In a bit of a pickle

Tests and investigations
1

I have had a painful right knee for about 15 to 20 years but it became unbearable about 3 years ago. Over the 15 plus years I would have phases of having to use a stick. In desperation in early 2016 having been told by my gp that they wouldn't refer me to a specialist because of my age ( then 56) I paid privately for a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who who then put me on his nhs list. I had numerous xrays of both knees and my hips then an MRI scan of my right knee. The surgeon said I had moderate OA in my left knee and hips but very little OA in my right knee. He did see a meniscal tear and lots of debris in the right knee. He decided to do an arthroscopy to remove the debris and repair the tear.He did the arthroscopy in october 2016. He brought me a sample pot containing a large piece of debris and said there was nothing more he could do and I definately didn't need a TKR.Unfortunately I am in as much pain as ever and need to use a stick when I walk. Unfortunately because my gait is off I have been having more pain from my left knee especially if I walk for more than a few minutes. I asked to be referred back and was seen by a specialist nurse who sent me for more xrays and sent me to orthotics for knee braces and referred me for a steroid injection in my left hip as she thinks that my left knee pain may be referred pain from my hip.I have been wearing my knee brace on my right knee as wearing them both at the same time is really awkward. Initially I thought the brace was helping but now I am getting a lot of pain in my right hip and groin after wearing the brace.

Sorry for such a long boring post but any advice or input would be very wecome.

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I literally feel your pain! I was told I had torn miniscis and severe OA dr. gave me the choice to do just miniscis repair, but said I could still be in pain, I chose total knee replacement, I am in 3rd week think I will be glad I did it. I am 64, why won't they do one now? How old are you now?? Good luck it is no fun!

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i have never hade hip problems.but oa in my knees .im a builder 58 yrs old my pain was in both knees more right knee.but i was still able to work.surgeon said he would do op on knees when i retire.10yrs and said to manage with pain management had cortisone injections both knees and painkillers after 6 months no change. im nhs england.so insisted on tkr right knee.did not want to spend 10 yrs on pain killers he never sugested phisio.surgeon didnt want to do op  but came across more on budget than my health .push hard for what you need.tkr is not easy so different for each person .you must get on waiting list .im about 13 weeks post op lots of ups and downs but you get through it .so grandma dylan get to the bottom of your problem and i hope you get the best .remember doctors and surgeons are not gods there like builders good and bad.if not happy with one get rid second oppinion.my sister nearly died from wrong diagnosis..hope in someway i have helped.