knee replacement worries

joanlawson

I had arthroscopy on 16th Dec and it has left me worse than I was before. Also I have developed Bursitis in my hip, probably caused by walking awkwardly. It is a constant nagging pain. I was taking Diclofenac, but the consultant told me to stop because I have taken it for over a year and he thinks it is dangerous to take it for so long. He has told me to take paracetamol or codeine instead, but they also have side effects if taken constantly. So now I don't know what to do to control the pain. My GP was the person who prescribed the Diclofenac,so it is a bit embarrassing to go back to him and tell him what the consultant said. Any advice gratefully received.

The arthroscopy showed that the arthritis in my knee is severe and I have been told that the only solution is a knee replacement. I am very scared at the thought of such major surgery in case that goes wrong and I am left worse off than ever. I'm also scared of the pain afterwards, and how i would be able to control it. I have asked for time to decide whether to go ahead, although I know logically it won't get better. The ball is in my court, but I am very confused as to the best course of action. Maybe someone out there can offer me reassurance about what the operation was like in terms of pain and recovery. Thank you for reading this. It is the first time I have written down my worries. My husband is very supportive but I don't like to burdon him with all my worries about surgery.

skezier

joanlawson wrote:

I had arthroscopy on 16th Dec and it has left me worse than I was before. Also I have developed Bursitis in my hip, probably caused by walking awkwardly. It is a constant nagging pain. I was taking Diclofenac, but the consultant told me to stop because I have taken it for over a year and he thinks it is dangerous to take it for so long. He has told me to take paracetamol or codeine instead, but they also have side effects if taken constantly. So now I don't know what to do to control the pain. My GP was the person who prescribed the Diclofenac,so it is a bit embarrassing to go back to him and tell him what the consultant said. Any advice gratefully received.

The arthroscopy showed that the arthritis in my knee is severe and I have been told that the only solution is a knee replacement. I am very scared at the thought of such major surgery in case that goes wrong and I am left worse off than ever. I'm also scared of the pain afterwards, and how i would be able to control it. I have asked for time to decide whether to go ahead, although I know logically it won't get better. The ball is in my court, but I am very confused as to the best course of action. Maybe someone out there can offer me reassurance about what the operation was like in terms of pain and recovery. Thank you for reading this. It is the first time I have written down my worries. My husband is very supportive but I don't like to burdon him with all my worries about surgery.

Hi Joan,
Sorry your having so much worry and confusion just now. I know all tablets have side effects and some effects can be complicated by other tablets and conditions. there is a drug that a lot of my friends have started taking instead of diclofenic, I can't remeber it's name but I think it would be well worth going back to your GP and talking to him. Paracetimol etc a lot of people swear by but for me I can eat them like smarties to no avail and we are all different.
As to your delema over the opp I haven't had knee replacements, I did have the key hole thing a long time ago and thankfully except for the crunching they have behaved well. I have had my feet and spine opperated on and I know I really didn't know if I wanted an opp on my back. In the end you must do what you think is right for you, but I made my mind up by thinking what was the choices. To not have it done was going to mean I would be in a wheel chair. If it went wrong it would speed up the process and if it worked I may get back my life. Thankfully somebody was looking out for me and I got most of my life back.
I don't know How painful the knee opp is, I do know both my feet and back involved a lot of injection pain relife and the pain they gave was short term compared to the pain they gave before they were done.
When you go and see your GP if you can see if you can get a double appointment and talk through some of your fears. I hope you can sort out what you would like to happen. Take care

lindalegs

Hi Joan,

I had both my knees replaced at the same time 8 years ago. Before I had them done I was in a wheelchair and my life was very limited, any movement of my knees caused tremondous pain, even when I wasn't weightbearing, and when I walked around the house I was very knock-kneed. Life before my op became intolerable and although I was very frightened of facing 'the knife' I'd come to the point where I just didn't want to go on any longer.

The operation changed my life and I have no regrets. I can now get on and off the loo by myself, out of chairs (if they're not too low) unaided and the wheelchair is now in the shed gathering cobwebs.

After the operation it did hurt, at first, when weightbearing but it was a different pain and certainly one I could cope with and nothing like it had been before. It was a pain that got less each day and my recovery was quite rapid. I was in my early forties when I had them done.

You have to consider how debilitated you are now and also take into account that there are risks with everything we do. I don't know how old you are but life's for living and who knows it could turn your life around like it did mine.

As for 'if it goes wrong' I suppose my advise would to try to stick with your own knee(s) as long as you possibly can - I think you'll know when you can't put up with it any longer.

Luv Legs

joanlawson

Dear Skezier
I hope I am doing this right because I'm a learner on the computer. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. It is very encouraging to hear stories like yours and makes me feel a bit braver!I am so glad that the surgery worked well for you. You were very brave to go for your spine op, but how wonderful to avoid being in a wheelchair. I think my anxiety stems from fear of the unknown, and also I have only ever had surgery twice in my life, once when I was in my twenties ( I am 65 now ) and then the arthroscopy recently. Sadly, both ops were failures, although the first wasn't arthritis-related.
Your advice to make a double appointment with the doctor was very helpful. There never seems to be enough time and you are always worried that you are taking too long.My doctor is quite good but he can be a bit abrupt. It is pressure of time, I suppose. My physiotherapist is more understanding.
Hope you are keeping warm in this cold weather
With best wishes
Joan

joanlawson

Dear Lindalegs
What a good name to use for someone who has had knee surgery! Thank you for taking the time to reply. I hope I'm doing this right because I'm a learner on the computer. You were very brave to have both knees done at once, but I can understand how desperate you must have felt.You were young to have such pain,and I am so glad that it changed your life so much for the better. I'm sure that I will find the courage sooner rather than later.As you so rightly say, life is for living, and at the moment the knee and hip problems are restricting what I can do. Walking anywhere is becoming difficult. This morning we have been to choose some new tiles for the bathroom, and I was struggling to walk round the showroom in no time. Thank you for your kindness and advice. By the way, I am 65, so perhaps I'm at the age when things can start to wear out!!
Keep warm in this cold weather
Joan

skezier

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Joan, opperations are scarey things and possibly the older you get the more they frighten. I do think Legs put it well when she said wait till you have to, for me my spine was when I was young and it's easier then. I was 28 and had nothing to loose. My feet just hurt so much I figuered it could only help. Your bad experience can't be helping but I honestly think Legs is dead right and you will know when your knees are ready to do it.
I hope you find your answer and what ever that is it will be the right one for you. If you do go on a list you can still change your mind but I think talking will help with your fears. You take care and good luck which ever you go for. Cris

joanlawson

skezier wrote:

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Joan, opperations are scarey things and possibly the older you get the more they frighten. I do think Legs put it well when she said wait till you have to, for me my spine was when I was young and it's easier then. I was 28 and had nothing to loose. My feet just hurt so much I figuered it could only help. Your bad experience can't be helping but I honestly think Legs is dead right and you will know when your knees are ready to do it.
I hope you find your answer and what ever that is it will be the right one for you. If you do go on a list you can still change your mind but I think talking will help with your fears. You take care and good luck which ever you go for. Cris

Hi again Skezia
I hadn't thought of going on the waiting list and then possibly changing my mind.I thought I had to decide first. Would they mind if you changed your mind? I suppose they wouldn't like you to do that more than once though. I think I am only postponing the inevitable really, but I still think I will hang on a bit to see how I go (or don't, which is probably more likely) You were very young at 28 so I can imagine how happy you must have felt when the surgery worked. It may be that in a few months I will be begging them to put me on the list!!!
Joan

elnafinn

Hi Joan

You will know when the time is right for you. This has happened twice for me, with a hysterectomy and a total knee replacement. I put my trust in the surgeons as well.

Elna x

joanlawson

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Joan

You will know when the time is right for you. This has happened twice for me, with a hysterectomy and a total knee replacement. I put my trust in the surgeons as well.

Elna x

Thank you for your reply. Has your knee replacement been successful? I assume it has.I would be grateful if you could let me know how long it took you to recover and what your pain levels were like. Also what is your mobility like now? I think I am going to have to go for it because my mobility is not good at the moment.

claregood1

Hi, I had a TKR in November last year after 36 years of RA in my knee (and all other joints). The operation was done under a spinal which makes for a quicker recovery, and I was home after 4 days. Movement was very limited to begin with and painful but persistence pays off and you need to keep doing the exercises given. It's now 2.5 months later and I'm walking normaly again, even in the snow! My movement is still limited eg I can't bend my knee very far yet but that will come with time and exercise. For me it has made a huge difference, but you have to be sure in yourself that it is what you want.

Hope this helps
Clare

elnafinn

joanlawson wrote:

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Joan

You will know when the time is right for you. This has happened twice for me, with a hysterectomy and a total knee replacement. I put my trust in the surgeons as well.

Elna x

Thank you for your reply. Has your knee replacement been successful? I assume it has.I would be grateful if you could let me know how long it took you to recover and what your pain levels were like. Also what is your mobility like now? I think I am going to have to go for it because my mobility is not good at the moment.

Hi Joan

My TKR has been very successful thank you. The op was performed on 4 January 2008. I had many weeks of discomfort, sometimes very intense. I could not stop taking painkillers for a long time after and used ice packs for ages. Nights were sometimes extremely bad, I remember.

I got good mobility back very quickly though and that has continued. I still get the odd reminder, in the knee that it is metal and plastic but most of the time I never think about it.

It is important to emphasise over and over again that everyone is different. I know people who had had no pain whatsoever after a TKR and got full mobility back quickly too.

I hope you will be one of these people. I have absolutely no regrets and will have the other knee done in the near future.

All the best,

Elna x

chalky

Hi Joan ,

I've had both knees done. No probs! It's not half as bad as everyone told me it was going to be.

I get NO pain at all in them now. In fact I've sort of forgotten I've had them done, and walk about all day long. Marvellous stuff.

Take it kneasy

joanlawson

Thanks Chalky

I'm glad it worked out well for you. It gives me a bit more confidence to know how successful it can be. I'm feeling a bit better today as I was able to drive for the first time since before Christmas.It has boosted my morale.Keep walking well!!
Joan

greyheron

joanlawson wrote:

I had arthroscopy on 16th Dec and it has left me worse than I was before. Also I have developed Bursitis in my hip, probably caused by walking awkwardly. It is a constant nagging pain. I was taking Diclofenac, but the consultant told me to stop because I have taken it for over a year and he thinks it is dangerous to take it for so long. He has told me to take paracetamol or codeine instead, but they also have side effects if taken constantly. So now I don't know what to do to control the pain. My GP was the person who prescribed the Diclofenac,so it is a bit embarrassing to go back to him and tell him what the consultant said. Any advice gratefully received.

The arthroscopy showed that the arthritis in my knee is severe and I have been told that the only solution is a knee replacement. I am very scared at the thought of such major surgery in case that goes wrong and I am left worse off than ever. I'm also scared of the pain afterwards, and how i would be able to control it. I have asked for time to decide whether to go ahead, although I know logically it won't get better. The ball is in my court, but I am very confused as to the best course of action. Maybe someone out there can offer me reassurance about what the operation was like in terms of pain and recovery. Thank you for reading this. It is the first time I have written down my worries. My husband is very supportive but I don't like to burdon him with all my worries about surgery.

Hi !

Sorry not to have replied sooner but I'm back at work and have less time available to go online now.

I am 64 and had a left TKR in November 2008. I'd had problems with the knee for many years, had one successful arthroscopy but it got to the point when a replacement was the only answer.

When the consultant recommended it, I agreed straight away. I did have some doubts and fears in the run-up to the op, but I think that's only natural.

The operation went well and I had good pain control and good physio / rehab in the hospital so that when I left I was mobile on one stick and could manage stairs. I live on my own, had friends staying for the first week after discharge but managed OK after that, with help from friends visiting, doing shopping etc. You say you have a supportive partner so that should be a real help.

The old arthritis pain went immediately after the op - I couldn't believe it when I stood on my feet for the first time and my knee didn't hurt. But you need to be prepared for the pain of healing and rehab to continue for a significant time after the op. Some of the exercises (really important to do!) will hurt. If you sit too long, your knee with 'seize up' and hurt. If you do too much, your knee will swell up and hurt. I found it really difficult to get the balance right between doing too much and too little. Also, your sleep can be broken by pain - as someone who usually sleeps very well, I found this hard to cope with. Painkillers help but not 100%.

I know this might sound a bit negative, but you have to be prepared for the fact that this is a major, complex operation (my consultant said 'You've got a lot of hardware in that knee now') and that the healing process is long. It's a cliche but you have to take each day as it comes and trust that you are on the road to recovery even if it doesn't always feel like it.

Also I should mention 'the bending' - I've found it very hard work getting the bend of my knee to what in theory it should be able to achieve - but I'm getting there, with help from the physios.

There has been the odd time when I've wondered if I did the right thing - usually when after a run of 'good days' the knee suddenly reacted to something I'd done (or not done) - but 99.9% of the time I'm convinced that it was the right option for me. Generally speaking my knee is now significantly less painful than it was before the op (and still improving) and actions like going up and down stairs are no longer the challenge they were when my old knee was painful and unreliable. My general mobility is great and I feel like it's taken years off me !

It's an operation with a good success rate, but only you can decide whether it's the right option for you. You're right to think about it deeply because as I say it is a major operation and you need to be able to accept that - as do family and friends around you.

All the best with it, if there's anything else you'd like to know, just ask.

Take care

Wendy

joanlawson

Thanks Wendy for your informative reply. It was good to hear from someone of my age. I am 65. Your story seems fairly typical in terms of pain after surgery and the length of time it takes to heal.I am encouraged that you say it has given you greater mobility. At the moment I am quite restricted in my mobility and this is difficult because I used to enjoy walking in the countryside with my husband. He is very fit and can walk miles but I can't go with him any longer.I think it is best not to rush into having the major op though until I'm sure about it
Joan

brian35

I am now on the countdown to TKR on my left. Had the Physio and OT course, had the OT home visit and some of the equipment sorted. Pre-op assessment is in 2 weeks.
Am I anxious - yes! But every time I walk my knee tells me something needs doing otherwise I will be wheelchair bound. At 73 I have never had an op. but our eldest son has had 4 major ops. (prostate cancer related) in the last 18 months and seems very laid back.
I think of the surgeon and his/her team - all trained professionals intending to take care of you, just like the pilot who landed his aircraft on the Hudson River.
Operations can and do go wrong, our son's did. That's why he needed 3 more after the prostate surgery. But nothing is certain in life and things like car travel are probably much more risky.
I haven't yet met the surgeon who will do my op. and hope that I do before the day. However, the head of the clinic (who might do it) is president of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee so I hope that I am in good hands.

joanlawson

brian35 wrote:

I am now on the countdown to TKR on my left. Had the Physio and OT course, had the OT home visit and some of the equipment sorted. Pre-op assessment is in 2 weeks.
Am I anxious - yes! But every time I walk my knee tells me something needs doing otherwise I will be wheelchair bound. At 73 I have never had an op. but our eldest son has had 4 major ops. (prostate cancer related) in the last 18 months and seems very laid back.
I think of the surgeon and his/her team - all trained professionals intending to take care of you, just like the pilot who landed his aircraft on the Hudson River.
Operations can and do go wrong, our son's did. That's why he needed 3 more after the prostate surgery. But nothing is certain in life and things like car travel are probably much more risky.
I haven't yet met the surgeon who will do my op. and hope that I do before the day. However, the head of the clinic (who might do it) is president of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee so I hope that I am in good hands.

Hi Brian
Thank you for your reassuring message.The time is obviosly right for you to have the operation, and I hope it goes well for you. I like your comparison of the surgeon to the pilot who landed his plane in the Hudson River. As you say, they are highly trained professionals, and they are very experienced in such operations, so we have to have faith in their ability. It is only natural to feel apprehensive at the thought of any surgery, I suppose. I am pretty sure that I will have to make the decision sooner rather than later because my quality of life is being affected by pain and difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping etc.

Your surgical team sound very good , so I'm sure you will be in safe hands. Good luck for your op. Please can you let me know later how it went for you :?: It would help me greatly. You could post a private message if you wished, or otherwise use this strand.

All the best
Joan

greyheron

brian35 wrote:

I am now on the countdown to TKR on my left. Had the Physio and OT course, had the OT home visit and some of the equipment sorted. Pre-op assessment is in 2 weeks.
Am I anxious - yes! But every time I walk my knee tells me something needs doing otherwise I will be wheelchair bound. At 73 I have never had an op. but our eldest son has had 4 major ops. (prostate cancer related) in the last 18 months and seems very laid back.
I think of the surgeon and his/her team - all trained professionals intending to take care of you, just like the pilot who landed his aircraft on the Hudson River.
Operations can and do go wrong, our son's did. That's why he needed 3 more after the prostate surgery. But nothing is certain in life and things like car travel are probably much more risky.
I haven't yet met the surgeon who will do my op. and hope that I do before the day. However, the head of the clinic (who might do it) is president of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee so I hope that I am in good hands.

Good luck, Brian - I'm sure it'll go well and you'll start feeling the benefit pretty quickly.

Wendy

brian35

[/quote]


Good luck, Brian - I'm sure it'll go well and you'll start feeling the benefit pretty quickly.

Wendy[/quote]

Thanks Wendy, you are very helpful and reassuring on this forum.

brian35

[/quote] Good luck, Brian - I'm sure it'll go well and you'll start feeling the benefit pretty quickly. Wendy[/quote]

Thanks Wendy, had most of my pre-op yesterday (anaesthetist on Friday) and all OK but no date yet. Didn't meet the surgeon but was told it will be done by the clinic head (has apparently done >5000 knee ops and is soon to retire) or his senior registrar (I did meet his predecessor in Dec and Jan). According to the NJR, the hospital did almost 1000 each of knee and hip procedures in 2008 so it seems a bit of a production line! Was given a DVD to watch - no gory bits!

nearlybionic

hi Brian
Things seem to be moving along now, so I hope you get your date soon. I missed your posts last month as I was having my hip replacement, and wish you all the luck in the world. I t is reassuring that you have done your research on your surgeon/team. You will feel the difference in your joint very soon after the op, although there is obviously some discomfort from the surgery,but it is different pain. and I found the pain relief I was given dealt with that well.
good luck!
NB

sharmaine

Hi
I've been on Diclofenac for a little over 2 years and reading what you said has alarmed me. My doctor hasn't even referred me to a specialist. My left knee is so bad it has become deformed and bent. I cried the other day because just standing in a queue (I was 3rd) at the bakery left me in agony. I just don't know what to do with myself anymore. I take all these tablets and I still find simple tasks like walking/shopping difficult. I do hope you have some relief from your pain.

Take care. Sharmaine

joanlawson wrote:

I had arthroscopy on 16th Dec and it has left me worse than I was before. Also I have developed Bursitis in my hip, probably caused by walking awkwardly. It is a constant nagging pain. I was taking Diclofenac, but the consultant told me to stop because I have taken it for over a year and he thinks it is dangerous to take it for so long. He has told me to take paracetamol or codeine instead, but they also have side effects if taken constantly. So now I don't know what to do to control the pain. My GP was the person who prescribed the Diclofenac,so it is a bit embarrassing to go back to him and tell him what the consultant said. Any advice gratefully received.

The arthroscopy showed that the arthritis in my knee is severe and I have been told that the only solution is a knee replacement. I am very scared at the thought of such major surgery in case that goes wrong and I am left worse off than ever. I'm also scared of the pain afterwards, and how i would be able to control it. I have asked for time to decide whether to go ahead, although I know logically it won't get better. The ball is in my court, but I am very confused as to the best course of action. Maybe someone out there can offer me reassurance about what the operation was like in terms of pain and recovery. Thank you for reading this. It is the first time I have written down my worries. My husband is very supportive but I don't like to burdon him with all my worries about surgery.

joanlawson

Hi Sharmaine
Since my original posting, things have changed a bit. I have had physiotherapy and acupuncture, and the Bursitis in my hip has settled down a lot.

Regarding the Diclofenac, each person reacts differently to drugs, and my own doctor doesn't know why I was advised by the consultant to stop taking them. I haven't had any bad side effects, although I know some people get stomach trouble with them. Now I am trying to manage with just Paracetamol, but take Diclofenac if I need it.

I can't understand why you haven't been referred to a specialist as your arthritis seems bad. My doctor sent me for an X-ray straight away, and I was referred very quickly. I would ask to be referred, and ask for a second opinion if you don't get anywhere with your doctor. Like me, you might need surgery. I am still thinking about it, but haven't decided yet.
Joan