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

Have you heard of PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection? My knee was very painful with a good deal of bone on bone. My orthopedic doctor used 50 ml of my own blood, spun it in a centrifuge then injected the 7ml of plasma into my knee. It worked wonders. The only downside is that Medicare does not cover it yet. I paid $750 for the procedure and was told the benefit should last 1-3 years. At 75, I choose to have this done annually if needed rather than have surgery to replace my knee.

Welcome @marystaples1947, Prior to my TKR, I tried to get a PRP injection but I discussed it with the surgeon and was told my knee was too far gone with damage from degenerative arthritis. Prior to that I had a few steroid injections that were helpful for the pain. I wished I was a candidate for it at the time as I think it would have been worth a try.

There is another discussion you might be interested in:
--- PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prp-platelet-rich-plasma-injection/.

Do you mind sharing what brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

I had ct today. Get results next tuesday.

At 78 and with those issues, just get it done asap. Yes, you should also try to lose some weight.
I’m 75, just had my second knee replaced after 2 1/2 years. I too was a runner
and had torn meniscus and osteoarthritis- it won’t get better and it’s more
difficult with recovery the longer you wait and more you age.
I’m walking a mile after 3 1/2 weeks, biking (stationary) 1 1/2 miles and quit
the cane and walker after week one. No more pain for me except for the recovery period. I hear others and everyone has a right to their own opinion but, it doesn’t get better by waiting. Get it done and after a few months you will be happy you did so. Best of luck,
Vince

I am 78 too and 6 weeks post TKR. I am a Weight Watchers member at goal. My thought is losing weight is very important but waiting at our age for surgery only puts off the inevitable. It is a hard surgery but there are no other good alternatives. Best of luck!

Hello, you said your knee gives out at times. This could result in a bad fall, so get the TKR done. I am 73 and am 6 weeks out. The worst is over at this point and am healing. Do your exercises and you will be glad you went ahead with the surgery. My knee is very stable and walking is much better than before surgery. I am happy it’s over. You will be too! Go for it.

If your Dr. says you need a knee replacement, the quicker you get it done, the better. I have had knee replacement in both knees. Yes, it is painful, but only for a short time. The important thing to do is lose weight, if you are overweight. Hard to do, I know, but for me, I was able to 22 lbs in 3 months by doing the low carb diet and best of all, I haven't regained it. Another really big factor is following the exercises. It is painful and yes, I was screaming at times, but it is very, very important. I can't stress this enough. You DO NOT want your new knee to "freeze" up on you. Best of luck to anyone facing knee replacement.

Excellent information Sassy, and great job! Yep, lose weight and if you smoke, STOP! I wasn't overweight, but I stopped smoking 6 months before first TKR and did ALL the exercises, pre-had and re-hab. And I never smoked after. So a win-win.

Both knees feel fabulous. Best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm still in the gym 6 days a week, still work with a trainer, and at 68 y/o, feel like I'm just getting started.

In reply to @heyjoe415, @vinran, and all: Great advice! And @vinran, I'm so jealous! I thought my 2nd recovery was good, but you have me beat in the shade. Way to go!!
An additional piece? I have back trouble, too, and sciatica. I was advised to tell the surgeon so he could take care not to stress my back during the operation, and that worked for both knees.
For the second knee, I went against my doctor's advice and delayed. Bad results, extra pain, both before and after. If my first one needs redoing as it was a problem, the second I'm told I will give the ok for surgery. And I'm not a surgery fan.
My sister didn't lose weight and couldn't manage the exs. She has trouble walking, is unable to do any stairs, and now sits through life. Take your pain medication 20 mins. before you start your exs. post-surgery and keep an ice pack handy. You'll be a rockstar!

i appreciate the kudos but I don't feel like a rockstar, at 75 maybe an old-star 😂
Best of luck
vince