Bilateral knee replacement

Posted by nme1985 @nme1985, Jul 11, 2025

I am new to this group. I have had severe osteoarthritis in my knees for 10 years. It’s now come to the choice of knee replacement both of my Ortho doctors are recommending a bilateral knee replacement or both at once. I am 68 but in good health no medical issues I am so torn. Has anyone gone through this and is there any advice you can give me they have me scheduled for November 24 in the meantime on getting Jyll injections and also dealing with a baker cyst behind my knee, which is quite painful. I do have osteoporosis and I’m taking Bio identical hormone pallets to build my bone which I’ve been very happy with thank you for any input.

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Profile picture for mabfp3 @mabfp3

If I were you, I would do one knee at a time. Two knees at once is just too much. I know someone who had it done and was in terrible pain. The recuperation for both knees at once was very difficult. I had my right knee done about five years ago. It was a very rough surgery and I was in terrible pain, only being able to take Tylenol due to pain medication allergies. My husband helped me but it was also very hard on him. I have decided to not have my other knee done, although I am in pain with it and it is bone on bone. I just can’t go through it again! If you do one knee, you will have your other knee to help you balance, walk etc. My advice is to take it one at a time. All my best wishes to you. MaryAnn from Boston

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Completely disagree … yes it’s rough for two weeks and more but I don’t have to go back 😊

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Profile picture for nme1985 @nme1985

I know many people who have had total knee replacements. None of them advise me to do a bilateral. The only people advising me to do the bilateral are surgeons. So when I see the ortho, I will tell him I am doing one at a time. I know the recuperation is not fun and I need my other leg 💟 I do want to thank everyone on this forum for their input. I am going to be 69 years old and they tell me I am in such good shape blah blah blah well to me that’s old ha ha. Trying to find a sense of humor is the most important thing.

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I’ll advise you to do both … you walk better and more cautiously but I don’t have to go back again ! I have no regrets at all

50 year old in healthy shape

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Profile picture for shandra @shandra

I completely endorse getting both done at once and I’ll tell you why .

Using the “ good knee” afterwards can cause more damage and an awkward gait . I found by getting both done at once I walked better , taller and more correctly . I am 7 weeks out and use my walker at home outside on the farm , a cane in town and no support in my house . I am 50 , healthy and I’d say strong from chores not the gym !

If you can’t talk to your Dr and get an honest opinion ? You will have to decide . Don’t let one horror story scare you as we are all so different .

I encourage you if you have two weeks of help , all the tools to set you up for success ( walker , raised toilet w/handles, comfy chair , ice machine , heating pad, audio books , (crackers , 7 up for tummy upset

Take your drugs faithfully 🥰)

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Well said! You are so right about walking better, being taller (I had several people comment that I was taller) and more correctly. When both legs are aligned you are using the correct muscles. And I especially like the "Take your drugs faithfully".

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Profile picture for nme1985 @nme1985

I would like to hear from someone who has gone through the bilateral knee replacement. Thank you for sharing.

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Well here I am . Bold statements like “ bilateral knee replacements are not a good idea ?” Don’t help anyone , that’s just and opinion .
I had double knee replacement 10 weeks ago and have no regrets at all . Yes two weeks were difficult but morphine and celebrix kept me comfortable and resting day and night . The drugs upset my stomach but that’s normal for me .
I was walking and doing 4 stairs within 3 days .

Handles on a raised toilet , walker with a seat , non slip socks , crackers and 7up for upset tummies , a comfy lazy boy type chair and ice machine is absolutely necessary!!

Take care ! Please ask if you have any questions

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Profile picture for nme1985 @nme1985

I know many people who have had total knee replacements. None of them advise me to do a bilateral. The only people advising me to do the bilateral are surgeons. So when I see the ortho, I will tell him I am doing one at a time. I know the recuperation is not fun and I need my other leg 💟 I do want to thank everyone on this forum for their input. I am going to be 69 years old and they tell me I am in such good shape blah blah blah well to me that’s old ha ha. Trying to find a sense of humor is the most important thing.

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You are making the right decision for you. Wishing you all the best!

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