New member needs advice

xrayspecs1956
xrayspecs1956 Member Posts: 3
edited 17. Aug 2013, 07:58 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all,
Would greatly appreciate a bit of advice. I have OA and have had for many years as I had all my knee cartilage removed when I was about 22. I am now nearly 58. Had an x-ray a couple of weeks ago and diagnosed with severe OA in left knee and OA in right. Been advised to to have physio which I am happy to do but also told that if that doesn't work then a new knee is an option. Should I consider this option at my age or battle on until its just too bad. I am able to walk and work but it is daily pain and does impact on anything other than my basic mobility. I can't kneel and get up for example. 58 just seems too young ? Will I regret not giving it a go ? All advice great fully received.

Comments

  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 483
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I can't help with advice at all ..... I've only been here 5 minutes myself and have found everyone very friendly and helpful so I'm sure someone will be along who can share their experiences soon x
    Toots x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi xrayspecs,

    Welcome to the forum.

    I am 63 years old at the end of this year and had one TKR in 2008 and the other in 2010 and am so grateful that I did. I got my life back :)

    My surgeon told me that I would not be able to kneel post knee ops, but I can, very well. It gave me the greatest pleasure to let him know that I could too. ;) Now I can actually sit back on my heels, not for long mind but I can do it. A great achievement. ;)

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Welcome to the forum, I cannot advise on the knee as it is OA in the hands I have. I am sure there will be a few more will come along and give there input, I just wanted to say hello, hope to see you around..........Marie x
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome to the forum
    I was going to say there are quite a few on the forum that have had TKRs..so I am glad to see that our Elna has given you some advice..to me pain is pain whatever age..you have to decide if you can go on like this and for how long..I do wish you well for the future..and please let us know what you decide.x
    Love
    Barbara
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, it's nice to meet you and I hope we can help with information and support.

    I have two sorts of arthritis, I began with an auto-immune one in 1997 (I was 37) which initially affected my knees, then in 2011 severe OA was found in both knees - this has now spread to both ankles and my right hip because I have no choice but to battle on until I am 55. Both knees are shot to bits and because those joints are out-of-kilter the damage has spread because other joints are being put under undue pressure. I need two crutches on my better days and a rollator for all the others, walking is a long-gone pleasure as it now only involves pain, lashings and lashings of it. :)

    If you have the chance now I say go for it, you have nothing to lose (apart from the pain and the time spent recuperating) and much to gain because you will be able to move better, the strain on your other joints will be eased and overall the quality off life will be enhanced. Surgery is a big deal and not a quick fix but I would jump (if only :wink:) at the opportunity you have been offered. I wish you well and, if you choose to go ahead, we will support you all the way through. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'd definitely go for it but then I got my first two TKRs aged 35 as I'd had RA for 20 years then. The two THRs came later and, three years ago, one of the TKRs was replaced. All have been good. Just do the exercises before and after the op and give yourself plenty of time after to rest and do the exercises and do very little else.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Welcome from me. Glad you have come here for advise etc. Everyone is very kind and helpful here.

    I had my Total Hip Replacement over 2 years ago now. At the time I was 51. So, I would say, for it if you can.

    Hope to see you around the forum. And keep us informed on your decision and all.
    Karen xx
  • xrayspecs1956
    xrayspecs1956 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your replies and kind words. Still early days and will give physio a good go and then cortisone injections to see if that helps. I am certainly now more positive that should I not get much benefit from the above then I have confidence to go for whatever type of knee replacement the surgeons think best.

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