new knee?

[mollyL]

I have a form of arthritis that is not only a whole bunch of fun () but has rendered my right knee pretty unusable. A knee replacement is definitely something that will happen sometime, but my orthopaedic surgeon tells me that I am quite young for knee replacement (at least I'm too young for something!), and that if I had a knee replacement done now, I might have to have a whole new procedure done when I am in my 70s or 80s.
Anybody out there had knee replacement done in your 40s or 50s? Were you told the same thing? Have you any input for me?

[baldmonkee]

I've never had one, but I know a lot of athletes(retired professional football players and wrestlers) have had it done in their forties or fifties. You might want to check out ortho's who specialize in sports injuries to get a better idea.

[Calypso]

A colleague of mine who is in her fifties just found out that her knee is basically "bone on bone." Her doctor is recommending a knee replacement within the next year. He didn't say anything about her having to have it done again when she's older, but I'll definitely tell her to ask about that.

[mollyL]

I spoke with a few friends at my church who had had knee replacements and they recommended them enthusiastically. When I told them that I might need to get another knee later on, both of them said "So?" They said they would go through it again. They both said that their knee pain is zero to negligible. I am nearly convinced; some other stuff will have to occur before I can have it done. I'll let you know what the next chapter in this saga may be.

[riskey58]

I know a couple of people who have had knee replacements. they came through it just fine. One took some what longer to get over it. But everyone is different.

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by mollyL

I have a form of arthritis that is not only a whole bunch of fun () but has rendered my right knee pretty unusable. A knee replacement is definitely something that will happen sometime, but my orthopaedic surgeon tells me that I am quite young for knee replacement (at least I'm too young for something!), and that if I had a knee replacement done now, I might have to have a whole new procedure done when I am in my 70s or 80s.
Anybody out there had knee replacement done in your 40s or 50s? Were you told the same thing? Have you any input for me?

It seems to me that if your knee is unusable now, you should have the choice to have it replaced now. They can do the second replacement later.

I would think it more important for you to maintain your mobility to maintain your health and weight, that any inconvenience to the surgeon.

I have a friend who had a knee replaced and he is in his 40's. In your shoes I would look for a surgeon who is willing to perform the surgery.

[micheal]

Is it that bad to the point where your knee is out of commission?

[Serenity]

We have a family friend who was a fireman and he was forced into early retirement because his knees had got so bad. All that up and down ladders for decades took its toll and he just couldn't do the job anymore.

He opted for the knee replacement at just under 40 and said it was no problem at all. He also loved that it let him get back into doing sports that he'd gave up years before and he was able to run around with his son more.

[justontime]

My father in law had both knee joints replaced, he is much older than the man you mention, but it has been delighted with the results, he is much more active now.

[Swastik]

I don't know much about this thing but you can ahve a second doctor opinion as what doctor can suggest no one else can suggest.

[Taggart]

Sorry I don't know of anyone who had a joint replaced when they were "young" but I've definitely heard good responses too from patients who've had the surgery.

I think follow-up therapy is very important.

[justontime]

A family friend had a knee replacement when she was about 50 and had to have it done again less than 15 years later, but all this happened a number of years ago.