Back after two years

barry2013

Two years ago I had a TKR on my left knee and found the forum really useful with advice both before and after. The TKR was a great success and has given me my retirement back, walking, cycling, playing bowls etc. But now my right knee has given up, last week I had an x-ray and saw my doctor yesterday who recommends having a TKR on this one as well, I am up for it as being only 63 my thoughts are hopefully I will get my active retirement back, are there any risks I should be aware off in having TKR's on both knees. Looking forward to hearing from you all.

dreamdaisy

Hello again, I remember you and I am pleased that you have had a good couple of years. I cannot see that there is anything to worry about with having another knee done: you know what you're facing, you've done it before and I am sure you can do it again. There are quite a few on here with two replaced knees (Helenbothknees had them done at the same time) and I wish you well. DD

stickywicket

Hello, Barry, and welcome back. I'm so glad it's for a 'good' reason.

I had both my knees replaced (separately) in 1981. There were no problems. I had one of the TKRs replaced about 6 years ago. That's a bigger op with more, ongoing, risks but, again, I've had no problems at all.

You obviously got the right balance between rest and exercise last time so I see no reason why you shouldn't have every bit as much success this time. Go for it

barbara12

Hello Barry and welcome back..
I'm so glad your TKR went well..I don't think there are any probs having both done..there are a couple that I know of on here that have had both..and with very good results..it makes sense because your walking at the min will put some stress on your new one..good luck with it..

Helenbothknees

Hi Barry, I remember you. I had both knees replaced at the same op in July 2012, and they've been fine, as for yours - I do swimming, yoga, ballroom dancing, walking etc etc. It's a ****** that you have to go through it all again, but you should be fine. I've never heard of any additional risks. The only risk we both possibly have to look forward to, being relatively young, is needing new ones in 15 years or so - and then the risks are greater. But I'll worry about that if/when it happens.

barry2013

Thank you all, I feel it's the best course for me to have it done as the problem's with the RH knee is impacting my enjoyment, being unable to enjoy cooking, walking etc, still able to enjoy my cycling indeed have just returned from a 40 mile spin. only concern is the period out of action, but it will be a small price to pay. Will keep in touch with my progress and wish everyone on here all the best.

dreamdaisy

There is no reason why a new knee shouldn't last far longer than fifteen years if you take proper care of it and do not subject it to too much stress. DD

Helenbothknees

DD, that may well be so, but that's the timescale the professionals tend to give you if you ask.

barry2013

I was told the lifespan was around 15 years, but of course things move on and who knows what progress will be made over the coming years. As far as I feel a 15 year life would take me to 77 and by then I may well be cutting back a bit on my busy life.

dreamdaisy

I know they tell you that but many people assume they can restart what they used to do - fine, but it will shorten the joint's lifespan and revision is more complex surgery.

Barry? You will be more active at 77 than I currently am at 56. DD

Helenbothknees

Barry, who knows what we'll be doing at 77...78 for me, to be precise? 15 years ago, did you think you'd be this active in your 60s?

DD, that's not what I was told by....the consultant who did the op, no less. He said it's designed to be used, and to go back to exactly what I was doing before, and more if I wanted to. The only rule he gave was no high impact activities/sports, eg running. And nowhere in my extensive reading have I found anything to say that you can't go back to all normal active activities after a TKR. Do you have any evidence or references for what you say? Or is it a case of a few anecdotes and lots of opinions, as for many things with TKRs. If I had a penny for every different physio's opinion I was given... No criticism of you intended, DD, I'm just wondering.

dreamdaisy

I'm not expressing myself too well here, am I? I should have classified my comments with mentioning the high-impact stuff but I fell into the usual trap on here - I know what I'm thinking and expect others to do so too! Of course you can go back to all the things that you do but yes, maybe the marathon-running days are done for good. DD

Helenbothknees

I was never much of a runner anyway, wrong shape! When I asked about horseriding, the surgeon didn't ban it, but said: "Do you have to? We get most of our clients from those people." I've played safe and not tried. And I don't do breaststroke legs when I swim because it hurts my knees - and a butterfly kick works just as well. Otherwise I get on with life. Glad we sorted that one out, DD.

elnafinn

Hi Barry, I remember you too. I had my TKRs in 2008 and 2010. Unfortunately for me the right knee done in 2010 has for the past year been giving me pain and discomfort at times. Loosening or infection have been excuded which is good. The surgeon suspects that the problem may be patellofemoral. Reluctantly the surgeon and I have decided that an arthroscopy be done together with almost certainly a lateral release through a small lateral incision. The reluctance is because of the risk of infection. As I have just had a varicose vein operation I need to wait at least three months for this procedure to be done.

I wish you well, with your forthcoming operation. I still have no regrets but would like to have the right knee pain free again, if possible, like the left one.

Elna

barry2013

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Barry, I remember you too. I had my TKRs in 2008 and 2010. Unfortunately for me the right knee done in 2010 has for the past year been giving me pain and discomfort at times. Loosening or infection have been excuded which is good. The surgeon suspects that the problem may be patellofemoral. Reluctantly the surgeon and I have decided that an arthroscopy be done together with almost certainly a lateral release through a small lateral incision. The reluctance is because of the risk of infection. As I have just had a varicose vein operation I need to wait at least three months for this procedure to be done.

I wish you well, with your forthcoming operation. I still have no regrets but would like to have the right knee pain free again, if possible, like the left one.

Elna

Hi Elna.
Sorry to hear you are still having problems, I hope everything gets sorted out as soon as possible. Best wishes.
Barry.

elnafinn

Thank you Barry. I had 3.5 good years with the right knee. Now that the surgeon and I have come to a decision I am hopeful that all will be well after the arthroscopy, hopefully to take place in three months or so.
The left knee continues to be doing great. The right knee pain is intermittent, I especially notice it when walking down stairs.

Elna

barry2013

I have and app on Wednesday 25th March at St Huges Hosp Grimsby to see the doctor, hopefully I will get the go ahead for the TKR and things can get under way.

barry2013

Went to St. Hugh's Hospital today and saw my Consultant Mr Howell who agreed that my R.H. knee now needs a TKR and have been booked in to have it done on May 19th, looking forward to getting it over with and back to enjoying retirement again. Will keep you posted on progress.

stickywicket

Good I hope it all goes as well as the other one. At least you know the ropes now

dreamdaisy

That's good news, I am pleased for you and I hope it all goes well. DD

barry2013

Off to hospital this morning for my pre-op assessment, then it's a two week wait for my TKR on Tuesday 19th May at 7.30 am.

mig

Good luck for today and for your op. Mig

stickywicket

And from me, too.

barry2013

Thanks guys, all went well at the Pre-op, looking forward to the 19th, will keep you all posted.

stickywicket

Good. Yes, please keep us updated, Barry. We like success stories and you certainly provided one last time

barry2013

Two day's to go until my TKR, holding a Pre-op BBQ today for family and friends.