Painful knee

If the cartilage has gone there is no cure except a replacement joint.

Metra

Talking about knees, has anyone who is overweight had problems getting a replacement? I have struggled with my weight all my life and my GP refuses to refer me until I lose weight. I have managed to lose a little but I'm in a lot of pain which is affecting my ability to walk and carry out normal household tasks.

I am overweight but still getting a knee replacement- change your Gp
Weight came on after the injuries to my knees- can’t walk far!

silverlining48

I was told by an orthopaedic consultant that no one should have more than 3 cortisone jabs. Not sure if that’s in the sane part of the body or altogether. In which case I have already had my full share.

Same here, had 10 in each knee over the years- in fact had two within 6 weeks as the first of the two did nothing for me.
The consultant was horrified when I told him just how many I have had, he said don’t have any more! & certainly not within 6 months of the coming surgery.

It depends how overweight, age and fitness, and individual case.

I had a guided injection in my groin/hip which made things worse, so needed replacement hip
Another for fasciitis , which didn’t help, no operation available so had to tolerate pain for 18 months.
One for shoulder pain/ restriction , which didnt help. Needed an operation.

Not very lucky so far

Metra

Talking about knees, has anyone who is overweight had problems getting a replacement? I have struggled with my weight all my life and my GP refuses to refer me until I lose weight. I have managed to lose a little but I'm in a lot of pain which is affecting my ability to walk and carry out normal household tasks.

My cousin had a new hip a few months ago. She is a larger lady. She decided to pay for it privately herself as she was in constant pain and the NHS wait was too long.

Various people asked her whether they mentioned her weight might be a problem or suggested she lose weight. She said “no”. Then she started stressing about why they hadn’t asked anything. She knew a nurse at another private hospital and asked her whether they ever refused to operate until they lose weight like NHS insist on. She said they never worry about a patients weight unless their BMI is something like 50+.

Her op went ahead and was very successful and the surgeon made no comment on her weight. She concluded that the NHS try to get people to lose weight so it gives them more time.

Thanks all.
I have an appointment to see a physio on Thursday.
It isn’t due to my weight as I’m long and lanky!

Went to see a physio today who mentioned, as I predicted I have arthritis.
She mentioned to put my knees to the outside when getting up

Cath9 I am sorry but I do not understand that.

Cath9

Went to see a physio today who mentioned, as I predicted I have arthritis.
She mentioned to put my knees to the outside when getting up

I too am wondering what you mean by that? How do you put your knees to the outside? I’d like to know as I have a very painful knee. Thanks!

I had a knee replacement at 57. The consultant said don’t worry about being too young - you are in pain, just get it done and get on with your life. Eight years on I’m just booking in for the second one - I’ve been putting it off for the last year and really should have gone sooner (it’s stopping me enjoying all sorts). As others have said bite the bullet and get it done. A few weeks discomfort which will soon be forgotten and you get your life back.

Hi, I’m new on here, so hello, I’ve just been told I have osteoarthritis of my knee and that I will need a replacement, have any of you ladies who have had replacement surgery been awake during surgery? If so what was it like? I’m aware of the options even though I’ve not discussed this with the consultant as yet, I was actually dumbfounded when he told me that I’d had a flare up of my arthritis! Up until July I’d had absolutely no pain and thought I’d a torn meniscus when I’d twisted my leg!

When I had my second knee replaced in 2018 I was talked into having spinal anaesthesia but I said I did not want to hear the hammering and banging so I was sedated, knew zilch about anything and all was fine. I do not normally react to a GA but there is always a first time.

I had a spinal with sedation for both knees and hip replacements. Went very well. Had lovely sleeps each time then woke up in recovery. Didn't hear a thing. All good.

I had a spinal with something like valium but no sedation. DH had prepared some of my favourite music on his i-pod. The first knee was very complicated and long, as they had to cut and scrape a lot of extra bone growth around a severe injury from 50 years before. The noise was truly impressive- but I didn't panic or stress. The anesthetist promised me that if I did, he would get me out of it and make me sleep.

So much better, especially in older people, to preserve brain cells and avoid future complications. The second one was much quicker and easier, and I was totally fine without sedation, took 50% less time too.

Had mine done with spinal sedation a year ago, didn't hear a thing.