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I need a TKR: Do I do it, or go as long as I can?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: May 17 6:38am | Replies (125)Comment receiving replies
Hi Carol,
I am 61 years old and have just had a TKR. I had bone on bone from years of activity after a tearing my left ACL at 18 and having it reconstructed when I was in my mid-30s. I am quite active and found that I couldn't hike anymore. Running was out of the question. So I decided to do it. Having said that I did get steroids for a few times, but after they became less effective I went to OrthoVisc and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). After two cycles of treatments I decided the tune ups were to difficult to manage 2x a year.
To answer your questions:
1. I am 9 weeks out of recovery and can go upstairs and downstairs carrying things (while holding the railing).
2. I can get up off the floor -- I like to do core and yoga
3. I can kneel (but put a soft towel under my knee to relieve the pressure).
4. Yes, I attend yoga and core. I hike 5 miles easily now. I have been riding my bike (10+ miles) when I have time.
5. Travel - easy peasy.
6. I'm walking on uneven ground now. Haven't had snow yet. I live in VT so soon!
7. Limitations: I don't think I am allowed to run again, but I have let go of that. I have heard of people that play tennis though, so I'm looking forward to that in my future. Maybe next summer.
I would say it is best to do it when you are healthy and strong. I was worried that the longer I waited the less in shape I would be. And the recovery would be more challenging. I took spin classes up to the day I had my surgery to give me the best shot at recovery well.
Best of luck with your decision!
Jennifer
Replies to "Hi Carol, I am 61 years old and have just had a TKR. I had bone..."
Jennifer,
Well done and congratulations on a fine recovery. You did everything right and my answers would be the same. I did wait 3 months to kneel, with a cushion. And pre-op prep, spinning is especially good, and is crucial to a good recovery.
Finally, for anyone considering TKR, get right on the exercises post-op. They'll have you walk with a walker in the hospital. Movement is everything! Do exercises everyday, not just when you're in pt.
And thanks Jennifer. I hired a personal trainer to help me strengthen my knees (quads and hamstrings). That was tricky because I was bone on bone. But I got through it and had both knees replaced this year. My surgeon also used the Make robotic assistant.
Well done!
Joe
Thank you for your answers to questions i have as well.
I don’t have everyday pain, but stairs and yoga are a the biggest challenges. I have adjusted my life. So I hesitate to get TKR at 72 because I don’t have constant pain most people talk about.
One of these days i will pull the trigger, till then i will stay active so i am in shape for surgery.
Connect
Thanks for your positivity - it is so good to hear such a good outcome as I feel more people wish they have never had tkr after doing it. I think one of the biggest fears I have is getting back into my home after surgery - I live in a split entry home, 7 steps from the garage into the house and 7 more up from the entry to the main level. Most people tell me it’s impossible to do the day of surgery or even the day after. I am so glad you are doing so well - thanks for your reply! It gives me hope.