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General knee replacement questions
I have received a cortisone shot for my knee. But the doctor said that I might have to have it replaced. I’m gun shy because of previous botched surgery. I am 77 years old and not sure of my next step. Second opinion? Wait until the pain is overwhelming?
Anyone’s info/opinion would be helpful whether your surgery was successful or not. Thank you.
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kjckneesearch, I am a little younger than you and I can only tell you my experience, ok?
I did the cortisone shots for a few years and did the gel injections for 2 years in my left knee. My knee was bone and bone. It got to where it ached and hurt to walk. It kept me awake at night. I couldn't get in and out of the tub anymore. I also, loved to get on my knees and pray and I couldn't do that anymore due to the pain. The cortisone shots were no longer working. I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I stopped the gel injections because they made my knees stiffer. I rode this out for a few years until I couldn't anymore as nothing was working. My knee was slowing me down. I had already had a torn meniscus in that same knee in 2018 and the doctor told me then I would eventually face knee replacement. I had knee replacement in March of this year of the left knee.
I am being honest with you. I did my research about which surgeon to choose. Knee replacement is major surgery, it is painful, PT is painful, not much sleep for a while, you will pamper that knee for many weeks and still need to do exercises after you are released from PT. You must stay on top of the pain with pain meds and ice it. I slept in the recliner because it was easier to elevate my knee with pillows for 4 months. I am almost 5 months out and I still have stiffness and do my exercises every day. I bought a recumbent bike so I could use it daily to help loosen up my knee.
My surgery was successful and I am so grateful. I do not have the pain anymore and I can move my knee much better. My knee is straight and I have a perfect bend. I am working my way back to doing the things I used to do. You have to keep moving regardless to get the motion back. My right knee is bone on bone and I am in no hurry to have it done because the cortisone shots are still working and it is not in as bad a shape as the left one was.
The Lord and my wonderful family and church friends got me through this with their prayers, love, visits, meals, cards and phone calls.
I am praying for you in your decision. I know it's a big one.
Blessings & Prayers.....