1. < Joint Replacements
Profile picture for cbphoenix71

When is the right time to decide for a knee replacement?

Posted by cbphoenix71 @cbphoenix71, Nov 11, 2024

Re; knee replacement. Getting gel injections about 6 years ago, about 18 months interval. Just saw a surgeon who looked at the X-rays and said , he has seen worse. I do have pain but able to manage most of the time. My dilemma: putting off the inevitable or do the surgery now. I’m 72 years old. I’m inclined to do the surgery now, while I’m still strong and healthy.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Profile picture for cbphoenix71
cbphoenix71 | @cbphoenix71 | Jun 8 5:06pm
In reply to @janpro "Appreciate this discussion! Have been on the fence about having total knee replacement. I am 74..." + (show)
Profile picture for janpro @janpro

Appreciate this discussion! Have been on the fence about having total knee replacement. I am 74 years old. My x-rays show "moderate" levels of arthritis, with a couple of small bone spurs. More importantly, my pain level is quite low, with the majority of my pain happening at night. Function is harder to determine because of the perfect storm of events in my legs. I have an undiagnosed chronic problem which manifests as weakness in my legs, even with daily exercises and strengtheners religiously done, and makes walking up or down stairs difficult. I also have peripheral neuropathy in my legs, which messes with my balance and sense of proprioception in my feet. And 25 years ago I had total hip replacements on both hips. The THRs are beginning to show and feel like revision surgery may be necessary soon. In reassessing my situation, I'm finding my knee not to be the major factor in my ability to walk or do stairs. With reading through some of these post-op experiences as well as others deciding whether or not to have the surgery, I'm thinking not at this time (maybe never) for me. My goal? To be able to continue walking. My daily walks went from an hour+ to 45 minutes to maybe 20 minutes on a good day. And again, I don't think my knee is the primary offender. Replies welcome.

Jump to this post

You will know when the time is right for tkr, if you wish. Also, so many other things you have to consider. I am now looking at tkr for the other knee. Surgeon said I’ll know when the time is right. Want to cry when I think of what I went through with the right tkr. It was a great decision for me. I’m looking at quality of life.
Do your research, mediate/pray and be brave. Best wishes.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.