When is it time for TKR?

Thanks for your thoughts. Having a good outcome must have been reassuring and you knew what you were getting into when you decided it was time. I wish I had that data set to use in my decision:-).

Thanks for thoughts from someone who knows! I wish the doctor could tell me I’ll be able to do everything I am doing and more. I’d. Love to think I’d be able to run and jump if I want to. If he could give me some assurance like that, I don’t think I would have an issue

I would like to but when they see arthritis in the xray, they tell you you’ll need it. My impression from past visits with two different surgeons was they really like you to be in significant pain with a diminished quality of life. I was there for 4 months and while I waited to get a new knee it has gotten much better.

Thanks for your thoughts.

After 4 months of not being able to walk and now 2 months of regaining muscle and mobility, I’m not thrilled about going through what you describe for rehab. I’m not sure there would be enough muscle left to rehab! On the other hand, I do t want to have my knee fail again and then have to wait 5 months to get another appointment for surgery!

I had TKR on my right knee this past March (2025) after waiting about 4 years and doing cortisone shots. I decided on the surgery when the shots no longer were effective and the pain escalated. I’m approaching 6 months post op now and I can honestly say I am glad I had the surgery but it definitely brings it challenges. I still struggle with certain things, like stairs but I can do them. I agree with some other comments; you need to put in the work after surgery and it will take a while, and yes it hurts. A joint replacement will never be the same as your own/ original joint so you really need to weigh the pros and cons. Plus, don’t let anybody fool you, yes it hurts (lol) but it does get better. My knee was really messed up so my experience may be slightly different than others, but I’m ready to pick up the pace again. I’m sure you will make the right decision for you.

By the time of my tkr I was in pretty much same position as you. With the complications I have had I sometimes wish never had the replacement. I could function with minimal pain and none after having injections into knee. The reason I went through with tkr is Dr's felt the knee was causing (or magnifying) my sciatica pain. Time will tell I am 2 months post and still having issues sleeping from pain at night. Daytime pain is minimal or nothing at all. Wish I would have gone with shots and maybe tkr later if really needed. But we are all different. Good luck to you whatever your decision, remember it's YOUR knee and you are calling the shots.

Sorry to hear that those 2 surgeons don't seem to want to give you a choice. I think I'd want to consult with at least one more.

Good conversation. I am reminded of the adage (reality) that half of these doctors/surgeons graduated in the bottom half of their class. The point is to find a surgeon that specializes in TKR (or whatever surgery you are contemplating). Their relative passion matters. For example, my surgeon sought out revisions to TKRs. When I asked him why this was, he explained that seeing for himself what another surgeon may have done sub optimally helped him do a better job.

Maybe a coincidence, but I'm very glad I had my two TKRs and, after following the PT instructions - and then some - I'm not just pain-free but very happy with the results.