Knee Bracing Follow Up Inquiry
[ Tuesday September 19th 2023 at 2:40 pm ]
The receptionist from the bracing clinic has responded to the e-mail I sent just over a week ago. She was ill and apologized for the delay. To be honest this delay didn't bother me. I was focused on other things. I can't fault someone for taking care of their health.
The reason I contacted them was at the direction of my pain management doctor. He was hoping the continued use of the knee unloader brace I received in spring 2022 could be tweaked in some fashion that would all me to use it and experience a better quality of life.
I had concerns related to continuing to use it. One of my concerns is that a knee unloader brace causes osteoarthritis. This is because it puts the body weight through a narrow section of a knee joint. This has the same effect as if I was morbidly obese. I don't need help getting arthritis. I already have my fair share from my hip disease.
My second concern is that the pain management doctor had lost track where all my knee was hurting. When my knee joint buckled for the second time the area of the knee joint that the body weight goes through was damaged during the buckling event. It is no longer pain free. I couldn't see how putting more body weight through this would benefit me.
I provided a few more points besides this. I expressed my acceptance of having the knee surgery my pain management doctor is recommended. I explained how much I was hassled over my hips and how I didn't want to give any grounds for a surgery to decline operating on me.
The bracing specialist took me seriously. In response to my inquiry he sent a letter to my pain management doctor indicating the bracing option has been exhausted based on my present clinical symptoms. This will satisfy a surgeon.
Overall I see this as being positive. I've had the opinion for several years that I am in need of knee surgery. It is reasonable what the pain management doctor is suggesting. I am hopeful the process of having an operation will move forward. I have an appointment with my family doctor in just under 2 weeks to discuss the referral.