[ohanagirl]

I'm 37 and have had a bad knee since high school with multiple dislocations,etc. Today the orthopedist said he thinks the best option might be to do a total knee replacement. He was hesitant saying I was really young for that sort of thing and he wishes I was 67 getting this recommendation but on the other hand the pain and the fact that I have a difficult time with activity makes him think it would be worth it. Anyone have any experience with this??? I knew a 2 year old would age me but yikes what's next a new hip!
Any advice/input is appreciated!
Cheers,
Amy

[bhouston]

I have to have one as well but due to a severe break I broke my knee right after Brooklyn came home She was only 12 months at the time ...I have had 2 surgeries putting my leg/knee back together with metal ....and now...5 yrs later we are going to have to do it because I can no longer walk on it...without severe pain...now mine replacement will be a bit more intense because like when it was broke I will have to be non weight bearing..

I have a wonderful dr...and my recovery time will be around 18 months...to 24 months...so I have not jumped on having it done... but I do have a friend who had one and she is doing great...so if it is a more *simple* knee replacement it is a bit easier but still a very big deal.

What about a partial knee replacement? If you can do that..that is the better way to go...less recovery time...

[specialk4b]

They have told me the same thing, that I need a knee replacement, but I'm too young to do it. I guess the issue is if/when the first replacement wears out (10-20 years?), doing a second replacement is very risky and subsequent replacements are even more so. They'd rather wait until I'm around 55 to minimize the number of replacements I might need in my lifetime.

I'm focusing on strengthening my knee to decrease the pain. Otherwise, I'm just trying to live with the pain until then.

[emsmom52806]

Hi Amy,
I work for an orthopaedic surgeon who does knee/hip replacements only. I know she would really hesitate b/c of your age but if there are no other options other than living in alot of pain until you reach a "magic" age, then I think it's appropriate. Does your ortho have a fellowship or is a specialist in that area? Can you get a second opinion from someone who is? Folks come to us for 2nd opinions alot. Good luck.

Teri

[karen nickols]

2 years ago when Samuel was 2. He tried a (newer) injection that was a series of 3 inj into the knee. That did help for a while. (These were not cortisone) Both his knees were bad and he really thought he would need both done. After his R knee replacement his L knee was much better. He had been doing so much compensating. He also was too young but after years of pain it was the only option. The first 6 weeks were bad. After that recovery was very obvious and soon he was saying "this is the first time in 25 years w/o pain." Best to all of you. Do reserch your doctor well and find one you are really comfortable with. Blessings Karen

[karen nickols]

Any idea what a nueologist would see on a EEG (or MRI) that he would say shows siezure activity and is "probably hereditary". Me nephew has had a MAJOR siezure and no one on eihter side of the family has ever had seizures.

[karen nickols]

sorry amy, this is the second time I have goofed up and put my questions onto someones thread when I should have started a new one.

[momof8]

I am in the same boat about knee replacement. But on the 12th I am having an arthroscopic microfractue chondroplasty. (google it! It can explain better than I can) in short, drilling holes in the bone to cause injury and form scar cartillage. Not as good as the original, but functional. Lots of athletes have had it. Believe me I am FAR from in athletic condition! Maybe you could ask about it?? Can't tell the results as I have not had it yet.