New Knee?

beyond the blue

beyond the blue

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Neil
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Anyone on here had a new knee op on the NHS? If so how bad did it get before you qualified? I started having trouble with my left knee about 10 years ago, at that time I could walk about a mile before it started to swell up and then took a couple of days on anti-inflammatory tablets before I could walk another mile. After putting up with that for the next 3 years I finally had a scan that showed natural "wear and tear" but at 59 I was too young to be considered for a new knee. Well another 7 years later I am down to 500yds and the doctor has said at my age I might now be considered and has referred me to a specialist. So how bad do I have to get before something will be done on the NHS.
 
Expect a long waiting list. I tore my cruciate ligament, gave up in the end and went private.
My wifes currently waiting for attention to her knee. She's been waiting 6 months, has moved from one list to another they seem to have a few so they can report on a short(er) waiting list time...
 
Had a replacement done nearly 5 years ago at age 65.

Background - a schoolboy rugby injury caused a piece of bone to separate (ligament didn't snap but pulled away a piece of bone). This was screwed back and a year later another operation to remove the screws. Played a lot of sport and did a lot of hiking and all performed well. Fast forward to about 10 years ago and was constantly in pain after walking any distance. NHS referral was going to take too long so paid to see a specialist who did a tidy up operation. Said it would give up to 5 years before needing a replacement. Gave me 6 years.

Advice from the specialist was not to leave it too late as the muscles will suffer.

Daughter is a physio and she said the opposite. Having said that she is more likely to be working with people who have problems after surgery.

Finally went for surgery when I saw GP about a cortisone injection in the knee (had already had a number over the years). GP said why are we messing around with injection, you need a replacement. Was referred and job was completed about 6 months from then.

Surgery went well but I have some reduced flexion but am pain free. Would I follow a similar route again - yes, definitely.

If I was in your situation, I would aim for replacement but would recommend building up your leg muscles now.

Hope this helps.
Ken
 
from various news reports it seem most health districts are "Rationing" Knee and hip surgery...So where you live might be just as important as to how disabling it is.
 
I am getting the full not half knee done fairly soon.

Mine was originally elective but now seen as urgent following my stroke in December. Need the knee done to assist the rehab to get me walking independetly.

Seems the younger you are/impact on indepentent living issues the higher up the list you go.

Still we need £110Bn for a weapon system that we will never use.....
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
from various news reports it seem most health districts are "Rationing" Knee and hip surgery...So where you live might be just as important as to how disabling it is.
Click to expand...

I saw a TV news item last week about Warwickshire area NHS doing some "rationing" unless it wasn't possible to get a nights sleep, but the authorities were quick to deny it. They banded about a figure of £6K for a knee replacement, If I have to go private I suppose £6K is achievable but it will take some finding as I live on a state pension, but we will see what, if anything, is offered.
 
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