had tkr 2011 left knee and everything good now, now have problem with right one

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am 45 years old have had left knee tkr, had xray 3 weeks ago on right knee to be told that I have the start of degenerative changes this is what happened to the left knee and because no one could make their mind up at what to do I had to have a replacement now my doctor has told me there is no need for me to see a consultant as it's only minor I told her I wanted to see one as I know my body and the pain is mad it keeps locking and giving way but she has refused to let me see someone can they do this she said I would have to pay private to see one, I just don't want to go through another tkr at my age knowing the only last upto 20 years any advice would be a great help

2

Try asking if she will.send you for physio. I was referred to the consultant by that route. Good Luck.

3

HOW ABOUT THE INJECTIONS? THEY COULD GIVE YOU RELIEF FOR UP TO A YEAR APPARENTLY . . Whoops, sorry about the capitals. . .Doctors can certainly be a pain sometimes . . You bviously want to avoid the tkr for as long as possible, and the injections could be a help??

4

I am 56 and just over a year ago a stupid consultant told me I was WAY too young for a TNR soni insisted on seeing someone else who told me we all deserve a pain free life and has just replaced mine 8 weeks ago. Then 4 weeks ago I made an em appt with my GP cos I was in horrific pain and he told me pain was a state of mind and it would ease so after I came home and cried buckets and rang back and insisted on seeing someone else who told me there was no reason to be rollin in pain and changed my meds so I guess what im saying is stick out and insist on seeing someone else????

5

incidentally I work for the NHS and if our patients are not happy with their cons/GP we do our best to change them x

6

I remember that Andrea!  Your GP is a  . . .OK, I wont use bad language on here!  I'm glad you got it sorted out.  I wonder what yourGP will do one day when he is suffering REAL pain . . .take the tablets I'll bet!

7

lol knowing him hel go hug a tree or sit and chant lol lol

8

Sounds like you live in the UK, and my guess is that with your medical plans, that's the situation. Is it not possible to visit a different doctor who could refer you? I hope you are able to get some answers. At 50 I had a bilateral knee replacement. I dread when I need them re-done.

9

Tried that one when having a discussion with her but a good idea thanks

10

I think I'm going to change my doctor and when i have a medical I will explain what's going on I don't want to have an op I just would like a consultants opinion not a radiographer who tells the doctor what the problem is my sister has got lung cancer and a radiographer told her she had a chest infection but i will roll with the pain and see what happens

11

Can a doctor refuse to send you to a consultant but if I wanted I could pay for it I thought I did that already paying my NI

12

Yes, a good move. It's not right to tell you to pay for private consultations. Hope you get some decent service!  So sorry about your sister.  It's a terrible battle for her and for all your family. 

13

If you are in the UK and therefore NHS you can ask to see another doctor in the same practice. Get a second opinion. 2 years ago my GP seemed to be blocking a referral to an orthopaedic consultant and when I asked if this was because it would involve a cost to their practice he admitted tome it would. The mere fact that he was aware I knew it was money and not medical care that influenced his decision, seemed to change his tune considerably. Good luck!

14

John

please see my posts on synvsc injections they work !

best wishes

Jude

15

However; they won't work for everyone. The condition my knee was in there was no option. They wouldn't waste the money trying.

16

John, in my Dr's 'practice' I have seen a total of 5 different Dr's since my op 8 weeks ago...  your Dr's 'practice' must have other Dr's you can see.. or are you named on one particular Dr's list..  I found out that I am included on a Dr's listiing and I have never seen him yet!  I think there are 10 Dr's in the 'practice' all told.   

17

My sister has been refused a knee replacement right from the outset, she`s 50 and been told too young....she has OA, fluid in the knee, she is in pain, and when it locks (nearly always) she is stuck, and housebound...I think it depends on the hospital/area/budget etc......my sister has seen a Rheumatologist in the last 18months , but we are thinking of paying to see an Ortho peadic doctor....I have heard that having one knee done....sometimes triggers off problems with the other....get it looked at, to put your mind at rest....good luck!

18

The doctor kept telling me I was too young I tried steroid injections till last year and they were not doing any good anymore so I asked to be referred to the hospital had to fill in an assessment form as the doctor surgery has to fund the operation saw consultant in December knee was bone on bone had the op 5 weeks ago so keep pushing I am 53 

19

tell her to get a 2nd opinion?? one cons told me flatly no at 55 I would have to wait 10 years despite being like ur sister!!! The cons that has just done mine at 56 said everyone deserves a quality of life and didnt hesitate!!!!!

20

Hi linda

I am suffering the same as your sister.  My doctor thought it was a meniscus tear of cartledge but MRI revealed arthritis due to wear and tear.  

Surgeon said I was too young for TKR, (56)said there was nothing he could do and recommended lots of physio and pain killers. He also said my other knee would go the same in 2-5yrs - what joy! Very frustrated as he was one of the top surgeons.