I need a knee replacement

Cork Lass

Hi all,

Firstly, I'm not looking for advice as there really is no other option but to have my knee replaced as it's very arthritic. I sustained a lot of damage to my leg as a result of an accident in my teens. Now, at age 52, I've been told I will have to have it replaced sooner rather than later. Realistically I imagine this will be done in the Spring. I'm coming to terms with it but just want to hear other people's experiences. I'm very active and would be a regular at spinning class. Has anyone one here found themselves in this position and how did things work out for them?

Thanks in advance

horsey63

I had my first knee replacement at the age of 40, (developed early osteoarthritis partly due to hockey/horseriding & having cartilages removed in the late 70's) that knee is still going strong some 13 years later. Other knee got into trouble in 2010, saw a different surgeon as the original one had left Dublin, he put in an uncemented one and very long story short it was a disaster, ended up contacting the original surgeon who had moved to Galway and following a consultation he said I had to have a revision knee replacement which I did in 2014. Knee replacements are a very successful operation, if I had one word of advice is to make sure your surgeon is very experienced and also question what type of implant they intend to use.

Water John

Horsey's advice is very right. Hip is straightforward. Be sure to get the right surgeon for knee, more tricky. Needs to be lined up right.
Maybe I can check, its possible. I'll pm you if I get a name in a few days.
Your man won the gold medal in the show jumping at 58, having had a hip replacement 5 years ago. Your a chisler.

Cork Lass

horsey63 wrote: »

I had my first knee replacement at the age of 40, (developed early osteoarthritis partly due to hockey/horseriding & having cartilages removed in the late 70's) that knee is still going strong some 13 years later. Other knee got into trouble in 2010, saw a different surgeon as the original one had left Dublin, he put in an uncemented one and very long story short it was a disaster, ended up contacting the original surgeon who had moved to Galway and following a consultation he said I had to have a revision knee replacement which I did in 2014. Knee replacements are a very successful operation, if I had one word of advice is to make sure your surgeon is very experienced and also question what type of implant they intend to use.

Thanks for that. My GP recommended a surgeon here in Cork that is supposed to be very good - tbh I trust my GP as he's never sent me to anyone but the best. I didn't know there were different types of implants so I will look into that. Horsey, did you have any difficulty returning to sports afterwards?

horsey63

I never questioned about the different types of implants, as I said, my first cemented one is doing fab, and so when the other knee failed I just assumed that the outcome would be the same......wrong !! I was 47 getting the second one done, I knew by 6 weeks that my recovery was not as easy but only at the 6 month checkup did I become aware that I had an uncemented one in, there is an argument that uncemented knees are 'better' for the younger more active patients but more recent data coming out shows a much higher failure rate, so do check it out for yourself.

Returning to sport was ok, the only restriction was high impact sports, I got back to doing a little bit of horseriding (happy hacking as I call it), cycling, walking and swimming. Try and keep as active as possible prior to surgery as this really helps, plus keep those quads as strong as possible.

Cork Lass

horsey63 wrote: »

I never questioned about the different types of implants, as I said, my first cemented one is doing fab, and so when the other knee failed I just assumed that the outcome would be the same......wrong !! I was 47 getting the second one done, I knew by 6 weeks that my recovery was not as easy but only at the 6 month checkup did I become aware that I had an uncemented one in, there is an argument that uncemented knees are 'better' for the younger more active patients but more recent data coming out shows a much higher failure rate, so do check it out for yourself.

Returning to sport was ok, the only restriction was high impact sports, I got back to doing a little bit of horseriding (happy hacking as I call it), cycling, walking and swimming. Try and keep as active as possible prior to surgery as this really helps, plus keep those quads as strong as possible.

Thanks. I will definitely do some research re the implant. I'm normally very active, spinning at least 4 times a week along with some indoor rowing and some fitness classes. I had a scope this week so am having a few days down time but hope to be back in the gym tomorrow doing some low impact stuff. I'm also going to Physio fort nightly to keep the muscles strong. I might look at getting swimming lessons as I'm not a great swimmer but imagine it would be a good alternative for the early days of recovery.

CavanGilly

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone has recommendations for a surgeon to do knee replacement? I have had my knee scoped twice the last time was in 2012, and at that stage the surgeon told me that there was little he could do as there was bone rubbing of bone. I think he didn't mention a replacement at the time as i was only 41. I am now at the stage where i think that i do need a replacement but i want to make sure i go to a good surgeon. Can anyone recommend or where could i check to see who would be the best? I live in Cavan.

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Cork Lass

I'm having mine done next Tuesday by Shane Guerin in Cork. My GP rates him very highly. I'll report back after the op.

CavanGilly

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If you will go to Dublin try for an appointment with Maurice Neligan.

Thank you.

CavanGilly

Cork Lass wrote: »

I'm having mine done next Tuesday by Shane Guerin in Cork. My GP rates him very highly. I'll report back after the op.

Good luck with it

horsey63

CavanGilly wrote: »

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone has recommendations for a surgeon to do knee replacement? I have had my knee scoped twice the last time was in 2012, and at that stage the surgeon told me that there was little he could do as there was bone rubbing of bone. I think he didn't mention a replacement at the time as i was only 41. I am now at the stage where i think that i do need a replacement but i want to make sure i go to a good surgeon. Can anyone recommend or where could i check to see who would be the best? I live in Cavan.

My advice would be to look up the guys in Santry Sports Clinic, epecially Mark Jackson, Denis Collins. I was 40 when I had my first knee replacement so it can be done at a young age.

CavanGilly

horsey63 wrote: »

My advice would be to look up the guys in Santry Sports Clinic, epecially Mark Jackson, Denis Collins. I was 40 when I had my first knee replacement so it can be done at a young age.

Thanks. I have an appointment with Ray Moran in SSC. My physio has referred patients to him previously and all surgeries have been successful.

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horsey63

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Have to say I do agree with you in so far as he was the first person I saw about my knees back in 2000, back then he told me he didnt do knee replacements and referred me onto the best ever Paraic Murray (now in Galway Clinic), Paraic was replaced by Denis Collins. I thought that Ray Moran mainly did ACL & sports injuries. Anyway, you're going to see a top guy so best of luck and hopefully he'll sort you out.

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CavanGilly

Thanks everyone, really appreciate it.

Plse God I get sorted. I had a hip replacement last year which I have recovered well from and can actually tie a shoe lace again But the problems I have had with my knee down through the years have deteriorated it quicker as I was overcompensating because of my hip.

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CavanGilly

Thanks a mill.

Glad you got sorted. I will see what Moran says next week and if he offers no solutions I will get a second opinion. Physio isn't an option, there was bone rubbing of bone 5 yrs ago and no amount of physio is going to ease that.

Am I right in saying Maurice Nelligan is based in The Beacon? If so, my insurance doesn't cover that facility unfortunately.

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horsey63

CavanGilly wrote: »

Thanks a mill.

Glad you got sorted. I will see what Moran says next week and if he offers no solutions I will get a second opinion. Physio isn't an option, there was bone rubbing of bone 5 yrs ago and no amount of physio is going to ease that.

Am I right in saying Maurice Nelligan is based in The Beacon? If so, my insurance doesn't cover that facility unfortunately.

Don't worry, if Ray Moran won't do the knee replacement for you, he will refer you in house to one of his colleagues, some very good surgeons up there like Mark Jackson/Mihai Vioreanu/Denis Collins. If you are bone on bone well then the outcome is inevitable, only one word of advice is to ask what type of implant the surgeon plans to use, I have learnt the hard way that the non-cemented ones are a disaster !!!

CavanGilly

horsey63 wrote: »

Don't worry, if Ray Moran won't do the knee replacement for you, he will refer you in house to one of his colleagues, some very good surgeons up there like Mark Jackson/Mihai Vioreanu/Denis Collins. If you are bone on bone well then the outcome is inevitable, only one word of advice is to ask what type of implant the surgeon plans to use, I have learnt the hard way that the non-cemented ones are a disaster !!!

Thanks again. Great to get the advice. I would be so clueless😑

Cork Lass

I'm just home today having had surgery on Tuesday. All went well but it's very painful. I had it done under spinal anaesthetic and was sedated but aware for what was going on. A surreal experience for sure but definitely felt better much quicker than having a general. From here on now it's up to me to keep on top of my exercises and Physio.

CavanGilly

Ah the best of luck with your recovery. You must be so relieved to have it all over with. Yeah the exercises and physio sessions can be tough but it is so worth it and I am sure you will fly through it. Did they say how long the recovery is i.e. how long off driving and work?

Cork Lass

Roughly about 6 weeks but for some it's a bit less. Thank God for strong medication.

CavanGilly

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Well listen, if you dont get any joy with Ray Moran - just go get a second opinion.

I wasted loads of time (a couple of years) with one guy (Fergal McGoldrick) who basically refused to help and kept sending me for more physio and it wasnt working and he was blaming me etc.... He basically strung me along and I should have gone for a second opinion way sooner. I was sorted within 6 weeks when I saw someone else (Maurice Neligan).

That's awful to spin you along like that especially when there is so much plain and discomfort with joint pain. I hope you have recovered well.

CavanGilly

Cork Lass wrote: »

Roughly about 6 weeks but for some it's a bit less. Thank God for strong medication.

That's sounds great. All the best with your recovery. Yeah you are right, God bless the drugs😂

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rebel girl 15

Cork Lass wrote: »

I'm having mine done next Tuesday by Shane Guerin in Cork. My GP rates him very highly. I'll report back after the op.

Someone close to me has had their hip replaced by him and will possibly have their knee done. Very straightforward guy to deal with - can come across as a little odd in terms of what he wants you to do, for example any sign of infection you ring his office not your GP and things like that, but his handiwork is amazing. Wants things done his way, but gets fantastic results.

Best of luck with the physio, its a pain in the backside but well worth it at the end

Cork Lass

Thanks Rebel Girl. Yeah, started Physio last week and it's very hard. I know it will be worth it but I've never experienced pain like it :eek:

CavanGilly

Stick with it Cork Lass, it will deffo be worth it

I met with my consultant a couple of weeks ago and he is going to discuss my case with his colleagues. He seems reluctant to go for replacement given my age but I want a quality of life. I the meantime I am getting an injection into it on Thursday for the pain. I doubt it will do much good but I suppose no harm in trying.

horsey63

CavanGilly wrote: »

Stick with it Cork Lass, it will deffo be worth it

I met with my consultant a couple of weeks ago and he is going to discuss my case with his colleagues. He seems reluctant to go for replacement given my age but I want a quality of life. I the meantime I am getting an injection into it on Thursday for the pain. I doubt it will do much good but I suppose no harm in trying.

glad your consultation went well, but to be honest, you're bone on bone and the relief you get from a steroid injection might be very short lived. I had my first knee replacement at 40 and I agree its all about quality of life, I'm sure he has told you that there is a high probability that you will need a revision knee replacement down the line but for me that was a risk worth taking. The one that was put in at 40 is still functioning 14 years later, but the one put in by a different surgeon (original guy went to the galway clinic) only lasted 2 years as it was a non cemented one and never 'took'. Good luck with the injection

Cork Lass

I'm 22 days post op now and it's going grand. Movement is very stiff but I'm sure I'll get there. I was mainly bone on bone but I never had the injections. I went straight to the main event. I'm almost 53 so may need a revision down the line but that's a worry for another day.

Cork Lass

Ok, 10 weeks post op and I just thought I'd post an update and look for some advice from others. Things have not gone well for me and I have a very stiff leg. I went back to my consultant today and he is bringing me back in for a manipulation next week. I'm devastated- I've worked so hard, both before and after the surgery. If I'm being honest I'd be the first to I'd accuse anyone needing a manipulation of not doing their excerses but I have worked so hard!! Has anyone else found the in this situation and if so, how did it work out for them?

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horsey63

Cork Lass wrote: »

Ok, 10 weeks post op and I just thought I'd post an update and look for some advice from others. Things have not gone well for me and I have a very stiff leg. I went back to my consultant today and he is bringing me back in for a manipulation next week. I'm devastated- I've worked so hard, both before and after the surgery. If I'm being honest I'd be the first to I'd accuse anyone needing a manipulation of not doing their excerses but I have worked so hard!! Has anyone else found the in this situation and if so, how did it work out for them?

Whats your bend measured at ? believe it or not, 10 weeks is still early so try not and worry, I have had both knees replaced and one revision. I had an MUA on the very first replacement to break up a little bit of scar tissue and the minute I woke up I felt a difference, didnt need it on other replacement or revision.

Cork Lass

horsey63 wrote: »

Whats your bend measured at ? believe it or not, 10 weeks is still early so try not and worry, I have had both knees replaced and one revision. I had an MUA on the very first replacement to break up a little bit of scar tissue and the minute I woke up I felt a difference, didnt need it on other replacement or revision.

I left hospital with a bend of 75 and 10 weeks later it's 78. I'm minus 15 on the straighten. I'm pinning my hopes in th MUA.

horsey63

Cork Lass wrote: »

I left hospital with a bend of 75 and 10 weeks later it's 78. I'm minus 15 on the straighten. I'm pinning my hopes in th MUA.

ok, you're a little behind at 78 degrees at 10 weeks, however, a bend can improve over months so although you're a little down at the moment, try and keep the chin up, this WILL improve. Is there any chance that you have been overdoing it ? overdoing the exercises can be just as much of a problem as doing too little. I found the Bonesmart website very helpful. Good luck with the MUA.

Cork Lass

In hindsight maybe I did overdo things, I hadn't looked at it like that. I found it so hard not to be up and about as I'm normally so active. Once I have the MUA on Tuesday I will make sure to rest more and give myself time to recover.

horsey63

Cork Lass wrote: »

In hindsight maybe I did overdo things, I hadn't looked at it like that. I found it so hard not to be up and about as I'm normally so active. Once I have the MUA on Tuesday I will make sure to rest more and give myself time to recover.

I certainly overdid the exercises on replacement no.1 and that is the one I ended up having an MUA, I was 40 at the time and was of the mindset, I'm young, strong, and it will be a walk in the park plus you are bombarded at the pre-assessment and post physio sessions that exercise is the ultimate key to a successful replacement, and I panicked because I wanted it to work so that I could get back to my normal life of work and kids. Physio's will tell you that they have to push 95% of patients but there are a few where they have to say 'slow down' ! My subsequent replacement and revision have gone fine. Good luck on Tuesday.

Cork Lass

horsey63 wrote: »

I certainly overdid the exercises on replacement no.1 and that is the one I ended up having an MUA, I was 40 at the time and was of the mindset, I'm young, strong, and it will be a walk in the park plus you are bombarded at the pre-assessment and post physio sessions that exercise is the ultimate key to a successful replacement, and I panicked because I wanted it to work so that I could get back to my normal life of work and kids. Physio's will tell you that they have to push 95% of patients but there are a few where they have to say 'slow down' ! My subsequent replacement and revision have gone fine. Good luck on Tuesday.

Thanks Horsey63. Sounds like we are very similar. Out of curiosity, how long did it take you to get back to normal after the MUA?

horsey63

Cork Lass wrote: »

Thanks Horsey63. Sounds like we are very similar. Out of curiosity, how long did it take you to get back to normal after the MUA?

When I woke up I instantly knew there was a difference in the knee, now I didnt suddenly go from an 80 to a 110 bend, but it felt 'looser'. My surgeon told me not to do any of knee rehab exercises for 2 weeks as he had given it a huge workout during the MUA. So I just did my normal day to day activities and slowly it improved, I saw him 6 weeks after the procedure which equated to 4 months post op and I had a 105 bend and by the 6 month checkup, I was 110 which was fine. So I learnt the lesson, 'sometimes less is more' !!

Cork Lass

Thanks for that - you've been very helpful

shinabhil

@corklass,

How is your recovery going, can I ask where you had your surgery ?
I am due for replacement surgery July 3rd next and found the forum bonesmart very helpful www.bonesmart.com
I had my left knee replaced in 2012 and it has been a wonderful success, I have taken my new knee to many new and exciting places throughout the world, that would have been impossible for me prior to that surgery. My right knee is next on the list and I am hoping for an equal success. It has shocked me just how fast and furious the degeneration took with my right knee.

Cork Lass

Hi Shinabhil. I had my surgery done on 28th Feb in the South Infirmary here in Cork. I would highly recommend the facility but I have been unfortunate with the knee and am not recovering well at all. On X-ray it looks perfect but I have been left with a stiff knee which I cannot either straighten or bend sufficiently. I had a manipulation a few weeks ago and am due to have another in three weeks time. My surgeon has been very understanding and is trying his best to resolve this but at this point I am not feeling very positive. Prior to the surgery I was very fit and I felt this would help my recovery as I'm also quite young for this surgery. I guess I'm just one of the unlucky ones. Good luck with your procedure.

shinabhil

I had my left knee done in the south too on Feb 27th! but 5 years ago, it was a good experience I agree. The surgeon I was under then is doing very limited work in the south at the moment though. So I have to go elsewhere for his service this time...

My memory from 2012 was it was almost August (5 months on) when one day my other half said to me while out walking... look your not lagging behind and it dawned on me then that I was well on the road with my recovery. I am sorry to hear your having trouble with your bend and straightening if you get a moment pop over to www.bonesmart.com and check out the post-op recovery threads and maybe have a look at the
https://bonesmart.org/forum/categories/knee-replacement.7/ there is lots of positive stories there and tips and hints too.

https://bonesmart.org/knee/mua-manipulation-under-anesthesia/

Cork Lass

Thanks Shinabhil. I've been on that site and yeah, it's very good. I will revisit it and see if I find anything useful. I've been to g.p. Today and have started strong anti inflammatories and muscle relaxants so that may help. Fingers crossed

TheRiverman

I haven't read all the posts here,but an Orthopaedic Surgeon I would highly recommend to anyone for knee replacement is David Cogley,who is the son of the recently deceased former RTE broadcaster and Head Of Sport Fred Cogley RIP.He operates in the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore and the Hermitage Clinic in Dublin.My wife had both knees replaced by him,one in 2014 and the other in 2015 and they have been a great success.

Drapac

Has anybody had a knee replacement done by Maurice Nelligan Jr.

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Drapac

Thank you.