Hi all, saw my consultant today and he told me that the level of wear in my knee is such that I will need a total replacement. However, because of my age (61) and because I am active, he is reluctant to send me for surgery until all avenues have been explored. To that end he gave me a steroid injection in the hope that this will give me a few pain free months. I've had this before and to be honest it only lasted a matter of weeks so I'm not overly confident that it will work this time around. I see him again in April when my condition will be reviewed but he has said that the next step will be total replacement. Here's hoping the steroid injection works.
Cortisone shots helped my knees before knee replacement. At first it was a shot every 6 months and later every 3-4 months. I gained 5 years of life in one knee and 7 in the other. This past year I had two knee replacements and life is mostly pain-free again. I am now 55 years old. That is my story. I hope your injection helps you. Cheers,
Mary
Hi Trevoro I'm 12 weeks post TKR and I was told about 6years ago I needed both knees replaced. I too opted for injections but they offered very tempery relief.
Due to decreased mobility and excruciating pain I decieded to take the risk as I am now 52 and was considered too young.
If it has to b done you can only put it off for so long.
Hi Trevoro! I am 62 and 12 weeks post op TKR. I too had several cortisone/steroid shots before accepting the avenue of surgery. At first the shots helped, but eventually they didn't help at all. Replacement was the option left. As I said, I am not 12 weeks post op. Can't say I'm pain free, but during my morning walk just today a neighbor came out and commented that it looked like I was walking much better and inquired as to what I had done. Guess it's working!
Thanks all for your speedy responses. It's comforting to know that others have been down the same path and that, inevitably, a TKR isn't as bad as first thought.
Hi Trevoro
I'm 10,weeks post op, male 58, and been back at work for 3 weeks. The TKR is the best thing I ever had done. Can walk normally almost pain free, just a bit of muscle and tendon soreness. The first couple of weeks are the toughest, and you may think you made a mistake, but hang in there and keep positive and work on your exercises and recovery and you will see imprrovements day by day and week by week. My only regret is I put it off and continued in pain for so long !
Good luck
Hi Trevoro,
Im 6 weeks away from my TKR surgery,im 52 and my consultant told me because i have no other option a TKR is the best thing,thank god i say as im in pain most of everyday and walking any short distance kills me,so i simply can not wait..yes its young to get a TKR,but i want my life back now,as i have become a recluse in many ways as i wont go out much at all.Good luck to you whatever happens ...Louise
I had to do steroids until they didn't work, then Synvisc-1 until that didn't work. After I exhausted those I had mine January 8, 2015 and it's been hard, but we'll worth it!
P.S. I am 44...
Hi, I can only reiterate what others have said Corticone is a short fix It's the last line of defence . Keep up your exercises and do your best. It's a question of quality of life. Have a look at the Oxford Score. It's a series if questions consultants will ask prior to decision making. Age is an interesting one. Now tkr are done at earlier ages. My first at 55 and second at 61. The joints have improved over the years and have amazing shelf lives. My mother's are going strong after 25 yrs. Good luck and go for it if it's a must
.Robert
Hi, Corticone is a short fix to the eventual. Google Oxford Score. It will help your decision making. It's a tool used by medics. My first TKR was 55 and second 61. Age is not criteria anymore. Joints lasts much longer. My mum's are 25 years old and going strong. It's all about quality of life. Good luck and keep up your exercises.
Robert
Those shots don't work for everyone. When I was 61, had a series of 3 shots, did nothing and then had TKR. Now 69, tried the shots again, and again they didn't help. Had TKR on my other knee this past Nov 19. Yes, there are days of discomfort, some worse than others but I'm too active and impatient to sit around and wait. Much to the chagrin of my PT, I am playing Golf tomorrow morning. Should be interesting, to say the least. Hang in there. It gets better
Hi Trev,
My surgeon said if I am sensible my new Knee should last as long as 30 years. However like everything else improvements are always being made so there could be advantages in waiting. However if it is affecting your quality of life, It might be better to have it now. I am 69 so it will probably see me out!
Regards Paul
Thanks everyone for your comments and supportive advice, as always very appreciated. Just as an aside, I've been told that once you've had a TKR you can no longer kneel thereafter. Is this true?
Trev, My surgeon said you can kneel but it is best to use a cushion or knee pads.
Regards Paul
I do hope so! TKR is a long slow job for most of us. i do sometimes wonder if most of us on this f=orum are people who are having lots of problems, and therefore looking for support. . perhaps there are people out there who have the TKR and sail through it easily, and never bother to look for a wondrful forum like this one!, so don't be too put off by all our comments!
I agree with McCanada...I'm 71 and finally had to have TKR last year...I wish you well,and that you'll be able to get relief from the injections for several years yet.
Janet
Hi! I had a cortisone shot in bot knees they help for a little while a couple of weeks but dr. Said I need surgery down the road I'm not pain free yet had shots a month ago he want to see me in Oct 23
I am 61. I had a TKR on my left knee 11 years ago and my right knee 2 years ago. I am in absolute agony in both knees. As joints go, mine are perfect, muscle tone is good, stability is excellent. I go to the gym and I cycle off track, I garden, but I cannot walk any distance. I have friends whose parents have had the same op and they are totally pain free, but I have also met a good few people whose body, like mine, has "rejected" the replacements. If your consultant is any good he will talk to you and try to allay any fears. What I will say is this. I may not be pain free, but my knees no longer give way. Go for it, your knees will get worse and all the cortisone and any other fluid they inject into your knees will only work for so long. It pains me to say but get them done, you may be one of the lucky ones.
Good luck and be brave.
this is what my surgeon says. . He seems to think it should be plain sailing, and that I am one of the unusual ones. personally, i don't believe him!