Kneeling with artificial knee

@chigirl
I skimmed over some of the recent posts on this subject, and noticed that you are scheduled to have a second TKR in October. Of course I have no idea about your exact diagnosis, but I wonder if you have checked into stem cell treatment instead of surgery. I had never heard of this prior to my knee replacement, and I do not personally have any experience with it. However, in spite of a very successful TKR, I would definitely try anything else before undergoing a second one. Please do not take this comment the wrong way - many people have had both knees replaced and are very happy with the results. I just find that even a great artificial knee isn’t close to the original equipment!

Yes, I asked my first surgeon about it but he didn't reccomend it. Besides I'm positive my insurance wouldn't cover it and that's a must. I do agree theres nothing like OEM.

Hi @chigirl - I bet you are right that they kept you because you would have been home alone then sent you to rehab. Anyway, glad you are doing well now.

@chigirl: OK. At least you knew about stem cells, and had this discussion with your surgeon. I feel like an imbecile of not having done more research prior to my TKR. Having had some shoulder (repair) surgeries in past years with phenomenal results, I was expecting the same from the knee replacement surgery. Never knew - or was led to by my surgeon - to possible alternative treatments before TKR. May not have made a difference, but I kick myself for not doing more research and more exploring of alternative options.
My bad.

found out about stem cells after my first TKR which has been bad. 5 years next moth and still swollen and painful. Surgeons think its lose and want to do it again. I did hear about stem cells and PRP and found prp to work the best. I have the injection once a year. Takes care of the arthritis and pain in the knee. Dont trust the operation. Have friends with success and failures. Not surea t this time what to do with the tkr. the thought of redoing it is not a good one.

@cobweb That's great that you are getting relief from PRP. I have actually never known anyone who had that, is it covered by insurance?
I think when you go to sites such as this and read about knee replacements you have to keep in mind that most often the people who are looking for information are the ones who have had problems. Those of us who have had great TKRs are much less apt to have a need to seek out information.
If at some point you do decide to have a second TKR just make sure you research and get the possible surgeon who you can. In my opinion, that is what makes the biggest difference in the success or failure of the surgery. I have never regretted having the TKRs. I was limited in how far I could walk before and now I can walk forever -- well, almost.
JK

I have had both knees replaced
I can kneel on one but not the other
Don't know why
.

Some peoples insurance covers it. Mine does not. I will gladly pay $1000 not to go thru TKR again.

@cobweb: I thought I remembered you mentioning PRP at some point, and I’m glad it worked for you. As I mentioned, not that my second knee is about to go bad - based on time progression between shoulder surgeries (right-left),
I have about 3 years left - but I’m with you to not want another TKR, even though mine was average in pain, above average in mobility. And compared to permanent limited artificial knee functions, the money seems worth it if one can keep the old knee in working order without too much pain.

You sound like me! I'm not gardening much, except for weeding, because I had my second knee replaced at 4 months. I have briefly knelt to look under my bed, using a pad, but its really uncomfortable. But doable when necessary