Double TKR
Posted , 19 users are following.
I am a young 59 year old and have been told by a specialist that I need a double TKR as I have Osteoarthritis. I am aghast. I wondered if there is any treatment anyone has had prior to a TKR that has helped delay the operation that has bought relief? For instance, does the injection (I'm assuming it's cortezone) work?
Sue
0 likes, 33 replies
DonnaM8359 sue93710
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Laura3333 sue93710
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I had steroid injection into knee joint, but it only helped for around a month, and I was told it didn't justify having them long term. However my neighbour who is in her 80's has them every six months and they have kept her going for years.
I suppose it depends on how bad they are.
Like you, I was totally shocked when told my knees needed replacing, even though they had been painful for years, and one kept dislocating.
All behind me now. One replaced three years ago, and the other one last year.
It's a daunting prospect for you, but I'm glad I had mine done, all the pain has gone.
wardsoreknee sue93710
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wardsoreknee
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liz19004 sue93710
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Hi Sue
I'm currently trying to persuade my mum to have tkr she has tried everything to obtain relief including steroid injection unfortunately nothing really works
Liz
elizabeth_59334 sue93710
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I've had a couple of treatments that delayed my knee op. Arthroscopy - worked well - the idea was to trim any spurs and clear out any debris. It was key hole surgery. I was back driving after a week. A series of injections worked well too. I found acupuncture helped and physio therapy.
The delay was 18 years!!!!!
sue93710 elizabeth_59334
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Brilliant Elizabeth. I think I'll try everything to delay full surgery especially after reading the string of people's experiences post op. It sounds a long rehabilitation and a painful one. Thank you for responding and I'm feeling happier knowing there is a chance for me to find relief without having TKR.
Sue
Laura3333 sue93710
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You could ask about this.
diane95880 sue93710
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david_61958 sue93710
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Sometimes! They do have a series of 5 shots of gel that may delay the op , but I would nt wait too long for the TKR, bite the bullet while you're young!
trizwizz sue93710
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have had cortisone injections - didn't work. Had two arthroscopys with debriding, cutting out a fatty lump that was catching (!!) with microfractures in the left knee. The first microfracture was a disaster. The second brought some relief but has now deteriorated again. The right knee I had an arthroscopy and microfracture and it was great - pain relief, stronger - a job worht doing. The lef tknee is a different story it is now giving way again and I am in constant pain. Strangely no swelling and range of mobility is good. But inevitably a TKR will be the way to go. LIke you I am young - 53 - but I can't carry on much longer like this. I have also had injections of hyaloronic acid into the joint - didn't work. I have been diagnosed with OA. There seems to be nothing between the relatively minor arthroscopy and the TKR though.
NZJENNI sue93710
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I am 9 weeks out and know I will not be regretting this surgery. My knee has been such a concern for so many years I wish I could have had it done sooner. I was one of the lucky ones. Swelling went really fast and I did not need heavy opiates to cope with the pain. Yes it is still tight at times and standing for long gets it upset but it is now stable with no grinding of the joint !!!
I was proactive and started physio before the surgery to be as strong as possible post op.
If you are healthy and fit the odds are in your favour for a good recovery.
All the best.
sue93710 NZJENNI
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Sue
lyn32416 sue93710
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Hi Sue. I was 58 and able to prolong my bilateral tkr's for approx 6 years by taking Glucosamine 750mg. with chondroitin and msm, two caps a day. My knees gradually declined until I begged for surgery. The operation delivered me, after 7 months post op, no pain and stable knees however I would not have them both done at once, if I had my time over. Balance can be an issue and you get twice the pain! I suggest one first, then the next 4-6 months after. Best of luck!
abfro sue93710
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Hi Sue,
I am 55 (female) and had bilateral TKR in June. Cortisone helped put it off for a couple years but quit working. Synvisk didn't help me at all. I am so glad I did the surgery (both at the same time) and recovered very quickly. I don't think you can look at a forum such as this and get an accurate reperesentation of what recovery is like. As with any issue, many people who seek out information after their surgery are most likely having some sort of an issue for which they are looking for answers. I had a couple friends who did their surgery prior to mine and recovered quickly as well. It's a tough surgery to be sure and no one can tell you how you will heal. However, if you do have to have it done, you may do better than you think. I wish I had done mine earlier. My quality of life has improved greatly.
elizabeth_59334 abfro
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I find the forum helpful in as much as I'm greatly encouraged by the variety of responses. I had my TKR 3 weeks ago. I am told Im doing remarkably well considering! The wound is well healed and the bruises on the whole have disappeared but there are sore spots and my leg is very swollen which is inhibiting my exercises. I am seeing a physio next week and the GP
sue93710 abfro
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Oh blimey.just as I thought I was convinced I'd delay it, then you throw me again. You had both done together and Synvisc did no good.
Appreciate your pain threshold and your bravery at doing them together. Completely flummoxed now. Should I? Shouldn't I?
Thanks for your advise though.
Sue