Arthritis in knees but afraid of surgery

nannyhicks49
nannyhicks49 Member Posts: 27
edited 13. Apr 2022, 14:16 in Living with arthritis

I have had arthritis in both knees for many years and the time has come to do something about it. I’m terrified of having knee replacement mainly because out of the blue 5 years ago I had a pulmonary embolism and I’m now on blood thinners for life. Seeing that this is a major operation with risks of blood clots I’m really scared but I can’t carry on like this I am missing out on so much, also it’s making me depressed and anxious, i used to run a farm with my husband but limited to what I can now do. Has anyone else been in this situation. I’m a 72yo hobbling around in terrible pain.


[Edited title as it gave name of member - Shell_H, Mod]

Comments

  • Shell_H
    Shell_H Member Posts: 548

    Hi @nannyhicks49 - welcome to the online community!

    I see you've had arthritis in your knees for a while now, and you're at the stage of doing something about it (I am assuming a knee replacement surgery from what you've said) but because you're on blood thinners you're really worried about having surgery. Even so, you don't want to continue as you are as you feel like you're missing out on so much.

    I'd very much suggest talking to your doctor, and if possible seeing if they can refer you to a surgeon who you can talk over your worries with. They will be able to help you the most, I feel. Reading up on the NHS website, it looks like they'll do a blood test to see how well your blood clots, and if necessary they'll take you off your blood thinners just before the surgery, to make sure you are ok. Have a look here for where I got this:

    So your blood thinners shouldn't be too much of an issue so long as you make sure the surgeon knows about it in advance. In the meantime, they normally ask you to do exercises of your knees before surgery to make sure your recovery will be easier. We have some tailored for arthritis exercises you can look at - even if you choose not to have surgery stretching and gently strengthening your knees may well help your pain. Just make sure you take it gently and don't put yourself in worse pain.

    Do pleas ehave a look around the rest of the community, and please ask any questions you may have. We are here to help, and we all have some form of arthrtis. I know I've found it so much better to be able to talk with others who have a similar experience to me.

    Lovely to meet you!

    Shell

  • Thank you I would like to be in touch with others in the same situation