I need help to decide if I should have knee replacement.?

Question

For 11 years I have had knee pain and I have had injections every 6 months for that period. They are really hurting and the one doctor said I need to have the left knee done soon but, I have to be mentally ready. I have heard terrible stories and then I don't know which doctor to go to. I'm so worried. Any help? Also, I'm thin and that has been a plus the doctor said. This problem is caused by years and years of high impact aerobics.

Answer 1

Your knee is not going to get any better than it is right now. Over time you will start limping and causing increased stress to the other side, and may develop increased knee/hip pain from compensating. Being a physical therapist, I can tell you it is much more painful than a total hip and the first few days will not be fun, but you will have pain meds to help with it. You will most likely use a CPM(continuous passive movement/motion) machine which will help with the movement and do exercises. Physical therapists will most likely not be your favorite people until you no longer need therapy. Within 3 months time you will be glad you made the decision as you will be painfree with full motion. Because you are thin, that is a plus. And depending on your activity level, it will last you between 10-20 years. As far as the doctor to do the surgery, ask throughout the community, you will find your answer.

Answer 2

I had a knee replacement five years ago because a childhood accident messed it up. It was the best present I ever gave myself. I wish I had done it sooner! I don't even remember a time that I did not have pain in my left knee. Now I am pain free and can do everything that I want to do. What a blessing! Recovery wasn't so bad but would have gone better with a better physical therapist. But.....get a second opinion before you do anything. Ask about the new implant that is made for females or males specifically. Find a doc that specializes in knees, not an ortho that treats all bones and joints. Then, choose a physical therapist that will work with you one on one, not with two to four patients at the same time. Good luck.

Answer 3

All i can tell you is that my mom is extremely young for this kind of operation, she's in her 40's. She's had arthritis of both knees and feet since about 10 years ago when she was in a sleigh riding accident, her leg wrapped around a pole and that set everything off.



But anyway, she had both knees replaced, each a year apart, she is actually in recovery right now. Last year, when she had her left knee replaced, everything was fine. She did not have much pain in the knee at all, until this past spring when she fell on her knee...it filled with fluid and it caused her more pain. But, my mom is pretty heavy. Even with the pain in her left knee, she's doing pretty well in therapy. She's been at the rehabilitation place since this past monday or tuesday, and she can already stand on her own and walk with a walker rather than use a wheelchair. That's apparently very good progress. So, I would say if you're mentally ready, go for it.

Answer 4

I would suggest first of all getting many opinions from many different dotors- having a good doctor and being able to ask many questions and getting answers and detailed explainations of the procedures will make everything go a little smoother for you. Mentally you need to research as many sites as possible for more info and be prepared to know what the doctors are talking about when you go in for your appointments. Make a list of all of your questions to ask the doc. Everyone has different reactions to surgery and healing time so you may hear the horror stories but there are many other positive outcomes. If this is giving you that many problems for that long it may be a good idea to consider but make sure you are ready for it- hopefully this might help!!!!!