I need a TKR: Do I do it, or go as long as I can?

@doodles418 that’s terrible that your TKR was not more successful than it was, particularly since you researched the doctor and were in good shape. What does the doctor say about it now? If you can’t get satisfaction from that doctor I hope you will find a different doctor who may be able to help you. When you do I hope you will let us know how it goes.
JK

I had one TKR in my 60’s and the second one in my mid-70’s. Both are totally successful but the recovery was much faster with the first one. As a result I am active and weight isin control.

Oh my, all of you have posted some great remarks and suggestions. Would you believe that I still haven't had the operation on my knee. The Dr. wanted to do the operation in the summer of 2019, but I said no. Now here it is May of 2021 and because of Covid, I haven't been able to have this operation. My knee is much worse now and I am still trying to lose the weight. I can't walk very far and when I get up from sitting, oh boy does it hurt. I am going to be 80 this July 4th and am still not sure if I want to go through this ordeal or just suffer with the pain.

I want to find out what this operation is about

Hello @happyat76, You will notice that we have merged your discussion to a similar discussion you started on the same topic so that other members following your story can stay updated. It sounds like you are still undecided about getting a knee replacement to help with the pain. I had my right knee replaced two years ago when I was 76 and it has gotten rid of the pain for me. One of the keys for me for having a successful recovery was following the surgeons instructions by doing pre-surgery exercises and post-surgery exercises to build the knee strength and make recovery easier.

Here is some information on the knee replacement procedure if that is the question you are asking - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276.

It sounds like you were still trying to decide whether or not to live with the pain in May of last year. Have you made a decision yet or discussed your concerns with your doctor or surgeon?

Im 65 years of age. I worked a very physical job heavy lifting on my feet the entire time 8 hours. I had to wait for my retirement. I waited over a year. I wore an off loader brace (got from my ortho doctor) however. If I had not been so close to retirement (if I had taken off the time to recover I would of had to make up the time for retirement) i didnt want to go back to the tough job after I had the TKR.
I also need the other knee done. I had my TKR in July 2021 end of the month. I will be getting the other knee done March 2022.
I believe there is such a thing as waiting too long. Ive also heard and read about this theory.
Im doing great with my replacement. I have had issues with hypertrophy incision THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY SURGEON.
I wish I could of had my TKR sooner. The no pain in my knee joint and getting around has been wonderful .

I had my tkr in Aug of last year my recovery has been very difficult….6 weeks after surgery I had manipulation with swelling it did not help much……I started land therapy after first appointment with dr I did not get far my knee would swell up each time we change therapy ….. I used ice I exercise at home I do everything they tell me to do with no results. I know I am not the average tkr patient …, when I went to get my knee done I looked at dr reviews I seen all the positive there were few negatives I read them it was just what I am going through I thought than that won’t be me I be back to work in three weeks…. Well I am one of those negative outcomes …… my dr gave up on me told me just keep exercise at home may take 6 months to a year …well that was not good enough for me did my own research found this website which is awesome, water therapy , and mfr …. With mfr and water therapy my leg is straight my bend still work in progress it is 85 but I have come long way ….. I know my other knee needs to be done but I will never put myself through this again…i am not trying to scare you just letting you know does not always go as planned ….. good luck to you have a speedy recovery whenever you decide to do …. You are doing good getting support system in place ….good luck to you in whatever you decide to do

Hello John,
Thank you very much for your reply. To be honest, I did have the surgery done on my knee on October 21, 2021. I was kind of looking for some remarks as to how long it takes to get back to some kind of normal. I will tell you my story. I don't have any more OA in my knee and I can walk pretty well, go up and downstairs with not too much trouble. I did see the specialist last week and he is quite pleased with what he saw. I didn't ask him the questions I wanted an answer for as I was in a very depressed mood that day because I was alone and was very nervous. I usually am. I can bend my knee just so far and it begins to hurt in the back of my knee. This will most likely get better as I do the exercises right? My knee still feels very tight, what is this about? I get some really sharp pains in my knee and down my leg now and then. The Dr. said to be patient and the pain will go away in another three months. He also said it takes about one year to get sort of back to normal. What do you think about what I have said now?

I am so sorry to hear of your pain and struggle after your knee surgery. I did have the surgery on October 21, 2021, and I think I am doing quite well with the exercises, etc. I still feel like my knee is in a vice as it is tight all the time. I can walk, climb stairs and some of the exercises I can do and some I can't do.
I am still getting pain in my knee, but the Dr. said to be patient that this is very normal. He said it takes about 6 months to get back to some normalcy and up to a year to get back to normal. I am truly blessed that this operation turned out the way it did, especially since Covid.

@happyat76, It sounds to me like you are right on schedule. I think I may have had similar feelings at 3 months out from my TKR. Patience is not one of my better virtues and I do think it takes some patience, as well as sticking with regular exercises to strengthen the leg and knee.