Replacing the Knee

[bdhsfz6]

I appreciate the advice. So far, the injection I had Monday is doing great !

If I end up with replacement, I'll most likely have to get someone to stay with me to help with the farm (feed cows, chickens, etc,) , as I'm single.
For now, we'll see how long this steroid shot last, as I really don't want a new knee. I'd rather keep my original equipment, if ya know what I mean LOL

I can some what remember my grandmother having hers replaces back in the 70's she lived to be 80 and never had a stroke.
I would hope the procedure is much easier now days than back then.

FWIW, I had both hips replaced 7 years ago by a highly rated surgical practice that does over 500 replacements a year. Both hips are doing fine with minimal limits on range of motion. I suspect this has something to do with my strict adherence to the physical therapy.

My left knee has been giving me trouble now for the last 2 years or so. The surgical practice that did my hips says I still have 30 to 40% of cartilage remaining and don't recommend replacement. The problem is likely a torn meniscus and, so far, has been treatable with injections. Endoscopic surgery is a possibility but the success rate is rather low. At my age, I'll likely never get to a bone on bone state so knee replacement may never be an option for me. Hopefully, the injections will continue to work.

Keep in mind, every case is different. The above is just my personal experience. The only real advice I can offer is to find a doctor with a great deal of experience and if replacement is necessary, one who uses robotic surgery.

 

[RSKY]

Gonna add something to my two overly long replies. Several people we know have delayed getting their knees replaced until they could barely walk. Nearly all of these have damaged their hips and had to have them replaced too.

RSKY

 

[metalbender]

I agree on the don't wait. X ray will show bone on bone. Waiting give you a wonky gait, causing hip pain. Had both done, second one in May of this year. So nice not to wince at every step when walking. I do have arthritis in both feet so still have pain, but not in the knees. Pt is important.

 

[kenmac]

this problem knee has been scoped twice. Last Doc said If I returned to her, it would be replaced. she stated she didn't like to perform replacement on people less than 70, but to them having to be replaced again before they die.
Needless to say, I didn't return to her this last time.

So far, I'm still doing good with the fluid being drawn off and the injection Monday.
If it acts up, maybe this doc will consider another scope, but he indicated that would depend on what the MRI showed.

 

[Wakey]

My dad’s wife just got her 2nd knee done (3 years apart) and said the robotic surgery went so much better.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Timely discussion for me. I am going to see the orthopedic doctor tomorrow for mine. I had meniscus surgery on it in 2005. Good for a long time but after about ten years, arthritis started to set in. Been getting the rooster comb shots for the last six years or so, five shots, once a week for five weeks. Trouble is, medicare only pays for one knee at a time so because both my wife and I were getting both knees done, that meant ten ~90 minute trips to the clinic.

This past spring, my wife had TAVR pending so we could not start the procedure because medicare does not allow for interuptions to the schedule. We found a clinic that did a one shot deal. My wife found it to be painful. For me, not so much but then this summer, I started having pain.

I put off doing anything thinking to start the five week injection routine this month once the six month period between shots was over and I could qualify again. Now my lower leg is bowing and I cannot fully straighten or bend my leg not to mention the pain.

My surgeon did my shoulder eleven years ago. The clinic offers the robotic surgery so if need be I will get it done. Ha, I had blood clots four days after my shoulder was repaired but I am still here. That ought to be good for some sick jokes with the surgeon.

 

[kenmac]

Timely discussion for me. I am going to see the orthopedic doctor tomorrow for mine. I had meniscus surgery on it in 2005. Good for a long time but after about ten years, arthritis started to set in. Been getting the rooster comb shots for the last six years or so, five shots, once a week for five weeks. Trouble is, medicare only pays for one knee at a time so because both my wife and I were getting both knees done, that meant ten ~90 minute trips to the clinic.

This past spring, my wife had TAVR pending so we could not start the procedure because medicare does not allow for interuptions to the schedule. We found a clinic that did a one shot deal. My wife found it to be painful. For me, not so much but then this summer, I started having pain.

I put off doing anything thinking to start the five week injection routine this month once the six month period between shots was over and I could qualify again. Now my lower leg is bowing and I cannot fully straighten or bend my leg not to mention the pain.

My surgeon did my shoulder eleven years ago. The clinic offers the robotic surgery so if need be I will get it done. Ha, I had blood clots four days after my shoulder was repaired but I am still here. That ought to be good for some sick jokes with the surgeon.

well, I was hopeful the shot would do the trick, but last night the pain woke me up about 3am.
I'll be calling the doc in the am to see what the next course of action will be.
MRI, more shots, etc,.
This first shot lasted almost a week

 

[bdhsfz6]

well, I was hopeful the shot would do the trick, but last night the pain woke me up about 3am.
I'll be calling the doc in the am to see what the next course of action will be.
MRI, more shots, etc,.
This first shot lasted almost a week

The "gel" injections worked for me for a few years but ceased to be effective last year. The steroid injections help a lot now but their effectiveness is unpredictable. they last anywhere from a few days to a couple of months.

FWIW, I found sleeping with a pillow under / between my knees helps a lot for nighttime pain.

 

[Molalla1]

well, I was hopeful the shot would do the trick, but last night the pain woke me up about 3am.
I'll be calling the doc in the am to see what the next course of action will be.
MRI, more shots, etc,.
This first shot lasted almost a week

Have you tried the series of 3 shots, a week apart? I believe they are called "roster comb" . . . I did them a while back, worked for some time . . . but you will probably be ending up with "the operation" like I have scheduled for December.

 

[bigtiller]

The "gel" injections worked for me for a few years but ceased to be effective last year. The steroid injections help a lot now but their effectiveness is unpredictable. they last anywhere from a few days to a couple of months.

FWIW, I found sleeping with a pillow under / between my knees helps a lot for nighttime pain.

Me too. I sleep on my side and use a small neck pillow and place my knees in the hole in the middle.

 

[QRTRHRS]

The ortho doctor told me what I already know and that is that my arthritis is severe. My knee cap or what is left to it is out of place. He said that I could do some therapy or go with replacement. Along with the rooster comb shots, I have done therapy on it. When I opted for surgery, he agreed that it would be the best albeit not easiest choice. I figure I will have to do therapy either way.

So, now I wait until Medicare approves the procedure and I go for an MRI. It will be the robotic surgery procedure and should happen in about six weeks.

 

[kenmac]

FWIW, I found sleeping with a pillow under / between my knees helps a lot for nighttime pain.

I have tried that. zero results. I called the doc today and ask about more shots. They said they want an MRI to see what their dealing with before giving more shots.

 

[kenmac]

So, now I wait until Medicare approves the procedure and I go for an MRI. It will be the robotic surgery procedure and should happen in about six weeks.

If your pain is as bad, or worse than mine, I sure hope they approve you. I should have my MRI in a few days.
I'm sure physical therapy will be a killer, but hopefully when it's over, it's over for good

 

[Torvy]

Dad has needed his done for many years. He's 90 now. He delayed and put it off, so he is no longer able to get it done. Since his mid-50s he figured he only had 5 years left. Mom is too stubborn to let him off that easy.

Don't do what he did. Listen to experts. Get multiple opinions.

 

[tradosaurus]

I appreciate the advice. So far, the injection I had Monday is doing great !

If I end up with replacement, I'll most likely have to get someone to stay with me to help with the farm (feed cows, chickens, etc,) , as I'm single.
For now, we'll see how long this steroid shot last, as I really don't want a new knee. I'd rather keep my original equipment, if ya know what I mean LOL

I can some what remember my grandmother having hers replaces back in the 70's she lived to be 80 and never had a stroke.
I would hope the procedure is much easier now days than back then.

I started having knee issues a few years ago (age 55) and after losing 10 lbs it made a world of difference. Need to lose more but carrying extra weight surely doesn't help.

 

[QRTRHRS]

If your pain is as bad, or worse than mine, I sure hope they approve you. I should have my MRI in a few days.
I'm sure physical therapy will be a killer, but hopefully when it's over, it's over for good

I have been through therapy when I had my rotator repaired eleven years ago. Worse part for me will be not being able to tend the four horses that my wife and I still have. Worse, having my wife do the driving!

 

[kenmac]

I have been through therapy when I had my rotator repaired eleven years ago. Worse part for me will be not being able to tend the four horses that my wife and I still have. Worse, having my wife do the driving!

yeah, I have cattle to tend, and I' alone here.
I have a friend that can drive me to any therapy .
Will have to have him put out hay, and make sure the water is good if turns cold before I can get around.
Of course this is based on if I have a replacement. I'm hoping for other options for sure

 

[kenmac]

I started having knee issues a few years ago (age 55) and after losing 10 lbs it made a world of difference. Need to lose more but carrying extra weight surely doesn't help.

I'm not what I would call over weight. At least not bad. I'm 6'2 @235 #,and stay pretty active here at the farm.

I think all my issues arise from what I did for a living for about 40 years.
I had employees, but I still enjoyed the work too !

 

[bigtiller]

yeah, I have cattle to tend, and I' alone here.
I have a friend that can drive me to any therapy .
Will have to have him put out hay, and make sure the water is good if turns cold before I can get around.
Of course this is based on if I have a replacement. I'm hoping for other options for sure

If you do get the replacement, along with having help with the farm chores and a chauffer, you are going to need someone to care for you personally for a while. The recovery will be a challenge for the first week or more and I would be surprised if any Dr. would let you go home unsupervised.

A little bit of time in a convalescent home would be a big help in your recovery.

 

[tradosaurus]

I'm not what I would call over weight. At least not bad. I'm 6'2 @235 #,and stay pretty active here at the farm.

I think all my issues arise from what I did for a living for about 40 years.
I had employees, but I still enjoyed the work too !

Before you go under the knife try it. Watch your calorie intake while keeping a mild exercise regimen (walking, biking).
6'-2", 235 lbs is considered obese just as I am still considered obese at 6'-0" and 225 lbs. The older we get the harder it is to carry the extra weight.
Both you and I should realistically be under 200 lbs.
Have a buddy (58 yo) that went from 300 to 170 lbs on exercise and eating proper recently. Bikes 30-40 miles/day.