Partial Knee Replacement or Not ?

I'm nearly 13 weeks following patellafemoral arthroplasty (new plastic knee cap and metal trochlea, the bit behind it). I'm 56 (currently feeling 76!) And waited 11 years for op because I was considered too young before. For those 11 years I wore a knee support as knee was so unstable and I needed to live my life, but in doing so the support did the job of my muscles and they've now forgotten what to do. My knee is healing fine but the muscles are a different matter. I've been having weekly physio sessions and only in the last couple of days have I managed without my stick in the house, and I seem to have lost my confidence to walk outside without it. Knee is gradually beginning to feel easier (hurray!), and I'm trying not to overdo things - which is very tempting when you've been used to leading an active life. My life saviour has been a static exercise bike that I use daily.

I've worn trainers and jogging bottoms for last 13 weeks and as soon as I'm recovered I'm going to have a bonfire - trainers, joggers, knee supports lol! I've never been a high heels wearer but do wear a moderate heel so am hoping to do so again!

Sleep? Yes it has been disturbed, so if I feel tired in the day I have a kip - hope I get out of this habit or else I'm going to be splayed across the keyboard at work snoring my head off! And 56 - also menopausal and although I was suffering with the occasional night sweats these have returned ten fold - so my sleep disturbances is more to do with these than pain from my knee.

We are all different, we  suffer things differently - I have friends who have had partial or full knee replacements - one was fine at 6 weeks, the other at 8 weeks. I think I've been despondent because I've not done nearly as well and I had a lesser (I say that tongue in cheek!) op. But, I've learnt to be patient and I'm hoping things now continue to improve.

Go for it, be prepared for good days and bad days, be patient (easier said than done on occasions!) and when you come out the other side........YIPPEE! 

I can only share with you my experience of a Total Knee Replacement 3 years ago. Yes it is hard work and a long recovery period but well worth it in the end.

You mention problems with sleep. I have to be honest with you here.

I had problems with sleep after operation. I initially went to sleep fairly quickly. after 1 or 2 hurs i then used to wake up in pain and discomfort. This meant I could not get back to sleep for a long time. Even now 3 years later i still wake up nearly every night, though not i n pain anymore and usually get back to sleep fairly quickly. However I think my sleeping pattern has changed and will probably never be the same as it was.

All this came as a huge shock . I had always been such a good sleeper and was something Ihad not really anticipated.

But ofcourse everyone is different and this does not mean you will have problems sleeping, I am only sharing with you my own experience.

On balance I would say have the operation but yu have to do what is right for you and only you can decide that.

Take care and keep in touch

Praying for you

Love Sarah xx

Hi Maysol, yes, it is a very difficult decision to make. I wouldn't rush into making it if I were you as you are still managing to walk really well. I was lucky I think as my surgeon gave me time to make my decision (mine was TKR) . He told me it was only a total replacement would help.  He let me go away and think about it and I had a further appointment  6 weeks later. I then waited 6/7 months on his list. I was offered a consultation with another consultant to try to get it done sooner. I took up the offer and was astounded when he suggested trying an injection and waiting a bit longer before the op! He could see my reaction to that after me taking so long to come to my decision and changed his mind and said ok we'll go ahead and he put me on his list too. So, what I'm trying to say is even the specialists find it a difficult decision to make and can have differing opinions.

i eventually had a TKR last July and although it's been a long recovery and I still have some secondary problems, I don't regret having it done. I can now do long walks again which I was unable to do for a year or so before the op. It was that goal that motivated me to have it done. You need to weigh up what your aim is. It isn't a magic cure and I can't tell you what the chances of you needing a total after a partial replacement. I feel like I've got a new knee and can do most things I want to do but it's not a "normal" knee. 

Sorry I've rambled a lot. I hope you make the decision that's right for you.

Jen (11 months pot op)

Hi Maysol I am almost 3 weeks post op from having partial knee replacement and am getting there slowly! Like you I waited nearly a year on the NHS going through an arthroscopy, steroid jabs and a hylanuronic acid injection with one consultant who agreed there was nothing more that could be done apart from knee replacement then to be fobbed off by the 2nd consultant I was referred to because of my age I'm 51!! Fortunately I have private medical ins through work so used it and within 3 weeks of seeing my surgeon I was booked in for surgery! I too was bone on bone but only in my inner joint outer and knee cap fine and I have osteoarthritis as well?

it is a slow process but I have gone from using 2 crutches to 1 and sometimes don't even use it when pottering around the house

I have my good days and bad and I find the worst part is getting comfortable in bed but with the right medication this has also been addressed and I'm getting much better nights now

i had dissolvable stitches and my scar is really neat

good luck with everything

regards

Mandy

Only know from others that the pkr isn't a quick bypass to pain and recovery. The nerves and sod tissue are damaged and must heal. You have the same therapy and recovery process. When I originally heard they were doing this proceedure I thought there had to be a huge advantage but after discussions on here and a with therapists I'm beginning to believe it's largely a cost cutting measure. Being a male, I didn't have the concern for style in footwear but after several discussions on this forum I don't think you will be w o trying about shoe selection for several months. Safe and comfortable will be your goal. As far as walking, you will be a few weeks to months but you won't lose your freedom to pursue that pleasure. A lot of what you do afterwards is pretty much the same as before but hopefully without the bone on bone pain. Just remember that recovery from either surgery is not a direct line from point A to point B. There are a lot of ups a d downs, which sometimes has you think you are going in circles. Keep asking questions. You will find this group to be the most compassionate, caring group you could find and the reason........we've all been through it, some more than once or twice.