Knee replacement
- Thread starter polranny
- Start date
Very helpful, thank you everyone.
This week I have been told by what would be my choice of hospital (does NHS and private work) that if I’m referred by my GP then, for NHS funded, it’s a six week wait for a consultant appointment and at least six months for after that for an operation. For private work then at the moment I could see the consultant within a week.
This week I have been told by what would be my choice of hospital (does NHS and private work) that if I’m referred by my GP then, for NHS funded, it’s a six week wait for a consultant appointment and at least six months for after that for an operation. For private work then at the moment I could see the consultant within a week.
I have no knowledge of this other than two friends in their early 60's who have both had TKR's. They both say that the pain has now gone, but that things are different in that they now cannot kneel at all. Also they say that if the knee gets knocked, that it is very painful. Both admit that excess weight definitely hinders things with regards to easing the pain most most suffer in the years leading up to the op.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Thank you again for your comments.
I thought I should update you on where I’ve got to. In a few words - not very far.
I had a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, that I paid for. He repeated the knee x ray and did what I think was a thorough investigation - plenty of prodding, squeezing and bending. He thought the pains below my knee were probably not due to the OA in my knee but were soft tissue issues. It was this pain that has been pushing me to get things looked at as it has been pretty severe after a day’s picking up and I was doing three or four days a week of this at times. He thought I should have an MRI on the knee to give more information. He also sent me for a hip x ray.
It took about 10 days for the MRI to take place and then I went back to see the consultant last week.
The results of the MRI of my knee showed greater detail of the OA damage but again he did not think this was the cause of the pains below my knee. He also said the OA in my hip was significantly more severe than that in my knee, but in neither case was it at a severity that warranted surgery at this time. The consultant offered to write to my GP to ask him to prescribe some stronger anti inflammatory medication and to refer me for physio to look further into the lower leg pain.
My GP rang me on Tuesday and offered the medication, but I said I would leave this at the moment. He also offered to refer me for NHS physio but that this would probably be at least four months away. He agreed it would be sensible to go to a private physio if I could afford it. I used a local physio a couple of years ago when I had problems with my shoulder and this treatment was very successful.
Luckily I managed to get the single space in an otherwise full physio diary yesterday. Again I had what I think was thorough examination and the physiotherapist concluded that he thought the pains I was getting were related to my ankle. So it seems I have a knackered ankle, knee and hip! I have a programme of exercises and will go back in two weeks. The other interesting discussion was around my footwear I use when I’m out picking up. I usually use Aigle wellies. The physio advised I needed something more supportive so from now on I’ll be using the high boots I use when stalking. I’ve also been using an ice pack that a couple of you mentioned and this has helped soothe the pain, and will continue to do so. Next week I am on holiday in Northumberland hopefully hill walking and a little stalking.
I thought I should update you on where I’ve got to. In a few words - not very far.
I had a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, that I paid for. He repeated the knee x ray and did what I think was a thorough investigation - plenty of prodding, squeezing and bending. He thought the pains below my knee were probably not due to the OA in my knee but were soft tissue issues. It was this pain that has been pushing me to get things looked at as it has been pretty severe after a day’s picking up and I was doing three or four days a week of this at times. He thought I should have an MRI on the knee to give more information. He also sent me for a hip x ray.
It took about 10 days for the MRI to take place and then I went back to see the consultant last week.
The results of the MRI of my knee showed greater detail of the OA damage but again he did not think this was the cause of the pains below my knee. He also said the OA in my hip was significantly more severe than that in my knee, but in neither case was it at a severity that warranted surgery at this time. The consultant offered to write to my GP to ask him to prescribe some stronger anti inflammatory medication and to refer me for physio to look further into the lower leg pain.
My GP rang me on Tuesday and offered the medication, but I said I would leave this at the moment. He also offered to refer me for NHS physio but that this would probably be at least four months away. He agreed it would be sensible to go to a private physio if I could afford it. I used a local physio a couple of years ago when I had problems with my shoulder and this treatment was very successful.
Luckily I managed to get the single space in an otherwise full physio diary yesterday. Again I had what I think was thorough examination and the physiotherapist concluded that he thought the pains I was getting were related to my ankle. So it seems I have a knackered ankle, knee and hip! I have a programme of exercises and will go back in two weeks. The other interesting discussion was around my footwear I use when I’m out picking up. I usually use Aigle wellies. The physio advised I needed something more supportive so from now on I’ll be using the high boots I use when stalking. I’ve also been using an ice pack that a couple of you mentioned and this has helped soothe the pain, and will continue to do so. Next week I am on holiday in Northumberland hopefully hill walking and a little stalking.
HonestJohn
Well-Known Member
You’ll likely need a knee replacement down the line, although you can delay it with physio and building up Muscle. However, and note this down, don’t get an NHS knee replacement, delay, save up, and go private - the technology they use in the NHS is from the ‘80s - set aside around £20k, and expect in a few years you’ll need the other one done as well. Go NHS, you won’t be stalking again.
devon deer stalker
Well-Known Member
I went to my GP last week, in a word, useless, my problems only started 3 weeks ago, did a park run last Saturday as I do every Saturday, hit the 4k mark, shooting pain in the knee, to add to the already stiff knee.
As I type this I can hardly bend my knee because of the stiffness/swelling, GP told me to stop taking Ibuprofen as it can cause stomach ulcers etc.
He has arranged a physio appointment for 4 weeks time.
It sucks, I've always kept myself fit running/walking, but I am a bit overweight by about 1 1/2 stone, so I will work on that in the interim.
I'll leave off the running, but I have fishing/stalking clients so can't get out of those.
Ive bought myself an ice compression kit today, I will try that.
No fun getting old!
As I type this I can hardly bend my knee because of the stiffness/swelling, GP told me to stop taking Ibuprofen as it can cause stomach ulcers etc.
He has arranged a physio appointment for 4 weeks time.
It sucks, I've always kept myself fit running/walking, but I am a bit overweight by about 1 1/2 stone, so I will work on that in the interim.
I'll leave off the running, but I have fishing/stalking clients so can't get out of those.
Ive bought myself an ice compression kit today, I will try that.
No fun getting old!
SikaSeeker
Well-Known Member
Take esomeprazole with the ibuprofen, it’ll protect your stomach for the interim. Not a long term solution but it’ll definitely help over the initial 2 weeks
EMcC
Well-Known Member
My right knee is giving me pain and causing my leg to swell probably because I have been favouring my left leg due to having had a full knee replaced several years ago which 'moved' earlier this year when I fell over. It was looked at but been told refurbishment is not possible and a replacement would be a long and painful drawn out procedure and would probably not be any less painful than it has since it was done.
It has never been right as it was done after a military surgeon had done two cartilage removal operations and a flush operation on it before a civilian surgeon managed to replace the knee and as a result the nerves and veins had been disrupted so caused swelling from day one.
That is why I have been favouring it and has now caused me to have problems with my right knee.
I am due an X ray next Monday, the 12th and am very concerned as I was asked by the Dr that looked at it initially, how I felt about more surgery if necessary
If surgery is necessary and I go private does anybody think it possible to get it done and be fit enough for hunting in November ?
It has never been right as it was done after a military surgeon had done two cartilage removal operations and a flush operation on it before a civilian surgeon managed to replace the knee and as a result the nerves and veins had been disrupted so caused swelling from day one.
That is why I have been favouring it and has now caused me to have problems with my right knee.
I am due an X ray next Monday, the 12th and am very concerned as I was asked by the Dr that looked at it initially, how I felt about more surgery if necessary
If surgery is necessary and I go private does anybody think it possible to get it done and be fit enough for hunting in November ?
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kenbro
Well-Known Member
As has already been said, ask your Doctor for injections.
2017 or 18 X-rays showed Osteo Arthur in my left knee and severe Osteo Arthur in my right one.
Doc gave me injections in both knees at that time and I’ve had injections another couple of times since. They do work wonders for me.
There did used to be an injection where they injected (Over a 2 or 3 week period) some stuff like the inside of golf balls.
But this was discontinued on cost.
I’ve also been taking Turmeric and Black pepper capsules since then and they work for me.
7 or 8 years on from first diagnosis my knees are still pain free unless I walk too far, ie, I dropped my car in for repair yesterday and walked the 3 miles home (Inc some hills) in 55 minutes and my knees were a bit sore when I arrived home, but not too bad.
I actually rang my Doctors Surgery yesterday and asked the receptionist if she would ask Doc. Wood if I could call in for knee injections, she said ‘ Oh, he’s retired and now, if you want those injections I’ll make you an appointment to see another Doctor who will talk to you, then you will need an X-ray and if the Doc agrees you can have the injections!
Old Doc used to say come down, sit in that chair and then inject. Literally 5 min job.
Going to see Doc next Wednesday.
KB.
2017 or 18 X-rays showed Osteo Arthur in my left knee and severe Osteo Arthur in my right one.
Doc gave me injections in both knees at that time and I’ve had injections another couple of times since. They do work wonders for me.
There did used to be an injection where they injected (Over a 2 or 3 week period) some stuff like the inside of golf balls.
But this was discontinued on cost.
I’ve also been taking Turmeric and Black pepper capsules since then and they work for me.
7 or 8 years on from first diagnosis my knees are still pain free unless I walk too far, ie, I dropped my car in for repair yesterday and walked the 3 miles home (Inc some hills) in 55 minutes and my knees were a bit sore when I arrived home, but not too bad.
I actually rang my Doctors Surgery yesterday and asked the receptionist if she would ask Doc. Wood if I could call in for knee injections, she said ‘ Oh, he’s retired and now, if you want those injections I’ll make you an appointment to see another Doctor who will talk to you, then you will need an X-ray and if the Doc agrees you can have the injections!
Old Doc used to say come down, sit in that chair and then inject. Literally 5 min job.
Going to see Doc next Wednesday.
KB.
Evolution not keeping up with progress.
Knee joints weren't designed for upright walking, simple as that.
With respect - the best person to answer that would be your surgeon…My right knee is giving me pain and causing my leg to swell probably because I have been favouring my left leg due to having had a full knee replaced several years ago which 'moved' earlier this year when I fell over. It was looked at but been told refurbishment is not possible and a replacement would be a long and painful drawn out procedure and would probably not be any less painful than it has since it was done.
It has never been right as it was done after a military surgeon had done two cartilage removal operations and a flush operation on it before a civilian surgeon managed to replace the knee and as a result the nerves and veins had been disrupted so caused swelling from day one.
That is why I have been favouring it and has now caused me to have problems with my right knee.
I am due an X ray next Monday, the 12th and am very concerned as I was asked by the Dr that looked at it initially, how I felt about more surgery if necessary
If surgery is necessary and I go private does anybody think it possible to get it done and be fit enough for hunting in November ?
SikaSeeker
Well-Known Member
A few months ago, I thought the Arnica was losing its efficacy. The Gp refferred me to a surgeon, I chose a private hospital, who gave me a Cortisone injection. 80% improvement, just a little stiffness if I don't overdo the strimming and brush cutting.
I had also been told, by an angling customer, who is on Arnica tablets and gel, to stop using it for a month and then start again.
I stopped using the Arnica at the same time as I saw the surgeon, 2 months ago, now.
I started using it again a month ago and now just experience a little stiffness.
I have been taking Glucosamine in the form of Musselflex tablets ever since having my other leg and ankle plated and screwed back together nearly 12 years ago, and have always taken Cod liver oil capsules.
I was 78 in January.
Hi all my knees have been bad for a good few years. I was out stalking 13 yrs ago I got a phone call from the hospital can I come in this morning for a knee op in the afternoon.
I ended up with a camera in and a tidy up.
8 months later saw the consultant he said both knees are shot but you too young for a replacement at 53 yrs.
Fast forward to 3 years ago to the next xray
Now changed the area I live so its a different hospital same welsh NH board.
I was put on a weight loss scheme . Training
Twice a week I lost three and a half stone.
Then the course finished. I was told my name would be forwarded on. Not once was I notified that I was on the waiting list.
Yes the weight loss did help but I still had good and bad days with my knees
Fast forward to 5 weeks ago I and saw a consultant . He said that both knees needed doing ASAP the waiting list is 3 yrs. Good news I have been on the list for two and a half years . What was my plan . I said loose weight.
Two weeks ago I had phone call and its off a secretary from a different surgeon
Can I go for a pre op last Saturday and see the new surgeon on Wednesday.
I have now seen the new surgeon it's gone from two partial knee replacements to one full. Operation date 15th of July .
Fantastic off stalking tomorrow. It will be the last time for a few months
I ended up with a camera in and a tidy up.
8 months later saw the consultant he said both knees are shot but you too young for a replacement at 53 yrs.
Fast forward to 3 years ago to the next xray
Now changed the area I live so its a different hospital same welsh NH board.
I was put on a weight loss scheme . Training
Twice a week I lost three and a half stone.
Then the course finished. I was told my name would be forwarded on. Not once was I notified that I was on the waiting list.
Yes the weight loss did help but I still had good and bad days with my knees
Fast forward to 5 weeks ago I and saw a consultant . He said that both knees needed doing ASAP the waiting list is 3 yrs. Good news I have been on the list for two and a half years . What was my plan . I said loose weight.
Two weeks ago I had phone call and its off a secretary from a different surgeon
Can I go for a pre op last Saturday and see the new surgeon on Wednesday.
I have now seen the new surgeon it's gone from two partial knee replacements to one full. Operation date 15th of July .
Fantastic off stalking tomorrow. It will be the last time for a few months
Here's hoping it all goes well for you and you have a speedy recovery
Don't worry, I'll look after the deer for you for a few months
thistledeyke
Well-Known Member
I had 2 partial knee replacemets at the same time a year ago , done the physio and was driving in 4 weeks. Just back from a quite hard safari in SA not a problem with either knee. I paid to have them done cost around 21k money well spent as far as I'm concerned. Should say I'm 75.
I'll sneak up on his blind sideSteve is doing that
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