No Fear of Knee Surgery

In reply to Zan Thompson’s “Just Kicking Back After Knee Surgery” (Aug. 11), I would like to say for the benefit of any who might be contemplating a knee replacement that my experience five years ago at 80 was quite different. Soon after surgery a nurse in the hospital told me to follow my surgeon’s directions or he would have nothing to do with me. So, out of fear, I did exercises and all the therapy offered, even going up and down stairs. When I came home after two weeks I did not use the borrowed walker and came downstairs for lunch and dinner holding firmly onto the railing under the watchful eye of my husband.

During the past five years I have taken several trips to Europe and Asia, climbing on and off buses and tenders. In fact I have just returned from a cruise to Indonesia.

Arthritic knee sufferers don’t be afraid! Have your knee replacements and enjoy life in your 80s!

JESSICA JAMISON

Los Angeles