New Knee- Advanced Osteoarthritis - Options!

[3offTheTee]

Just had an X Ray back from the doctors to be told I have Advanced Osteoarthritis.

I am early 70’s played sport all my life football, cricket when younger squash until mid 50’s plus other sports and golf for around 40 years.

I have been to a physio who seems to think it is not that bad but Doctor is sending me to a consultant for a second opinion.

Not sure whether cortisone injections may help but only short term.

Looks like a new knee seems the obvious answer and if anybody can offer any advice it would be appreciated

 

[KenL]

I know of a few people with new knees and they are back playing golf, pain free, reasonably quickly.

 

[2blue]

Just had an X Ray back from the doctors to be told I have Advanced Osteoarthritis.

I am early 70’s played sport all my life football, cricket when younger squash until mid 50’s plus other sports and golf for around 40 years.

I have been to a physio who seems to think it is not that bad but Doctor is sending me to a consultant for a second opinion.

Not sure whether cortisone injections may help but only short term.

Looks like a new knee seems the obvious answer and if anybody can offer any advice it would be appreciated

At 75 I'm just a few years older but am in a similar position as regards knee problems though I'm yet to reach the position of "You'll know when you defo need knee replacement" which was what I last heard from my Consultant 5 months ago. Since then I've improved my strength & general conditioning by joining a Gym & have restarted playing tennis after having to quit 20 years ago due to knee, Achilles & rotor cuff issues...... was when I moved to golf. So am at a total loss as to know when to 'call it a day' on the knees I was born with though seeing the Consultant in early March.
Good luck with yours, matey.

 

[Tashyboy]

had this discussion yesterday at the range with a guy who is knocking on 70. Basically his knee is bone on bone and he has been told he needs a new knee. Taking pain killers but they will not treat it. Around this area one of the best places is “ Barlborough”. He know he needs a new knee and is seriously thinking about going private.
Having spoken to a lot of lads who had knee replacements having worked in mining. This time of the year is the best to get them done. 3-4 months physio and then out on the course around April/ May. However, a lot of guys had them cancelled around this time of the year due to NHS strain over the winter months. those that had them done March through to June were bogged off due to missing Golf in the good months.

 

[KenL]

Chap I know went to Lithuania!

 

[fenwayrich]

I'm 66, have had back and knee problems for many years (Ankylosing Spondilytis). My consultant said 'you'll know when you need a new knee' on more than one occasion. I could walk and play 18 holes without too much issue apart from the post match discomfort, so I carried on.

During the summer of 2020 I was in more pain, walking generally was becoming more diffcult and I had to use a buggy for golf, which isn't much fun. I decided that 'this is the time'. Knee specialist agreed and I was on the list. I had to wait until May 2022 to get the first one done. The op went really well due to the fantastic NHS team, recuperation was painful but not as bad as I feared. Eight weeks later I put in an 18 hole competition score. I was still using a buggy because the other knee is in a poor state. Op for that one was due last week but postponed the day before due to bed shortage. No idea when it will be done.

The best advice I had was to do the exercises religiously after the operation, because there is only a relatively short window before you build up scar tissue that can prevent further progress with flexion and extension of the knee joint.

 

[Tashyboy]

I'm 66, have had back and knee problems for many years (Ankylosing Spondilytis). My consultant said 'you'll know when you need a new knee' on more than one occasion. I could walk and play 18 holes without too much issue apart from the post match discomfort, so I carried on.

During the summer of 2020 I was in more pain, walking generally was becoming more diffcult and I had to use a buggy for golf, which isn't much fun. I decided that 'this is the time'. Knee specialist agreed and I was on the list. I had to wait until May 2022 to get the first one done. The op went really well due to the fantastic NHS team, recuperation was painful but not as bad as I feared. Eight weeks later I put in an 18 hole competition score. I was still using a buggy because the other knee is in a poor state. Op for that one was due last week but postponed the day before due to bed shortage. No idea when it will be done.

The best advice I had was to do the exercises religiously after the operation, because there is only a relatively short window before you build up scar tissue that can prevent further progress with flexion and extension of the knee joint.

When you have the other knee done let us know how you go on. Ave spoke to a few folk who have had an excellent job on the first knee but the second has been ok. But not as good as the first, but slightly better than it was. A few other folk have said if it was the first knee operated on they wouldn’t of had a second knee op..
Hope it goes well and you get it done soon.

 

[jamesM]

Four years ago, when I was 75, I got both knees done. One in January and one in March. On July 1 I did first 9 holes on a buggy and on July 22 I did my first 18 also on the buggy. August 23 I played to my handicap. Knees now are great and I was walking the course until recently when I had a stroke. I'm back on the buggy now and I would recommend that if you want to play pain free go for it.

 

[3offTheTee]

Four years ago, when I was 75, I got both knees done. One in January and one in March. On July 1 I did first 9 holes on a buggy and on July 22 I did my first 18 also on the buggy. August 23 I played to my handicap. Knees now are great and I was walking the course until recently when I had a stroke. I'm back on the buggy now and I would recommend that if you want to play pain free go for it.

Thanks for such heartwarming story and pleased you have fully recovered from the knee ops. and the stroke

Welcome to The Forum and probably the best opening/ introductory post ever on here! Brought a tear to my ever.

Appreciate the other comments/help.

 

[SocketRocket]

Chap I know went to Lithuania!

That should wear your knees out.

 

[Tashyboy]

Talking to one of the lads I knew from the Pit on the school run today. We got nattering about golf. He has just started playing a bit more golf. He has had both knees done. One at Barlborough Near Clowne South Yorkshire. And the other at the “ Park” Hospital near Mansfield. Both have a good reputation but he said “the park is a dump”. That said he said both knees are excellent but his right knee gives him some pain at the back of the knee. He has been told “ they think it’s because he was stood like Malcolm McDonald before he had his knees done and because his legs are now straight the ligaments are stretched”. He mentioned it’s nice to now play 18 holes and not be in pain after the round.

 

[oleinone]

I'm in my 73rd year. Had a partial knee last Wednesday. Up on crutches the same day. Day 2 walking with one crutch plus some pretty tough physio. Six days on - little pain. 2.5 hours physio per day including 7km on an exercise bike. My doc said that it's much better from a recovery point of view to have a partial - much less damage to the knee's overall structure. Good luck.

 

[jamesM]

Hi oleinone. Jeepers you are going well. It was a full month before I could do one revolution on the bike. More power to you and keep up the physio. James