Posted , 10 users are following.
I am so happy to have found this group. Thanks to everyone in advance. I am 75 years old, in relatively good shape. My knees don't hurt, they just don't work. I understand recovery can be pretty painful but a relative recently blew my 'don't hurt' argument out of the water pointing out how limited I am just getting around (especially standing up/sitting down. Plus my balance is waning and I am about to begin using a cane/trekker stick
I would appreciate any advice you can give me, either pro or con.
Margene
0 likes, 23 replies
christine_86732 margene18139
Posted
Hi Margene!
My right leg was pretty bad for about 7 years and I finally had a total knee replacement in July. That was the best decision I ever made! I too had very limited use of my leg-could not sit, hard to walk and my knee gave out 2 times in December. I have a wonderful surgeon and within 2 weeks I did not need my walker orcane anymore. One therapist messed me up though and I was backsliding but now with the right therapist and exercises, I am so happy! Last night was the first time I slept without pain! I still use heat ad ice therapy daily and I know what my limits are. I still get very tired after too much exercise but that is to be expected. I have a wonderful husband and daughter who dote on me but I am very stubborn and want to do things for myself. So they just watch from a distance and if I need help, I do ask for it. I wish I wasn't so stubborn but the therapist says that's what keeps me going! It was hard to climb into my husbands truck today so I am going to wait with that for about another week. If your doctor advises a tkr, do it. You will be glad you did.....you may not think that at first but you will in time. Good luck to you!
lyn32416 margene18139
Posted
Hello and welcome. Have you seen a Doc for x-ray or bone scan? or had a referral to Ortho specialist? You and your medicos need to know why you are less mobile. Do you exercise a lot? Are you overweight? What medication do you take. Have you had your condition investigated? I ask all this because it mightn't be arthritis. Which usually causes pain. As in bone pain. You say you're not in pain. You might have another condition affecting your mobility. You really need some medical input. Good luck and if you need a knee replacement do it. Bank on 18 months to fully recover. If you can commit to that and it's necessary, then go do it. Hope you find a good MD who can accurately diagnose your issues. x
mommermom lyn32416
Posted
CHICO_MARX margene18139
Posted
First, you go see a very good orthopedic surgeon who will do the imaging studies and exam to tell you exactly what's wrong and your options for fixing it. Until you have some definitive diagnosis regarding your knees, everything else is irrelevant. You don't jump to TKR...you get dragged and pulled there kicking and screaming because you have no other choice. Go see the ortho...what's wrong...options for a fix. Starting point.
margene18139 CHICO_MARX
Posted
CHICO_MARX margene18139
Posted
Arthroscopy is used for most knee operations nowadays so they don't have to slice you open and leave you with a long scar. However, I don't know the proper procedures for all the different issues. I had two meniscus tears and two femoral condyle cartilages ripped off (four ops, two each side). All were done via scope. Some problems like ACL, MCL, etc. might require an incision...just don't know. The question is not answerable until you get a diagnosis. Once you have that, the doc will tell you what your options are. I wouldn't even bother looking up anything until you know exactly what's wrong. Waste of time and worry. Let us know what the doc finds...
margene18139 CHICO_MARX
Posted
BTW I recently learned that our kidneys begin losing about 1% function per/year beginning at 30. There are few if any symptoms, but at that rate I am at close to 50%! aagghh!
CHICO_MARX margene18139
Posted
My wife's numbers started going in the wrong direction. Took her of all NSAIDS (aspirin, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen, etc.). Numbers were back to normal in a week after years of Excedrin.
Cortisone doesn't work on me. However, I used SynVisc for many years. Three shots (days 1, 8 and 15) and I was good for a year at a time.
Guest margene18139
Posted
Hi, I was the same as you with both my knees, both legs bent, difficulty getting up and down and locking and letting me down occasionally and not walking far. X ray showed both my kneecaps were on the side and arthritis, horrified I had to have two new knees. First one Feb 2017, testing but did well by six months and knee working very well. 2nd I'm three weeks on, more difficult physically, mentally and emotionally, cried all yesterday and couldn't motivate to do exercises but I take great comfort from this site, especially Chico he really keeps me positive , good days and horrid days it is a testing experience but I know in 12 months time I'm really going to reap the benefits, so get a good surgeon (imperative) do your research and if needed kick butt and do it, quality of life is everything!!
good luck xxx
margene18139 Guest
Posted
I really respect your having both knees done almost back to back! I am probably much older than you and am frankly wondering if I want to spend my last (maybe/maybe not) year(s) in recovery. I get along OK: certainly can't run, walk slowly, and avoid low chairs. It is very difficult to impossible to sit on the floor and get up again!!!
Guest margene18139
Posted
Hi Margene,
im 67 BMi of 25 so no great weight limitations. It's been very challenging and of course the older you get you don't bounce quite so well. Having said that my husband is 85 and had his done last September and sailed through with very little pain, progressed much quicker than me and had a much more positive time, makes me feel like a wimp. As quoted regularly here every knee is different, see your surgeon, weigh everything up and if it's right for you and your life.
jenny80029 margene18139
Posted
Guest jenny80029
Posted
jenny80029 Guest
Posted
I can be sensible sometimes Jackie! 😁
cheryl86544 jenny80029
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margene18139 jenny80029
Posted
I recently walked about a mile--with my trekker stick. But it truly just about did me in. It doesn't affect my sleep. Sitting or lying in bed, I am not aware of any problems. Which of course, means I sit (reading, TV, computer, driving, movies) WAY too much!!.
jenny80029 margene18139
Posted
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