TKR How old were you when you got your tkr?

[Catsncoffee76]

I am going to be 47 this October and my doctor is already recommending a tkr, due to severe osteoarthritis in the patella and bone on bone on the median side of the knee. I am already wearing an unloader brace that helps most days, but on the days it doesn't, well, you know how it feels. Am I waiting too long? Would you go ahead and get it done at my age, despite the risks?

My doctor says it's my call and he'll do it when I'm ready. I just don't know if I'm there yet, but I'm scared to wait too long.

 

[Axx72]

50yrs young…March 8, 2023

 

[Axx72]

I am going to be 47 this October and my doctor is already recommending a tkr, due to severe osteoarthritis in the patella and bone on bone on the median side of the knee. I am already wearing an unloader brace that helps most days, but on the days it doesn't, well, you know how it feels. Am I waiting too long? Would you go ahead and get it done at my age, despite the risks?

My doctor says it's my call and he'll do it when I'm ready. I just don't know if I'm there yet, but I'm scared to wait too long.

If you are trying to cope with knee pain day to day, then you should try to get as much info from your OS as possible on side effects possible specific to your condition, what your procedure and prosthesis would include and joint longevity post TKR. Get a bone scan to help you and your OS make the best choice for your TKR. Do your best to physically and mentally prepare yourself before hand. Lots of great advice and info on here from many who have been down that road regardless of it was great, ok, so-so and those having issues. Practice patience and tenacity as you will need both.

No joke, it’s a 1-2 year recovery journey, not a 10-12 week injury that resolves quick. Definitely not a decision lightly made. It was scary to press the go button but if I had to, I would still do it all over again for the chance to get life back. Believe in yourself!

 

[mendogal]

I had both mine this year at age 68. I definitely am in the camp that says "if pain is going to cause you to be inactive so you slowly lose muscle mass, muscle tone, and stamina, then it's time."
Why? Because you want to have a certain level of baseline fitness in order to recover well.
The main thing is.... postop recovery really is a full time job in the sense that all your energy goes to a cycle of elevate-ice-walk that doesn't stop for weeks on end except during the hours you sleep. Being mentally prepared to surrender to that is really key to maintaining morale!

 

[EalingGran]

 I was 66 when I had my PKR. It has taken at least 6 -8 months to recover and it is still improving at 10 months. It was definitely worth it for me because my valgus knee was twisting more and more due to lateral arthritis, with collapse of the joint on that side. This was leading to increased swelling of the knee and pain in the hip and back.
I agree with @mendogal and @Axx72. It is a longish recovery but worth it for most of us. You need to have realistic expectations and a sensible approach to rehab ( gentle but regular exercise and continue with strengthening once you are well enough).
Have a look at the knee score charts here on BoneSmart- put Oxford knee score into the search feature. I wish I had done this pre-op. My knee score has improved since surgery and is now in the good functioning range. But I wish I had my pre-op score to compare.
It is a tough recovery for most of us in the early weeks but worth it if you are already in daily pain.

 

[benne68]

I am going to be 47 this October

We have quite a few BoneSmart members who've had knee replacements in their 40s. One of our staff members was 42 when she had her first knee done. You might want to take a look at her story here
My first TKR at age 42
My second TKR recovery

It's really not your age, but the condition of your knee and how it's limiting your life that should be considered. Once you are bone-on-bone, the knee will only get worse -- and there are risks to waiting too long.

 

[benne68]

Since you are new to the forum, @catsan, I will share BoneSmart's helpful guide -- it's a lot to read, but I'm sure you will find many of these articles helpful as you prepare for surgery.

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:
Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

Regardless of where you are in the process, the website and app My Knee Guide can help you stay organized and informed. The free service keeps all the information pertaining to your surgery and recovery in one place on your smartphone. It is intended to be a personal support tool for the entire process.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing knee recoveries

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

So feel free to ask any questions you have about this surgery and recovery; our members will be happy to share their experiences with you.

 

[Tentcamper]

I'm 69 and had mine done this year.The younger you are, the easier it is to get through this and your skin heals better too. If you're in pain and have the option, I'd lean towards getting it now.

 

[pbfeet]

Hi there! I’m sorry that you’re having enough trouble that this is even on the table. I’m 54 and just had a right TKR in June. Much like others’ stories, I had a torn meniscus that was repaired and was fine for a while before the pain came back a few months later. Another MRI showed that I had a severely extruded meniscus and essentially bone on bone. I pushed through the second half of basketball season with the help of an unloader brace, but that was short-lived. I originally thought I would hold out longer, but my quality of life was in tough shape. I was in pain l the time and couldn’t do much of anything due to the knee. I’m 10 weeks post-op and am feeling pretty decent. My struggle now is determining what I REALLY want to get back to. PT has released me and now I’m transitioning to a program related to where I had PT. Best of luck on your decision. Reach out with any questions at all. This forum has been a huge help to me both before and after surgery! I hope you feel the same way.

 

[kneeper]

I had mine in my 40s. My OS said he usually didn't like to do tkrs in someone so young (there's always the chance that someday it will need to be revised) but that I really needed it. I'm so glad I did it.

But as others have said, prepare for a long recovery. Just because you're on the young side doesn't mean you'll speed through recovery. Still, it was really worth it for me.

Really think about not only the pain but how much your life is limited by your knee, not just your age.

 

[JusticeRider]

I was 44. I had to push for mine at my age, but my life was severely limited and I was in pain every day. I talked to a few surgeons who said I was too young for the surgery, but finally a Dr said “you’re too young to live like this”. That’s exactly how I felt. I didn’t want to waste the best years of my life. The recovery was brutal but I am just past a year post op and have absolutely no regrets. If anything, I wish I could have done it sooner. I think limping around for so long made my recovery more difficult. But now I have my life back!

 

[McG77]

I had a right knee TKR done when I was 44 and am currently in the process of scheduling a PKR for my left knee at 46. Both knees have/had severe arthritis due to 30 plus years of running, playing soccer and a genetic gift handed down from my mom's side of the family.

I was also hesitant to have my first one done because of my age. My decision to proceed was made when my surgeon asked me, "Would you rather be in severe pain and unable to function for the next 10-15 years while you wait to become a more normal age for this surgery, or would you like to get it done now and get back to a more normal life?" His point was made, and I am very thankful he asked me that question. And, after about six weeks into my recovery, my pain was less than it had been before surgery.

It's not a fun process but it was absolutely worth it. I was back hiking in four months and running a few miles a week at the six-month work. I know that's quicker than most, but I dedicated myself to physical therapy like it was my job and I was practically attached to my ice machine for about three months. Those factors coupled with my young age is likely why I was able to return to my normal activities in a relatively short time period. See, there are advantages to being in your 40's and having TKR!

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Good luck!

 

[Catsncoffee76]

Thank you all for your replies and insights. I spoke with my OS today and scheduled the surgery for this January. I'm nervous and trying not to freak out, but I'm glad I'll be getting it done.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

I was 59; 71 now. Quality of life HUGELY improved. If they failed now & I had to do it all again with 12 months recovery, still better off. IMO go for it - oh you did, well done

 

[benne68]

Congratulations on getting your surgery scheduled, @Catsncoffee76!

If you would share the precise date with us, as well as which knee is being replaced, we will create a signature for your profile, and also add you to our January Knee Surgery team so you can connect with others who are having TKRs at the same time.

And please ask questions. We are here to help!

 

[Catsncoffee76]

Congratulations on getting your surgery scheduled, @Catsncoffee76!

If you would share the precise date with us, as well as which knee is being replaced, we will create a signature for your profile, and also add you to our January Knee Surgery team so you can connect with others who are having TKRs at the same time.

And please ask questions. We are here to help!

It's January the 4th, and my left knee.

 

[LeftKnee123]

Had my TKA at 66. I am about 7 months out from surgery now and still “ working on it”. I did not realize how long recovery could take so I would say just be prepared for that possibility. It is great that you have found BoneSmart before your surgery because PT can be ridiculously overdone after surgery. I would do PT or just your own exercising before surgery to be as strong as possible beforehand. You will be resting a lot after. Good luck and welcome!

 

[Catsncoffee76]

Had my TKA at 66. I am about 7 months out from surgery now and still “ working on it”. I did not realize how long recovery could take so I would say just be prepared for that possibility. It is great that you have found BoneSmart before your surgery because PT can be ridiculously overdone after surgery. I would do PT or just your own exercising before surgery to be as strong as possible beforehand. You will be resting a lot after. Good luck and welcome!

I'm very lucky to have a friend who's been through this that sent me to this message board. She's a great support.

 

[Susie-Q]

One of our staff members was 42 when she had her first knee done. You might want to take a look at her story here
My first TKR at age 42
My second TKR recovery

Yep, that's me! The first one at 42 and the second one at 53. I'm glad your doctor is willing to do it, you won't regret it! So many doctors want you to wait until you are older but that just means years of continued pain and your joint won't get better, only worse.

Good luck to you! We'll be here for you after you have your surgery for support, questions, or anything else you might need.

 

[Catsncoffee76]

One of our staff members was 42 when she had her first knee done. You might want to take a look at her story here
My first TKR at age 42
My second TKR recovery

Yep, that's me! The first one at 42 and the second one at 53. I'm glad your doctor is willing to do it, you won't regret it! So many doctors want you to wait until you are older but that just means years of continued pain and your joint won't get better, only worse.

Good luck to you! We'll be here for you after you have your surgery for support, questions, or anything else you might need.

Thank you so much! I'm sure as time draws closer I'll be asking more and more questions.

Due to increasing pain, my surgery has been moved up to December 14th.