Posted , 8 users are following.
I had badly torn meniscus surgery but they found a real mess and bone to bone in knee now 3 weeks post surgery very painful very little movement or weight - and swollen huge - am looking at TKR but told should try put it off - but how long ? And in meantime any ideas on pain it's really really bad - driving me nuts - and I'm 56 ? Should I wait or get it sooner than later - I'm scared either way ? Never thought this would happen so suddenly ? Unexpected ! At a loss of what to do please share experiences
0 likes, 16 replies
marilyn22260 Samia201152
Posted
Hi Samia,
I had a torn meniscus from a few falls over the years and when I went to the ortho, he showed me the X-Ray with bone on bone and arthritis. He offered me a few options. I chose the TKR because his was the second opinion to have the surgery. I'm 7 weeks post op and though it is a tough journey, I know I will have a better quality of life down the road. Did your doctor mention a TKR so you wouldn't have to go back again for more surgery?
Keep in touch and let us know. good luck and heal well. Marilyn
Samia201152 marilyn22260
Posted
Yeah he is a great surgeon - reluctant to do surgery unless absolutely necessary - he has said I should wait as long as I can and there is injections I can have of a substance to libricate knee - expensive but could get a year of relief - eventually I have to have the TKR no way around that - Its scary - the pain now is intolerable and I'm frustrated I can't do things - but I got to cope like we all do - but I feel devastated to lose my leg like this -- and realise it won't heal ? I'm so scared of facing 6-12 mths after a TKR in pain and what if it fails - it's hard thanks for reaching out - you heal well - I'll see how I go I guess ..... It's only 3 weeks ,... But yeah it is not good -
And I suspect worse to come - before its better and I'm in my own with a kid - ........
And yeah time of work etc ?
So ... But then I guess easier surely to do it sooner than later ?
I don't know
jen04209 Samia201152
Posted
I am 53 and just had bilateral tkr 6 weeks apart. Don't wait too long. Your knee will get worse. It's tough surgery but will get better daily.
Samia201152 jen04209
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Wow both knees that's really full on - and 53 - ok - so how areu doing ?!?
Yea I think how can it be better there's not anyway around it -
jen04209 Samia201152
Posted
I am progressing. It's a little slow but I do the exercises and pt at home and outpatient 3 days a week. Glad I could get them done. I want to live life to its fullest now, glad I could get these knees done now.
Samia201152 jen04209
Posted
susan78342 Samia201152
Posted
You might get a 2nd opinion. Some surgeons want to wait as long as possible, because the implants don't last forever. But they last a long time, and they can be relaced if necessary. Other surgeons are more focussed on quality of life - I had my TKR at 60 and surgeon said I shoukd have done it years before.
Samia201152 susan78342
Posted
Thanks - yeah that's what he said is that I'm young and they don't last - but I will need it so maybe better sooner than later as older is harder and I'm losing to much quality of life
susan78342 Samia201152
Posted
I was worried too about being "too young" but after the inevitable recovery hassle my knee is so much better! I can't believe I put up with the aggravation for so long. I talkd to two surgeons and they both said the implants last much longer than the earlier ones and there is no need to wait.
betty525 Samia201152
Posted
Oldfatguy1 Samia201152
Posted
Surgery is between you and your doc but typical meniscus is about 6 weeks rehabing. TKR surgery is a huge step and you must be prepared to take up to a year or more owning The prosthesis. The pain can be and usually far more than most had anticipated. The entire body rebels at the amount of work , time and energy required to get back to where you feel human again. Many times the surgery is passed off as just another bump in the road and you are told of these run of the mill 6 week and back to work deals........don't but it....that's from people who have never been through it. On the other hand you trade that awful bone on bone for a little long term discomfort or strange feeling. Some of these situations depend on where you are located and the way your post op system and insurance works. I am in the U S and retired so I'm on Medicare. I have my work done at a University medical hospital and teaching center. Everything is modern, 1st class and the ultimate in conditions. My surgeon is a young teaching professor.......and yet we can still have issues. I always presricbe to the common sense, listen to your body and mind. Make decisions based on not only today but what you are anticipating as a life style both short and long term.
I had a rare tumor that are my knee up and caused unbelievable bleeding to the point is was classified as hemorrhaging. They had to put me out 3 times and drain almost 200 c.c. each time plus 6 drainingscwith a needle at 65-75 cc each time. Then 30 rounds of radiation plus a synovectomy. All of this in 2 years. My p ain was at such a high level massive amounts of paid meds were barely touching it. I had no choice but then again I was almost 68 by that time. Simce then I've had 6 more surgeries includ in 2 revisions. There again, we are all different. Many will ascribe to the point of why live in pain when there is an option. Others say live with the pain till they have to carry you in under sedation. Good luck......whatever your decision I'm sure it will be well thought out and correct.
tere52583 Samia201152
Posted
I'm suspicious that you are in so much pain following the meniscus surgery so following up with another surgeon may be worth your time and pennies. I tried the lubricant injection, was in agony for weeks following. I waited three years to do my partial, in that time I lost weight, started exercising on a regular basis, and used an off loading knee brace. I'm currently 11 wks po, and I'm happy to say now that I had it done, but I'm glad I was the best I could be going into the surgery. As others have said, it's your body, your choice and no two experiences are the same.
Mkhp Samia201152
Posted
Samia201152 Mkhp
Posted
Thank you ,
Yes this forum is amazing and really really helpful . I find Dr's as good as they are , like anything , unless you been through this you just don't and can't know .
Here I feel I get an honest picture and help to think what's best / I'm starting to think the TKR sooner than later - I want to take my daughter to NYC which has been a long plan as she finishes highschool NOV 2017 so I guess I'm hoping I can get relief enough somehow till after that and lose weight do PT and then I think explore booking the surgery - actually if I do the booking now I might get out of it cheaper - I'm in Australia ? Are you ?
I'm trying to figure best way to do it cost less etc
jen04209 Samia201152
Posted
Samia201152 jen04209
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Sounds like everyone thoughts , sooner than later /
I'm starting to think same and that if I can wait till after end of 2017 is good as taking my daughter away after graduation ( but if I can't I can't ) but that's what I hope - right now I can't walk really at all X but it is only 3 weeks post surgery and I'm
Impatient - hard to motivate I just want to lie down all the time . I deal with depression as well and only 6 months ago had hand surgery which tool 4-5 mths recovery - so yeah it's a bit tough . I know it must be for everyone ! But I work full time on my own and with a teen ... So it's hard with no support .
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