Left knee replacement next week

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I had my right knee replaced in 2004. I am having my left knee done Tuesday May

3, 2011 (I'm 54 yrs old). I am scared to death. I have heard the surgery is less

invasive now, but still its going to be painful.

I have sleep apnea which means I have to be partially awake when the breathing

tube goes down my throat. I have 2 surgeries in the past 18 months (unrelated to

my knee) and both times have been rather tramatic anesthesia wise.

It took me just over a year to heal from my right knee. I hated feeling like I

was about to fall over at any moment. I have fallen several times in the past

few years. Now I " m very wobbly cuz my left knee is all bone on bone and not very

stable at all.

I guess I'm asking how has the surgery and recovery has changed since 2004. What

should I be prepared for?

My daughter will be staying with me, but that also means 2 grandkids under 3

years old underfoot. I have asked my Dr to authorize a week at a rehab center so

I can get more stable before I come home. I went to rehab after my right knee

and I think it helped.

Marie