Add Your Story


Add your story to:

I decided to have my knee replaced when..
How my life changed after knee replacement

Add Your Comment



Thanks!

Your comment will be moderated to ensure that it's relevant to knee replacement surgery. Once approved, it will be added to this story.


Stories - How my life changed after knee replacement:

+ Add Your Story

Bilateral knee replacement with complication

Kassytbag
17 Likes
8 Comments
Text Size
I decided to have both knees replaced at the same time as they were both incredibly painful and at 49 my surgeon was happy with my state of health and felt both together was a viable option. I was very nervous but looking forward to being pain free. My right knee went beautifully the surgeon explained but the left knee is very small, my femur is bowed and tiny too - my surgeon has over 20 years experience and is one of the top in his field but unfortunately when drilling through the left knee the saw went through the femur - he used some bone removed from my knee for a bone graft on the hole which has meant that my left leg is in a brace for 8 weeks!! However I have to say apart from tightness I have had no pain! I was expecting the worst as people told me it would be excruciating afterwards - not at all - far less than the arthritis!! The first time I stood up and walked on my right knee I cried with the physio because there was no pain after 10 years of constant pain it was a revelation!! I have four weeks to go now until the brace comes off - I am walking with crutches but only on the toes of my left foot as I can't weight bear on it but I know that without the complication I would be miles ahead of schedule. I do my exercises 3 times a day and potter a little with No Pain!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat it really isn't anywhere near as bad as people say!!
Comments
Kassytbag
have to add that now I'm 20 weeks post op my new knees are really starting to settle in and I've really got a smile on my face!! Please if you are having one or both knees replaced don't stress over it - yes the first few weeks are a little challenging but it was challenging walking with the arthritis pain!! this is like having your life back and it's wonderful !!
HerbM
It's wonderful that both your surgeon and you were able to deal effectively with the complication to your surgery.

It's also encouraging that 20 weeks out you are doing so well.

Keep improving and enjoy your new knees.

Kassytbag
Thank you!! 18 months later my knees feel wonderful totally normal and wonderfully pain free. I know it's a cliche but I feel like I have my whole life back and I'm so grateful for that.
louiseggriffiths
I find so few articles about bilateral knee replacements. I am about to have my op on the 29th April. I have been in pain for 10 years and as I like in the UK they are loathed really to operate under 60 due to revision operations.

I have now found a wonderful NHS hospital in Oswestry and I have put my pain in thier hands. I cant wait to see the outcome. I have had little life, no walkin the dog, no shopping, no holidays as I dread the pain. I am on high doses of codien and paracetamol which does not really help much.

I am excited after reading your comment. So excited I will have a life again. I am 52
Kassytbag
hi Louise - haven't logged in for a long time and I've just read your story - how did the operation go? Are you feeling so much better now? xxxx
jjc33037
I am a 76 year old male, living in the US and had bilateral TKR 24 months ago and hardly ever think these knees are not my real
knees. It took around a year until I felt that way.
mwlawrence17@gmail.com
Thank you so much for posting your post op experiences . I’m 50 and have finally after 19 years found a doctor willing to give me a knee replacement. I’m scheduled to have a bilateral knee replacement April 30 th . I have heard so many horror stories about knee replacements I was really nervous but after reading your post op stories I feel much more confident so Thank you
cornadeed
What tests should be done to determine the causes of joint pain?
Many studies confirm the influence of stress as one of the factors predisposing to the development of inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system (chronic stress changes the functioning of the immune system) and a subjective, increased perception of pain stimuli. Therefore, the key element of the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, in addition to properly selected pharmacotherapy, is reducing stress, taking care of regular physical activity and correct body weight. Joint pain: causes, symptoms and treatment – Arthralgia
Story List