nursing student needs knee replacement

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 17, 2002

Double knee replacement? Both knees or both bones in one knee? What is the reason you need this?

I was in school with a 67 year old lady who had a total hip and total shoulder. She was already an LPN with an administrative job in LTC.

Total knees are a true miracle for someone with much damage there. They are not, however, as good as a "normal" knee.

There are some limitations to a total knee such as avoiding high impact activity, running, jogging, basketball. Your age should be in your favor.

I have seen many young people with total hips due to RA, Lupus or Sickle Cell Anemia, but I can only think of a few as young as you who had total knees.

Go to a search engine such as http://www.Google.com and enter total knee limitations.

Another option would be a single surface replacement. I'd say get a second opinion also.

As far as nursing school, if you want it then I say go for it. NO education is ever a waste.

kmchugh · Apr 18, 2002

First, how soon does your doc think you need the replacement? Second, GET A SECOND OPINION. Most orthopods will tell you to wait for as long as you can before having joint replacement surgery. I'm 42, and have severe degenerative joint disease in my right knee. I'm holding out. In the best of circumstances, a knee replacement generally lasts about 15 years, then needs to be RE-replaced. Right now, knee replacement surgery can only be done twice on one knee. After that, you are looking at fusion, or something of that nature.

As for being a nurse, that depends on the kind of nursing you want to do. I started out (with the DJD) in an ICU. Worked there with minimal problem for three years before going back for my master's. Nursing is a BIG career field, with a lot of different career paths, so finding something you like to do that fits your physical limitations won't be impossible.

Kevin McHugh

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 18, 2002

"Where does the only twice on one knee" come from? I haven't seen that anywhere in the ortho literature or from naon.

Maula, RN · Apr 18, 2002

I think you should have a positive attitude. Luckily there is a shortage and plenty of positions that are less strenuous on our knees. I would say complete your education and look for a position that suits your condition; you are needed.

sharann, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2002

I'm with Kevin. Have a second opinion yet? I work recovery and I haven't heard of anyone as young as you having to have bilateral knees done (at Hugh Downs age, well...thats another thing). How did this happen? Were you a gymnast or was it a trauma? I would hold off on surg until I had 2 concurring consults.