How long should I wait ?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have been to see a consultant at my local hospital re a replacement knee - he agrees but has not been in touch for 2 months !!

I have had the scans etc abd I am in increasing pain..

How long should I wait ?

2

Hi Steve...assuming that you are in the UK, I would ask what the waiting time is in your area.  You can choose to go to another hospital, if their waiting time is quicker.  My friend's husband had his in 6 weeks by doing this.

I've had both of mine done, but privately.

3

Hi Steve!

Knee pain is awful. I suffered way too long with mine, but insurance companies don't want to pay UNTIL they are absolutely convinced there is no other recourse. I did Physical Therapy, cortisone shots, TRIED TO GET OrthoDisc injections, but insurance wouldn't cover them.

For four years I was so exasperated that I just gave up doctors altogether. I had EXTREMELY EXCRUTIATING PAIN in my left knee last May. I couldn't put any weight on it and used crutches for a day and a half. The horrible pain subsided, but it scared me so badly that I made an appointment to see my doctor.

After seeing my new X-RAYS and comparing them to those from four years before, it was CLEAR to doc and to me that KNEE REPLACEMENT of BOTH KNEES was definitely indicated.

I lost about five years of good quality life playing the "Insurance Runaround Game" and being stubborn, trying to IGNORE my knee problems.

Last June was my first Total Knee Replacement. My second Total Knee Replacement was in October. Recovery is challenging, long, and involved, but I have ZERO regrets. I now have two great knees, no pain in them, and have my life back!

Only you will know if/when you have HAD IT with pain. Until that time, you may not be ready. Knee surgery is not for the faint of heart! However, when you ARE ready and you have had it with all the pain, ANYTHING seems like an improvement over the life you are trying to live WITH the PAIN!

4

Hi Steve.

Write to them, go to M.P. become a nuisance, which is what I did. It definitely sped things up. If you are in that much pain it will impact on the rest of your body causing problems there, as in my case. x

5

Where do you live. In the USA you would have had the operation by now ( and the doctor would be driving his new car) don't wait any longer

6

Hi Steve, Where ever you live, all you have to do is telephone the consultants secretary or appointments clerk and ask them outright. As for insurances, If the surgeon states that you need a replacement then the insurance have no say in the matter.

Ask for the earliest date and if not soon then if you are in the UK also ask for an earlier one at another hospital. You may need to travel or you may be lucky like me and get sent to the local private hospital thats on their NHS list.

7

I live in Wales but had my TKR in Hereford in England 4 years ago.

I went to GP in July saw registrar in November had x ray saw consultant the following January and had TKR in May. So about 6 months from first hospital appointment.

Hope this helps

Take care and keep in touch

Sarah

8

 after x rays and examination with a surgeon i was on an 18 week list Steve

9

It was 5 years between reaching Stage 4 with my knee, but I waited 5 years to have the surgery.  My doctors (orthopedic and MD understood why and helped me get there)  The reason was medicare.  I  knew it was going to be expensive and even with good insurance I decided to wait.  I am fortunate that I have a high pain threshold and a great support system (my daughter and my doctors).  BUT now I am going to have the right knee redone - in May because school with be almost out and I won't be getting called to sub.  Money always gets in the way.