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jessymi

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Sep 29, 2008
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It took me months to get an appointment with an orth. surgeon to get his advice on what to do about my knees. I was looking for relief from pain, possibly something to cushion my joints(Synvisc?). I am 51 years old, have had bad knees for the last 6 years, but this last year I have basicly lost the ability to walk more than 1/2 block. Needless to say, after having my xrays and talking to his assistant, the doctor came in and gave me all of 5 minutes of his time. He told me I need knee replacement, but I am too young. He told me to lose 13 pounds, exercise on a bike 20 minutes a day for two months, then come back. I tried to ask him about my options, and he basically blew me off. I did my best to get out of there without bursting in tears. I took his advice, joined a gym. My legs have only improved to the point where I don't have much swelling anymore, but I still cannot walk without extreme pain. I have lost the weight & gained a few pounds back, but I cannot bring myself to go back to this guy. It has now been 9 months. I am truely unable to make a decision on this but I know something has to be done because this is ruining my life.
 
Jessy, So now you go to another guy. Just don't get discouraged. If you read many of us have been exactly where you are. Keep looking, you will find someone who will see outside the box. Plus you have lost weight and folks in their 30/40s are getting TKRs. I was 39 and one of many. Keep posting. you have found a good place to be, and welcome. The pain is coming to an end on the path you have begun. Best Jen
 
Go to a different surgeon. Anyone who makes you feel like that isn't the doctor for you. Fifty-one is not too young--it's the condition of your knees that should direct the decision.
 
Please go to a different surgeon. And then another one after that the next is not wonderful. If you have no recommendations from friends, ask physical therapists. When I first moved back to Ca. that is what I did. I called a pt office and asked for suggestions.
They are more than happy to help
Good Luck
Judy
 
jessymi,
Where are you located? Maybe someone on this group can point you in a direction of a OS who you will feel comfortable with........
I had both of mine replaced in June this year. I was 58 at the time. My OS is more concerned with me getting my life back than my age.... I am now 3.5 months post op and doing well. I will see my OS in 2 weeks and will find out what he thinks of my progress and exactly what my ROM numbers are.
Best,
Crystal
 
Jessy,

Please take the advice of the others and go to another OS. I'm 39 years old, had a LTKR in June, and am so happy I did it. My doc did not EVER question my age, he was more concerned with my quality of life! Keep looking, and you'll find someone that you are comfortable with. I know someone else asked this, but where are you located? Maybe you can get some help finding a new OS from someone on the forum. Keep your head up, and keep looking!
Hess
 
Agree with all of the above. You blow HIM off!
 
Find someone else!!!!
I know they OSs worry about age due to the fact that those of us who are younger will have to probably need to deal with a revision - but ....When it comes to quality of life age is irrelevent. I am 42. We the OS and I started mumbling about Partial Knee replacement after my last scope (2 years ago). By the time I went back to him this June I was too far gone and ended up with a total - It has been a bear - but in the end it will all be worth it!
If you have a primary care dr. talk with them and see if they can reccomend someone - if not - I really like the idea of talking with a PT.
Good Luck -
Marianne
 
What they said!

Do not suffer!

You are getting the traditional advice. More and more docs are willing to do it on younger patients.

My guideline is: when do I want to be mobile--now in my 50s or in my 80s? I'll take my chances on the 80s, thank you :)

Let us know your general geographic area--I bet someone here can recommend someone.

Also, there are websites for checking out surgeons. I forget the links right now, but a search here or on Google should find them.
 
Thanks for all the replys. I think everything just came to a head and I realized I need to do something now. I have an appointment with my primary doctor on Monday, and I will get a new referral from her. By the way I am in Michigan, and do prefer to go to University of Michigan Hospital (this is where I had my first appointment).
 
I thought maybe you were in Michigan because of you're "mi" at the end of your name. Well, I could give you a name over in Kalamazoo, but that's not what you need. Hopefully someone will know a U of M OS. Good luck with your search. I agree with Judy--call PT clinics in Ann Arbor and ask for references. The pt's see patients from all the docs.
 
Yes...As someone in Grand Rapids, I thought you might be another Michigander. Can't help with Ann Arbor surgeons, but there must be many good ones there....
If you decide to do it in Grand Rapids, let me know and I'll recommend :)

Good luck. I'm sure you will soon find one like who will help you.
 
Hi,

Sounds like your first step is to find another doctor! If you live in the Chicago area, the January issue of the 2008 Chicago Magazine lists the 100 finest doctors in all areas of health.These doctors are nominated by their peers. I keep hearing about the weight issue and am concerned because I'm a candidate for KR. Are we talking obese or is chubby a problem, too? Put an "all call" out to anyone in your area for a recommended doctor. Life is way too short to be walking only 1/2 block Good luck to you!
 
Those who have a 'thing' about weight tend to refer to broken link removed: https://www.caloriecounting.co.uk/resources/charts/bmi.htm to make their decisions. 20-25 is considered 'normal' but it should be said that these charts are still the same ones that were drawn up around 1930 by the life insurance people! There is a field of opinion that thinks it's high time there were updated but they've been saying that for years!

So, very often a person's BMI and fitness for surgery/anaesthetic is being judged against the 'normal' of the 1930s!! So a 5' 6" person weighing 190lbs (13 stones) has a BMI of 30 which is obese!

Well, perhaps I'm just looking at it from the wrong side of the scales!
 
Well I dang sure cant give you any better advice than what everyone here already has, but maybe a little insight. The OS said your too young and thats absolute ****! Whoes to say you hurt any less than someone that is 65 or older. Pain is pain and if he says you need the TKR then why isnt he trying to work on getting it done? Move on to someone better. Sorry got off track but some OS are such jerks. About age, im 29 yrs old and im 2 weeks out of my surgery. My OS was a little hesitant but he saw the pain I was in and decided to do it for me to help me and thats what theyre suppose to do. Go get you a good OS and get the relief you deserve. Good luck and God bless. If you have anymore problems just ask away everyone here knows their stuff, dont know what I would do without this place.
 
I agree with all of the above. In my case I am 51 and 100 plus pounds over weight. My doctor told me for the past year that I was to young and too heavy. I went the cortazone and synvisc route with the synvisc to settle behind my kneecap and for a while every time I took a step it felt like my knee cap was going to pop out. Well I saw him after all this and told him I just wanted to walk. He finally agreed to do it and I am going in Nov 3. After 15 years of suffering I will get what I wanted all along. Good luck to you. Please dont suffer any longer.
 
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