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@ray666 Ray, I have to say that there is a lot of confusion with regard to knee surgery. We have similar symptoms with poor balance which could produce an occasional fall. And that is exactly what two surgeons said to me as to the reason they refuse to do surgery. I'm bone on bone left and right which as you know can produce high levels of pain impacting walking and I'd have to think balance. IF I had the option, I'd be on the fence as well. My next step will likely be consulting with my primary for a pain management doctor. Ibuprofen 600 and 800 mg not working anymore. Other than knee issues and PN, so far, I'm in good health. If unsure, perhaps staying on the course you're on for now would be a good idea keeping in mind that all surgeries carry an element of risk. All. Ed
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Hi, Ed (@njed)
You're right, there is a lot of confusion concerning knee surgery. You've reminded me you’re bone-on-bone in both knees. That has got to be painful. I think you know my right knee is already a TKT, but it was done 20 years ago when I was 20 years younger, had Mell to help, and hadn't yet developed my PN balance issues. As I recall, the procedure and my recovery both went well.
Of course, "fond memories" of an earlier TKR only darken my dilemma over what to do now.
Oh, I almost forgot: that sepsis infection I had two years ago. The statistical rate of re-infection, even under the most sterile of clinical conditions, is disturbingly high.
I think your advice is sound, Ed: stay the course. Get that next cortisone shot. Keep up with the PT. If there's no guaranteed right road to follow, stay on the road you're on; you can always switch roads later (if the doc is still game to do another TKR) and, at a later date, if switching roads makes sense.
Onward, onward, ever onward! (Don't forget your cane, Ray.)
All my best to you, Ed.
Ray (@ray666)