Knees - Montana Owners Club

OntMont · 04-03-2008, 05:13 AM

Donna has had knee "issues" almost all her life and we have gone through most of the less invasive treatments including several cartilage surgeries. We seem to have reached a point where she is going to have to seek more advanced treatment.

We are wondering if any of you have had experience, good or bad, with knee replacements, or other alternatives to knee replacements. We are just wondering if people have found it a good thing that they wished they had done sooner, or a bad thing that has caused other problems.

We will be seeking professional advice when we get home, but information on other people's experiences would be welcome.

boylanag · 04-03-2008, 09:14 AM

Thanks for posting this question, John. Carol's knees are also very problematical and, when we get home, she will also talk with the doctors and we were wondering about others' experiences, too. There are many horror stories but we think this forum will get the truth out, good or bad.

ols1932 · 04-03-2008, 09:51 AM

No horror story here. Had a complete replacement in 1994 when I was bowling professionally. Did my best bowling after the replacement. It lasted 13 1/2 years when I wore out the plastic and it had to be replaced last September. Would I do it all over again? Yes, considering the pain I was in before the initial replacement.

Orv

pilk · 04-03-2008, 02:03 PM

I had partial replacement of one knee and after finding out how fast I recovered and finally being painfree, I really really wished I had not waited. I had gone the route of synn visc injections, which early on. They don't make it painfree, but more bearable. My surgeon told me that some people wait too long and it is definitely to their disadvantage. I say, "go for it" you will not be sorry. Since the knee, I have also had shoulder replacement and all I can say is that saying goodbye to pain is the greatest - there are too many things to do and see.

Much luck to you and keep us informed on your decision.

Connie

Waynem · 04-03-2008, 05:00 PM

I'm suffering. It needs to be done. I'm just procrastinating a little.
Have had both ACL's reconstructed and miniscus' removed. Bone on bone now and hurts like heck, but I'll survive a little longer for that Great Adventure.

Have a friend that had it done and he plays tennis 3 times a week.

cmp-shooter · 04-04-2008, 11:25 AM

FINALLY MY FAVORITE SUBJECTI had 2 total knee replacements about 2 years ago and if I weighted less I'd be 25 again... well what I mean is got perfect use of them and even at a year into them I took a flight and forgot I had em done..wondered why I kept beeping

that is how pain less they are!! Mine were done 8 weeks apart and after the 1st week the pain goes away, but as for rehab the word is the more pain you can take while flexing your knee the better results ya get.

bottom line is NO MORE PAIN AT ALL............YIPPEE

EMAIL ME FOR PHONE # IF YOU NEED DETAILS.

HINT ASK ALL THE NURSES YOU KNOW FOR A GOOD ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS they know who is good and bad in a hospital, dont wait to long and do damage that can no longer be repaired.

OntMont · 04-05-2008, 09:46 AM

Thank you everyone for your encouragement. Not one negative comment! We have taken the first step of the journey.

RC and Samantha · 04-05-2008, 09:53 AM

John & Donna, my Mom had this done a couple of years ago & she came out of it with flying colors. She said it was well worth the recovery time, pain & discomfort that was short term to not have to live with the daily pain her knee was causing.

Patty

Mrs. CountryGuy · 04-05-2008, 10:40 AM

OK, Donna

Get that app't made as soon as you get back to Ontario. I saw that knee last week, and it was not pretty.

As much as you like to bike and walk, you are REALLY gonna enjoy both when you get that pesty knee fixed.

Remember, we are all out here thinking good thoughts for ya!!

OntMont · 04-05-2008, 11:03 AM

OK, initial appointment has been made. Thanks all.

boylanag · 04-05-2008, 11:13 AM

Thanks so much, John and Donna, for starting this thread. We have taken so much positive from the responses. Carol is also ready to talk turkey with the doctors when we return in a couple of weeks.

Mrs. CountryGuy · 04-05-2008, 12:14 PM

Yahoo, fixing up two of MOC's favorite gals from one thread. Man, err, ladies, it don't get no better than this!

Congrats to both gals!!

boylanag · 04-29-2008, 05:45 PM

Carol and I met with the orthopedic surgeon today and we were shown an x-ray of her knees. The right knee is bone on bone. He said that arthritis has eaten all the cartilage away. He gave her a cortisone shot into the knee and she now has some relief from the constant pain. He recommended Synvisc, a series of three shots a week apart that lubricates the knee, and an anti-inflammatory. This is a new procedure that may put off a complete replacement for months or longer. She starts Medicare May 1 and then we will see when she can have the procedure.

Exnavydiver · 04-30-2008, 04:09 AM

Both of my knees suffer from "kneesels". The right started in Dive School when I tore my ACL and didn't know it for three years. What followed was about 12 years of another scope job every 18 months After 6 surgeries they Med Boarded me and retired me after 21 years in the Navy. I had 2 additional surgeries on the right and 3 on the left that finally went south also. The last word from my Ortho Surgeon is "replacement next time" on either knee. For the moment I am getting by on Aleve and other anti-inflametories. I have gone through most of the lists of different joint replacement devices and have a good idea which I want. If I could do a partial I would but the Drs don't think I have enough viable joint for a partial. So in a couple years I will have to do one or the other. For the time being I am ok, on the right knee they did enough nerve damage that the bone on bone isn't really that painful, just noisy. I am ready and when the pain gets bad again I will do the surgery... Dave and Betsy

Waynem · 04-30-2008, 05:06 AM

I also have bone-on-bone in both knees. ACL's have been replaced in both knees in 2001. Hurts like heck, but I'm not ready to bite the bullet and get replacements yet. I just retired in Feb 2007 and DW in October 2007. We want to enjoy a year or so of travel. Then I may reconsider. I walk about 2 miles every day to keep them operating, then suffer for hours. Not walking hurts more than walking. Heaving forbid when I sit in the easy chair and get up to move.

Ladies, go for it. Everyone I have ever talked to has said it was worth it. I'm just not ready yet.

stiles watson · 04-30-2008, 05:29 AM

Suck it up, Waynem. Marines can handle anything. You have some of the best orthopedic surgeons around in the Medical Center area. Texas Orthopedic Hospital, on South Main in Houston, has outstanding bone and joint doctors. My wife has used them twice with great results. Seeing her pain free and fully functional is priceless. We have yet to pay a dime with Medicare and our supplemental insurance. From one Marine to another, do it! Semper Fidelis

Waynem · 04-30-2008, 06:21 AM

With pain comes sympathy Stiles. I'm sucking it up!

My doctor is Dan O'Neil with NASA Bone and Join Specialists. He is one of, if not, the best orthopedic surgeons in the area.

When did you serve and what did you do?

Semper Fi!

Edited: In clarification, I'm sucking up the "sympathy."

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