Too young for TKR?

[kherbert]

I am only 34 years old, but have had 8 knee surgeries in the last 6 years. My surgeons ship me from one to the next telling me they can do nothing more for me. I've been told by the last three (amazingly always the best in the business...) that I need a knee replacement but they can't do it - I'm just too young. I've had 2 surgeries already this year, and "they" want to do it again. My last surgeon didn't believe my story until after surgery when he said he's never seen such severe damage in someone my age. I need a new knee but amazingly, just like everyone else, he doesn't do them in someone so young.

I understand the issue - they only last so long but - who wants to be so crippled up at 34?

Advise?

 

[JenniferG]

Keep searching... What area are you in, maybe some one here has a OS nearby of more open mind. I was 39 and had both knees done. First OS said loose weight and get older. Can't loose weight if you can't move. One year later and more weight on, second OS sets a date. I was told tears help. They might have and they cetainly weren't crocodile. Best and happy OS hunting.

 

[Josephine]

Oh my! That's a dreadful situation to be in. My heart goes out to you. But please don't give up. You cannot let your life be wasted because of this. And, as Jennifer says, if you must turn on the waterworks then do so - even if you're a man don't let that deter you!

Some facts to arm you with: the reason surgeons are reluctant is because the predicted longevity of TKRs is currently 10-15 years. However, the vast majority are lasting up to 20 years and some even longer. BUT even at 20 years that still gives the possibility of at least 2 revisions, more if something should go wrong.

Little known fact: in the present day, it is a practical and technical impossibility to carry out more than two revisions so the only alternative is an arthrodesis (fixed joint). These were done a lot in my young day but nowadays are rejected as a viable option and quite rightly so. However, the way things are going at present, who knows what would be possible in 20 years time?

Final conclusion: surgeons are reluctant to do TKR/THR on the very young for two principle reasons - the possibility of having to cope with problems ensuing and the possibility of litigation if such problems should occur.

You keep looking - there's a surgeon out there somewhere who is prepared to let you have your life back.

 

[ship4]

When I went for my 4 month check last week the doctor told me he will be taking x-rays at my 1 year visit. Why? To keep track of the spacer (essentially the "cartilage" in the new joint) for deterioration. He then will have me return for x-rays every 2 years. When I get to the point where deterioration is showing in the spacer (I most likely will have no pain), it is time to get a new spacer. This will entail opening my present scar tissue area from this surgery and taking out the old spacer and putting in a new one. It will be much less invasive than a TKR. If a person waits for pain in a TKR when the spacer wears out, they damage the replacement and re-doing that is very invasive........ So, remember to keep going back for those x-rays!
Best,
Crystal

 

[kherbert]

I am a girl - I live near Kansas City, Kansas but would be willing to go just about anywhere I can have this looked at by a good surgeon, provided they take my insurance. I just don't like to cry. It seems so stereo-typical that I would do that. But perhaps it's what they want.

I get so frustrated with the surgeons that tell me what I need but refuse to provide the solution! I realize hind-sight is wonderful, but I'd rather be crippled up at 74 than 34. Also - it's not like I don't know what it's like. My Aunt and my mother have both had both their knees replaced in the last 4 years. I've watched, and helped them to rehabilitate their new joints. I know the pain level, I know the amount of work it will take. I just need a surgeon to see that I can/will do the work!

Earlier this year, I twisted my knee in a new way and ripped off a large chunk of articular cartilage from my femur. I was supposed to undergo a procedure called a Carticel Transplant. However when the surgeon went in to harvest the cartilage, he hold me my bones are disintegrating and I have no good bone to transplant the new cartilage to. Again with the "you need a knee replacement" but he, of course, doesn't do them.

Any ideas where I could/should look for a good surgeon that will look at my case?

 

[justjuls]

I know how you feel. I am just 39 and had my right knee replaced in August. My OS is in Cincinnati. He too said I was too young when he first came into the room to see me but then after my x-rays in his office he said it needed to be done. When I was in the recovery room, I can remember him saying, you definetely needed this and probably some time ago.

You might consider contacting the doctor that handles the Cincinnati Reds and many other professional athletes. He would have done my surgery and was my first choice, but do to an insurance change he couldn't. His name is Dr. Tim Kremchek. He did my scopes previously. If you want more information about it send me a private message. I know people come from all over the country to see him and not just professional athletes.


Juls

 

[Roo73]

My story isn't as long nor as awful as yours, but it took me three surgeons to get the one who didn't immediately say I was too young. They can talk about the knees wearing out all they want, but my theory is that if you drop dead tomorrow (God forbid.) you will have spent that much time in unnecessary pain. I am 53 and was in pain for 5 years. I've done most of the same stuff that the others do prior to replacement. I finally decided it was time for me to stop acting like the doctors were the ones controlling my life and asked around for the best who did surgery on younger patients. I was lucky that this turned out to be a PKR as it will give me another 6-8 years before a TKR shoud be necessary. But at least I've done something improve the quality of my life NOW and if I should end up have multiple replacements and be 80 years old and not able to have another replacement - I'd rather be 80 in a wheelchair than 53 in a wheelchair!!! Keep asking and keep researching - these guys are OUT there!!! I'm not that far actually - central Illinois. Lots of good guys associated with Carle and Christie Clinics in Champaign and Urbana Illinois. Good luck!

 

[Roo73]

P.S. to earlier post - there is a specialty joint place in Indianapolis - don't know the name but you might research it. I know several people (younger ages) who have had their work done there.

 

[1jt@atime]

Kherbert,

Jamie lives in Olathe. She may not see your message here so I recommend you send her a private message. Just click on Private message above, type in Jamie and her name should come up. She's always had a lot of positive things to say about her surgeon. Karen

 

[kherbert]

Thank you all for your replies. I'll research them and see what I can find out.

 

[Jamie]

Kherbert,

Jamie lives in Olathe. She may not see your message here so I recommend you send her a private message. Just click on Private message above, type in Jamie and her name should come up. She's always had a lot of positive things to say about her surgeon. Karen

Karen, God bless you for remembering where I live and suggesting that Kate contact me. I truly believe that she may find some help at the clinic where I went. I have provided her with that information.

Kate.....please either PM me or post a message on the board. All of us here care about you and want things to work out for you. Write soon to let us know how you are doing!!! (((((HUGS, girlfriend!!!))))) We Kansans gotta stick together!

 

[brentlyp]

Forget about that age nonsense! Im 29 and I am a few weeks post op now. Its not fair that an OS would think that your pain is any less than that of someone in their 50's or 60's. I am so glad I had my done I can already tell it was the best decision I could have made. You go find you a good surgeon and get your life back. If you need help ask away. Good luck and God bless.

Brent

 

[kherbert]

Just advising you all that I have an appointment December 4th with the doctor recommended by Jaime.

I'll keep you posted.


Thanks!!

 

[kherbert]

Brent - Thanks for your support on this. I'm moving on it - and hoping this surgeon will listen.

 

[AlaskanTKR]

kherbert-
Don't give up! I started with knee issues in my mid 30s. After 5 scopes I lost a ton of weight htinking - cool- now I will be able to put off the tkr - ughh fell down and went boom twice last winter which finally sent me to the OS in June after trying to hold off - packed a bunch of weight back on because my life went stagnent. Anyway I am 42 - we were hoping to hold until 50 - but.... he saw the last xray and cringed. Even though it has been tough I am sooo glad we did this. I am determined to fix all the other issues that have cropped up this winter - get strong and healthy this summer and SKI next winter! Just the bunny hills - but nontheless - SKI, and walk my dogs and play with my kid!!!! Quality of life is soooooo important - I know I will probably face a revision - but you know what - I wioll deal with that when it happens - but for now I am going to ENJOY my life!!!

Hang in there
Marianne

 

[Jamie]

Just advising you all that I have an appointment December 4th with the doctor recommended by Jaime.

I'll keep you posted.


Thanks!!

I'm so happy for you and I think you will like Dr. Gurba.....he'll tell you straight scoop. Be sure and let us know the result of your appointment!!! Good luck. I'm rootin' for you!!!

Jamie