Considering knee replacement surgery but ....

[AppleSquare]

I have stage 3B kidney disease with creatine of 2.0 and eGFR 36. I'm 74 years old and except for high cholesterol (which I've had all my life) and managing hypertension with Lisinopril, all my blood lab numbers are excellent.

My main concern about knee surgery revolves around during and after-surgery medication, infections, steroids and any decrease in kidney function.

With my creatine increasing from 1.8 to 2.0 over 7 year, my Nephrologist has told me I should not need dialysis in my lifetime.

I'd really, really like to hear about knee replacement experiences and if it has caused any complications or decrease in your kidney function. Or did your kidney numbers stay stable.

Thank you very, very much for your help.

[S_dillow]

i had my left knee replaced in my mid forties but i never heard of kidney function loss.blood transfusions,yes but not kidney.of courase this is me

[AppleSquare in reply to S_dillow]

I was also told there was the possibility of a blood transfusion. Although the screening for donor blood is more strict than in the distant past. But for me, it means another variable to consider. Thanks much, Alan

[1937em]

I was told that it doesn't affect your kidneys unless you take some sort of NSAID or other inflammatory meds for the pain. Not Ibuprofen or drugs that have it combined in them. Tylenol is okay, but unfortunately, it doesn't do much about inflammation. I suggest you talk to your surgeon about this and explain your condition.

[CKDnomore3953]

Hi AppleSquare,

In 2008 my eGFR was 56, although I had not been told that there was anything wrong with my kidneys. In 2010 I had a partial knee replacement done on my left knee- an Oxford partial knee was used zimmerbiomet.com/en/product...

I was in the hospital for one day and was given 6 different antibiotics and I don’t know what kind of anesthesia and pain relievers were used during the surgery.

I did not have another blood test for my eGFR until 2013 and it was 53 on that test.

I was tested In February 2023 under the new CKD-EPI 2021 Equation for eGFR testing and my results show an eGFR of 55.

I have been on a low protein plant based diet since 2019. I am 74 now, and in 2019 my right knee was beginning to be very painful and I was thinking I would need to have it replaced. That is why I went on the anti inflammatory plant based diet. I also began riding my exercycle regularly -the continual rotation seems to help lubricate my knee joints.

I also have high cholesterol which can affect your joints - but I find that as long as I keep moving my joints seem OK.

Best wishes to you,

Lynne

[Blackknight1989]

I’m stage 4 CKD and have been since my CKD diagnosis and then AKI following a doctor screw-up in 1996. Since then I’ve had both knees replaced, both hips replaced and both ankles fused (about to have those replaced. I would love to forgo those as I’ve had both knees and both hips replaced. But I don’t believe I’ll be able to do that. My eGFR runs about 18-20. Post surgery blood test indicated kidney function was affected as my numbers dropped to about 12-15 but only for a week or so. In my case I have decided to have the surgeries because I want to maintain the ability to walk. I’m only 56 and don’t want to go to a wheelchair full time yet. I have had over 20 orthopedic surgeries. Thus, I’d really like to forgo the ankle replacement without them I will (most likely) have to to the wheelchair full time