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TKR looming

Posted , 19 users are following.

linda_50869
linda_50869

My op is coming up at the end of next month, ,,,but I'm still riddled with doubts....do I really need it? Will i be able to cope with the pain? what happens if something goes wrong,. Could I end up worse than I am now, ,, was anyone else wracked with fear and doubts? Thanks in advance

1 like, 34 replies

34 Replies

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  • joan17325
    joan17325 linda_50869

    Posted

    Yeah we had doubts I did when I had mine done 4 weeks ago. I had already had the other leg done so I knew ehatvto expect. The consultant only does the op when necessary. When I had my other leg done within weeks even though like everyone else struggling. I knew it had been the right decision. I was doing things I hadn't done for years. GO for it and keep coming back on here when you need support ?

  • lighterson
    lighterson linda_50869

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    I am going to echo Joan's post, just had my 2nd TKR 3 weeks ago and although in pain still etc I know for definate it was the right decision, once I am fit again in a few months I will have no regrets, the road is long and arduous at time it is worth it in the long run. Go for it!

  • NZJENNI
    NZJENNI linda_50869

    Posted

    Oh Linda - it is scary the pre op wait.

    Please be assured the outcome will always be better than what you are now living with.

    I am 16 months out from move and doing unbelievably well. I have my life back!!

    Yes, it is not the same as a proper knee there are still issues like not being as flexible or bending as much and feeling the cold but I would chose this to how mine was.

    The pain is manageable - I cannot tolerate any oral medications at all and so only had panadol and anti inflammatory suppositories. I envy people who could drop a tramadol at times but with management I got through it.

    I look forward to seeing your posts when you are a year out to see the difference it has made.

    It is a long slow recovery - months in fact for most of us. Pace yourself, take it slowly and you will get there. A little pain and discomfort is OK with your PT but not big pain - thats not helping you at all.

    All the very best,

    Jenni.

  • kathryn96524
    kathryn96524 linda_50869

    Posted

    Do not do it !!!!!!!!! Do not do this unless it means you cannot walk again!!!! I am suffering with an incorrect spinal block and I have serious issues with the 2 doctors and the hospital! There are very bad doctors and medical people out there now. Please do not do this!
  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 linda_50869

    Posted

    Linda hi. I reached my end of the road so I decided to have both my knees replaced at the same time. People don't usually go through the long and traumatic, painful procedure of a TKR unless they have no other choice. It's not a perfect solution or fix for all but it beats what my life and knees were like, prior to the op. If you're certain it's the right decision for you, then have faith. xx

    • kathryn96524
      kathryn96524 lyn32416

      Posted

      That is crazy and not even safe! I am out of this conversation. You people do not realize the high rate of knee infections. Just because your Doctor says yes does not mean it is right for you! Be smart and read the facts!
  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 linda_50869

    Posted

    If you are disabled, have daily pain, and see your shrinking before you it offers you potentially a new lease of life!

    Your surgeon would not have recommended you for a knee replacement unless he or she thought it appropriate.

    As it gets nearer its common to have doubts and fears.

    How is your quality of life now, and can you bear to carry on as you are?

    It's a leap of faith, to be sure!

    It was the best decision I have made for years!

    Are you in UK?

    What are your reasons for having one?

    It's not easy, but If you want it, and set your mind on positive mode, you should be fine. It is a major op, yes, but also a routine op...they do loads!

    Best wishes to you!

    ?

  • arlene94040
    arlene94040 linda_50869

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    You don’t mention your age or the necessity of your surgery. I had mind done 5 months ago and was very nervous. I am 70 and after the surgery I swore I would never do it again. When my left knee started in ( they were both bone on bone) I quickly changed my mind. The pain of my osteoarthritis far outweighs the pain of my surgery. It keeps getting better. You’ll find most of the people on this site are very helpful. I’ve read their posts many a night and have felt much better. Good luck to you.

  • kathryn96524
    kathryn96524 linda_50869

    Posted

    No, I do not agree! I live in Spokane, WA and I have been told to hang on to your parts as long as possible!!!! This is Major Surgery! Do not be fooled it is not without dangers! Try all possible avenues first!

    I have spinal issues so I would be in a wheel chair if I had not done this but you must not jump into any surgery without proper investigation!

  • brent77382
    brent77382 linda_50869

    Posted

    I’ve had left TKR five months back and need the right doing to by the end of 2018,and I have no doubts about getting it done,I had no cartilage left and arthritis in both knees,now no arthritis pain at all in my left knee I’m a keen golfer and I’m back out playing already with no reaction or discomfort,it’s not an easy road to recovery especially the first month or so,but you then start to notice improvements and that drives you on,everyone has doubts about getting it done and it’s a major operation so totally normal,if your surgeon say you need it doing then really that’s it,my surgeon said I would end up in a wheel chair if I didn’t get them done,no brainier after that. Good luck 
  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 linda_50869

    Posted

    Hi Linda, don't overthink this.

    Are you in constant pain now? Is it bone on bone? Is it impacting your life & how you live it?

    TKR is a brutal operation I won't kid you, but at 2 weeks I can definitely say the pain is nowhere near arthritis pain, it's more discomfort than out & out pain. TKR is painful, it's draining, physically & mentally there are nights of no sleep & days when you question why you allowed this to be done to yourself, but it is always much less painful than arthritis! Of course that is my opinion, no one else's.

    I had the 1st knee done in Oct 2016 & the pain of that is a distant memory. Already THIS knee has more ROM than the other at 2 weeks (at 6 TBH!). Both knees done at the same hospital, the same surgeon, both by spinal block which I can recommend as you are discharged within 3 days!As opposed to GA which they keep you in for longer!

    If you check on the NHS website you can check your surgeon's stats & the hospitals also. Anything to put your mind at rest.

    The decision is yours alone, do your research., but from the perspective of someone who has lived with arthritis, being classed as disabled in 2010, I am not looking back! Onward & upward!

    All the best for 2018

    Marilyn 

    XX

    • linda_50869
      linda_50869 marilyn10235

      Posted

      Thanks for all your replies. ...I'm not in constant pain ...but I think that's cos I've gotten used to it, ,,yes it's bone on bone,,,i have RA for 20 years ,, plus OA too now,,, im just 49,so its a huge decision... I've been limping for yrs ,, but the last two years have been the worst,, I can't walk for any length , I use a walking stick,, I take stairs one at a time.. its impacting my ability to walk, go to concerts, stand, so its restricting my life. .. I can work but sometimes by the time I get there I'm already half worn out,,,,, I'm having a spinal too... its not on the nhs but I know someone else this surgeon operated on and he has a good reputation.... I'm just nervous really,,while I know I need to get it done, I'm still terrified,,,,,I'm also afraid if I leave it my other knee will go too as its not great either....id manage the pain, its the limp and lack of motion and normal movement makes it v difficult, ,I want my life back ,,,,but its still a huge decision

      Thanks x

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 linda_50869

      Posted

      Yes love I know what I big decision it is, I went on until I could no longer stand it. Your quality of life just goes! 

      You've done your research & found a surgeon you trust, that's a huge part of it. 

      You'll look back & wonder why you put it off for so long once fully recovered, even partially recovered. Although soon after the op you will ask yourself why you allowed this to be done to you! I did BOTH times, but really so glad I did. Even though I'm right at the beginning of the process again now! Still glad I went ahead, it's definitely worth it.

      Good luck, stay with us, but don't worry about some of the things you'll hear. 

      If you can find it in the archive Chico Marx did a really good thread called (I think) 'the bell curve' if you can find it, it is very interesting. 

      There are so many wise people on here who will help to steer you & cheer you, you need only to ask.

      Happy New Year 🍾 

      Marilyn XX

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