Well, it’s official. I saw my surgeon today for the MRI results and follow up to my recent knee issues. I am not surprised at the results or the answers I received today. It’s exactly what I expected to hear after I got the results a month ago. See MRI REPORT BLOG

Not sure how I was able to squat 380 Lbs at Worlds, Deadlift 451 Lbs at the Arnolds a couple weeks ago and have this report today.

“You need a total knee replacement” the Dr. said.

He showed me the images on the computer of my knee. I really didn't know what I was looking at. I am not a Dr and I don't know what my knee should or shouldn't look like. I have severe osteoarthritis which is basically bone rubbing on bone. It’s the bone rubbing on bone that caused my meniscus to become destroyed.

He offered to go in and do a scope surgery to clean up my meniscus but said I would not be happy with those results and it would not help the arthritis. The meniscus isn’t the problem, it’s the arthritis. We talked about my weight lifting  and how well my shoulder had healed and he was so pleased to hear about  my performance at the World’s and the Arnold’s. Hard to believe I could pull over 450 lbs with a worn out knee he said.

I explained to him how I have been managing my own pain and seeing Dr. Ken Kinakin to keep my muscles around my knee firing.

We talked about other pain management options, cortisone shots, plasma replacement etc.

I really like this surgeon, he is the same Dr. who did my shoulder surgery in November 2015. That was a total success and I respect his opinion.

However, I am not ready for a knee replacement just yet. As long as I can manage my pain and be smart about my training I will prolong this process as long as possible.

I have tempted fate for several years now knowing my knee was wearing out. I need to be my own advocate and be smart and realize what’s important in life. Do I want to go squat just because, or to get another record added to my name? No, I want to be able to sit on the floor and play with my Grandbabies and take them to the park and play. Squats just don’t matter, period. The Dr. never said I couldn’t squat, I’m just going to be smarter than I have been. If it hurts to squat why squat? If putting weight on my back will force my bones even closer together and make my bones grind then why squat. It’s simple really, it’s a no squat situation.

The Dr. said if I get my knee replaced there will be NO Squatting, no kneeling and heavy lifting. It is a 3-6 month recovery at minimum.

I’m not saying I’m quitting powerlifting but I am going to lay off the squats and whatever else ails my knee. I am going to drop some weight, do more Kettlebells and metabolic conditioning. If I do feel the need to compete in the future it looks like it may have to be push pull only. Maybe build a bigger bench, who knows. I will never stop training and I’m curious to see what body changes I can make.

I really enjoy coaching others as well, not just Kettlebells but with Powerlifting too. It’s a passion not a career.  I have a full time job that I do Monday to Friday on top of being a Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Friend, Coach, Sponsored Athlete etc. My life if busy enough right now, time to take better care of myself for once.

So, there you have it, my life as it stands today, who knows what tomorrow will bring, you will just have to keep tuning in to find out! Thanks for following and all your love and support.

This may very well be the last heavy squat you witness me do, good thing I have a video of my PR World Record Squat.

Not sure how I feel emotionally yet, I think I'm ok but getting old sucks which should only fuel me to become a better version of me.

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