Total Knee Replacement, TKR (both knees)

[psmith2004]

Hi,
I am 63 / 230 lbs and really getting a lot of pain in both knees. I'm also over weight but hope to remedy this by avoiding food.

One of my knees has had 2 cartilage ops and the other none but an MRI indicated a narrowing gap between the joint for this knee. Although this knee is stronger, it usually gives me more pain. I saw an orthopod a couple of years ago but his glocosamine injections didn't really help. He told me to come back when I couldn't walk 100 yds.

I just wondered if anybody out there has been down the same path and has any advice to give, particularly with respect to choosing a surgeon? My motivation for having the operation is to stop walking around like the tin-man and also to be able to do some recreational windsurfing and bicycling.

Cheers,

Peter

[beallmd]

Well, where do I start? I am 56 and looking at getting both knees done. Only a question of when. My ortho simply says when I can't stand it anymore. The ortho's and esp anesthesiologists def don't recommend doing both at once. Too many problems afterwards. I found it extremely helpful to get a standing Xray of my knees; then it will be obvious what shape the knee's lack of cartilage is in, ask your ortho to get one for you so you can get the real picture for yourself. I can still windsurf but they limit the hours on the water and can swell after-Advil! I can sail on my maui trip about 7-9 days in a row but then I find I need a day off. I can still ski powder as well. But a couple years ago I lost bike riding as my worser knee wouldn't bend enough any more-now I walk the dogs in the desert. When I can't ski powder or windsurf or walk enough, I'll do it. Hope that helps.