A little nervous

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brentlyp

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Hi everyone I am looking into the face of a TKA in a week and a half. I am only 29 years old and I have to admit im a little nervous about it. Im just wondering how common it is for someone as young as me to have the TKA done. Anytime I hear of someone having it done thay are much older than I am. I know revisions have to be done and im wondering how long the prosthesis is supposed to last before a revision is done! My doctor told me that he is using a new prosthesis that studies are showing could last up to 25 yrs. I trust him 100% but I am just wondering if someone on here that has had it done can tell me how long theres lasted before the revision came? Thanks for any info you can give me.
 
Hi and welcome!

29 is young, but there are many posts here from young patients.

It is scary at first and the recovery is not fun but almost everyone says the results are very well worth it.

I'm 56 and had TKR in April on one knee and I'm planning my other knee soon :)

This is a great place where you can ask anything:)
 
This is a great place to come with your questions! I'm 39 years old, have 3 young children, and had a TKR on June 9. I'm so happy that I did it, that when it is time for the other leg, I'll be willing. True, rehab is tough, but it is so much nicer to have good pain!!

My OS said that the new knee should last about 20 years, but when it is time, I won't have to get a WHOLE new replacement, just the part that is worn out! I'm sure this will still be uncomfortable, but it doesn't sound as involved as the whole TKR!! So, for this reason, I think it should all be worth it! Yesterday, I rode my bike on the trails for 6.5 miles, and it truly brought tears of joy to my eyes! Unbelievable!!! Good luck!
Hess
 
Hess makes an interesting point regarding replacement of worn out parts. Has any member had parts replaced? If so please enlighten us all as many are going to need to have multiple procedures during their lifetimes especially the younger folks.
gloucesterman
 
Hey Brent,
I'm 45 and had a TKR on my left knee and I will be the first one to admit that this is NO picnic. I cam here to this Forum very cockie and thought that it would be very easy considering I had been through a bad accident prior. Boy I was wrong! It has been a tough three weeks but I am finally starting to feel better and now that I am it was all worth it! I also have three Kids and Wife that are counting on me to get better and better I will get! Just go in with a positive attitude and know that things will be better and that the unbearable pain of a bad knee will soon be gone! And please don't hesitate to ask all the questions you can think of these people have been great to me and continue to be very supportive when you you need it most........
Ralph
 
You are young but think of the years of good, productive life you are getting opposed to years of suffering with the knees. I don't think there is any pain quite like knee pain. I hope you don't let your age keep you from posting here and accepting the support of some of us old, old folks. I am 66, soon to be 67. Will keep you in my prayers. Rowdy
 
Hey there, Brent - welcome to BoneSmart! Hopefully we will be able to offer you moral support during this period.

You didn't say why you are needing a TKY so young? Did you have a injury?

As for the longevity of the prosthesis, there are two reasons why a revision will need to be done and they are 1) because the plastic insert has work and 2) because one of the components (usually the tibial) becomes loosened.

1) the theory is that the insert can be replaced with a new one. I know that most of the companies keep replacement parts of older units for this very purpose but this presupposes that the company still exists when/if you need the spare part!
2) in this case, the best remedy is a total revision and often with a longer post for the tibial component. Often times it's not that much of a technical difficulty and will be much like having the primary op.

Latest stats go back about 25 years and there are plenty of patients on them who are still nowhere near having a revision. Doing TKRs on under 50s is a relatively new thing so I doubt you'll easily find younger person with much of a history to relate. Not that long ago nobody under that age would even be considered for a replacement no matter what! Wasn't long before that we wouldn't consider anyone under 60!

What a difference a day makes!

I truly hope and pray all goes well with your event. Do keep us posted.
 
Brent,
I am 58 and had both knees replaced on June 18th. I have been back to work since week 8 post op, on my own, caring for 6 preschool children in my Family Child Care business over the past 2 weeks. I had a client parent help me care for 9 children this summer starting on June 30th. I was 12 days post op. I was able to concentrate on resting and icing and getting my strength back along with having 10 home PT visits. I was in the hospital 2.5 days and was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and stayed 6 days there with intensive PT and OT.
I left the hospital walking with 2 crutches outside in unknown terrain, and walking with no crutches in the house.
Your recovery will have much to do with your attitude and how you work doing your PT exercises. I know I am looking forward to participating in life again doing things I have been unable to do for a few years, like walking, hiking, and skiing!
Good luck to you and welcome to the forum!
Best,
Crystal
 
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