[Deadhead]

My wife is well under age 50. She has been suffering mightily with a knee problem. The knee replacement "expert" said that she has one that is the knee of a 70 yr. old and in addition has some spurs in it. Then he followed up with the assertion that she was too young to get it replaced and would have to wait around 13 years before that was a good idea, and could not do anything about the spurs without making it worse. Others in the medical profession confirmed the assertion regarding age.

I say bullocks, and she should have it done. Why not enjoy life now and bank on medical advancements in the future which will allow modification or another replacement? If mama ain't happy nobody's happy, so… We are going to another guy who has done a couple or three on my dad next.

What have y'all done? I know there have got to be numerous folks here who have had this done etc.

[69goatboy]

My wife is in the same boat. She's 43 and is in constant knee pain. (too many years on the soccer field).

She did the suparts(?) injections for years, with mixed results, eventually she became allergic to them.

She recently has gone to a pain specialist. They have a procedure where they go in and permanently damage those particular nerves that are causing the pain (permanent nerve block) . They have to do a temp nerve block for a few months (she's in this part of it now). At this point, she can't do any more damage, so that's why this is an option for her.

All of this is a temp measure, holding her off until she hits the knee replacement age of 50.

You might want to have her mention the permanent nerve block to her doc.

[Todd553]

I have sold hip and knee implants for over 15 years. Has your doctor discussed partial knee replacement or robotic knee replacement with her. There are many new options available. I see younger and younger patients having these procedures done with great pain relief and outstanding outcomes.

[hurryinhoosier62]

One of my high school buddies had his first knee replacements in his early thirties. Scott's on his third set (51 yrs old now). It just depends on how severe the damage really is. At ANY age, knee replacement surgery is no picnic.

[carcrazy]

I have a friend that has had both done within the past year. She was pretty much immobile prior to the operation and now has a new lease on life. The results have been excellent. I agree about having it done now as there are nobody can predict the future!(my wife was the picture of health and passed very suddenly at 55)
By the way, the doctor is not the one in pain!

[Deadhead]

Thanks so much you guys. Keep the ideas coming!

[Stuart]

I did a little reading on the subject. It appears the concern that younger people tend to wear out their replacement joints much faster than older people, since they are typically more active and participate in activities that are more likely to wear out the joint (sports, running or even a lot of walking or standing.) However, there are even teenagers having successful joint replacement procedures when it's absolutely necessary.

The Mayo Clinic suggests a procedure called a knee osteotomy as an alternative for younger patients: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-proc...n/prc-20019023

[Icefan71]

I had reconstructive knee surgery 18 years ago while I was in the Army. After a good stint of rehab, it was good as new and still is today. If its broke now, fix it now.

[Bob Dillon]

Originally Posted by Deadhead

Thanks so much you guys. Keep the ideas coming!

Get 'em both done at once, because after you go through the first one, you won't want the second one done.

[Radman]

Originally Posted by hurryinhoosier62

One of my high school buddies had his first knee replacements in his early thirties. Scott's on his third set (51 yrs old now). It just depends on how severe the damage really is. At ANY age, knee replacement surgery is no picnic.

I am 65 and just had a total left knee replacement. The first 2 weeks are pure he**. After that it gets better. My surgery was June 30th. I just walked around the block without using a cane. Now that I am seeing results, I will stick with the original plan and get the right one replaced next year. I would talk to another doctor. The new joints are lasting longer.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Radman

I am 65 and just had a total left knee replacement. The first 2 weeks are pure he**. After that it gets better. My surgery was June 30th. I just walked around the block without using a cane. Now that I am seeing results, I will stick with the original plan and get the right one replaced next year. I would talk to another doctor. The new joints are lasting longer.

When my right knee was rebuilt in 1999, the ortho who did the surgery told me I would be a prime candidate for knee replacement IF the rebuild failed. That was 15 yrs ago. So far, I'm still walking with the rebuilt knee with no pain or difficulties.

[Alvin]

Neighbor in ABQ had both replacements done. Performing Dr. Was recommended by friends & family...

It was only AFTER surgery and loss of ability to walk correctly
(her knee would buckle & collapse bend backwards rending her unable to stand or walk wo a walker or two canes)
it was discovered the numerous Malpractice lawsuits for botched work performed.

Due diligence & proper vetting @ front-end of ANY recommended procedure and specialist is My Opinion. Less potential "pain & suffering" afterward. Felt bad for that poor woman and her discomfort...

[REFORMULATED]

I would look into Hyaluronan injections to ease the short term pain and see if you can get her in a stem cell trial. I met someone who is going through a trial and is seeing good results after 12 weeks, he's in his early 50's. The thought is the stem cell injections grow some small cartilage pads that cushion enough to reduce pain.

Here is some info that was covered on ABC

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/GMAHeal...ry?id=13550160

Originally Posted by Deadhead

My wife is well under age 50. She has been suffering mightily with a knee problem. The knee replacement "expert" said that she has one that is the knee of a 70 yr. old and in addition has some spurs in it. Then he followed up with the assertion that she was too young to get it replaced and would have to wait around 13 years before that was a good idea, and could not do anything about the spurs without making it worse. Others in the medical profession confirmed the assertion regarding age.

I say bullocks, and she should have it done. Why not enjoy life now and bank on medical advancements in the future which will allow modification or another replacement? If mama ain't happy nobody's happy, so… We are going to another guy who has done a couple or three on my dad next.

What have y'all done? I know there have got to be numerous folks here who have had this done etc.