Desperate for advice with problem knee

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi peeps. I joined this forum because i am so sick of googling for answers and am at rock bottom with my disabling knee pain.....

46 years young. female. first time mum at 45 via IVF. Today is my first mothers day- one that should be filled with joy. once again my knee has spoiled the fun and am feeling very sorry for myself- too scared to get out of chair and take a step because the pain is like an electric shock through my knee cap at the slightest movement. I walk with a straight leg because if i relax and try to walk normally- the sharp pain stops me in my tracks and takes my breath away. i cannot mask it from family and friends and it is extremely frightening and embarrassing. Dreading going out for dinner now as i can't fake walking like a normal person and i have been looking forward to it all week. hate people feeling sorry for me but i can't seem to fix my rotten left knee!

I am 7 weeks post first arthroscope on left knee. Also finished 3 PRP injections 2 weeks apart. i have grade 4 chondromalacia. knee cap worn out in 2 out of 3 places so total knee replacement is the next step.

Was really hopeful that surgery had helped. Seems like i was starting to get more mobility. cycling 5 minutes a day- carrying my 12kg 10month old baby up and down stairs at home 4 days a week. slowly trying to walk more than 10mins at a time with pram then bang! the sharp pain is back 5 weeks post surgery-3days doing nothing to recover. slowly start to come good again then 2 weeks later i'm screwed again.

My right knee has grade 3 chondromalacia and has given me grief also except 1 durolane injection really helped it.

The big issue for me is the type of pain difference in both knees.....

Has anyone experienced this horrendously sharp pain on minimal weight bearing? imy surgeon brushes of this sharp pain as synovitis but it's just so debilitating!!!! i keep hoping that it's nerve or spine related as i have a degenerate lower spine and mild hip dysplasia. i have slightly knock knees and both hips scoped. first one was left hip at 39 years old then right hip at 41. left hip was much worse than right hip and knees are behaving the same way.

i am considering stem cell to help grow cartilage but it's not cheap. i could put off a total knee replacement if only i could get rid of the SHARP pain on movement.

if anyone has had similar type of pain and any recommendations -I would be most grateful as i am desperate and very depressed thus.

thanks in advance.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! I had my RTKR over 2 yrs ago and had put that off at least 3 years via Synvisc & Cortisone injections. I started with pain in my left knee about a year ago and have chosen to get my LTKR in a few weeks. It's inevitable so I am just going to "bite the bullet"! Stem cell sounds wonderful but spending $5k on something tat may not work is out of the question fir me. So, I am facing the facts. The operation is painful but its the only way to stop the daily pain. In a few months it will be a memory and i can enjoy my life. I ruined both knees playing womens soccer into my 40s. I am turning 70 in November but I am a "young" 70. Your quality of life must surely suffer and you have a youngster who will want you to play! My advice is to get your knee replaced. I have a friend who wasted $$ on stem cells which didnt work People on this forum are wonderful and caring & knowledgeable. We are here for support. Hope you feel better LOVE ON THAT BABY!!

    • Posted

      HELLO KAREN. NICE TO MEET YOU. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR FEEDBACK. IT IS VRRY MUCH APPRECIATED. .....

      I HAVE HAD 2 DUROLANE INJECTIONS IN MY LEFT KNEE A YEAR APART TO NO AVAIL.

      I HAVE BEEN TO 2 OTHER SURGEONS AND BOTH HAVE NOT BEEN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TKR AT MY AGE- MAIN PROBLEM BEING RANGE OF MOTION WILL BE COMPROMISED AND PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW JOINT LONGEVITY.

      MY CURRENT SURGEON IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NEW PLASTIC ? JOINT MATERIAL THEY ARE 3D PRINTING BEING ABLE TO LAST FOR 40 PLUS YEARS?!

      ANYWAY- I NEED TO RESEARCH MORE INTO THIS.

      MY DEAR MUM WHO IS 80 NOW ALSO HAD BOTH HER KNESS REPLACED DURING HER SEVENTIES BUT SHE IS VERY IMMOBILE NOW. WALKS VERY WOBBLY, HATES STAIRS AND HAS HAD MANY FALLS AND BROKEN BONES SINCE. THIS COULD BE DUE TO HER NECK SURGERY AT 70 AND BALANCE ISSUES. AS MUCH AS I LOVE HER, SHE IS NOT THE BEST EXAMPLE FOR ME ADVERTISING THE BENEFITS OF TKR.

      JUST WONDERING HOW YOU GO WITH CLIMBING STAIRS KAREN AND WHETHER YOU ARE ABLE TO WALK MUCH SINCE YOUR FIRST KNEE REPLACEMENT?

      THANKS IN ADVANCE

      SELENA.

    • Posted

      my right knee recovered excellently no problem with stairs. I turn 70 in NOVEMBER. I am very active and do not want to put off my 2nd knee-while i can recover well, I'll get this done this month. Are you in the USA?

    • Posted

      hi Karen.

      I'm from Melbourne, Australia.

      Glad to hear you are active, able to climb stairs and recovered well from your first knee replacement. This is very encouraging for me.

      Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery.

      REGARDS, Selena

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