Went back to see orthopedic surgeon today. Thought we were going to discuss surgery date for total knee replacement surgery. But surgeon said no at this time because I was to young. He advised me to go to pain management, find another job, or file for disability. This was the 2nd surgeon I've seen in 2 months. I'm 47, history of 6 surgeries on left knee and 2 on the right knee. He said he could tell that my quality of life has been affected, but knee has narrowed, but not bone on bone yet. Help, I don't want to live on pain pills for 8 more years until they finally will do the surgery.
Sad to say we are hearing more and more of this kind of response. I have friends who have been told this. I myself had to wait until I was walking bone on bone and I had it done at the age of 62. It's a matter of resources I am afraid. Lack of money, increasing population. Average knee lasts 10-15 years so they are looking in your case two replacements as you age. It is so wrong. If you put on weight too, they won't replace. It's a catch 22 situation where you can't move around to exercise as the knee makes it painful so therefore people tend to put on weight. There isn't an easy answer. All I can say is just keep on plugging away until you find someone and the resources to replace the knee. You have a hard battle but o wash you well. Best of luck to you X
Hi From Chicago,
Wow, 47 years old and all these surgeries. Seems like a lot. I don't know what in your medical history necessitated all these surgeries. We can hear the anguish your feeling.
The medical field has made incredible strides in the surgery of knee replacement. You need an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in this specific surgery.
Go for a third opinion. I would really do my homework on the next doctor. Go online, read about his/her medical training/practice/speciality, patient feed back, whatever you can find before making a third appointment. They are your legs and IT IS YOUR RIGHT to find a doctor who can help you
You should NOT have to change your job, or have to go for pain management. You deserve a certain quality of life, especially at your age.
Due to an accident, I had the cartlidge and ligament removed from my right knee years ago. It has been bone on bone since that time. I do not suffer pain. I dance like a fool, do all the things I want.
I wish you the very best. You are too young to be suffering so much. Get the best you can get.
Best to You,
Trudi D
So sorry to hear that you can't get the replacement you need. I had 3 years of bone on bone before I found a surgeon who would give me knee replacement. I live in the UK had right partial 6 months ago and left knee total 8 days ago. Keep looking hopefully you will find someone who understands the pain you are. Unfortunately it is all about meeting criteria these days. Best of luck.
Wow Paula...i feel for you.
My humble opinion is to get to Chicago and make an appt with Dr Jeff Goldstein. Seriously, he's the #1 orthopedic surgeon in the world.
Whatever the travel costs are its worth it!
The Chicago crew of this site will help you with accomodations so you don't have to pay for a hotel.
Im not a Dr so idk why yours are saying what they say, but Dr Jeff will definitely figure it out. Maybe you could first do a telephone consult? If you're interested let me or Lindy from this site know.
Wow Paula...i feel for you.
My humble opinion is to get to Chicago and make an appt with Dr Jeff Goldstein. Seriously, he's the #1 orthopedic surgeon in the world.
Whatever the travel costs are its worth it!
The Chicago crew of this site will help you with accomodations so you don't have to pay for a hotel.
Im not a Dr so idk why yours are saying what they say, but Dr Jeff will definitely figure it out. Maybe you could first do a telephone consult? If you're interested let me or Lindy from this site know.
Wow Paula...i feel for you.
My humble opinion is to get to Chicago and make an appt with Dr Jeff Goldstein. Seriously, he's the #1 orthopedic surgeon in the world.
Whatever the travel costs are its worth it!
The Chicago crew of this site will help you with accomodations so you don't have to pay for a hotel.
Im not a Dr so idk why yours are saying what they say, but Dr Jeff will definitely figure it out. Maybe you could first do a telephone consult? If you're interested let me or Lindy from this site know.
Also Paula if it comes down to the point where you can only or at least for 8 yrs require pain meds, there's a wonderful new drug out there that I TOOK for several years before i was qualified for TKR called suboxone. I teach tennis for a living so I'm running on my knee all day. Google it...read it...and if questions u can ask me. Don't let what you read about it or what others may tell you about it scare you.
Chances are if you do go to a pain mngnt doctor that's what they'll prob be giving you.
Where do you live if I may ask.........
Unfortunately David in the UK our nhs doesn't cover these sorts of drugs, I presume you have health insurance? In uk unless you gave private health insurance we rely on nhs and you have a tougher time getting the right treatment at the right time. I presume this lady is living in uk.
Oh Paula, stories like yours make me so angry! Age is, in part, totally irrelevant. N.I.C.E even state that age shouldnt automatically prevent someone from havng surgery!
Are you in the UK? If you are, and youre anywhere near Derby, I would urge you to try and get a referral to Mr Peter Howard at the Royal Derby Hospital - hes my Orthopaedic Surgeon, and my knight in shining armour, my hero! I was referred to him with stage 4 OA in my right knee, in the July of 2014. I was 48 years old. I had my 1st TKR 8 months later, March 2015, and then my left knee gave up the ghost and TKR #2 was October 2015, whan I was 49. (Yeah, 2 TKR's within 7 months, what fun!!) He vehemently opposes what he calls "Reverse Ageism" and says that a persons quality of life is far more important than their age. If anything, he says that a younger person handles things better and often gets a better result. Also, the prosthetic joints that are used these days have a much longer lifespan - he knows of some lasting >20years!
I wish you all the best, and even if this information isnt of any practical use to you, DONT GIVE UP!! Do some research, look up N.I.C.E. online, get some case studies - get as many second, third, tenth opinions as you can. If the surgery is appropriate for you (age aside), then there WILL be someone who is willing to help you.
Good luck
Terri xx
I wish there were more consultants like him!!
Thanks everyone for the support. I am going for a 3rd opinion tomorrow. I live in Moore Oklahoma. Just don't want to live on pain pills. I hate taking pills as it is.
Hi Paula,
I also had trouble getting my knee replacement and my pain started when I was around 51 years old. All docs kept saying I was too young to do replacement because I would just have to have it done again in 15 years! I let it go and did synvisc injections, meniscus surgery, arthritis laser treatments but still nothing helped. I was miserable and just watched my quality of life dwindle away! I finally found a doc that agreed with me and did the replacements. I had one in Sept. of 2015 and the next one in Dec. 2015. I am finally back to enjoying life again. I tell my husband I am so happy to feel like I'm living again. I'm angry that I lived with that pain for so long! Don't let this happen! Even if you get a replacement at 47, you could be 67 if you ever need another one. At least you would have enjoyed your younger years! Believe me, the rehab is tough, but you can do it! Keep a good attitude and do your exercises. I still have some tightness and soreness, but it's still early days for me. I already feel like a new person and I'm still not 100%! Good luck to you and I'll be watching for your posts.
Retha
Thanks, I am going to see another orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. Just would like to be able to return to work, play with the grandkids, and sleep through the night without waking up several times a night because of pain.
Good Girl,.
So glad you're doing the 3rd opinion. No matter the outcome, you are giving it your best effort .
Give us an update after your office visit.
Since joining this site, I am amazed at the outpouring of true concern. It's not such a big world after all.
Wishing you the very best,
Trudi D.
I agree Paula. Happy to have found this forum. I will be checking back often for updates and encouragement. What starts out as a good day ends up the opposite........one day at a time.