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Delaying TKR

Posted by dna41 @dna41, Aug 11 12:52pm

I have two bad knees and am scheduled for TKR on one of them in September. I have read so many posts about how difficult this surgery is and how painful. I am terrified of doing it. I previously had shots in my knee but stopped because the actual shot itself (to me) was excruciating painful. I can't do that again without more or different anesthetic to my knee. Does anyone know if there is an alternate pain eliminating way to have a gel shot? I'm thinking if there is, maybe I can just continue having the shots rather than the surgery. Any thoughts or suggestions on this?

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 17 4:59pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Hi nme1985 and thanks so much for your kindness! I modified my position a bit thanks..." + (show)
Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Hi nme1985 and thanks so much for your kindness!

I modified my position a bit thanks to a response from dna41. Once a person is bone on bone - a TKR is inevitable, versus going out and getting it done immediately. Ultimately it's the decision of the individual.

Even my surgeon suggested I work with a trainer to strengthen the muscles supporting my knee - to the extent I could with no or minimal pain. That was good advice but eventually the pain was keeping me up at night. I was 67 in 2022 when I had my knees replaced.

I'm almost certain that if you follow rehab guidance to the nth degree, you'll be very happy. Please keep in mind, as Capt noted, this is a major surgery. The first two weeks after the surgery will be hard. But each day you'll feel a little better, and I believe you'll always feel better than you did pre-op.

It sounds like you've lived long enough with your knees b on b. I'm certain you'll find life much more enjoyable after the surgery.

Best wishes to you for your surgery and a speedy and ultimately pain-free recovery!

Joe

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Thank you again. I believe I have a good surgeon. My concern now is after care. I think I need to go to rehab for a few days but you have to have the surgery in a hospital in order for that to happen (Medicare). My surgeon uses a surgical facility so the surgery is outpatient.

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 17 5:04pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Thanks for your kind words dna41. Now that I'm on the other side of my TKRs,..." + (show)
Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Thanks for your kind words dna41.

Now that I'm on the other side of my TKRs, it's easy for me to suggest when someone should get one done. That's my bad. The decision to have any surgery is up to the individual. I'm sorry if I suggested otherwise.

The first time I met my knee surgeon, I was bone on bone but not in daily pain. He was actually very reluctant to do surgery. His reasoning - people will be more motivated in their rehab if the worst pain they experience is pre-op. I decided to wait.

II hired a trainer at that point to get the muscles supporting my knee in good shape, while honoring the limitations I had. I was in a ton of pain before surgery, and I cherish all the days since surgery because I feel so much better.

So I agree - take some time to research surgeons, short-term alternatives like gel shots, and the TKR procedure itself. You don't have to be a Dr, but I think it's important to know what the surgeon will do. And for the knees, does the surgeon use a robotic assistant, and if so, which one? (My surgeon used Stryker/Mako).

I wish you all the best dna41. You're a very thoughtful person.

Joe

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Yes, my doctor does robotic surgery using Zimmer Biomet ROSA knee technology.

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loll | @loll | Aug 17 5:05pm

I've delayed probably as long as makes sense. A problem with delaying is that the knee condition can put more pressure on other area of the body like the spine.
Since the knee is bone on bone most likely I’ll go ahead with replacement this fall. I’m not happy about this! But will likely go ahead anyway.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 17 7:28pm
In reply to @dna41 "Thank you again. I believe I have a good surgeon. My concern now is after care...." + (show)
Profile picture for dna41 @dna41

Thank you again. I believe I have a good surgeon. My concern now is after care. I think I need to go to rehab for a few days but you have to have the surgery in a hospital in order for that to happen (Medicare). My surgeon uses a surgical facility so the surgery is outpatient.

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Please check with both your insurer and your doctor's staff (scheduler and PA are usually better informed on this issue.)
Depending on your plan/supplemental plan it is possible that the doctor can write a strongly worded order for in-patient rehab and get at least a week or two of coverage approved, followed by in-home outpatient rehab. We have neighbors who have been able to do it.

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Lawanna Bean | @lawanna85 | Aug 18 12:00pm
In reply to @dna41 "Thank you, Pinkie. Yes, I am terrified and I also worry about the support I will..." + (show)
Profile picture for dna41 @dna41

Thank you, Pinkie. Yes, I am terrified and I also worry about the support I will have afterward. I live alone. I have a son who has a very stressful, travel-heavy job. I really can't rely on him being able to help much. I appreciate your encouragement.

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I understand you live alone. But I hope you at least consider hiring a professional to come in for the first few days. They were the hardest for me. I personally needed someone with me 24 hours a day the first few days. Part of the reason was the pain meds made me a little disoriented. Everyone reacts differently. But you will be busy doing all the things that are required to do after surgery. Good luck!

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dna41 | @dna41 | Aug 18 12:05pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Please check with both your insurer and your doctor's staff (scheduler and PA are usually better..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

Please check with both your insurer and your doctor's staff (scheduler and PA are usually better informed on this issue.)
Depending on your plan/supplemental plan it is possible that the doctor can write a strongly worded order for in-patient rehab and get at least a week or two of coverage approved, followed by in-home outpatient rehab. We have neighbors who have been able to do it.

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Thank you. I will do that. That would be a big help to me!

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Lawanna Bean | @lawanna85 | Aug 18 12:06pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Please check with both your insurer and your doctor's staff (scheduler and PA are usually better..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

Please check with both your insurer and your doctor's staff (scheduler and PA are usually better informed on this issue.)
Depending on your plan/supplemental plan it is possible that the doctor can write a strongly worded order for in-patient rehab and get at least a week or two of coverage approved, followed by in-home outpatient rehab. We have neighbors who have been able to do it.

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Good suggestion. I have a friend who stayed for a month in an in-patient rehab and was very pleased. She had no help at home. But I would suggest you do your homework on in-patient rehab facilities. They are not all created equal. In the Dallas area, there are mostly rehab facilities for substance abuse. Others had low ratings. My Dr. does not recommend an in-patient rehab facility. Instead, he kept me in the hospital 4 days and 3 nights for a bilateral knee replacement. Once home I had an inpatient home therapist come in 3 times a week for 2 weeks. That was invaluable. Do the research and keep asking questions!

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pinkie70 | @pinkie70 | Aug 19 5:48am
In reply to @dna41 "Thank you, Pinkie. Yes, I am terrified and I also worry about the support I will..." + (show)
Profile picture for dna41 @dna41

Thank you, Pinkie. Yes, I am terrified and I also worry about the support I will have afterward. I live alone. I have a son who has a very stressful, travel-heavy job. I really can't rely on him being able to help much. I appreciate your encouragement.

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Hi dna41
Im the same live alone. The first week I had a good friend staying, and my daughter came over to help sometimes. She works full time with 3 kids, so didn't want to rely on her.
Being on your own, you do adjust. I started of small jobs, made a list of importance. Nearly 4 weeks down the line, I can do most things in the house, on one crutch, then I sit with an ice pack and rest once Im done. Its certainly not easy being on your own.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Aug 19 7:01am
In reply to @nme1985 "Hi Joe, Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means the world to me. The..." + (show)
Profile picture for nme1985 @nme1985

Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means the world to me. The whole thing is scary, but I have no choice like you know take care.

Best,
Nina

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You are very welcome Nina.

It's fine and normal to have some fear before any surgery, The fact that you are seeking advice ahead of your TKR tells me that you know how to lessen that fear, with information and knowledge.

And please know that the first week after surgery is the 'worst". It is a traumatic (to the body) surgery, so there will be some pain and stiffness as you start to rehab your new knee. I comforted myself by the fact that the pain was 1). less than I experienced before surgery and 2) the pain and stiffness lessened each day I did the rehab work (which was everyday!).

And if you change your point of view from "I have no choice" to "The surgery will work and it will make me feel much better in the near future", the journey will be a little easier.

Now at age 70, I've had both knees replaced (2022), my right hip replaced (March 2025) and on Aug 6th this year (yep, two weeks ago) I had my left shoulder replaced, I have faith and trust in the surgeons I work with, and the process of joint replacement has seen incredible advances over the last 30 years or so.

Again I wish you well. Reach out to me anytime before or after your surgery. I know you'll be feeling a lot better this Christmas!

Joe

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Aug 19 7:10am
In reply to @pinkie70 "Hi dna41 Im the same live alone. The first week I had a good friend staying,..." + (show)
Profile picture for pinkie70 @pinkie70

Hi dna41
Im the same live alone. The first week I had a good friend staying, and my daughter came over to help sometimes. She works full time with 3 kids, so didn't want to rely on her.
Being on your own, you do adjust. I started of small jobs, made a list of importance. Nearly 4 weeks down the line, I can do most things in the house, on one crutch, then I sit with an ice pack and rest once Im done. Its certainly not easy being on your own.

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Hi Pinkie and Nina,

Recovery from joint replacement is challenging if you live alone. If possible, get someone to come over for one of your at-home rehab sessions, and it's ideal if that person could stay with you.

You are both very brave1

Joe

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