advice and help

1973stu

Good Afternoon,

Just been told in the last couple of weeks that I have very bad OA in my right knee and only thing that can be done is a complete knee replacement. I am only 39 and this is out of the question, been given trimadol and phorpain gel. Bought some Glucosamine Sulphate as told by Physio to help repair joints. Told to lose a bit of weight etc, any help and ideas to make my life easier and just general advice on keeping well.

Thanks in advance Stuart

barbara12

Hi Stuart
And welcome to the forum, only Im sorry you had to look for us in the first place.
At the min I would think that physio is your best option, we do have a few young people on here with OA of the knee...one of them has pushed for a TKR....and is due to have it next month.
The physio can build up the thigh muscle then these can support your knee better, there are knee supports,but I should think your physio could help you with that.
After that there are the pain dullers, but I see you are taking them...also they say that ice or heat can help.
Has for the TKR there are many on here with new knees and are so pleased they had them done, but I do know they dont like doing them if you are to young.
you take care x

knuckleduster

Hello Stuart and welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your knee at such a young age.
I too started having trouble with my knees in my 30's, but with careful management have managed to stave off a knee replacement, though your knee sounds far gone. I agree with Barbara that physio, supports and muscle exercises are the way to go. Different things help different people and strangely my knees felt better after my hip replacement and I put it down to not being able to kneel any more. You didn't say if you had seen a knee specialist, but if things don't improve, may I suggest you go back to your Doctor and ask to be referred.

Keep the forum informed as to how you get on.

Janet x

1973stu

Janet I seen a knee surgeon two weeks ago with the results of the MRI scan, thanks for all of the advice,

stickywicket

Hello and welcome from me too. You have some good advice there from Barbara and Janet so I won't bother repeating it. I'm just wondering who decided you were too young for a TKR. If it's the surgeon, that's very common. If it's you - well, I had 2 at 35. However, mine is RA and I think the situation is regarded as different in that we RAers can't overdo new knees very easily. You might find some of the Publications and Resources helpful at the top of the page. I hope so.

skezier

Hi Stuart,

A welcome form me as well and sorry your knee is so bad.

I agree the physio and and the exercises will help strength the internal knee muscles and s=well as the thigh and it helps to hold the joint together. It is good to have decent muscle tone with oa.

Like sticky says the person you saw says your too young? My advice would be to ask to see someone who puts quality of life above age and a lot do so please see someone else.

Nice to meet you and keep in touch and let us know how its going. Cris x

salamander

Hi Stuart, sorry you have oa at such a young age. I wonder whether hydrotherapy would help you to strengthen the muscles without putting too much strain on the joints. I saw something in my local physio department about it. I've had it for RA and it did help but only got six sessions though it did teach me the exercises which I did in my local pool.

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you and well done on finding us. The usual plaint on here is 'I think I need a new joint and I've been told I have to wait as I'm too young. ' If you have been offered a new knee at this wondrously young age then go get it done so that you can make the most of it. Replacement joints are not the same as the originals (and they should be given some careful conservation to make them last) but their overwhelming benefit is they won't hurt anywhere near as much. And surely that has to be a good thing. Good luck! DD

hileena111

Hi Stuart
Welcome to the forum
I cant add much to what has already been said. I'm a hipster {hip replacement}
Go for the publications that arthritis care do......you might find something there....eg....coping with pain is one {its early and I havent had a cup of coffee yet}
Heat or cold.....whichever......if cold helps more.....frozen peas
If its heat that helps there are loads of different shaped wheat bags that you pop in the microwave to heat up.
If you meds aren't working go back to your GP and tell them......there are only a few that we OA's can take but loads of different ones within each family if that makes sense.
Love Hileena

bubbadog

Hi Stuart, Wanted to welcome you to the forum, and say you will find all the surport you will need on here and you certainly have had posts from the best members already!! Hope you enjoy the forum, and welcome again!