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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,258
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

On 11/4/2014 tansy said: One issue with the navigation that sfn didn't mention was that for me there was a concern that my bones might be too soft for that tool. I was diagnosed with osteopenia five years ago and had a bone fracture from a relatively minor fall that resulted in a shoulder replacement. I decided I didn't want to risk it and as it turned out the surgeon said it was a good decision after my recent TKR, which is doing very well.

Hi tansy,

Good point. I'm mildly osteopenic, so was fortunate that it was not an issue. I've had too many bad genes from my Dad's side expressing themselves in the last 10 years and wish I could reverse them. I've shrunk 3.5." All of us women on that side end up being really short. I'm trying, with supplement therapy and exercise, to avoid the very painful vertebral compression fractures my grandmother, aunt and older cousins suffered from. Good luck to you.

Super Contributor
Posts: 5,837
Registered: ‎03-01-2013

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

On 11/4/2014 Fortune said:

Thank you all so much for your posts!!! I took notes and feel that I'm in a much better position to ask the right questions. I'm going to take the X-rays I had today (standing, both knees) and get another opinion. You all are so great to take the time to give me such thoughtful and detailed posts!!! {#emotions_dlg.wub} I think one has to get into the right mind-set to consider having major surgery, change homes, and live a new life style!

Fortune.... you are so right! I had NEVER even been in a hospital my entire life. The thought of surgery scared me so. But, if you find the right doctor and joint clinic.. they help you through EVERYTHING so beautifully... take care of all your questions and issues... to where you just go with the flow.

I was taken care of from step A to step B here at Valley Joint Hospital where I live... that is all they do. It is a mind set! I would recommend you look into it. A great Website to visit is BONESMART. ORG. You can ask questions, get all the info you need. It was a godsend for me, and still is! You can read recovery threads from people of all ages and places, and see questions prior to surgery that people ask and have answered. Best of luck to you. You have made the first step in the journey to getting your life back! Smile

Super Contributor
Posts: 279
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

I tried to avoid it for 5 yrs., but finally broke down when I went to a seminar at our library because I was so impressed by the doctor. It was the right choice and I feel like a million. please do it. After the surgery they like you to go to a recovery center for 14 days. They will prevent blood clotting. It was totally painless and as far as being old they prefer that. That way you will not have to have it done again in 20 to 25 years. The best choice I ever made. Good luck!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 572
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

I had both my knees done about 4 years ago. I wanted them done earlier because I had so much pain but the doctor said I was too young and to wait. I took 5 Aleve a day, had cortisone shots, had lubricating shots and decided I didn't want to live with this pain any longer. Finally at 64 my Ortho said he would do it. I probably could have gone to someone else that would have done it sooner but I felt very comfortable with this doctor.

I had minimally invasive surgery on both knees and I feel great now. No more Aleve. I knew the risks and didn't worry. I went in with a positive attitude and I did really well. Went for surgery on Tuesday and came home on Thursday. Only used a walker to get into the house and then used one crutch since I felt it was better than a cane. I didn't go to rehab and came home since my husband was retired. I had very little pain, in fact I would say that the pain I had was worse before surgery. I did have pain medication after surgery and went to PT for 3 months. I felt I could do it at home but did like the fact that PT did push me more.

I had my surgery at a University Hospital. My surgeon did the first knee and told me that one of his surgeons will be doing the second knee but he would be there making sure everything was fine. Both knees healed fast and I felt pretty good. It's hard to believe that on a Tuesday I couldn't bend my knee and on Thursday morning I could pick my knee up on the bed and put my socks and shoes on. The healing is amazing. I didn't have computer assisted surgery. I talked to the doctor about it and he said he didn't feel good about putting an extra hole in my bone. He did a lot of TKR and felt confident that it wasn't necessary.

One knee was stiffer than the other for awhile but both healed well. It's been a few years now and I find that i can do more now than I could the first year. Flexibility gets better over time. Would I do it again, yes. Do I wish I had it done earlier, yes. I figure when life gets so bad that you have pain almost 24 hours a day it's time. I couldn't do much before and now I can do anything. Everything is easier now. It just puts you in a better frame of mind having no pain. Think we are lucky to live in a time when this surgery is available.

One thing I didn't expect was I was very tried for a few weeks after surgery. I think I could sleep 24 hours a day and had very little appetite. Asked the doctor and he said this was normal. Everyone is different. I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 103
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

My dear, I know how it is. My doctors said it would be best for me NOT to get it done till I get to be 60 years old. That was 2 years ago and I just made 59. Sometimes the pain is so bad I can't move. I walk with a cane now and do my best NOT to hunch over. It is easy for the doctors to tell you what THEY think, but YOU must decide what is best for you.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,403
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

So many brave and helpful posters!!! You ladies are so kind to share your thoughts and experiences!!!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 1,295
Registered: ‎09-11-2011

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

On 11/6/2014 Fortune said:

So many brave and helpful posters!!! You ladies are so kind to share your thoughts and experiences!!!

have you decided what to do? Hope you are OK!
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,403
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

On 11/7/2014 Persephonel said:
On 11/6/2014 Fortune said:

So many brave and helpful posters!!! You ladies are so kind to share your thoughts and experiences!!! {#emotions_dlg.wub}

have you decided what to do? Hope you are OK!

Using the info that I got from you all, I've located an orthopedic specialist that works out of a well-known clinic in my area. He is versed in minimal invasive surgery and navigation. My doctor gave me a steroid shot in my affected knee, but so far, it hasn't helped at all. It's been less than a week, though. I started taking Aleve--2 a day--and it makes absolutely no difference in my pain. Icing doesn't help with the pain either. I'm going to make an appointment with the surgeon I mentioned above and have my latest X-rays sent to him. It's about time I start the wheels rolling for possible TKA. Thanks so much for all your help and interest!!!!!!!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,357
Registered: ‎03-23-2010

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

Fortune ~ it sounds like you're headed in the right direction. Do not be surprised or disappointed if you are not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

Either way, it sounds like relief is in your future.

Good luck ~ attitude means a lot.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 1,295
Registered: ‎09-11-2011

Re: Trying to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

I was just reading about curcumen/turmeric on amazon and one of the review's said they had problems with their knees, but after taking curcumen it went away. I think the dose was 500 milligrams. Just thought I'd mention it. Take care.