Knee Replacements at age 40??

Hi everyone,

I had RNY in 2006 in Mexico.  I have lost 130 pounds and have had 20 of those creep back on within the past year.  I was in YMCA Boot Camp last year and my left knee swelled up and I could not walk on it.  I was told I have arthritus in both my knees and have bone on bone in my left.  I have tried everything from braces, physical therapy, shots of all kinds, celebrex. shoe inserts, and lots more.  I have now found a doctor that will do a total replacement on my left knee, but would like me to wait a little longer because I am only 39 years old.  How am I suppose to loose the weight to make myself feel better, when it hurts to walk.  I am in tears after shopping at Walmart.  I can't go on like this anymore.  Has anyone had experience with a Total Knee replacement at age of 40??  I would love to hear your thoughts on this.  Thanks so much for all your help.

I can relate with you more than you know. I just turned 40 and have had 6 knee scope surgeries within the past 7 years. I have been told that I need to total knee replacements, however, I am way to young. I went to three different surgeons and all told me the same exact thing....that I needed to wait about another 10-15 years. I busted out in tears. I could not believe what I was hearing. I knew that I could NOT continue this way of life for 10-15 more years. All three surgeons all told me to lose weight. I understand what you mean by being in so much pain and barley being able to walk, much less exercise and loose weight. It is indeed a vicious cycle,

I am on the other side of your situation, Hoping that after I have surgery (in 16 days) that I will get some relief from losing weight. I tried everything you have as well, except this last doctor put me on Mobic. I prefer that over Celebrex. As a matter of fact, my WLS doctor made me stop taking it for surgery but I can start back up afterwards and I can tell a MAJOR difference. If you haven't tried Mobic, try it! 

I wish you all the best and most of all, relief from the terrible, daily pain that you are in.

(((((HUGS))))

Here is my story, I am 44 turning 45 the 28th of June. I was injured at work in October 2011 taking a student to office. I strained so hard I tore my meniscus also hit my knee on the door.which I had MRI Ive tried injections I had Orthopaedic Surgery  needless to say that hasn't helped. I have perment restriction at work which will follow me. My knee don't hurt, it bjust goes out without warning. Im thankful it don't hurt. but I have to hold on to buggy in store. or if walking in park I have to take ahold of my husbands arm with only 30 minutes of walking. I use to walk around block enjoy yardsales southern womens show I cant do that anymore because my knee not stable even with a brace.I push myself this has really impacted my life as well as my husbands.I go back to my surgeon on July17,2014 to let him know how the injection worked this time it hasn't, my family don't want me to have total knee replacement but I don't see any way around it. ive packed on some pounds about 20 but it the sameas it was the day it was injured. No lawyer will tounch it. To be honest I just want to walk,and shop as long as I want. NOT to when my knee goes out which is no more than 30 nminutes.it swells a brace don't work.any advice or tips. I work for the government . Just finished my BA psychology was working on becoming a behavior specialist I have permentant restriction cant work with students that are aggressive DUE TO MY INJURY!

 

Sorry your are in so much pain. I am in the same boat needing double knee replacements. I've been reading that strenghthening the outer leg muscles helps the knees by swinging your legs out and across the center by holding onto a chair. I also found some Sketcher like shoes from SEARS, com Dr. Scholls $59.99 with free shipping that have really helped me walk alot better and longer without the pain. I also take fishoil with tumeric in it for my arthritis in my feet,knees and now shoulders. Hope you feel better soon.

I'll soon be 52, and they're STILL telling me I'm too young for knee replacements, because they have a limited lifespan. Seems that the second time they replace them they often don't do well, too.

I've lost 165 pounds, which has helped---but I swear my knees would hurt if I didn't weigh but 90 pounds. The SynVisc shots help me quite a bit, but my insurance will only cover then once per 12 months (cheap *******s), and the doc says everyone who takes them really should have them every six months.

On the good side, six years ago Canada was trialing a new form fo knee surgery that actually replaced the cartilage, and it was a much less invasive procedure. I need to check on that again---maybe the US will be doing it soon.

   lady,come on !!

I have also been told I'm too young to have knee replacement surgery. The doctor's I've seen have told me they want me to be at least in my 60's, that's twenty more yrs of dealing with this pain. From what they told me, the replacements last 20 yrs, so that is their reasoning for waiting so long before having one done. By the time it wore out, I'd be too old to bother with another one, I guess. lol I hope you get some form of relief and aren't suffering soon!

I feel your pain.  I have been dealing with knee pain for over 10 years now and I am 45 years old now.  You will not hardly find a surgeon to replace your knees at your age because you will need more surgery in 15 years or less depending on your size.  I see one of the OH replies below stated 20 years.  I have not had anyone tell me a knee replacement would last that long,  You should ask about some phyical therpies to help manage the pain.  Good luck to you!

I had knee replacement last year at age 44.  I was in so much pain I limped everywhere. I could barely walk from parking lot into my office.  You shouldn't have to be in pain no matter what your age.  Good luck.  Hope you can get your knee replacement soon. 

Hello, I'm reading this 4 years later, and was wondering about your total knee. Are you glad that you did it and would you do it again. I'm 45 and I need a total knee, but my doctor wants me to wait. I would love to hear about how you are doing.