my right knee replaced May of 2019. I was not told not to run. I did my first dog show 6 weeks post op. I guess my knee will wear out sooner since I have to run to show the dogs. Much less pain now though. Thanks for the info.

Great info! Hoping for 20 yrs for my btkr depue, titanium knees. I can accept being wheel chair bound better at 74 than at 54, when I had my surgery. My knee replacements were god-sent since I waited till I couldn't stand it anymore to have the surgery. Don't be fooled that the replacements are better than your real knees but they are much better than what you endured waiting for the knees to wear out enough to replace.

What is a good amount of TKR for a doctor to be a master at replacement? How many have you both done? What hospital do you practice out of.

I had mine in 2013 & 2015 by Dr Douglas Dennis in Denver Colorado. I am a professional ski instructor and ski over 100 days per year. I am 69 and all is well and everything so far is great. I also ski and teach Telemark skiing and the knees are fine. My knees were injured while waiting in my car at a red light and being hit by a semi truck who did not stop. I survived. He did not.

I had a total knee replacement aged 49 in 1980. I’ve now had it 21 years still going strong

Will wearing a high quality knee brace possibly extend the life of a knee replacement? Are mountain biking and road biking acceptable forms of working out post knee replacement?

I heard what you said about running. BUT, how about jogging on a high quality treadmill and not going very fast? What about snowboarding? txs for you highly informative videos

i had my TKR 52 and I believe it's from all the walking i do i don't drive so i'm constantly walking everywhere will walking wear it out quicker? i do feel better my pain is gone but my left is hurting in the same spot as the right so trying to put it off longer

Gracias

I had both knees replaced. Smith and Nephew. I'm a competitive recumbent bicyclist (not professional). I put about 150 - 300 watts of power when training/competing for 15 - 20 hours per week. With short-ish bursts into the 900 watt range. This is NOT a high impact (or even low impact) sport. But it is a constant rotation of metal on plastic. The further away from the surgery I get the more watts and more hours of training/competing. I've experienced NO indication of interference with plastic particulate. Though I don't expect you to estimate how many years the prosthetics will `last' I am curious as to your thoughts as to whether my use is inordinate and would be likely to increase the wear on the plastic.

What about cemented vs non-cemented? I am under the impression that the cement used almost always fails after 15 years.

9 months ago @73 I had 1st TKR, Started walking right away, out of hospital 7 hours after. Still waiting for all to be quiet, I can't bend it backwards 100% but close. Hearing this , glad I waited since I was told to do it 8 years ago. Next knee needs at least a partial, now I know I will only do TKR and a full pad will be better than a partial. I will wait until it screams at me before I go back and keep nursing it til then.

When I was in the Air Force in 1983 I went to doctor with knee pain, popping, etc. he sent me to therapy for strengthening exercises but told me I would eventually need knee replacement. He said to put it off as long as I could as the technology was evolving and there would be better replacements in the future. I’ve done lots of therapy over the years, plus bicycling as my main exercise. But now the time has come and the knees are toast. Still got a tiny bit of cartilage in left knee, but right is bone on bone. I guess that doctor would be shocked that I took him this seriously and took measures to make the knees last as long as I have. I plan to live well past 100 years, so hope the knees last more than 20 years.

like you tell me about patella femoral replacement surgery is the procedure same as a total knee replacement

What are the symptoms that your artificial knee is failing? I had a bilateral TKR at the age of 53, which was 16 years ago.

Hi, what happen when the plastic part wear off? Can it be replaced without changing the titanium parts? Thaanks... Enjoyed watching your videos...

Greetings gentlemen! I am just about to have a Scheker Distal Radio Ulnar Joint Implant installed in my right arm in less than two (2) weeks, and I have been watching some of your videos because they were recommended by KZfaq, and because I thought that there would be some similarities between both the artificial joints and the preparation for the surgeries, and what to expect following the surgery. One thing that I have learned specifically is to take the pain medication as prescribed like clockwork to avoid being in pain, thereby making the healing process go more smoothly, and thus returning to normal activities as soon as possible. However, I have not considered until now, how many years I could expect to use the joint without needing a replacement. I had originally planned to have the Ulna shortened, since it is 1.5 centimeters too long 25 years following a major snowboarding accident which resulted in a monteggia fracture of the right Ulna and the disintegration of the end of the Radius at the elbow end, and resulted in the installation of a silastic implant on the end of the Radius and many surgeries and two bone grafts on the Ulna. The wrist was also broken in three (3) different locations. After 25 years, it has been found that the Ulna is too long and the distal end of it is in really bad shape, so shortening the Ulna would not provide favorable results, hence the surgery that has been scheduled. Since the implant is a relatively new procedure, I have absolutely no idea how long it will last, but since it will not be under the amount of pressure that a knee wound normally be, I would expect it to last at least 25-30 years or more, but I will ask my surgeon to provide me an estimate, now that has been brought to my attention. I have gathered a great deal of knowledge about artificial knees from watching your videos, and from reading through the comments. Thank you for posting this and other videos! Please have an excellent and awesome day! 🙂👍

It all points to the incredible genius of design of the human knee. Imagine the cumulative shock loading to the joint over a lifetime of continuous use. Any possibility of organ donation type of replacement. I imagine it would very complex in implementation. It really is amazing what can be accomplished in Knee reconstruction surgery. I wonder if any particular Nutrition is conducive to maintaining the lubricant surface and well being of knee joint and all articulated surfaces of the body.

Does the Cortisone shots help When your having hip pain ? If I get the shots I hope they help as my next step is OR surgery will have to be cleared by my cardiologist as I’m a heart patient ! If I have to have I’m not looking forward to it

I'm 68 and had 2 tkr, 2013 and 2014. Play hockey 3 times a week currently. And do a leg workout once a week. Am I at risk? If, the plastic wears out, is it an easier surgery to just replace the plastic??

I am a 60 yr old military retired vet in pretty good shape but have one hip and one knee replacement. 2 questions: should strength training increase the life of those fake joints? What do you recommend for cardio workouts if I want the joints to last as long as possible.

My awesome Orthopedic Surgeon did a great job. Very smart, caring, knows his job doctor. Dr. Ronald Jones, just retired, Saint Joseph's in Eureka, and Fortuna, hospitals. Dr. Feely in San Francisco did my total reversal shoulder replacement, almost three years ago now. Great job, considering my osteogenesis imperfecta. Some docs seer clear of me. Don't blame them. Rather have that, then go ahead with a doctor that's unsure!

Question… there are exercises that like to do on my knees. Will kneeling affect the longevity of the TKR?

I am 62 and have had both knees replaced- got osteo on both sides of my family..... My first one was at 51 and my 2nd at 55. You said the main reason to replace the TKR is because it becomes loose? Are there common symptoms when that happens? Pain, slipping, catches in the joint? Thanks for all your information!! I've learned a lot from you all. Greetings from the US.

Is there much research to support the idea that running will degrade or compromise a TKA? It seems there is a lot experience reported (not scientific studies admittedly) that patients can return to sports like running or skiing. I did not run before my TKA but enjoy adding laps on an indoor padded track and light jogging on a treadmill to my workout routines once and while. It feels great and helps keep the legs in shape.

Can the plastic component be replaced?

Can you talk about a knee revision? I had a knee replacement at 53. Not overweight or anything, just bad luck with severe osteoarthritis. Now at 60, the other knee is really bad. I would go ahead and have it replaced, but I'm terrified of having them both fail.

I was just told by my doc that the clicking in my knee is a good sign that the prosthetic will last longer! This particular prosthetic has a prong on it that causes the clicking but increases the durability. I'm due for another TKR on the other knee next week. I don't want to be walking around on two clicking knees! So do certain prosthetics click more than others?

Is this still true? I qualify for a TKR but I'm young somewhat young for it. I've been told by multiple doctors that I will need to have a TKR sometime in the next ten years, maybe sooner rather than later. My orthopedic told me the plastics and technology has advanced enough that I'd be able to run, dance, ski, or do anything I wanted to on it after a TKR and most predict it will last about 30 years now. I can't do most of that type of high-impact physical activity so I'm curious about your advice for someone considering TKR in their 30s

I have a question I had total knee replacement April 2021 I then had to have surgery again on September of 2021 because I had a lot of scar tissue that built up I was wanting to know should I go back to my surgeon and let them x-ray my knee or should I go to my family Doctor to see if I injured anything in my knee ? Thanks I watch all of your videos.

I had mine replaced 36 and 34 years ago. Still doing great.

Is a 4 mile bike ride every day too much? My TKR is now 4 years old. I downhill ski 10-15 times a year. So far everything seems fine. Which would you recommend: walking or cycling? I really enjoy your videos.

I had mine at age 57, I'm now 76 and mine is doing great too even though they used Titanium and cement. I had it done in Dubai due to an accident. Fortunately, I never experienced any pain after the op and it's still fine. No running or jogging and it's just like new, touch wood!

I had both knees done at the same time Dec 17, 1997. My 79th birthday is Thursday. My biggest problem is stooping down and climbing stairs. The knee joint seems fine and solid. I walk a lot and that is not a problem. I'm probably 30 pounds overweight but do not have any real health issues at this time.

Is Dr Steadman a good Orthopaedic surgeon ,thanks

Is there any way to measure the health of the implant? Is there any research to figure how to repair tkr ?

Hi, I am on my 7th week PO, not a fan yet, still pain and stiffness, hope it gets better, had mine done as outpatient on 10/22, not recommended.

I just had a TKR at 60yo. Let's say I wear it out in 15!years. Will they replace the whole knee again or just the plastics. Thanks Patrick

I just got cortisone shot 2 days ago still in pain going up and down stairs..Question when I come home will I have to change dressing or will I have an home aide to help me.Also will I need a chair for my room to help with leg exercises..my bed room is upstairs also

Hey fellas, Just had my right knee replaced (41yrs old, due to trauma 20yrs ago and three failed ACL surgeries). Question. I love to golf and am curious if walking the golf course vs riding in a cart will speed up (potentail) TKA revision?

Thanks to both of you for the great info. I'm assuming if a person walks a few miles a day for exercise would NOT equate to unusual or overly high impact type exercise to cause early wear? I hope! haha

Interesting. I had both knees replaced. One is doing very well. One not so much. It’s been about six years. I understand waiting as long as possible to get replacement; but wonder if you can effect outcome of surgery by waiting too long?

Hey Doc’s I had a total knee replacement 7 weeks ago doing well my physical therapist told recovering very well, told him I watched you guys and did the Pre surgery exercises he told me that helped a lot, so I’m 65 years old how about riding a bike 🚲 is that ok on the new knee Thanks Rob

Hi ! Female, 73, stage 3.5 kidney disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis both knees, issues with L-5/S-1. I’ve had 15 various surgeries and procedures in 50 years, 5 of which went wrong. I’m BMI of 25. Did everything - injections, topical, pain meds, lost 70 pounds. I’m PETRIFIED to have surgery March 1. Doing pre-op exercises and that’s extremely painful. Living alone in apartment with 20 stairs. I’m in another state getting this done so relatives can care for my elderly cat who’s sick. I’m wondering can I reasonably expect to go back to my apartment, with those stairs, within 6 weeks? Due to my kidneys and bleeding ulcers, I cannot take NSAIDS or Tylenol. Gabapentin gives me severe restless leg syndrome. I’m anticipating bad pain. I’ve watched your videos and appreciate your information. First doc was adamant that I have a surgical center outpatient experience. Found doc that agreed that’s not best for me. Obviously I have a bad track record with surgeries, two involved doctor mistakes. I don’t feel this doc gave me enough info. Do docs just want us to do what they say without question? As I said, I’m very anxious. If I were not told there’s no more that can be done for the level 7-8 daily pain, I’d cancel. Any advice for me? Encouragement? Thanks for your input.