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
CHICO_MARX sue93710
Posted
suetkr12 sue93710
Posted
I had 4 cortisone shots in my right knee to postpone action on my knee while I had my right hip replaced. Initially, the shot helped 4 to 6 months. After a while, no improvement. Do not wait too long to address the true correction on the knee, as the knee, nerves, muscles and other supporting structure deteriorate along with the bone and cartiledge. I am 4 weeks into a tkr, it's sucks so far. this surgery is not for sissies. Oh, if you do both knees at the same time, make sure you have a lot of help at home for meals, ice, help to the bathroom and other daily chores. The recovery is very challenging, I would do one knee at a time 6 months apart. Good luck on your journey.
sue93710 suetkr12
Posted
Dread it Sue.
I'm hoping to delay it but you advise not to.
It's such a tricky decision. Don't want to make things worse but don't want to go through major surgery either.
Thanks for your advise.
Sue
lynn15111 sue93710
Posted
Try to get synvisc, it lasts a year. Depending on how worn your knees are, mine were bone on bone and the shins hurt as well, (referred pain) and the steroid shot lasted maybe three days, and besides for a weight bearing joint it is not advised. You need cushioning from the jelly shots. (synvisc) The knock off that insurances here want to have you get, (euflexxa) didn't even last three months.
sue93710 lynn15111
Posted
Thanks Lynn. I'll mention that to my specialist and see what he says. Going to get a 2nd opinion if he sticks with his diagnosis of double tkr. Have heard he is one of the best surgeons in knees in the country but will still hold off ops for as long as possible.
Appreciate your time in responding.
Sue
anna79211 sue93710
Posted
Sue, I had steroid injections for about 3 years before they stopped working. I went to see an OS and he started me on Suparx injections that are stronger and painful for me the first time. I got use to it. That lasted a year before it quit working. At the beginning of this journey, I was told I would eventually need a TKR. I am surprised the doctors haven't been upfront with you. I'm so sorry. I finally had a TKR and don't regret it because I was in a lot of pain. Hope this helps.
sue93710
Posted
You have all been so helpful. Thank you so much.
I will look into alternative delaying options as I'm not ready to go the whole hog and have the TKR just yet. Much appreciated and I wish everyone who's had the operation, a speedy recovery.
Sue
ihavenonickname sue93710
Posted
Even young knees can wear down. Some exercises that will definitely prepare you for an easier recovery are:
Lie on the floor, legs straight out. Holding your knee stiff, lift the leg slowly for 75 degrees, hold it for 10 seconds, then very slowly lower the leg back to the floor. Repeat 15 times. Do this three times per day.
And do the same thing except only lift your leg until the heel is five inches up from the floor.
Turn over on your stomach and do the same movement...obviously, no one can lift their leg backwards really high.
These exercises with really strengthen the muscles. It is the muscles that are traumatized after surgery.
We have many fabulour tkr s here. .you will enjoy our group.
kind regards
judith
lors23 sue93710
Posted
Hi sue
I am 43 and so far this year l have had both hips replaced 6 weeks apart and had my 1st knee done in august. I still have my other knee to get done but 3 surgeries in one year has been hard0y3ecially the knee it was the hardest surgery to get over but. But l am sure it will wort it. I have bad OA ìn all my joints and l have 1 more knee op which l think l.will.hold off until next year if l can.
I was never offered any other forms of a cure. No injections just straight in to get my hips replaced then my knees but l.am doing fine.
Best of luck
Laura
Xx
sue93710 lors23
Posted
Blimey Laura.
That's hard especially as you're so young.
Does OS run in your family?
I don't want to have the ops and will try anything to delay having surgery as all of the comments prove that it's a painful and long recovery. I'll wait until I absolutely have to have surgery.
Thank you for your response.
Sue
mary12001 sue93710
Posted
Don't do it - also the injections weaken the bone.
Stem cell if u can it.
Anything but the op
sue93710 mary12001
Posted
Oh Mary. You've obviously had a bad experience?
I've decided to get a 2nd opinion but am of the same mind and that's to do everything it takes to avoid the op. Even if it means not wearing heels (which would be very hard for me).
Thank you for your honest comment.
Sue
LuzPeterson sue93710
Posted
I also agree that if you are so scared of going for TKR, it would be better you take opinions from other doctors and ask if alternative treatments like stem cell can help. The surgery recovery does take a long time but if no other alternative remains, you should go for the surgery then cause delaying would further worsen the condition.
sue93710 LuzPeterson
Posted
I am seeing another consultant to see what he thinks. Thank you for your comment
Sue
LuzPeterson sue93710
Posted
In my experience I have seen that steroid injections work only for a short span of time. Instead of getting steroid injections to delay the surgery, you can opt for key-hole surgery like knee arthroscopy where the debris and spurs would be cleaned out in a minimally invasive way. Knee arthroscopy can be a long-lasting relief.