:::::::::::::waving::::::::::  ME!  ME!  ME!  I did! 

I have degenerative disc disease also and Fibro.Oh I have TMJ real bad and having surgery on that Wed.They told me today I will have to have Total Joint Replacement in the right TMJ joint. My jaw is killing me and if I am not working I am taking Lortabs.I hate it and hope after this surgery I get some relief.I know I have Artheritis bad and its getting worse even though I lost 110 lbs.Any advise is needed and appreciated.I went through RNY last June then a mass on my Adrenal gland and had that taken out 6 mo ago.Now this .It never ends for me.My heart,BP and diabetes is gone as well as my sleep apnea.So that is good huh? Dee

I can idenitfy with you somewhat.  I have osteoarthritis and have had both knees partially replaced.  Just came home yesterday from the left knee replacement surgery.  It is not total knee, just the inside of each knee.  Had the right done last year.  I can tell you that besides my WLS, it is the best thing I could have done.  I too was told no because I was under 50.  They say that because the knees wear out after 10-15 years depending on your activity level.  I am not a jogger or very physical.  The pain in my right knee has gone away and that made the decision for me to go ahead and get the left one done.  I tried the shots and fluid replacement, they didn't help.  I had no alternative.  You deserve to live without pain and you can insist it get done.  If it has to be replaced in 15 years, so be it.  You will not regret it. Best wishes. Patty

Patty yes thank you for the reply. I have medicare only and since having wls have had 2 additional surgeries. Paying on bills and 20% can add up. I have Rheumatoid and it affects every part of my body and some organs. I have bone spurs and nodules that can be a pain at times cause they are between my knee joints. I am sorry that you have arthritis and have had so many surgeries. I put off so many medical things cause of financial difficulties. I put this off for so long that it has gotten to where I hate being mobile sometimes. I guess being told that I am not 50 also made it a harder decision and thinking medicare would not pay for it cause I was not 50 or older. I wish you much prayer and hope you get some relief as I wish the same for me. I have surgery february 6th. LOL.

I have exhausted all options it seems and now face total knee replacement in a couple of weeks. Both need to be done but the right one is bent and hitting up against the left one causing me to walk with a limp and very much pain. I have to use my cane a lot and if I am down I am down or up I am up. What I am asking is there anyone not over 50 who has medicare who has to or have had total knee replacement and did well with it? I am almost 3 yrs post-op wls and wondered if the knee surgery took away all most or some of the debilitating pain and was it worth having the knee surgery? I guess I am wishing that no pain be there after the surgery except the surgery pain of course, but will I be able to walk ok and without a lot of pain as before or will my leg be shorter? I am scared a bit also. Please any input will help to ease things. I am 46 soon to be 47 in march and will I have to have it done again in 10 yrs as I have seen and heard from some. My great aunt whom is 88 just had it done and her knee shifted and pushed back so they had to redo it 1 month after. She says she can't tell if it is the surgery pain or the initial pain since she is so new out.