I too suffer with an affliction to the left knee. I've had over 22 surgeries. The last one being in 1999. Since that last operation, I've been in pain "Hell_". I've seen specialist after specialist. They all agree I need a replacement. But I'm too young. I'm over 50 now, I can't even put weight on my left leg. I'm up at nights as the pain is even worse when I'm not moving.
I've severe drug allergies and can't even take tylenol or aspirin and no anti inflammatory's. I recently had a bone density test done (1 week ago) and my left knee exrays show it to be all white. This means there is something amiss and that it's not all in my head.
I've been told to lose weight, I lost over 120 pounds in total. The pain is even worse.
I have MS and am very limited. I have a scooter, I've used for years. Now I've put it to rest. As I've given up on our Health Care System.
50 is not too young for knee replacement, not if pain is severe and other options have been exhausted. The latest technology is expected to last 30 years on average!
I understand the pain and no painkillers dilemma. I also can't have tylenol or any anti-inflammatories, and it is a dreadful situation.
Can you go to a good knee surgeon again? Make it clear that you can't live with the pain. If you do indeed have mechanical problems in the knee such as cartilage loss, they should be willing to consider replacement.
Is there anything you can do to reduce the pain? Any drugs? Heat or cold? Swimming?
I used to swim every day 140 laps. Then my MS flared up and I was bed ridden for 5 years. I started walking, slowly but surely, I started to build my muscles up. Got to the point where I was able to do 3.5 miles with my dog in under an hour. This was up until this last monday. Tuesday came, I couldn't make it to the corner of our block. My knee is so swollen, I can't bend it at all. But it's all in my head.
I'm on statex long lasting and short lasting. The short lasting gives me pain relief for about 10 minutes. I ice my knee 4 times a day for 20-30 minutes. No relief. I've no idea what else I can do. I will just keep trying to walk till I can't get up then dial 911. I've been fighting this battle since 1999, I'm tired and I've almost given up on our health care system
to help me.
I thank you for your kind words and understanding. Please take care & have a super fantastical day.
Here in the US they like you to be 50 if at all possible. Is there any way to come here or find another surgeon there? 50 is a fairly reasonable age to have it done. Many athletes have it done by then. I think you need another doctor.
The Following User Says Thank You to Titchou For This Useful Post: Anastazya (10-24-2011)
Well, I had an assessment done on my left knee at the Surgical Assessment Centre just this past monday. A physio therapist & a surgeon both examined my knee & looked at my xrays. They concluded that I do need to have surgery to determine the severity of the damage in my left knee. On the day of my assessment they could actually visualize how swollen my knee was, as well they could also feel how my knee clicked & locked. Since the assessment was done, my knee is even worse. I can no longer put weight on that leg & am confined to the house. No stairs, no walking, just a severe amount of pain that is actually knocking me out cold. That is the only way I get sleep is when I'm knocked out. I've no idea how long I will have to wait for surgery, but time is of the essence for moi. I wish I could say things are better, but they simply are not.
The following user gives a hug of support to Anastazya: janewhite1 (11-13-2011)
