You may be of that opinion - but I know several people with knee replacements who are still able to ski. Done properly, nowadays there is NOT a long rehab and recovery time - I skied with someone a year or two ago just a few months post-op.
"I hear the word "NEED" so much from the UK folks" - in the UK you get things when it is "needed" or "required". Not because a doctor is going to make money out of your case. As Jean says, surgery isn't done in the UK without need. And you can still bend knees and walk when there is no cartilage - it just hurts like hell. Why discourage people from surgery that will improve their quality of life because YOU don't fancy it? Or can't afford it and are making a virtue of the fact.
I think that I'd have one knee done at a time as I've found the pain difficult to deal with, although I do know someone in their early 70's who had two knees replaced in one go and she coped really well! At the end of the day you have to listen to the advice of the professionals regarding the surgery but I also know someone who decided ten years ago not to have a TKR who now is confined to her home and regrets not having the operation!
Joy..I could go on all night about us poor UK .TKR recipients
but at the end of the day ....we are the fortunate ones
I am due to have my Tkr on Saturday. Must admit I am so scared. I do agree 100 percent with Eileen. I have walked for years with one leg with one cartilage and the other with a tiny piece hanging on like a thread. I can bend both legs but find it so painful walking around. The nhs will not do these ops willy nilly. I have waited years for mine. I just hope I am lucky enough for it to not be so painful
Hi Susan
all the best for Saturday
you sound as if you've really been suffering......
Here, here, Fran - my motivation for the op was to be able to enjoy long walks again, nothing adventurous, just leisurely strolls on holiday and walks in the fresh air around our local area. Before the op I couldn't do these comfortably and there was no chance of ever being to be able to do so. Now, although not doing it yet, I've got the hope of doing it before long. Jen (16 weeks)
Also, my surgeon told me "you've only got one life" .
Thanks. I have found it quite hard but haven't used a stick. My holiday to goa was the last straw. I just couldn't walk anywhere. Just had to keep sitting down all the time. I just hope it works. I am also in a quandary about spinal block. I dint want to be aware of what is going on. At the moment I am not sleeping with worrying about it.
I has a spinal block and if you tell the anaesthetist you are scared they will give you a sedative
I did that and slept all the way through the op
dont be afraid to ask
jean
Good luck for Saturday.
I had my first TKR in June and the second will be in March 2015.
Keep coming back to us after your op. We're a mine of useful information and support.
Lynn 20 weeks post op
I'm afraid if I had to choose between TKR and alternative therapies, I would choose TKR. After recovery you end up with new, well functioning knees and can get on with life. Fiddling around with alternative therapies seems to me that your life continues to be ruled by the knee and is s constant struggle. if course there are risks with surgery, that is a fact of life. Most people though have a good outcome. Having hedlthy new knees means that mobility is improved, resulting in better health and well being. I have seen that numerous times as a nurse, and also with two elderly female relatives. These ladies both had bilateral TKR in their 70s and are now VERY active 80+ year olds. It is also a mistake to put off TKR to a point of absolute last resort. You need to gave it before muscle wastage has set in dye to reduced mobility, so that rehab is more effective. My physio told me I had mine done just in time.
I was just like you - unable to enjoy walking on holiday. Looking forward to doing it next year 😊
Also, don't worry about spinal - as long as you're sedated. I was and was not aware of anything till it was all over. Good luck. Jen
Have the spinal Sussn, with sedation. You Edie up feeling fine and have no pain. until.it wears off. But it gives you time to get some analgesia on board. I hsve had two recent TKR. The first was relatively easy, the second has been much more painful. Keep taking your painkillers especially before physio, do you physio, ice, and ice and be kind to yourself. Accept any help.offered and be patient.
Here! here! Sandra
everything is so very true
I'm 76 and fortunate that my knee has only just needed replacing
i feel for younger people... but ....with a TKR they can get their lives back on track
I'm glad I had mine done so I can enjoy the rest of my life pain free
My point exactly Glenda. By delaying or not having surgery that is needed for normal.mobility, people are negatively impacting their health as they get older. it is so important to remain mobile. That is why I get a little annoyed with the aggressive promotion of alternative therapies instead of TKR.
Hi Alan.......I have the utmost respect for those brave people that have the two knees replaced at the same time.
I suppose it's better to get it over and done with all at once, then you don't have to go through it again, like many of us do.
My advice, stick to this forum, it is a plethora of information.
Good luck!