Knees..

Norty, you are going to have to wait until they find out the source of the pain and then see what can be done.
Of the five people I know who've had knee replacements, only two are pleased (regardless of NHS/private)
Hoovering out (if appropriate) - non invasive, quick and brings some relief.
Where the pain comes and goes (like mine) I opted in the end to do nothing, as surgery can often result in less mobility, not more.

I've seen the specialist already and had an MRI scan. It would appear that he doesn't think a hoovering out job will make an appreciative difference, but didn't write what else could be done. It would seem that I have classic dashboard knee, I'd never heard about this before, but it looks like I have it in both knees. The rear accruciate ligament was torn years ago when I was injured in both knees (among other things) in a car accident over 20 years ago. Whilst they've always given me gip, lately it's much worse. I walk with an almost constant limp and my left knee is perminantly sore and aches. I've not been able to kneel on them for longer than a minute or so before the pain gets too much since the accident.

So I'm worried then that I may be pain free, which would be wonderful, but my movement still not improved. I was hoping that once it was done I could get back to walking or swimming normally. MrN and I are hoping to travel, I don't want to carry on being hop a long Norty as it's so exhausting, boring and I've been doing it for years.
Now I'm sounding petulant..

See Arena's posting above.
Save

Yes I will don't worry, 

Update: I'm having intensive physio with the hope I can get my knees as flexible as I can, but if the pain doesn't improve (I've been here before, so not holding much hope) I'm going to have keyhole surgery. My PCL is buggered but mostly attached so there is nothing they are prepared to do about it, but they will go in and fix a couple of things as well as hoovering out.

I have bought an exercise bike which folds away which allows my knees to exercise without the pounding of walking. I'm quite enjoying it and have named it Sir Chris! I just need three friends on theirs and we can become contenders for the team pursuit! Lol

Some years ago I seriously damaged a leg. I actually snapped the tendons that attach the main thigh muscle. When it happened I actually thought someone had shot me!

I borrowed an exercise bike. The view was utterly boring so as soon as I was at least hobbling I got on my proper bike and slowly increased the distance. But it took the best part of a year to heal, and one leg is still a slightly different shape from the other.

Good luck Norty. A bit of grit and determination and I am sure things will improve. If not, then you have at least improved the old cardiovascular!

You know what, things are improving, whilst I get hot and sweaty with Sir Chris my knees are slowly but surely moving better. I managed to go up the internal flat stairs without hauling myself up using the banister. Small victory but I'm happy.

I've also write down the stats from every ride, which make interesting reading. On tired working days I don't get so far. All except last Tuesday, I was telling MrN about my annoyance with the HT and shoving yet more on my teaching plate, I peddled faster than ever and my overall distance was further than before. Lol