Do I have my knee op now - and how do I find a good surgeon?

susani

I have arthritis in both knees - but the right knee is now bad - pain is constant rather than absent and I have been experiencing difficulty in bending the knee and a reluctance to walk upstairs.

At 51 yrs old do I have a replacement knee now? :? I am concerned about losing muscle condition and putting strain on the other knee. What would you advise?

Also I had knee surgery 32 years ago (dislocating patellas) and am really nervous about all of this - how do I find a good surgeon? Are there any particular questions to ask or facts to check out. Any advice on this will be most gratefully received!

Many, many thanks.

sharmaine

Hi Susan

It is a big decision. I had my first TKR (I also have OA in both knees)
this year. Prior to the TKR I was in a wheelchair they had left my knee too long and it had bowed inward. Even using crutches exhuasted me. I think you end up putting strain on your back and other places. I don't regret having my TKR as know I can walk and don't need crutches or the wheelchair. As my other knee worsens I've found I need my stick or crutch a little more but I was told to expect that. It is major surgery.

It's the pain, the discomfort and lack of mobility that finally made me decide to go ahead and I will go ahead with the next one because my other leg is going the same way. I have a better quality of life than I had last year or the year before that.

Your new knee will never be the same as your old one. I cannot kneel on my new knee I've tried but it feels odd. But I feel so much stronger and to be able to walk again has been such a bonus. I can prepare meals standing up again. I don't need the perching stool to wash the dishes or prepare food. I still sit down when I iron but the joy of being able to move again is marvellous.

I was lucky to have a good surgeon. I can only suggest that you ask for the best.

Take care and good luck with your decision.

Regards
Sharmaine

susani wrote:

I have arthritis in both knees - but the right knee is now bad - pain is constant rather than absent and I have been experiencing difficulty in bending the knee and a reluctance to walk upstairs.

At 51 yrs old do I have a replacement knee now? :? I am concerned about losing muscle condition and putting strain on the other knee. What would you advise?

Also I had knee surgery 32 years ago (dislocating patellas) and am really nervous about all of this - how do I find a good surgeon? Are there any particular questions to ask or facts to check out. Any advice on this will be most gratefully received!

Many, many thanks.

elainebadknee

Hi Susan

Im aged 42 have had oesteochondritis dissecans since age of 18. My knee never gave me major problems after having loose bodies taken out in early teens until i reached the grand old age of 40. Just after was helping my dad recover from his TKR last june, my leg pain was constant, cannot bend it, cant do more than six or more stairs....My mobility has decreased a lot, have walking stick and blue badge now....
I need my life back so have sought 2nd opinon after one consultant wanted to remove kneecap, 2nd surgeon told me this was of no benefit...Im currently being considered for half knee surgery.
You will of course lose muscle, put strain on other limbs as im doing i guess too....If i were you id go for surgery as you are at 51 regarded as young i know but my opinion is i want to live now not wait till im too old to enjoy my new knee....
I wouldnt know about finding a good surgeon, ive only dealt with NHS...I live in lake district and had to go to Wigan for 2nd opinion and am glad i did so....Wigan is a centre of excellence in my area, why dont you ask your GP's advice?
Good luck, keep us informed of what you do...

Elainex

marion1952

Hi Susani

Is there a 'centre of excellence' for hip and knee surgery near where you live? That would be the place to go if there is, because that will have the 'best' surgeons who just operate on hips and knees all the time. Your GP might be able to advise you.

I had my hip done at a 'centre of excellence' in the North West (same place as Elainebadaknees) and wouldn't hesitate to go back there again.

Keep in touch .. let us know how you get on.

Marion

elnafinn

Hi Susan

The time arrives when you know in your own mind that a new knee is the only way forward. I waited 3 years before I had my first one and the other was done two years later, this January, actually. My surgeon wanted me to wait until it was interfering with my life in a huge way. I never had to use a stick or wheelchair. I was not sleeping at night, pain most of the time, hated stairs and could no longer go walking which I used to enjoy. My leg used to feel it was going to give way. I got around, riding my bike as this caused me no pain, only when I got off the bike! :roll:

You may well have to look around for a surgeon that is willing to perform a TKR on you as you are only 51 years. I was 57 when I have my first one done.

Ask your GP whom he would recommend. I was lucky in that I was seeing a shoulder consultant prior to thinking about seeing a consultant about my knee. We got talking and he said that his wife had been to see a Mr. A but was not quite ready for the op yet. I thought to myself, if a consultant sends his wife to this man, then that is the one I want to see too. He was fantastic. I can never thank him enough. Actually he was mentioned in this Tuesday's Daily Mail on the Good Health page, being voted as one of the best Top 10 knee surgeons. If you can get hold of a copy that may help you, depending where you live.

Once you have found a surgeon find out how many operations he has done and his success rate. My surgeon voluntered this information in a document he wished me to take away to look at. My surgeon specialised in knees only and I found this to be a plus in my opinion. He was dealing with knees all the time.

I wish you well

Luv
Elna x

speedalong

Hi Susan, and welcome. You will know when you need the TKR - you wont be able to sleep, it will be a constant foreground pain and you will feel it is your only option.

I think you have to balance up - the longer you wait the more work you have to do after the op to rebuild your muscles versus the fact that as Sharmaine points out - a TKR isn't as good as a real knee - but you will regain mobility and the dreadful pain will be gone.

Re a good surgeon - experience counts for a lot. Elna and Marion have made some good suggestions, also talk to people about your knee - they will inevitably know someone who has had their knee done(!) and you can enquire by who, how successful etc - word of mouth is a good indicator too.

Speedy

hileena111

I dont think i can add any more to these posts.....you've got some good advice to sift through.
I've had a hip replacement but not a knee so cant really help there. Just wish you well with your decisions

Love
Hileena

elnafinn

Hi Susan

I have sent you a private message. I found the Daily Mail article on the net and have attached the link in the message for you, in case you are interested.

Luv
Elna x