Experienced Arthritics Here?
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Forum Discussion
I have had arthroscopic on my knee several times... it always helped... first time I tore my meniscus at work (approx age 40), recovery was fairly quick as I did the recommended therapy religiously. second time, tore meniscus again, different doctor who also cleaned up a lot of rough cartilage on back of kneecap, recovery was again fairly quick and painless, excluding my discomfort during therapy. third time, second doctor cleaned up more arthritic cartilage in knee and trimmed meniscus more... recovery was slower (age was now 50+) and I admit I didn't push therapy as hard (my fault).. I also went back to work in a very stressful situation and didn't keep up my walking and moving every hour as I did previously.
the surgery helped each time, and bought me time prior to TKR. I am hoping to hold off on TKR until I am in my 60's, so that new knees will last and not need repair/redo when I am in my late 70's or 80's. (yes I expect to be around that long, and have family history to back it up) for me, the steroid injection I had did not help at all, and the synovisc ones were not an option with my allergies.
My opinion is the surgery will help if there is a specific diagnosis to correct, but will not necessarily prevent the need for TKR at some point. I will say the arthroscopic requires 4-6 hours at hospital and home walking (maybe with crutches)that day. TKR requires a lot more hospital time and may require inpatient therapy somewhere.
Staying active and continuing to do the leg lifts, walking and bike riding recommended after previous surgery is helping to keep the TKR held off until I am really ready.
the surgery helped each time, and bought me time prior to TKR. I am hoping to hold off on TKR until I am in my 60's, so that new knees will last and not need repair/redo when I am in my late 70's or 80's. (yes I expect to be around that long, and have family history to back it up) for me, the steroid injection I had did not help at all, and the synovisc ones were not an option with my allergies.
My opinion is the surgery will help if there is a specific diagnosis to correct, but will not necessarily prevent the need for TKR at some point. I will say the arthroscopic requires 4-6 hours at hospital and home walking (maybe with crutches)that day. TKR requires a lot more hospital time and may require inpatient therapy somewhere.
Staying active and continuing to do the leg lifts, walking and bike riding recommended after previous surgery is helping to keep the TKR held off until I am really ready.
