Been advised to have TKR..booked for January

I note some people are having the second knee done. Reassuring in a way as it couldn't be THAT bad if you'll put yourself through it again...or is that necessity..my other knee isn't great either! Is this surgery more complex when you have other diseases? ( Ra, fibro )

Linda l had a knee replacement two years ago age 66 I was in hospital four days and returned home on my own I managed very well with the help of friends visting. I did prepare meals for the freezer and did on line shopping You're be fine! Most people l spoke to had a quicker recovery being independent. It's best not to sit around to long keep active in moderation I am also due to go into hospital for a second replacement in Jan, l didn't have a nasty experience the last time but just the thought of going to theatre scares me ( l was awake the last time but sedated ) but was fine Just remember the pain your experiencing now goes in the bin after the operation you just can't get comfortable and any pain you feel is controlled ( the pain is nothing compared to what you have been suffering ) l just didn't like the numbness feeling it lasted a few months I had clips in and these were removed by a nurse at my local Doctors surgery no bother didn't even pull or hurt Your be fine Keep in touch and we can compare notes Jenny 

"I'm not sure that it's a good idea to come here BEFORE my op..." - Best thing you could have done.  Docs tell you nothing about what it will be like post-op.  You're then hit smack in the face with a recovery that you did not expect.  Best to know it all up front.

"...it's actually quite scary reading all the experiences..." - No kidding.  However, it is REALITY.  The first few weeks are hell but can be mitigated with meds, icing and elevation.  Do NOT discount the need for strength of spirit and patience.  We've all been through it.  It seems like forever but the worst of it is over usually in the first 30 days.  By 3 months, you feel waaaaay better even though PT is difficult in most cases.  Then comes the hard work or rebuilding your dead quads, glutes and core.  That takes dedication and time.

"I'm not even sure I can go through with it..." - Yes you can.  We all did...so can you.

"...how did any of you decide whether to have surgery or not?" - Mostly quality of life and the level of constant pain.  Tired of the pain and limited life choices.  Now the pain is all gone and you just deal with decreasing lingering post-op symptoms over time.  I'm 20 months post-op and I rarely think about the knee at all.

"I've had RA for almost 20years ..my knee has been giving me major problems for 4yrs...I can't walk up stairs, cycle, stand...normal day to day walking very difficult...." - Like I said, quality of life.  Do you want to put up with all of that forever?

"I will be looking after myself afterward...is this manageable?" - Harder than having live-in help, especially for the first month, but doable.  Have to prepare your home and fridge for quick, easy access.  Lots of posts on the Forum about how to do that.  However, the best choice is to have some assistance for those first weeks.

"I know I need this done..." - Looks like you've already made the decision.  Don't let irrational fear stop you from having a better life.

"...but it's a really daunting prospect..." - Yes it is.  Usually takes a full year for a complete recovery.  There are advances, setbacks and plateaus...be prepared for all of them.  Time, work and patience are key.  If we could do it, you can too.

"..anyone waiting for surgery?" - Search the Forum.  Yes, there are people like you on here.

"Anyone regret having it done?" - Not me.  But then again, some people have initial regrets because they were not expecting this level of pain.  Those patients are the "OMG...What did I do?"-type.  It passes.  The benefits come in time.

Hello Linda - it is a scary situation but one thing that comes through on this forum is the lack of regret a year down the track !!  To be honest I wish I had known some of the difficulties prior to surgery. I just got you will be fine, 6 week recovery, blah blah which is so not the reality for most of us.

For me one year out my life is transformed and I would do it again if my other knee requires it. Yes it has been painful and awkward and at times really challenging but if I had known it is normal to get depressed and normal to be sleep deprived etc I would have been better prepared.

I hope this does not sound too brutal and put you off that was not my intention.

All the very best you are lucky your knee can be repaired and you can reclaim your life !!!

Jenni.

It's been a long road but no regrets 

Your last question is probably not a good one to ask. Out of a certain group there will be a percentage th a will fit. The main thing is to look at the carrot at the end of the stick. Being pain free or in minimal pain is the carrot you are chasing. You will find some bumps in the road but that's to be expected with everything. I won't go into a litiney of suggestions because you won't understand until you get there. Stay with this group. The names may change but the one thing that's the same, they have all been through. I've had to rehab 5 times but my case is rare and shouldn't be considered in the grand scheme of things. Scroll till you find something from Chico Marx. Then check out some of his musings. Given the fact he speaks and writes in three languages, Brooklyn, new jersey and Texan he's a great contributor to the betterment of tkr recipients. You'll be fine...just take things slow and easy remembering 2 or 3 important facts. Its a process that you have to go through, no shortcuts; Everyone is different. We all heal diffefently; Its a marathon not a sprint.

Good luck on your journey

Hi Linda

Your knee must be in a serious bad way for them to offer you a TKR at your age i was told at 55 i was to young finally at 58 i had the op and boy was it a good decision i have my life back

the gospel truth its a tough journey as all our friend's in this forum will tell you but in my mind one that is worth doing please keep us informed one way or another on what ever decision you take i wish you all the luck in the world.

Johnny.

Hi Linda. I am 3 weeks postop.  Week 2 was the worst.  Week 3 was my emotional week where I seemed to cry a lot cuz I wanted everything back.  I a man starting week 4, attend therapy 2 times a week.  I have taken myself off pain meds and use Tylenol and ibuprofens.  I guess from what I have read, I am lucky.  I still have aching pain in my quads and pain in the back of my knee.  I am walking with a cane.  I think attitude helps.  I am determined to get my strength back.  I am 66.  I have to have my left knee done and I believe I will go through with it because I want the pain gone and function back.  I don’t do my exercises everyday if I feel sore.  I may do some and forget others.  I also communicate with my therapist if they are going to strongly.  I figure that just because their guidelines say I should be at a certain point does not mean I am or have to be there yet.  It is very scary.  I think you should have the surgery.  I think that 6 months from now it will be over and I wïll have the function back.  Just remember that you know your body and don’t try to go to fast in recovery’s.  I wish you the best of luck.  I know you will be fine and happy with your results within a year.  Take care