I am a young 59 year old and have been told by a specialist that I need a double TKR as I have Osteoarthritis. I am aghast. I wondered if there is any treatment anyone has had prior to a TKR that has helped delay the operation that has bought relief? For instance, does the injection (I'm assuming it's cortezone) work?
Sue
Had gel shots helped for 2 years
I had steroid injection into knee joint, but it only helped for around a month, and I was told it didn't justify having them long term. However my neighbour who is in her 80's has them every six months and they have kept her going for years.
I suppose it depends on how bad they are.
Like you, I was totally shocked when told my knees needed replacing, even though they had been painful for years, and one kept dislocating.
All behind me now. One replaced three years ago, and the other one last year.
It's a daunting prospect for you, but I'm glad I had mine done, all the pain has gone.
I used Synvisc, helped for 6 months,maybe would have worked longer but I went for the three when the opportunity arose
That was..... TKR when the opportunity arose
Hi Sue
I'm currently trying to persuade my mum to have tkr she has tried everything to obtain relief including steroid injection unfortunately nothing really works
Liz
I've had a couple of treatments that delayed my knee op. Arthroscopy - worked well - the idea was to trim any spurs and clear out any debris. It was key hole surgery. I was back driving after a week. A series of injections worked well too. I found acupuncture helped and physio therapy.
The delay was 18 years!!!!!
Hi Sue, I had TKR 4 months ago at age 61. I knew that knee replacement was inevitable as I had a torn meniscus and ACL in the past, but tried to postpone it as long as possible. Cortisone and Synvisc injections helped me for about a year before I scheduled surgery. Four months later, I can tell you it was difficult but definitely worth it. Good luck!
Brilliant Elizabeth. I think I'll try everything to delay full surgery especially after reading the string of people's experiences post op. It sounds a long rehabilitation and a painful one. Thank you for responding and I'm feeling happier knowing there is a chance for me to find relief without having TKR.
Sue
Sometimes! They do have a series of 5 shots of gel that may delay the op , but I would nt wait too long for the TKR, bite the bullet while you're young!
There is also arthroscopy with microfracture, that can stimulate bone growth and can last for about two years, I also had this on my second knee, and it lasted around 12 months.
You could ask about this.
have had cortisone injections - didn't work. Had two arthroscopys with debriding, cutting out a fatty lump that was catching (!!) with microfractures in the left knee. The first microfracture was a disaster. The second brought some relief but has now deteriorated again. The right knee I had an arthroscopy and microfracture and it was great - pain relief, stronger - a job worht doing. The lef tknee is a different story it is now giving way again and I am in constant pain. Strangely no swelling and range of mobility is good. But inevitably a TKR will be the way to go. LIke you I am young - 53 - but I can't carry on much longer like this. I have also had injections of hyaloronic acid into the joint - didn't work. I have been diagnosed with OA. There seems to be nothing between the relatively minor arthroscopy and the TKR though.
To be honest a forum does attract people who are having issues and not the people for whom this surgery has gone really well. No disrespect intended as this is such a useful place to come to get support.
I am 9 weeks out and know I will not be regretting this surgery. My knee has been such a concern for so many years I wish I could have had it done sooner. I was one of the lucky ones. Swelling went really fast and I did not need heavy opiates to cope with the pain. Yes it is still tight at times and standing for long gets it upset but it is now stable with no grinding of the joint !!!
I was proactive and started physio before the surgery to be as strong as possible post op.
If you are healthy and fit the odds are in your favour for a good recovery.
All the best.
Hi Sue. I was 58 and able to prolong my bilateral tkr's for approx 6 years by taking Glucosamine 750mg. with chondroitin and msm, two caps a day. My knees gradually declined until I begged for surgery. The operation delivered me, after 7 months post op, no pain and stable knees however I would not have them both done at once, if I had my time over. Balance can be an issue and you get twice the pain! I suggest one first, then the next 4-6 months after. Best of luck!
Hi Sue,
I am 55 (female) and had bilateral TKR in June. Cortisone helped put it off for a couple years but quit working. Synvisk didn't help me at all. I am so glad I did the surgery (both at the same time) and recovered very quickly. I don't think you can look at a forum such as this and get an accurate reperesentation of what recovery is like. As with any issue, many people who seek out information after their surgery are most likely having some sort of an issue for which they are looking for answers. I had a couple friends who did their surgery prior to mine and recovered quickly as well. It's a tough surgery to be sure and no one can tell you how you will heal. However, if you do have to have it done, you may do better than you think. I wish I had done mine earlier. My quality of life has improved greatly.
Yes...injection. No...cortisoze. SynVisc. Put off my TKR for years and years...
I had 4 cortisone shots in my right knee to postpone action on my knee while I had my right hip replaced. Initially, the shot helped 4 to 6 months. After a while, no improvement. Do not wait too long to address the true correction on the knee, as the knee, nerves, muscles and other supporting structure deteriorate along with the bone and cartiledge. I am 4 weeks into a tkr, it's sucks so far. this surgery is not for sissies. Oh, if you do both knees at the same time, make sure you have a lot of help at home for meals, ice, help to the bathroom and other daily chores. The recovery is very challenging, I would do one knee at a time 6 months apart. Good luck on your journey.
I find the forum helpful in as much as I'm greatly encouraged by the variety of responses. I had my TKR 3 weeks ago. I am told Im doing remarkably well considering! The wound is well healed and the bruises on the whole have disappeared but there are sore spots and my leg is very swollen which is inhibiting my exercises. I am seeing a physio next week and the GP
Try to get synvisc, it lasts a year. Depending on how worn your knees are, mine were bone on bone and the shins hurt as well, (referred pain) and the steroid shot lasted maybe three days, and besides for a weight bearing joint it is not advised. You need cushioning from the jelly shots. (synvisc) The knock off that insurances here want to have you get, (euflexxa) didn't even last three months.
Sue, I had steroid injections for about 3 years before they stopped working. I went to see an OS and he started me on Suparx injections that are stronger and painful for me the first time. I got use to it. That lasted a year before it quit working. At the beginning of this journey, I was told I would eventually need a TKR. I am surprised the doctors haven't been upfront with you. I'm so sorry. I finally had a TKR and don't regret it because I was in a lot of pain. Hope this helps.