Knee Replacements At 43?

[Scarlett]

I've just seen the specialist and had X-Rays. He said both knees are shot but the right one is worse. He said they don't do replacements until people are much older. Thing is, I can't stand or walk anymore. I'd rather have my knee working now, whilst I'm trying to do my life achievements, than wait til I'm 60 and have missed my life. Has anyone here had one, or know of someone who has? Did it help?!

[Sqad]

\\\\\\ Thing is, I can't stand or walk anymore. I'd rather have my knee working now, whilst I'm trying to do my life achievements, than wait til I'm 60 and have missed my life.\\\\

and that to me is the crux of matter.

My advice......get a second opinion, privately or otherwise.

The main function of a doctor is to relieve pain.....by whatever method.

[TheOtherHalf]

My sister has had both knees done whilst in her fifties. Thing is, shes had to have them done 3 times now and shes still in pain.

[Scarlett]

Wow, so you can have the operation more than once? I thought the reason they left it so late was that you could only really have it done one time.
The surgeon also said that an arthroscopy was pointless as it more than likely wouldn't help. Sqad- thanks, the surgeon was about 25 so I will definitely get a second opinion from a more experienced doctor.

[TheOtherHalf]

Well Scarlett, my sister did. I think first time didnt work, 2nd she got infection and had to have them done again one at a time. Im sure she had to manage without a knee cap for a week or two and just had them padded.
I know shes had a lot of bad luck with having them done but just could be one of those things. Shes still in pain though. Hope I never have to go through it. Good luck with whatever happens

[Scarlett]

That sounds awful. What was her problem- was it arthritis?

[Sqad]

Scarlett...that indeed is a horrific story by TOH but it can occur.

To put it in perspective........about 2% of knee replacements get infected which is not a bad success rate as infection is the commonest cause of revision knee surgery.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Sqad. It may be worth noting that since I've been doing an elimination diet, my pain has decreased a great deal. Perhaps inflammation caused by food sensitivities contribute to arthritic and other pain. If a Docs job is to help relieve pain, I do wish one of them had suggested it to me 20 years ago!

[Sqad]

Scarlett...;-).......we try.

[woofgang]

The bit which hasn't been mentioned in this discussion is the quality of the bone that is left. If you have poor quality bone then one replacement may be all that is likely to be possible; but it sounds like he didn't explain that very well. I am with Sqad, its time for a second opinion.

[woofgang]

a 25 year old surgeon? that puts him just out of college!!

[Scarlett]

Yes he sounded like he was reading from a textbook!

[Eve]

I think bednobs has had joint replacements and she isn't that much older than me (I'm 34) if she is about.

I'd be interesting to hear how you get on as looks like my knees are shot too and struggle walking sometimes even with my sticks. Got an appointment with orthapedics in September.

I do hope they sort things for you, sounds like you are having such a rough time of things x

[Sipowicz]

I had a knee replaced 8 years ago when I was 49. I was told it would last between 10 and 15 years. They prefer not to repeat the operation, which is why they prefer to wait until you are older, but if the pain is too much, as in my case, they will consider it.
Since my operation, I have been pain free, not as much flexion in the knee, but that's to be expected. I used to play a lot of squash, that's a no-no now.
I swim a lot, (not breast stroke) for exercise.
I'm glad I had the op, I'd advise you to go for it! Good luck.

[Cathyhuns]

No replacement joint will last forever, they all wear out. Even if the operation goes well, if you get 20 years out of a knee replacement you will be doing very well, many only last for 10. Therefore, given your age, you are almost certain to require a second replacement. This will be much more difficult and require even more of your good bone to be removed and, as woofgang, says might not be possible. This is why doctors don't like to replace joints until later in life.

[bednobs]

Hello I had a knee replacement when I was 36 and my second one when I was 37 this was due to ra. There was never any discussion of not having it done

[Scarlett]

That's interesting Bednobs- could you tell me any more about it? how badly had it become damaged- was it arthritis in the way that the cartilage had become ripped and crappy? I have arthritis under my kneecap. How long til you could walk again? How is it now? Why did you need it done twice? thanks!x

[bednobs]

sorry only just seen this.
They were both badly damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. I used a wheeled frame at all times, and couldn't do stairs etc. It was also becoming that "Out to the side" deformation (valus?)
Regarding walking again i was out of bed on a standing frame the same day, in hospital for about 5 days and i had 5 weeks off work. After the first one i still had to use stick/s because the second one was so bad. After the second one i used the stick for about 10 weeks (i think) then none
I had it done twice because it was both knees :)
The first one was more successful than the 2nd one i have almost normal extension and flexion in the first one but have lost extension and flexion degrees in the second one However, this is not a problem for me as it's 80% better, and i'll take that! I couldn't for exaple ride a bike because it won't bend enough. I have never been able to kneel on either one of them.

[AXAPPP]

Hi, I work for AXA PPP healthcare and we've got a Google hangout on Friday 23 August all about hip and knee replacements. You can find out more on our You Tube page or on our website www.axappphealthcare.co.uk

[Scarlett]

Thanks Bednobs. So how long did you wait in between having each knee done? Do you mean that your legs started to become knock-kneed? If so, mine are like that now- my feet are about 1 foot apart when I stand with my legs together..

[bednobs]

I, m not entirely sure of the timescales because I had a hip replacement and a baby in between them too.