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Had Right Hip Replacement in Oct 2017. Awaiting Knee Replacement Surgery

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kim80989
kim80989

Went to hospital to see my surgeon for my Last Check up for my Hip replacement that I had 4 months ago. I have been told that I need a Knee Replacement as I have severely worn knee, very swollen and a bakers cyst on the back of knee which is painful. BUT I was informed that I will have to wait at least a year to have surgery on my knee in case of getting an infection that would pass to the hip!!! I was told that if my hip went well I would have the knee replaced.... never at any time was I told that I would have to wait a year!!! Has anyone one else had this happen?  I asked if I could have Ostinil Plus Injection or Cortisone, just to get me through until I can have surgery. I was told that that was not possible as it was too soon after surgery!!! I live in Uk and my surgery was done on the NHS.... would really appreciate it if anyone has been told this thanks! I must add that he looked at my knee scan and xray and said that my knee is very bad!

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 kim80989

    Posted

    Sounds a bit strange to me. I have regular dental jaw work and need to take antibiotics a week before any dental surgery. I cannot imagine why you could not have infection prevention treatment prior to a knee replacement. Might be a case of hip needs to be 100% stable before knee is operated on. Also in Oz, we have long wait times for NHS ops. Try another hospital as that's what I did and got in more quickly. Don't just accept their verdict. Question at every opportunity. Also research hospital infection rates. RPA in Sydney has very low risk. Knowledge is power! xx

    • kim80989
      kim80989 lyn32416

      Posted

      Thanks  lyn32416 and hope4cure The hospital where I had my Hip Replacement has a very good ZERO infection rate. Thats why I chose the hospital and they specialise just in Hips and Knee....  Orthopaedic surjgery.  I was meant to undergo the TKR in 2015 but decided to have Ostinil Plus (the same as Sinvisc 1) Injections to delay the surgery. They made a great difference I had one in 2015 and the next one March 2016...., but with having Right THR in October obviously my weight has been put onto my knee (left) and its getting  very painfull again.  I  did agree with the Specialist that I CAN wait for the surgery for another year, but needed another Ostinil Plus to help me get through the rest of this year. I was suprised when I was told that I would not be able to have one incase of infection.... I wonder if its just a money saving excuse.  I really didnt want to continue with Pain relief as I have been on Ibruprofen 600mg and Paracetamol  650mg every morning for the last 7 years and was hoping that having the hip replacement would be the first step....The Consultant has discharged me for my hip and said that if I cant cope with just taking the pain relief for my knee then I have to get back to my GP and get re-refered back to the hospital... which seems crazy to me. It means I will have to wait approx 6 weeks for the first appointment and then maybe have to wait for day surgery for Ostinil Plus injection another 12 weeks....Feeling frustrated. Thanks for your replies
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure kim80989

      Posted

      Yezz very frustrating to say the least. I can certainly understand why the knee is aggravated after hip surgery. It's seems to be a issue for many of us like everthing moves down hill. Now my ankles are strained an in pain and had one ankle all the bones had severe OA so had surgery on that ankle . 

      Once you see you consultant again that time to be accertive with aggressive treatment . Infections is a concern not the reason for not approving surgery. Many cases anti biotics are given IV during and after joint replacement. 

      Write all your pain by the 1-10 scale down and keep a journal of all your difficulties mobility issues and concerns to go over at your next appt. all this waiting for treatment is agonizing .

      In the mean time try to eliminate as much stress as possible, relax as much as possible and keep your mind busy . It's easier said than done while waiting. I hope that the next check up in 6 weeks will have a more positive solution. 

      I hope you can get relief much sooner.  If possible see a private physician they will treat you must sooner rather than taking ibuprofen Tylenol and risking stomach problems . Never take more than recommended in a day!

       Keep in touch. 

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure kim80989

    Posted

    Hi there and I am sorry your knee is painful too  after hip replacement. You are certainly brave to want to get thru this, I had three hip replacements and knee.

      Go to a different hospital in a different area. OR Ask for a private doctor to give you an accessment for when to have the knee done. Many JOINT REPLACEMENTS are done in no time one joint replacement after another sooner than a year, doesn't make any sence . Better to have the knee replaced before the damage becomes to much or to painful and then recovery has better chance for good recovery. 

    Sometimes we have to be proactive and aggressive for treatment. 

     

    • kim80989
      kim80989 hope4cure

      Posted

      Thanks for your advice hope4cure. I am 61 and was supposed to have knee replacement age 59 but I have held out and can probably get through another year with help of Ostinil Plus (Same as Sinvisc 1) but to be refused this on the premis that its not safe in case of infection was quite a blow. I just wondered why there is a risk of bone infection from the injection I realise its deep into the knee cap a I have had it done twice. I think I will have to go back to the GPs and get re-referred and hopefully it wont be too long. thankyou for your advice.
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX kim80989

    Posted

    Have not heard of Ostinil but my doc used Synvisc on my knee for 5-6 years to totally alleviate the pain.  Another 5 years in a much warmer climate kept me from needing any injections at all.  Finally succumbed to a TKR at age 68.

    If you've had a hip done, you know that it's fairly easy to push it to a full recovery in a few months.  Ten days after surgery, I started at my gym which had a therapy pool.  I was 61.  Spent five hours a day, six days a week in the pool and gym.  Fully rehabbed in six weeks.  Completely done.

    Then I thought I'd do the same with the knee.  WRONG!!!!!!!  Completely different.  Cannot push a knee to recovery; it only swells up like a balloon.  A TKR recovery takes a year and the first 30 days are like going to hell and back.  It is the most brutal of all surgeries.  Best that you prepare for the challenge!!!

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-pre-op-expectations-622045

     

    • kim80989
      kim80989 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hi there, Yes I know the knee is dreadfully more painfull than the knee replacement. I really dont want to have the op. I have delayed it for 2 years already.  I suppose it makes sense to get over this most recent Hip replacement before getting more surgery. Just thought that I could have the Ostinil Plus injection (same as Sinvisc 1) to get me through the next year ... feeling fed up as it means going through the whole process of being referred by my GP and waiting again. Thanks for your help.
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX kim80989

      Posted

      Ask the doc for some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US).  GREAT topical anti-inflammatory, especially at bedtime.
  • kelley94988
    kelley94988 kim80989

    Posted

    I can tell you from experience- wait- I got a cortisone shot in my damaged knee- well a variety of shots for 6 years every 6 months.  Oct 19, 2016 I walked then hopped up on the table for my shot.  Within 48 hours I was at deaths door with a rare strep infection from the injection.  Septic- pain that is unbelievable.  1 month in the hospital- 8 weeks IV antibiotics- 3 surgeries- blood clot for 6 months- infections disease doctors on and on.  Walkers/ wheelchairs/ canes/ 3 months PT/ unbelievable depression and pain.  I had to wait one year to get a knee replacement.  3 months post op- no infection but always a concern.  Do What They Say- septic arthritis from an infection can kill you and make your life hell.  1 percentage chance of my infection- 1 percent is possible.  A year wait is better than chancing it. Sorry if this sounds negative but infectious can be overwhelming- trust me
  • kelley94988
    kelley94988 kim80989

    Posted

    Could they see inflammatory markers in your blood called sed rates and such- I agree it is a strange request and 9 months would probably do it on the wait- statistically the risk is the same as a year wait- sorry
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