Having a bilateral knee replacement on December 27, 2006 with Doctor Cass Nakasone of the Straub Bone and Joint Clinic was the right decision for me. The operation in question represented a huge step forward in terms of quality of life, energy control and acceptance. It was a vital part of my ability to be present and maintain a positive attitude.

The clarity to schedule the operation required me to get my mind around the reality of the situation; I had two worn out knees that, like tires on a car, had me screeching to halt. The courage to go through with the operation came from the support of my family and close friends. In writing this article, I'm documenting a decision making process that worked for me. As you read this article, please consider the importance that quality of life, energy control and acceptance have for you.

Quality of Life
The step forward in terms of quality of life can be summed up in three words--pain, movement and freedom.

Pain: The pain that I experienced was subtle and it was always there. I needed medication to sleep and, in the end, my feet felt like I had marbles in my shoes. That was evidence that the pain was transferring to other areas as my body compensated for the discomfort.

Movement: As it became harder to walk, simple tasks required way too much energy and for the first time, my posture suffered, my body felt old and people began to hold the door for me, and it helped!

Freedom: As the list of do-able activities got shorter, I began to feel confined and resent not being able to do the simple things; walk with my family, climb a ladder or exercise hard and feel good.

Update: The pain is gone, my legs and feet are straight for the first time in my life, and I'm getting stronger and, even though I have a lot of hard work ahead, I feel free.

Energy Control
The step forward in terms of energy control can be summed up in three words; engaged, sleep and fun.

Engaged: The energy required to "be present" and to feel engaged in an activity was no longer automatic and naps, energy drinks and shorter days became a way of life as the pain wore me down.

Sleep: Rather than waking up refreshed and excited about the day, I was getting up feeling groggy and my morning stretch and swim first became a chore, then downright painful and then, often neglected.

Fun: The ability to create my own fire: the interest, excitement, intense desire and passion for what was going on around me seemed distant and felt remote.

Update: I'm back, I feel like myself again, I can sleep and I'm just so glad to be able to generate my own energy without the need to medicate.

Acceptance
The step forward in terms of the improvement in my attitude can be summed up in three words; allow, change and solution.

Allow: The concept of allowing the moment or experience to unfold once again makes sense and feels good. For me, there seems to be a link between pain and judgment; discomfort and resistance. I found myself constantly anticipating how I would be limited or in pain during any given activity, so I would resist participating.

Change: With my condition getting worse, I felt out of control and inferior. now that I'm getting better, I feel like I'm back in charge, able to be responsible for my own well-being.

Solution:Being involved in a rehab process that promotes the recovery of proper posture, balance and coordination feels like the best possible answer for my condition. I'm now able to walk and exercise without a limp, compensation or pain.

Update:As an athlete, the ability to walk and feel strong, to complete each day of the rehab and have good energy and to be excited about the future is pure sunshine:life is good.

Summary: Growing up as an athlete, I learned to "play through the whistle" to endure pain and to always know that I could handle any and all challenges. I'm grateful for this situation with my knees because I quickly got the message to let go and let my higher power be in charge.

Leading up to the operation, I experienced quite bit of sadness associated with the loss of function and the fact that my knees had worn out. In truth, my knees had served me really well; I never missed a game, a practice or had any downtime due to my knees. After 65 years of activity they simply wore out within days of each other.

A few days before the operation, the sadness was replaced with a feeling of excitement for the future and a prayer that both knees would be replaced in the same operation. I knew from what Cass (Dr. Nakasone) had told me, that the operation would be much more effective if both knees were involved in the rehab at the same time. Such was the case, as I came out of the operation with two new knees and straight legs. What a thrill to look down at my previously bowed legs and see two straight legs and straight feet.

The reality of my two new knees is that I do have some limits. Before my knees wore out, I had never had any limitations on my activity levels. With the new knees, I will never run, hills or otherwise again, I will never jump waves while windsurfing at Diamond Head, and I will never do squats with weights again. However, I will be able to walk hard and long with my family, clean yard without pain, train my legs, do yoga, swim, ride bike and best of all, for now, I will be able to keep up with my one year old grandson.

The challenge at present is to be patient and let my knees dictate the pace of the rehab, something with which I have previously not been very good. Thanks to the excellent care the rehab staff in the hospital and now Mike McCormick at Straub Rehab Center, I have been given good guidance that enables me to play smart.

In short, I'm thrilled with my two new knees and forever grateful to my support team for all that you did for me before, during and after the operation. To Dr. Cass Nakasone and his top assistant Lindsey Chang, I appreciate how good you are at what you do. To Dr. Leslie Chock Stevenson, I appreciate your ability to manage me and the blood clot that prolonged my stay in the hospital. To Dr. Eddie Weldon, I appreciate the attention and concern you expressed for my well-being. To my wife, Elise, my son, Reyn, my daughter-in-law Shannon and my grandson Nello, my mother Elsie and my sister Phyllis Ann for their love, acceptance and support for a positive outcome. At a time like this there is no substitute for the love of family. To my colleagues and dear friends Dr. Bruce Eliashof and Dr. Rene Tillich, your presence and friendship touched me at a time when I needed to be reminded of the power of being there for one another. To my three brother-in-laws; Joe, Robert and Rick Nardone for acting in the spirit of family and caring about my well-being. To my teammates from Georgia Tech; Steve Copeland, Bill Curry and Taz Anderson for continuing to generate the feelings of team that began in the early 60's. To Bernie Baker for being an ever present source of inspiration, nobody goes faster or has more fun.

I'd also like to thank all of the people that listened, cared and expressed their concern for my well-being. In searching for the perfect way to end this article, this thought came from Mike McCormick, the man in charge of my rehab. After I had read him my first draft, he said, "Brad, your article perfectly expresses why I specialize in doing this kind of work. People that seek this operation have hit a bottom in terms of their physical and sometimes emotional fitness. With the return of their fitness comes a sense of joy and enthusiasm that is very rewarding and satisfying to be around." I agree - I feel new in so many more ways than two knees, and I do not take for granted my ability to move well, be pain free and truly appreciate each moment that I have to enjoy.