In May 2016, Monty Don revealed that years of gardening had left him with "dodgy knees", from which he was "almost constantly in pain". But he dismissed any suggestion of replacement joints, saying: "Listen, when you get to 60, you ache. Just take it."Well, I, too have dodgy knees. One much worse than the other. When I was 15, my friend's mother was driving us to a local baseball game when we skidded on wet road and went off into a ditch. They were both uninjured, but I had a broken femur. In those days, 1963, the treatment was traction. I was in it for several weeks, and in the hospital for 3 months. Unheard of today. Since then, one leg has been shorter than the other, and I've always had a limp. It has naturally gotten worse as I've gotten older. At this point, one shoulder is lower than the other, and I use a cane when walking long distances, and a knee brace most days. But, just like Monty, I shall have no operations or replacements. I accept my pain without (much) complaint.
And by the way, I am more than excited that Britbox is offering the 2018 season of Gardeners' World. I watched the first episode and it was just lovely.
Oh no... I'm so sorry for the pain you must endure.
ReplyDeleteNah, I'm alright, Kay! I get around fine and just wince once in a while! But thank you for your kindness.
DeleteWe have the first Gardener's World recorded to watch. I had no idea it was starting again on Friday... excellent! Have you seen Nigel yet?
ReplyDeleteI had never seen the show, and it was so good. Quiet, no razzamatazz, just perfect. And yes, Nigel is in it as is Nell. Beautiful dogs.
DeleteI knew you had a broken leg when you were young. Had no idea that you were in the hospital for 3 months! That seems unbelievable now. And I agree that at 60, things are just going to hurt at times. LOL
ReplyDeleteEven a bit more at 70. Ha! Yeah, in those days they kept you in the hospital till you were well. But even after three months I had to be on crutches, and then a cane for quite a while. Now they would probably put in pins.
DeleteBut Michael has pins from a break, and he has periods of pain, and one recently came through the skin, and they had to pull it out!
DeleteI didn't know this, either! Wow. Three months is a long time. How did you pass the time? I assume you read, but were there other things to occupy you? I just read an article about knee surgeries and how they aren't the cure all for your pains and aches. I've had bothersome knees over the years (probably too much running from the time I was 11 until I was about 45), but I won't have surgery to repair any tears. Not worth the bother or expense. I have a friend who had her knee repaired (miniscus?) and it's still not better. Such a nuisance.
DeleteI had lots of company. And I tried to keep up with schoolwork. I was a sophomore. The nurses and nurses' aides were wonderful. Not a high power place in those days. I don't remember reading but I probably did. My mother would bring me hot buttered English muffins from a restaurant downtown. Those are the things I remember. And some tv. The Nelsons, and a local teenage music show. Very interesting about the knee surgeries.
DeleteWhat a lovely image of your mother bringing you hot buttered English muffins. I'll bet they tasted divine in comparison to the hospital food. :)
DeleteThey did, and I've never tasted that particular taste again.
DeleteIt is not fun having dodgy anything. As Monty and you both say when you get older you have aches and pains.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind so much. So many other people go through much worse than I. And my cane is a big hit with the grandchildren. They've used it for many things - a microphone for example.
DeleteI think I would take the knee pain as long as possible after what a friend has been through. Will have to spring for Britbox, Gardener's World sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems some people do fine while others don't. You will love G's W. And there are some other gems there, too. For instance, a canal boat ride with no words, just like you are on the boat. Lovely.
DeleteFeeling a bit guilty here! A few years ago, I said "yes" to a knee replacement. So happy I did... "Dodgy knees" is a great way to put it. :)
ReplyDeleteShouldn't feel guilty! Happy it worked for you, and I know many who are as happy as you! Life-changing for lots of people,
DeleteI had double knee replacements in 2011 and am so very grateful! I could barely walk two steps. I also have one leg longer than the other, but it is not worth putting up with that pain! Be well, Nan!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy they worked so well! You really, really needed them!
DeleteSorry to hear you and your husband are both in pain sometimes. You sound as if you're coping rather well, though.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, some people have replacements and all goes well for them, while it does not work out so good for others. It is a decision everyone has to take for themselves. Just great that we have this opportunity now, with all the advances in the medical field.
I've been born with scoliosis and have had a lot of back pain and trouble with my left shoulder. After I've been in a special clinic for 3 weeks back in 2005, and have never stopped my exercises, I am much better now at almost 50 than I was at 30.
I'm a little confused. I don't think I mentioned Tom being in pain?? Exercise really is key, isn't it.
DeleteSorry, Nan - I was the confused one here. I read your reply to someone else above where you said "But Michael has pins from a break, and he has periods of pain" and wasn't paying attention of the name - I thought you were talking about your husband.
DeleteThat makes perfect sense! And Michael is our son. ;<))
DeleteI've had double knee joint replacements and it has been life changing. I love my "new knees," but I still have one leg a bit longer than the other and lower shoulder, etc. but not a biggie. If one were to consider knee replacement surgery, my advice would be to work out really hard but appropriately (low impact--I did TRX for Baby Boomers, and a pool exercise class) for a year prior to the surgery to get all surrounding muscles, etc. in good shape. The pre-surgery exercise hurt but was well worth it and it made PT afterwards easier. Now I'm back in TRX and Pool Class--I aim for 5 days a week of one or the other.
ReplyDeleteOh, Teresa, that is wonderful. And good for you for all the exercise!
DeleteI hope it doesn't hurt to much Nan, you are very stoic about it. I will try and post a link to a programme where Monty Don talks about his life and chooses music, I enjoyed it…..not sure it will work, maybe my computer non-skills or maybe the BBC won't let you listen but here goes….. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05xfw26
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole. I'm just used to it. Sometimes is worse than others. Thank you for the link. I'll go try it.
DeleteCarole, I hope you come back to read this. Oh, how I loved that interview. It was wonderful to hear him talk about life and gardening and music. And the dawn chorus! What a gentle soul he is, and how refreshingly honest. Thank you very much for sharing this with me.
Delete