I have Ra and just bn told I need 2 knee replacements but I'm very frightened don't know why they can't do them both together ,worried

[Laceygreen]

[Hidden]

If you have them both done at the same time you will be out of action for ages!!!! It is just not possible!

I had my first one done 5 years a go & have just had the second one done 12 weeks a go. With Ra the recovery is slower due to the inflammation factor. Knees also take longer to recover than hips as it's a very active joint.

Is one more painful than the other? If so get that one done first.

I'm a fairly active person but I am only just able to walk for an hour or more.

[victoriablue]

I have a friend whose husband had both of his knees replaced at the same time, so I think it can be done but as Pauline has said you would be out of action a long time as the knee takes a lot of hard work to get mobile again.

If you stand your ground and really insist bet you would get it done.

[oldtimer]

Much better to get them done one at a time. Get the worst one done first, really work on getting that one fit - my sister did her physio exercises several times a day for the first six weeks or so. You might even find that the other one becomes much less painful when it doesn't have to take the strain of the weight of your body.

Do as much exercise as you can beforehand which is non-weight bearing so that your muscles are in as good a state as you can manage.

If you have both done at the same time it is MUCH more difficult to get around and MUCH more difficult to get yourself fit again.

[Hidden]

I used to be an orthopedic nurse until 7yrs ago when my RA flared up and didn't let go, I've had RA 24yrs now and I'm nearly 50yrs.

It is easier for you and your joints to only have one knee replaced at a time. It is hard to heal inside and out with RA, also there is the inflammation around the joint as well. They will get you recovered then start you on physio to help with moving properly then they will see how you coped with the opp and healing physio and everything. And after all that they will see how your RA is holding

up and probably talk about the 2nd knee. But it all takes time. So don't rush anything. But any questions or worries you have talk to your consultant or the gp I'm sure they will be able to help.

All the best

Judy

[Louganis]

I had both mine done at the same time. I did not have one good enough to support the other. Had fab pain nurses helping me although I cried like a baby when they stood me up the following day. I was out after 5 days having done a flight of stairs on crutches and made my knees have a 90degree bend. Fortunately I was able to be waited on for about 10 days by my fab mum who helped look after my kids. It is massive op and very painful wondered what I had done for 1st few months 3 years down the line I can't believe I waited so long to have them done. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Hello

Just spotted your post. Having both knees done at the same time is often dependent on the surgeon doing the operation but also your own personal circumstances i.e. your recovery possibilities and support you would require if none weight bearing for a period of time etc. Worth asking the surgeon though as I have met a few people who have had bi-lateral knee replacements and coped quite well. I could always try to get in touch with one of them for you and see if she could talk to you about her experience. If you'd like me to try to arrange this drop me an email on [e-mail]

As others have said here though it is a very individual decision but worth a discussion with your Health professionals.