New knee or not new knee, that is the question

Do you not think to just give the anti-inflammatries a try? I have multi- joint OA and having had two hip- replacements in the last 15 yrs both successful I wouldn’t put myself through such invasive surgery without trying every other option first. I have been taking Anti- inflammatories for a long time with a stomach protector and have no side affects. My GP monitors my bloods regularly to make sure it’s not affecting my liver etc and I know my life would be miserable without them. I wouldn’t want to live with the pain you have indefinitely that’s for sure.
Speak to your GP and see if what they think I’m sure they’ll tell you if you have any contra-indications against taking them and you may react well and avoid surgery for now.

Good luck.

Everyone heals differently Grandelly, so its hard to say, but my DIL's mum had a knee replacement 3 years ago, after being in intense pain for years, and she made a quick and excellent recovery. Last year she had the other knee replaced and her recovery this time has been much slower, and she's still in quite a bit of pain, even though she did exactly the same exercises post op.

My OH has also had a knee replacement and he recovered very well and remains pain free 3 years later.

You can only follow medical advice really.

My OH has had bad knees for years. He tried all kinds of painkillers/anti-inflammatories but nothing really worked and it had got so bad he couldn’t stand long enough to cook ( which he enjoys). He got a referral to a surgeon, recommended by friend. After looking at x-rays, surgeon said both knees were equally bad, and suggested doing both at the same time!
He had them done 5 weeks ago and is making a very good recovery so far. He’s already walking better than before and legs are straighter. I think the decision depends on how much pain a person is in, but the success of op may depend on surgeon.

Charleygirl5has had two tkr as I remember and she’s very informed so hopefully she may be along with good advice soon .

Thanks tanith!

When you go to see your GP ask him what grade of osteoarthritis you have. It goes 0-4. 0 being normal and 4 being bone rubbing on bone. I personally would not have surgery unless it was 4.

What age are you? Many consultants will not operate on you if you are eg around 60 but a lot depends on where you live.

I did not have surgery until my sleep was being disturbed by the pain.

I would also try drugs, one never knows you may be lucky and find something which works. Maybe try something which you can rub in - that is what I did.

At the end of the day it is your decision.

I’ve had a total knee replacement in my two knees. I was hesitant in have the first one done and put it off for a few years. Having had the one done, I decided to go for the second one without any hesitation at all. You can’t compare yourself to anyone else, even my two knees are totally different experiences. Personally, knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t even think about not having them done.

Every case id different- and how you react is different. Even here, some of us who have had both knees done, for very different reasons- totally disagree about what to do after the operation. And it seems surgeons and physios differ in their advice too, on individual basis, and depending on the country.

Some advise working very hard after the op and say, as mine did 'I can do the op- but the rest if up to you- work hard and it will be a success- don't and it may well not be'- and I believed him and took his advice, and that of my fab physio too.

One of my new knees will always feel ackward- as the whole side was so badly wrangled in a car accident a very long time ago- the other has been great. But I can do everything- back on my skis too, which is fantastic- Can walk up and down in rocks, cycle- and they are totally solid and great balance back. Surgeon said due to said injury when I was 19 - I should not have waited until 65 as advised in UK - and I think he was right. Not sure how old you are, how fit and active either and whether you have that 'fighting gene' in you.

Surgeon told me it upset him to operate on people who are too old, too weak, too lacking in spirit and desire to get better- knowing as he does now after 40 years experience- that the outcome is likely not to be great. All depends.

thank you all for your comments and advise. I have tried anti inflammatories and other pain killers, I take them when the pain is especially bad, but as stated they do have side effects and I end up taking more drugs to counteract them. My sleep is being disturbed as when I move in the night the pain wakes me up. I am still unsure whether or not to go through with the op, but thank you once again for your advice in helping me to make a decision. By the way I am 64 and I wish I had never gone to pilates!!

Try the anti-inflamatories. I've been on them for nearly 30 years alongside something to protect my stomach. If you take them with or after food they shouldn't cause you any problems. Just be mindful. I would be immobile without them.

You could also try Turmeric and Curcumin extract- but honestly, you need professional advice. If you need a FKR, the sooner the better. Much more likely to make a good and strong recovery if you are still in your 60s, fit and well otherwise, and plenty of 'ooommmph'.

My personal advice to anyone considering a FKR is to do it late Spring if you can have the choice. Then you have the 'rising sap' and sunshine to help you recover for 6 + months- physically better and certainly mentally too.

Get some information from the bonesmart website, it is mine of very good information and help from people who have undergone joint replacements. I have had both knees replaced, 1st one about 10 years ago, and they are wonderful and would not hesitate to encourage anyone to have them done, you are in pain now, which will only get worse and make you less and less mobile relying on a lifetime of painkillers and anti inflammatory drugs which all have side effects. I know which I would choose. Get a good orthopeadic surgeon, discuss it and research all you can, then you can make an informed decision.