Knee replacement in 2 weeks time

I have never had a knee replacement before but i suffer from chondromalcia and my knee is worse when i have been working.I would suggest that you have the operation and get it over and done with.Not knowing how long you have been off sick and what your employer is like regarding sickness you obviously were due to have the surgery for a good reason.Don't cancel it or postpone it as you will regret it.I have had othe operations and were not sure what to do but i went ahead with them and everything worked out fine.Please think really carefully before you make the final decision.Good luck.

They don't do tkr's unless they are really needed, with arthritis, it will only get worse the older you get.

I was virtually crippled before I had my first knee done, but was still surprised when I was told I needed it.

It's a hard operation to get over, but I've had both knees done, and wouldn't want to go back to the awful arthritic pain I had before.

You'll be given good painkillers, and it's just a matter of time and doing your exersices when you get home. In the long run you'll be glad you had it done.

Hi Eastie. Someone once said "you'll KNOW when you need that knee replacement, absolutely know." And she was totally correct. I knew. I'd put them both off for years however when I knew, I begged my surgeon to fit me in. If you're not certain, then wait. There are remedies which can postpone the inevitable. Also physio might assist is strengthening muscles to hold knee in place. Please lose weight. It's so beneficial. I love food. I love it however my extra few kilos is making my new two year old knees ache. Too many holidays! Please make this a time to prepare yourself because it is a marathon event but with what may be, amazing outcomes. xxx

Thanks - I’ve had pain for a few years and it’s worsened, gap on inside of knee worn away but since being off sick it feels much better - however I think if I go back to my job the pain will return as heavy work , I guess I’m just getting nervous now as the operation is only 2 weeks  away . 

‘I can bend my knee ok at the minute and worst pain is at night when I wake and inside of knee is very painful - there is crunching inside when I bend the knee too - I’m just wondering if it’s best to say hold off another 6 months and go back to work with an injection and lose some weight or get it done done as scheduled and look to the future - I  just scared really I guess as there seem to be so many people still in pain . 

Well, Eastie, Only you can make that decision. I had a higher BMI than 36 at the time of my tkr surgery in Nov. 2017. I did lose 15lbs. b4 the operation. I had to get a xomplete Cardio exan also. My knee feels stronger now and the Recovery is taking some time. I do the PT excersisez everyday &go 2 X a week to PT session. Patience is REQIURED for this recovery. Heat b4 workout and 8ce/elevate afterwards. I am glad I had the surgery becuz it was difficult for me to walk without a cane or walker.

Hi Eastie,

I had my first  tkr 6 1/2 months ago and will have my second one done in 2 weeks.  Even though it is my second time and I know what to expect, I'm still scared and nervous, but that is part of it.  My first tkr is doing very well, still a bit stiff, but am certainly glad I had it done. Had enough of the shots, etc.  just wanted to stop the pain!  What you're feeling is perfectly normal, your anxiety and not knowing if you're doing the right thing...those doubts go through everyone's minds as the surgery gets closer.  Only you know what you should do.  This surgery is a tough one, you need to be prepared to be tougher.  Whatever you decide, know that there are many on this forum that have and are going through the same thing...including me, but my decision has been made.

Good luck on whichever route you take.

Many blessings,

Cherry🍒

 

I was in the same boat as you. When your knee get bone on bone nothing will make it better other than tkr. Like you I do heavy manual work and also like you two weeks before surgery knees didn't seem to hurt as bad so I had seconds thought myself. I ultimately decided to go ahead with it. I am now 14 weeks post op and it's getting stronger everyday. Will probably be off for another 6 to 7 weeks before going back to work. Just have to remember that if you wait yours knees are only going to get worse but you'll have to make that call for yourself. As for me I'm glad to have it behind me and looking forward to no more pain for many years. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

HI Eastie

i had bilateral tkr’s just over 2 yrs ago.  Like you, I had a very physical job and both knees bone on bone.  I held off having the op as long as I could, mostly, because I didn’t want to give in to it and my age.  They say the knee replacements are good for 10 to 15 yrs.  I was early 50’s when the pain started but the thought of them maybe needing to be replaced again at 65-67 yrs give me a lot to think about.  I was 59 when I had the op and very overweight??.  The op went well but difficult to get over, not having a good knee to rely on.  Yes, there’s pain after the op but it does gradually get better, different to before where it was gradually getting worse.  If you think you are going to be running marathons after the op and be in absolutely no pain, then I’m afraid your going to be disappointed.  There’s stiffness still etc but not that awful pain as before.  Only you know how bad it is for you.  Way up the pros and cons.  I’m glad now, I had them done but I’ll be 74-77 before they wear out again.  I’ll be slower by then anyway.  Your new knee may never need replacing again, depending how you treat it.  I’m afraid my big, fat behind will wear out first with me😛

good of luck with whatever you decide but it’s inevitable. 

Best wjshes

Sue x

Nothing to be scared of but you must be prepared for the reality of recovery...

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

Give up all time expectations...the first 30 days are normally very painful...it takes a year to fully recover...you have to heal before returning to work in the 4-6 month range.  Very, very few people defy these parameters and have a fast, mostly pain-free recovery.  95% of us have to accept all of this and take charge of our own recoveries, accepting the fact that the knee will heal when it heals.  It can't be pushed, it can't be rushed.  It is what it is.