Degenerative Arthritis in the knees

I was recently diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my knees. The doctor told me that I need a total knee replacement in both knees but won't do the operation due to my weight. (419 lb.) I am about to lose my job as well and now won't be able to work at anything else.  Can anyone give me any positive input on what to do?


Mysty

Hi Mysty
I am in the same boat you are.  I went to the orothopedic and he said I have to lose at least 50 lbs before he will touch my knees.  I too need bilateral knee replacements.  I have now gone to the surgeon to have the Vertical Sleeve surgery.  They are doing so many test on me it is not even funny.  I have to have a stress test, endoscopy and a colonoscopy before the surgeon will do my VSG.  I recently loss my job too.  However, I still have ins. with my husband. Which I am very grateful.
It is hard.  I have tried several diets and I lose the weight and then I gain it back and more.  I am afraid of the surgery but I have no choice unless I want to end up in a wheelchair.  I am 58 yrs old and I would like to think I have a few more years on me.  My knees kill me.  I go shopping and have to sit down several times.  If I go to the grocery store I have started riding on the store scooters it hurts so much.  I only know that the Good Lord will not put anymore than we can bare.   I am trying to have a positive attitude.  The part I worry about the most is in my mind.  I don't drink and I don't smoke eating was the one pleasure that I had.  I have to realize that for 58 years I never worried about what I ate and enjoyed many nice dinners and food.  Now I am paying for it.  I wish you the best but with the help of the Lord we both will come through this part of our life's journey.

Darlene

I have osteo arthritis in both knees. I was having trouble walking one block. I had RNY Wls surgery about 3 months ago. It has changed my life. I walk everywhere, and didnt need a cortisone shot just to go to work for the first time in about 5 years.

My doctor said I may still need surgery, but not for now. It was worth it!!! Keep pushing forward and stay positive. Do your homework and listen to your doctors.
cc

My husband won't let me have weight loss surgery. He is certain that it will kill me. I want it desperatly.

Mysty, you have my total sympathy.  I'm 54 now and my severe arthritis in my knees was diagnosed when I was about 36.  I was told I would need knee replacement but I could probably delay it until I was 65 if I lost 100 lbs.  At the time I weighed about 260.  I lost 30 lbs and gained back more.  I was successful at losing weight on weigh****chers but the most I ever lost was 88 lbs.  I got to my goal weight with that weight loss (at age 25) and promptly gained back 120 lbs.  I did that over and over again until I just couldn't get my head to believe in dieting anymore.  I knew I would just regain it and more.

When I got to my maximum weight of 428 I could barely walk through the house and I was in constant pain.  I had my surgery in December and have lost about 100 lbs. now.  I still have severe arthritis but I can walk most places now without extreme pain.  When I want to go shopping I still get a scooter or take my rollator but I have improved SO much.  When I get my weight down to an acceptable weight for surgery I will have the knees replaced - I really want to be able to be active again.

My doctor convinced me that at over 400 lbs. my chances of successfully losing this weight without surgery were almost nil.  Considering my past history of weight losses and regains I believed him - I had no more faith in my own ability to get the weight off anymore.  The more  you and your husband learn about the surgeries and their success rates, the more comfortable you should both feel.  Go to the seminars and workshops offered in your area to learn more - you aren't obligated for anything and they usually have question and answer sessions.

Good luck!

I understand you pain completely.  I have the same thing and just had my 4th knee surgery two weeks ago.  I was unable to exercise due to the pain let alone walk through a store or just go for a walk.  I don't know what kind of job you have but I was fortunate enough I found a job where I can set most of the day. It has it good points and bad points of course.  For every pound that is lost it reduces the stress on the hip and knee joints by 4 pounds. 

As I see it the worst case scenario for you would be to be forced to apply for medicare and or medicade and they both cover wls if deemed medically neccesary (each state has it owns regulations).

Keep your head straight and try to stay positive
and explore your options.

If you need to chat or want any other information just email me here or off line [email protected]

never settle for less than you deserve and you deserve only the best.

Hugs

Lori

Baltimore

hey lori...i have had 8 surgeries on my leg and back. my pcp has approved the surgery and he had to before medicaid would pay. i would like to know which doc's do the surgery. i have talked with a few people that has used dr. keith in norman. ca you help?

edie

edie :

I am not sure what you are asking help with I live in Baltimore Md.  My surgeon is Dr. John Gordon.  I am hoping that I can the approval for the RNY and not have to have a TKR for some time.

on 3-18 -09  i had wls  because in 1-2009  i was to large  to have an open mri  on my drs  machine i have dar to both knees  i could not walk  25 ft  and i used a walker   on today   i would have the surg  again i  had the surg to fit the machine   but i don't need  the surg i don't use a walker any more i am to cheap to buy a scale  so, i only weigh @ the drs office  iistarted@ 330lbs  i use a cart @ super walmart because  i am lazey    i did not have ins  i applied for medicare and recieved  it  on  the first try    they will check  your work record they said i worked an averageof 19 hrs a day for24 yr -i am also  a workaholic-  @ this time they  only pay for rny

You have my sympathy.  I ws in your boat about 1.5 yars ago.  411 lbs and told my knees would not last another 5-6 years and they would not do surgery at that weight.  I had the lap band surgery and have done very well with it.  I am down to about 250 lbs.  I was so afraid of the bypass it was not even an option for me.  I know my family was worried but they started asking questions and were very supportive.

I know for me the "band" rules, were a big help before the surgery.  The biggest help was keeping a food diary.  I found myself not eating thngs because I did not want to write it down.  Even though I knew it was for me and no one else would know weather I wrote it down or not. 

Ther are many sources for the band rules but if you go to the lapband board someone can help you more, I use the ones my Dr. gave me and they ar simple.

1. no carbination
2.  no caffeine
3. a minimum of 64 oz of fluid a day
4. 40-50 g of protien daily
5. no drinking 30 min before, during or 60 min after a meal
6. 3 meals a day
7. protein first.  then one fruit or startch then fill up on veggies
8. remember to put the fork down between bites.  This way you ahve time to sence full.
9.  if you feel hungry drink somthing and wait 20-30 minutes. most adults can't tell the difference between thurst and hunger.
10. only take 30 minutes for eating then stop regardless of how you feel.
11 Chew, chew, chew (this is  very important for banders so things don't gt stuck)
12.  find a support group - overeaters announious, or any WL or health group it is so much easier to do with someone.
13 exercise.  start small even if it i s lifting 1/2 lb weights many times, parking a little further away, taking the long way around if possible.

I am not good at them all.  I started wiht the no carbination and caffeine and 64 oz rule.  It made a great difference.

Hope you find something that helps!!!  PM me if you want to talk further.  I can't help but I am a good listner (or ion this case reader)

 

Michele S.