1. < Joint Replacements

Should I cancel my TKR surgery?

Posted by bonnk @bonnk, Dec 21, 2023

I am 78 years old. I am bone on bone in left knee but I can walk fine..just can't do steps, curbs without handrail or someone holding my hand. I know I have lost muscle mass after the pandemic. If I worked with a trainer and got my core up to par, maybe I could cancel the surgery. Anyone ever do that?

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

dmk | @dmk | Dec 24, 2023
In reply to @ddsack "My impression is that once you have lost cartilage and are bone on bone, exercise to..." + (show)
@ddsack

My impression is that once you have lost cartilage and are bone on bone, exercise to improve muscle strength will not help with pain because you can't replace the cartilage (barring some newer experimental techniques.)

However, it can help to lose 10-20 or more pounds if you are overweight, because then you have less compression pain on the knee which could be enough relief to go a few extra years without surgery.

Jump to this post

The 6-8 weeks physical therapy increased my quads etc which made for speedier recovery post op

REPLY
donchampagne1958 | @donchampagne1958 | Dec 24, 2023
In reply to @moeymoey "Thank you. For today I'll keep on living with the two knees I have. I do..." + (show)
@moeymoey

Thank you. For today I'll keep on living with the two knees I have. I do truly believe someone soon will find a much better alternative to TKR. Otherwise, if the pain becomes unmanageable, I can proceed from that point. Peace...

Jump to this post

I think your logic is sound and wish you well.

REPLY
ruthblaze | @ruthblaze | Dec 24, 2023

I would I’m 78 I have more problems now tha before surgery

REPLY
donchampagne1958 | @donchampagne1958 | Dec 24, 2023

I think excess weight is as bad as any disease. I am five-feet, seven-inches tall and weighted 202 pounds three years ago, when I was 78 years old. Through diet and exercise over a year, I dropped my weight to 150 pounds. It has since crawled up to 160 pounds, but I still feel great. I will watch what I eat and take dog on longer walks.

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