Total knee replacement. Anyone been there?

Auslander

Auslander

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I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in all three compartments of both knees last week. Bit disappointing, as I'm only 52, but hey...
I'm having steroid injections in both knees in a few weeks, but the doc who summoned me said that they were doing it to try and get me more comfortable, rather than to fix me. General consensus seems to be that I will need both knees replaced, and I've got an ortho triage call next week.
I'm keen to find out if anyone has had a total knee replacement (especially if you had both done!) and how it's affected your riding (and horsey life in general).
Already overthinking like a mad thing, as that's how I roll!
 
I don't have any experience yet, but have been told I am now allowed a TKR on my left knee and partial on my right, although that's somewhat in the air as it will mean different ages parts when my right knee is done too. Too put it off a few more years I'm trying some paid for injections, I've had these before but they don't work anymore so going for stronger ones. I was advised against the steroid injections as the hasten the progress of arthritis 🙈

If it makes you feel better I'm a fair bit younger than you 🙈

I did meet a marvellous horsey lady, easily late 70s skipping about watching her daughter ride who'd had a TKR, she told the arthritis pain went immediately and there is nothing horse wise she's not able to do 😀
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
@ElleSkywalker is a knee expert, twice over I think 🤔
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Not for replacements yet, but for surgeries definitely 😁 am an expert on scars, surgery pain and pootling afterwards, but my surgeries were leg in braces for 6+ weeks after whereas replacements are ment to be moved etc so but different as the physio is different and really really needs sticking too or scar tissue forms and you get threatened with physio or surgical 'cracking' to get the joints moving again 😱
 
ElleSkywalker said:
I don't have any experience yet, but have been told I am now allowed a TKR on my left knee and partial on my right, although that's somewhat in the air as it will mean different ages parts when my right knee is done too. Too put it off a few more years I'm trying some paid for injections, I've had these before but they don't work anymore so going for stronger ones. I was advised against the steroid injections as the hasten the progress of arthritis 🙈

If it makes you feel better I'm a fair bit younger than you 🙈

I did meet a marvellous horsey lady, easily late 70s skipping about watching her daughter ride who'd had a TKR, she told the arthritis pain went immediately and there is nothing horse wise she's not able to do 😀
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That's reassuring! I like the sound of the arthritis pain going, as I'm pretty done eith it. I can't remember the last time I took a pain free step, but it's got to be a good 3 or 4 years.
Annoyingly, I'd have kicked up a fuss earlier, but my previous GP told me I was too young to have arthritis, and I just needed to lose a bit of weight and get some physio.
 
ElleSkywalker said:
Not for replacements yet, but for surgeries definitely 😁 am an expert on scars, surgery pain and pootling afterwards, but my surgeries were leg in braces for 6+ weeks after whereas replacements are ment to be moved etc so but different as the physio is different and really really needs sticking too or scar tissue forms and you get threatened with physio or surgical 'cracking' to get the joints moving again 😱
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I've been seeing a physio weekly for the last year, and he's a terrible bully, so no chance I'll get away with not doing as I'm told!
 
Auslander said:
That's reassuring! I like the sound of the arthritis pain going, as I'm pretty done eith it. I can't remember the last time I took a pain free step, but it's got to be a good 3 or 4 years.
Annoyingly, I'd have kicked up a fuss earlier, but my previous GP told me I was too young to have arthritis, and I just needed to lose a bit of weight and get some physio.
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I wouldn't be allowed one if I hadn't paid for an MRI in 2018, meaning the latest ones show a clear degeneration, and in 2018 they were fairly bad. I'm only classed as 'moderate' now but with my age and fact I'm v active the surgeon has agreed they are needed.

The 'physio' I was offered in 2017 was a joke.
 
My 68yr old friend has just had her 2nd knee replacement surgery. The first went extremely well and she was very keen to have the 2nd one done. I havent heard from her yet folliwing the 2nd one . It seems that the key to success is to religiously do the exercises that physio recommends.
She used to be a dancer, rather than a rider and has known that she would need this surgery for several years.
 
I can't see any reason why I'd struggle, and it'll probably be an improvement on my current situation! Always good to have a bit of insider info though.
Added bonus is that my landlord appears to be pulling his finger out re starting to get the footings down for my new gaff, which will be right next door to the yard. Current place is a 5 minute walk from the other end of the farm, which wouldn't be much fun on crutches!
 
I haven’t personally but my dad (motorbike rider in his younger years so knees took a bashing) had his done. The first few weeks were rough going admittedly but once healed he said it was the best thing ever. He does have issues getting up and down off the floor but he’s got quite a few years on you!

The most important thing though is do the exercise and take the pain killers. He had no choice but to go up and down stairs so I think that helped, but the better you do them the better they will heal.
 
Just a heads up. If you're looking at replacement privately ie. No waiting don't have the steroids. You can't have surgery to the joint for a minimum of 12 weeks post injection due infection risk. If you'll be waiting a year on the NHS you might as well try them but go fully informed.
Knee replacements do well with motivated Committed people who do their follow up. Riders tend to do well as they are fit and Committed.
Answering this at 4am as 3 days post hip replacement and a bit out of my sleep routine but the pain has gone and I'm hoping to not wait too long for the other one!
 
misst said:
Just a heads up. If you're looking at replacement privately ie. No waiting don't have the steroids. You can't have surgery to the joint for a minimum of 12 weeks post injection due infection risk. If you'll be waiting a year on the NHS you might as well try them but go fully informed.
Knee replacements do well with motivated Committed people who do their follow up. Riders tend to do well as they are fit and Committed.
Answering this at 4am as 3 days post hip replacement and a bit out of my sleep routine but the pain has gone and I'm hoping to not wait too long for the other one!
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It'll be NHS, so I'm expecting a wait!
I've got my ortho triage call this week, and steroid injections are on the 2nd and 16th July, so I'll hopefully have an idea of what Ortho have planned before I get stabbed
 
misst said:
Just a heads up. If you're looking at replacement privately ie. No waiting don't have the steroids. You can't have surgery to the joint for a minimum of 12 weeks post injection due infection risk. If you'll be waiting a year on the NHS you might as well try them but go fully informed.
Knee replacements do well with motivated Committed people who do their follow up. Riders tend to do well as they are fit and Committed.
Answering this at 4am as 3 days post hip replacement and a bit out of my sleep routine but the pain has gone and I'm hoping to not wait too long for the other one!
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This!! 🙌

I’m a physio but haven’t worked in that area for a very long time…but yes, you have to do your exercises religiously to have a good outcome and easy as that sounds the pain can be considerable post surgery which is why a lot of people struggle in the early days. Best outcomes tend to be those that are up and moving the joint asap (day of surgery in many cases nowadays) so don’t expect a long period of sitting about post surgery! Most have a good outcome though you just need to be dedicated and keep on top of pain medication.
Good luck!
 
Good luck, and get a good physio on board to help your recovery.

The human physio that I go to at Racewood on the simulators works with a lot of riders who have had total joint replacements and she gets them back going again. She treats them on and off the simulator, she has her treatment table there.

She has a lot of experience in professional sports physio, so she is used to getting people back to full fitness not just to potter down to the shops.

She’s not in your part of the world, but this is the sort of post op help you could look for.

www.pegasusphysio.co.uk

Pegasus Physiotherapy | Human, Rider & Equine physiotherapy. Wirral, Cheshire & North Wales England

Enhance your riding experience with our expert Rider Physiotherapy services at Pegasus. From personalised sessions on simulators and horses to tailored video subscriptions, we help you improve posture, strength, and performance and be a better rider
www.pegasusphysio.co.uk www.pegasusphysio.co.uk

Good luck.
 
I have been sauntering down this road for the last 3 years - injections, exercising etc etc so we might become fellow travellers!! I have been lucky enough to be able to pay for private consultations and injections but the advice is all the same as already stated by others here.
I found the Ostenil injections (rather than just steroids) had a better effect - described by my consultant as "engine oil" for knees! - and wearing a support also really helps to stop any unnecessary movement aggravating the surfaces. Now they just crunch quietly as I walk.

You do have to watch the timing of injections, though, as the current thinking is a 6-month gap between injection and operation - but with NHS waiting lists I guess that timescale is somewhat academic.

There is a very good American doc - Rosen - who puts videos up on YouTube and I find his explanations more helpful than many in considering all the options - worth a look!!

I am off to see yet another consultant later this month. The last one was all set to operate on 10 June but his anaethetist kicked off about some heart issues I have so we had to go back to the drawing board to find somewhere that has high dependency facilities alongside in case I decide to throw a wobbly. Nothing is ever straightforward.

In the meantime - keep smiling and b****** ing on!!!!!
 
Had my right one done 17 years ago. I was 50 so it was fairly early, it’s still great no problems at all.
First off, it was very heavy to start with, it took ages for the nerve feeling to come back but I’ve ridden ever since with no problems. I was told it would last 10-15 years but it’s fine. Do the physio and don’t rush it. It’s a game changer
 
Tiddlypom said:
Good luck, and get a good physio on board to help your recovery.

The human physio that I go to at Racewood on the simulators works with a lot of riders who have had total joint replacements and she gets them back going again. She treats them on and off the simulator, she has her treatment table there.

She has a lot of experience in professional sports physio, so she is used to getting people back to full fitness not just to potter down to the shops.

She’s not in your part of the world, but this is the sort of post op help you could look for.

www.pegasusphysio.co.uk

Pegasus Physiotherapy | Human, Rider & Equine physiotherapy. Wirral, Cheshire & North Wales England

Enhance your riding experience with our expert Rider Physiotherapy services at Pegasus. From personalised sessions on simulators and horses to tailored video subscriptions, we help you improve posture, strength, and performance and be a better rider
www.pegasusphysio.co.uk www.pegasusphysio.co.uk

Good luck.
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My physio is a former professional athlete, who has worked with high level sports teams/athletes, so I'm pretty confident he's the right man for the job. I opted to go down the private physio route as soon as my GP said I needed it, and struck gold with this guy.
 
I had a total knee replacement 6 years ago, at age 69. I agree that doing the exercises before and after surgery is the key. The first 2 weeks post surgery were hell, but fine after that. I don’t ride now, but I have found my artificial knee slightly less flexible sideways. This is only an issue when trying to get out of a car in a very tight space. No pain now, so well worth it. Hope it all works out well for you.
 
Trouper said:
I have been sauntering down this road for the last 3 years - injections, exercising etc etc so we might become fellow travellers!! I have been lucky enough to be able to pay for private consultations and injections but the advice is all the same as already stated by others here.
I found the Ostenil injections (rather than just steroids) had a better effect - described by my consultant as "engine oil" for knees! - and wearing a support also really helps to stop any unnecessary movement aggravating the surfaces. Now they just crunch quietly as I walk.

You do have to watch the timing of injections, though, as the current thinking is a 6-month gap between injection and operation - but with NHS waiting lists I guess that timescale is somewhat academic.

There is a very good American doc - Rosen - who puts videos up on YouTube and I find his explanations more helpful than many in considering all the options - worth a look!!

I am off to see yet another consultant later this month. The last one was all set to operate on 10 June but his anaethetist kicked off about some heart issues I have so we had to go back to the drawing board to find somewhere that has high dependency facilities alongside in case I decide to throw a wobbly. Nothing is ever straightforward.

In the meantime - keep smiling and b****** ing on!!!!!
Click to expand...
Technically, I could go private if things were getting unbearable, but I'll see how long the wait will be on the NHS before I dip into my savings account!
I'm so used to them hurting that I'll probably be fine to wait, and I also have to shift some timber that I've laid down since my knees slowed me down! Damned if I'm going to be told to lose weight. I'll do it myself before anyone tells me to!
 
Auslander said:
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in all three compartments of both knees last week. Bit disappointing, as I'm only 52, but hey...
I'm having steroid injections in both knees in a few weeks, but the doc who summoned me said that they were doing it to try and get me more comfortable, rather than to fix me. General consensus seems to be that I will need both knees replaced, and I've got an ortho triage call next week.
I'm keen to find out if anyone has had a total knee replacement (especially if you had both done!) and how it's affected your riding (and horsey life in general).
Already overthinking like a mad thing, as that's how I roll!
Click to expand...
My mum is less than a year on from one and she walks faster than me now!
In terms of horse husbandry she does it all, mucking out, grooming, moving hay (incl. Big deliveries) so if you're on the fence about it I'd say don't be. She is older than you too.

I've booked her first riding lesson in a decade for the 16th (she doesn't know yet!) as well. Hoping it will hurt a bit afterwards so she doesn't do something daft like enter a P2P or something but not enough to prevent it becoming a regular thing :))) 😂
I've got my mum back now, doing gardening and horsey stuff together. It's great, if a bit depressing when she speeds off and my chronic fatigue ass can't keep up 😑
 
My mum had her knee replaced a couple of months ago, she is in her late 70's and is recovering really well as she has been very committed to doing the physio exercises. She has had a bad back for years and has managed this well with daily exercises so the habit is in ingrained her. Her Consultant advised she was very clear that it is early commitment to the exercises that predicts the long term outcome. My Dad had his done a couple of years ago and also recovered well, not a horse rider but a daily dog walker. Good luck!
 
Trouper said:
I have been sauntering down this road for the last 3 years - injections, exercising etc etc so we might become fellow travellers!! I have been lucky enough to be able to pay for private consultations and injections but the advice is all the same as already stated by others here.
I found the Ostenil injections (rather than just steroids) had a better effect - described by my consultant as "engine oil" for knees! - and wearing a support also really helps to stop any unnecessary movement aggravating the surfaces. Now they just crunch quietly as I walk.

You do have to watch the timing of injections, though, as the current thinking is a 6-month gap between injection and operation - but with NHS waiting lists I guess that timescale is somewhat academic.

There is a very good American doc - Rosen - who puts videos up on YouTube and I find his explanations more helpful than many in considering all the options - worth a look!!

I am off to see yet another consultant later this month. The last one was all set to operate on 10 June but his anaethetist kicked off about some heart issues I have so we had to go back to the drawing board to find somewhere that has high dependency facilities alongside in case I decide to throw a wobbly. Nothing is ever straightforward.

In the meantime - keep smiling and b****** ing on!!!!!
Click to expand...
Trouper I have just had the same problem getting my hip done. Swapped surgeons to one who was less twitchy. He got me into his London clinic with high dependency facilities. I didn't need them but they were available if anything kicked off. I'm home afterc2 nights in. Could have come after 1 but husband had just arranged a jolly with mates at the local as he thought I would be in for 3 nights. I opted for a sober husband the next day to look after me😂. My surgery should have been early April but it's done now and I'm on the mend. My care was so relaxed but so reassuring with a different surgeon and anaesthetist. Good luck x
 
That's very reassuring @msst- thank you. I think I would have taken the same husband option!!! Hope the recovery continues to go well.
 
FieldOrnaments said:
My mum is less than a year on from one and she walks faster than me now!
In terms of horse husbandry she does it all, mucking out, grooming, moving hay (incl. Big deliveries) so if you're on the fence about it I'd say don't be. She is older than you too.

I've booked her first riding lesson in a decade for the 16th (she doesn't know yet!) as well. Hoping it will hurt a bit afterwards so she doesn't do something daft like enter a P2P or something but not enough to prevent it becoming a regular thing :))) 😂
I've got my mum back now, doing gardening and horsey stuff together. It's great, if a bit depressing when she speeds off and my chronic fatigue ass can't keep up 😑
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I'm absolutely not on the fence about it. I'm 100% up for it!
Quite apart from the knee pain, I've had a couple of really heavy falls thanks to my knees giving way with no warning. The last one was a few days ago, and I landed heavily on my left shoulder, which is already full of steroids. I think my AC is just angry, rather than torn, but it's really sore!
 
Before you go the steroid or surgery route ask your consultant about Crespine Gel. It is injected into the joint and fills the crevices caused by the arthritis. It’s not available on the NHS as it isn’t ’cost effective’. Ie. Steroids are cheaper, but it is far more effective at giving pain relief.
 
My husband's had both knees done over the last few years - one at 70 and one at 74. He's78 now and can walk miles over rough ground. The only thing he finds difficult is kneeling down. I had a hip done last year, 10 years after i was told I needed it but couldn't have it. I'm thinking about starting riding again if I can shift some weight, and I'm working on walking further. I'm 71.
But - be very careful about blisters and cuts. My brother in law had both knees done in his 60s, went out walking in new shoes and got blisters. He didn't take much notice, but an infection got in and he ended up in hospital with sepsis. The infection had tucked itself into the metal, where's there's no live tissue to fight it. He nearly died, and had to have both knees redone, with some artificial bone to fill in where it had been destroyed by the infection. It's very rare, but not unknown. He was walking several miles a day again once he'd got over the infection.
 
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