I ve had terrible left knee problems for six years and last year was diagnosed with OA in the left knee joint. The consultant at a trust in London advised there was nothing that could be done for me other than replacing the joint. But at 58 he felt I was too young and advised to go away; lose weight; and come back if it worsened.
So went away and six months later it’s worse and got a new referral having been seen by GP and MSK Physiotherapist
I was down for a face to face in April 2024 but now been told the appointment will be done by telephone and will be next weekend.
Since my initial consultation in May where I was using over the counter NSAIDs I’ve been moved onto Zapain and a cream - Piroxicam. I don’t sleep well at night and have limited walking ability.
Has anyone else had this experience? A telephone appointment on a Sunday before Christmas. I do hope it’s not another hurdle being thrown at me
Thanks
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TheBoys
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Have you tried any exercises? My brother in law reckons he has put off hip replacement for seventeen years! It seems if you can build up muscle around the knee it can relieve problems. I have had Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) once a year over the last four years. They reckon it can put off knee replacement for eight years. The jury is still out on how effective PRP is. It worked for me.
I ve had physio as was getting a sore back from walking badly but a mis-step out for a walk saw me trip and fall; I ended up twisting my ankle and worse than before. I ve had a few problems with losing my footing now which I be told the GP - all doing my confidence in; I do use a stick now.
I’ve a similar issue. I have partially dislocated kneecaps due to my AS shortening the tendons. It’s resulted in stage 4 OA. I’m also 58 and been told that ideally I’m too young, and also a high risk due to the severe stroke I had 5.5yr ago due to an adrenal crisis. Been told they would only consider emergency surgery.
Haven been an orthopaedic nurse, I agree 58 is really too young. These joints last approx 10yrs, the fact your on the young side and still fairly active, means it will need revising in Around 10yrs. Currently you can usually only revise once, as you lose more of the bone each time, and there isn’t sufficient to keep rimming bone away. Got that reason I’m happy to postpone any surgery at the moment. I’m seeing a foot surgeon on Wednesday as I also have 2 dislocated toes due to AS, but that would be fine under local anaesthetic.
You have my sympathy. Physio can help as the previous comment. On the advice of a doctor friend who has OA in her knee I use a trekking pole to take some weight off my hip. That’s on longer walks, around town I don’t bother. Also a private MRI gives evidence to the medics.
I had my 1st total knee at 48 and the other 3 years later. Had to wait because had to have my foot and ankle reconstructed I was over weight at 250 and 5'5. I was bone on bone for so many years they had to shear off more bone to even them because I waited. It was the best decision I ever made. I could walk and exercise and loose the weight after. Still do not have any problems and I'm 64. I hope this helps. Good Luck
Thanks for that. I will see how I get on with my appointment in our U.K. NHS system - if they do decide am too young and not operate; I will pay to get it done in Spain . There is an excellent hospital in Malaga and post operative recovery is made easier there with the great climate. I want and need my life back.
Another interesting reply. Please report on how you get on if you go to Spain. Also, look up the lateral approach technique: incision only a few inches from the outside edge; no quadriceps muscle is cut; much less pain and quicker recovery. I have been googling without success to find it with an NHS surgeon.
Your not too young for TKR the bottom line is if you don’t get the TKR then the medical conditions from lack of movement will start to pile on …. So whats worse developing life long medical condition's that cost lots of money and time or having a TKR to get you moving and the slim chance you may need to another TKR 10 years later. Life has no guarantees on either choice but I would rather take a chance another TKR than life long health conditions that might have been avoided if you could have moved more early on.
I just hope they put me on the list. Since this all started 6 years ago I’ve gained weight; stopped working -developed back issues; hit alcohol- 10 years ago I was in the gym, doing 10k runs. TKR will give me a life back.
I am 67 have OA in both knees. 8 yrs ago I had successful keyhole surgery for a torn meniscus. Surgeon told me I was bone-on-bone and he'd see me in a few years for TKR. I was determined to keep as fit as possible to avoid this if I could. This year my knee has been more swollen and sore, I've had shin splints and a sore ankle which are healed. I looked into other options, that weren't steroids.
I found out about Prolozone injections. I had my first one yesterday. Now I wait 2 weeks for 2nd and another 2 weeks for the 3rd. Most people need 3 but can do more.
My knee already feels easier. Reviews seem positive and they treat professional sportspeople. Not on NHS yet. You have to pay but I think my improved mobility and quality of life will be worth it. Fingers crossed 😀
Both my knees needed replacing due to OA and RA, I'm 63, but the physio gave me exercises to strengthen the muscles while on the waiting list which I did to the best of my ability even though some of them were so painful I didn't think I'd ever be able to do them properly. I persevered however, usually with the help of painkillers, and although it was a long slow process I found that the pain gradually decreased and my mobility improved to the point I could stand from seating without using my hands to push up and can even climb a stepladder which I haven't been able to do for years. My left knee was finally replaced last August and has healed well but I have so little trouble with the right one now I'm tempted to put off the replacement even though my rheumy says the x rays show substantial damage. I wouldn't have believed that the right exercise could make such a difference but I'm living, walking proof and still doing them religiously which can get a bit monotonous but the results make it so worthwhile and I no longer rely on painkillers just to walk about.
Sounds like a UK problem. I’ve had significant OA in all major joints since my late 20s and have had both hips and both knees replaced (along with various additional surgeries to try to “save” joints). It is my belief, that when the knee PAIN from severe arthritis of any type gets too severe AND replacement is the only option left, then replace the knees. I had all four joints replaced between age 48 and 54 almost a surgery a year. Admittedly that was no fun yet the relief I have now is well worth it. Further, though I am NOT a doctor nor have I ever worked as a medical professional, I do suffer from early onset OA in almost all joints and now that had I not had the hip and knee replacements when I did life would be much worse now. Pain is and all-encompassing and insidious devil to deal with that can completely change your life if untreated. Unfortunately those who have never suffered with chronic continuous pain even if they are specialists don’t really understand have the pain can alter everything about your life. My best to you in your journey with joint pain.
By way of update; spoke to a good surgeon and am on the list for a replacement knee . I can’t wait although will spend next few months hopefully losing weight ( getting married) then having the knee fixed.
I am due to have my right knee replacement in 5th March. It's been a bit if a journey as had pre assessment in december, found to have low iron so had iron infusion just after christmas. As I have angina and had a stent in the L AD in Sept 2022 had to see anethetist who signed me off heart wise but referred me to the colorectal team as I had a colonoscopy at the beginning of last year , which only showed up a few diverticulitis. Ended up having c.t. Colonography and endoscopy which showed up no bleeding, only things In already knew I had. Cause of low iron still not sure although In think it might be a combination of the low dose aspirin and pantoprezole I take causing low vit. B12 . Will need the other one done eventually. Had a hip replacement 22 years shoehorned still going strong, so hope New knee will last as long.
Hi, I'm totally sympathise with you and I'm of a similar age to you. I have stage 4 arthritis in right and stage 3 in the left. Also been told too young to have knee replacement, but to be honest, I'm avoiding surgery as long as I can as I have high BP, which went through the roof on my last arthroscopy!!.Before Xmas, I had a steroid injection on right and most recently, on left. I can have further injections 4 months after their initial injection. I feel as though the injection in the right has already worn off and only treats the symptoms four 4 weeks. I appreciate that the injections don't address the actual root cause and now back to square 1 with the uncomfortable pain, hobbling along as I go !!
I would push them as much as possible for a replacement when you feel you need it and are ready for it. Have you ever had a Monovisc injection which works differently to steroid jabs and lasts considerably longer? Didn't work too well for me for other reasons (see below) but I know others who swear by it.I was told I was too young for a replacement too, about 6 years ago, and given the usual diet of NSAIDS and opiates, but it has now proved to be a real dilemma -
Last year I had emergency surgery for Sepsis and had my "good" leg amputated. Now, because of the reluctance to offer me a knee replacement when I was first diagnosed with severe OA I cannot have a prosthetic leg and am wheelchair bound. The knee with OA cannot support my body weight, which they require prior to starting the prosthetic process.
I am now on the list for a knee replacement but where I live the wait is at least 3 years. Till then I am in a chair with an extremely restricted lifestyle.
Oh how cruel life is. The good leg amputated. My 75-year-old disabled sister has just been saved from sepsis. Thanks for the suggestion of Monovisc - I'll add it to my list should I ever get a discussion with the surgeon. Although I have no cartilege left, I am not in pain. OK, aches, and restrictions, but no pain. Good luck.
I’ve had similar experiences. I too am on Zapain, and have terrible sleepless nights but I do find Zapain helps. I usually take a couple around 6pm, 10pm and early hours if I can’t sleep, i try to avoid taking them in the day because they do make me drowsy and nauseous but 6 a day is usually enough for me.
I am also being put off having the replacement because I’m too young and recently had a cortisone injection into the knee, perhaps you could ask for that? I found it helped with reducing the swelling and gave me a better range of movement in the knee but it has only been a slight help with the pain. I know other people have had cortisone injections and have found that it can improve things for a few months so might be worth you asking on your phone appointment. Good luck with it all.
HiI don't take injections any more...they only give me a few days relief sadly..but thankfully am now on the list for a north London hospital to get done and the wait is 8 months .
That’s good news for you, fingers crossed it all goes well.
I found the cortisone helped a bit, but like you it was fairly short lived. I think drawing the fluid off my knee helped more than anything.
How do you get on with Zapain? I find them pretty good especially at night but they do seem to stay in my system longer than I thought they would. If I take a couple around 10pm I’m still drowsy and tired next morning. I have spoken to others I know who have taken them and they have not been affected by them for that long.
HiThe Zapain ..I take really sparingly to be honest. It makes me drowsy though does take away the aches. Ironically I had a meal with wine last night and went to bed at 10p.m. ( I d had two glasses of wine and finished these by 8.30 pm)
Woke up at 5 am as had slept awkward and was really sore in the knee.and took a Zapain which helped me back to sleep but had awful nightmares and dreams. I'd forgotten to avoid taking it close to having had alcohol.
I m so used to the discomfort nowadays I tend to try and put up with pain unless I m going out then I ll just take a ibuprofen saving a Zapain for when it's very very needed.
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knee replacement 
Total knee replacement - 6 weeks on
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