knee cap replacement

bailey27

Hi
I had my follow up today for the knee arthroscopy I had about 8 weeks ago.
Well, I have been feeling fab since the surgery and have gradually begun exercising again albeit a bit less than usual.
However today I was expecting to see the consultant and for him to say well done, you are taking it easy and be discharged.
Instead he explained that I would need a knee cap replacement and new cartlidge underneath as it was worn away. aaarrrrggghhhh!!!! Just as I thought I was making progress.
Anyway, he said that I have to go back in 8 weeks (not sure why) and he may suggest I have an oil injection as I am too young for replacement surgery at the moment!?!?!?
Please can someone enlighten me what this entails.
Thanks

lindalegs

Sorry Bailey, can't help but so sorry you had the rug pulled from under your feet. That doesn't mean to say you're not doing well after your op though - the arthroscopy obviously was beneificial but it's probably just tided you over for now.

I know that when I had my TKRs they left my own kneecaps as they weren't as eroded as my leg bones - that's a technical term :roll: .

If you don't get suitable replies here you could try posting a similar thread on the Young People's Forum to see if they know anything about it.

Luv Legs

elnafinn

Hi Bailey

Yep, the arthro allowed the consultant to see exactly what was going on with your knee without invasive surgery. He is obviously thinking ahead for you which is good. I presume it's your choice if you decide to delay the next step or not that the consultant has in mind for you, if you are feeling great.

If you google "synvisc injections knee" this may enlighten you somewhat if that is what he plans to do. The injections are done over the course of a few weeks, 3 or 5 depending on what exactly he chooses to use in the injections.

I hope you continue to feel great and get back to doing all the exercising you wish to do. I have just started hooping which is great fun! I borrowed a friend's hoop and was hooked

Go careful!
Elna

bailey27

Thanks for your advice.

I have searched google for it and foud some interesting sites.

I think it was more of a shock because I thought I was making progress. I was so positive going into the appointment and came out very deflated.

Oh well, nothing I can do about it so will see it as just another obstacle in this stage of the disease.

What a pain in the...hhh mmm. knee!!

angel1

[quote="bailey27".
Well, I have been feeling fab since the surgery


Sorry you feel disappointed.

If I were you I would just focus on the sentence above. You have done really well.

I sometimes feel that the"powers that be" don`t realise how we hang on to their every word, taking it all to heart. Something, which to them is just procedure, is monumental to us.

I also feel that it is good that your consultant is seeing the big picture, and is prepared to do whatever is necessary, as and when. We hear so many stories on here about how people have to fight for what they need. I wish you luck....Ange.

calcass

bailey27 wrote:

Hi
I had my follow up today for the knee arthroscopy I had about 8 weeks ago.
Well, I have been feeling fab since the surgery and have gradually begun exercising again albeit a bit less than usual.
However today I was expecting to see the consultant and for him to say well done, you are taking it easy and be discharged.
Instead he explained that I would need a knee cap replacement and new cartlidge underneath as it was worn away. aaarrrrggghhhh!!!! Just as I thought I was making progress.
Anyway, he said that I have to go back in 8 weeks (not sure why) and he may suggest I have an oil injection as I am too young for replacement surgery at the moment!?!?!?
Please can someone enlighten me what this entails.
Thanks

Hi there

Sorry to hear you've not had the good news you were expecting. I've had 3 TKRs and have had to have subsequent surgeries on both knee caps due to the deterioration of the bone. The op is not as major as a TKR and after having had them resurfaced the pain, discomfort and movement has massively improved.
Likewise the decision is yours so if you're feeling that you are doing well now then weigh up the options - atleast you have options for the future if you feel that now is not the right time.
Take care and carry on with your physio lol that helps the most

Calcass

bailey27

Thanks for your advice everyone!!

What would the typical recovery time be after an operation like this. I have been told that I would need the knee cap plus the underlying cartlidge replaced so as already mentioned it is not a drastic as a TKR.

I am 29 and before the arthritis was physically very fit and participated in various sports, so am hoping it wouldnt be too long.

I am interested in the typical recovery time though in order to weigh up my options????

calcass

bailey27 wrote:

Thanks for your advice everyone!!

What would the typical recovery time be after an operation like this. I have been told that I would need the knee cap plus the underlying cartlidge replaced so as already mentioned it is not a drastic as a TKR.

I am 29 and before the arthritis was physically very fit and participated in various sports, so am hoping it wouldnt be too long.

I am interested in the typical recovery time though in order to weigh up my options????

Hi Bailey

I had my first patella op when I was 31 after 3 TKRs over 4 years but I have also had Arthritis since I was a baby so have never been overly active!

After each op it took approx 4-6 weeks to be back on my feet without any walking aids although so long as physio is kept up to date then recovery can be pretty rapid and if you've already been fairly fit and well you could be up and about sooner. The success of most of these ops is dependent on how much you want to recover and how much work you put into it.

Hope my experiences and thoughts are helpful.
Good luck

calcass

bailey27

Thanks for the Calcass. That makes me feel a whole lot better now!

Wow, I was thinking it would take months and months. After the key hole surgery I was up and about the same afternoon as I am very determined so hopefully I'll recover quickly when I have it done.
Thanks