I will be reaching my 4th year after my Tibial Osteotomy in the next few months.
I’m so glad that I had this surgery rather than a knee replacement. Over the summer I met a silightly elder relative who had a partial knee replacement a year ago and it was noticeable that he was unable to walk as he used to. Now that may be due to that person no following his physio regime and picking up bad habits. The Osteotomy does defer a knee operation to much later in life. I’m glad to report that I do not carry those traits whatsoever; I took physio very seriously.
I’m still going to the gym and pushing weights. I do notice weakness at times and whenever I do hillclimbing, I’m always worried about being steady on my feet during a hill descend on uneven surfaces.
Over the last few months I am feeling pain in my left knee in a similar spot and thinking of seeing a specialist about an Osteotomy on my left leg…its not as bad as my right knee during the height of my pain but may kick this off in the new year.
4 years ago (2018), I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
Red Alert or False Alarm?
The last 3-4 weeks in the UK have been pretty cold, albeit lacking with rainfall.
As part of my work routine, I normally go out for a 45 minute walk before I start work; also grabbing a coffee from the high street. I also get to the Gym most lunchtimes and spend 40 minutes. Using the treadmill is going well and continuing to use the weights does work
In the last 2-3 weeks, I have started to feel similar pains in my treated knee as I did before my operation although more focused to the front of the knee. Gauging the pain on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is no pain), I would say a 3 or 4 as I know it is there. It’s not causing me issues in daily activity but it does raise questions and is beginning to play on my mind.
I am going to carry on with my routine and just monitor the pain for now and hoping its a combination of age (I’m not 25 anymore ! ) and weather. Things will get better soon
I may need to do a search other blogs to get a view of what I can do to push my confidence back up.
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
In my last blog post I mentioned being diagnosed as being on the range as Pre-diabetic (type 2) – this means my last blood test showed my blood sugar to be higher than normal. This has made me urgently realise I need to make life changes to bring my blood sugar levels to a point that avoids me taking medication, or being affected by actually having Diabetes.
For the past 6 weeks I have worked on reducing my food portions, eating less sugary food and increasing my exercise intensity.
I have dropped 4kg in weight. My weight now is 105kg and my target is to get to 90kg in the next 60 days.
Eating less processed meat, eating more vegetarian dishes. For Diwali, we had Spinach Paneer, Pumpkin Curry and Roti.
I have kept my knee exercises on point also and with the recent weight loss, I am feeling less of the pain. Previously and on some days, I do feel pain around the scar, joint pain in the knee . This will not go away completely, however it has lessoned considerably since my weight loss regime.
As the weather has become colder, I feel a lot better than the same time last year.
This does go back to the advice that was shared post Tibial Osteotomy of losing weight and eating healthily. I have found it difficult but have found my stride (albeit via another health condition) and expect to continue.
I am thinking of taking up Yoga now; some of the stretch positions put the knee in some painful positions for me but I’ll give it a go to see how it fares.
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
I walked for probably a mile along here. Picture taken in beautiful Wales as part of our family staycation, 2021
I’ve not been blogging recently and its not that everything is back to normal. Working from home on a permanent basis due to Covid-19 in the UK just makes every day blend into one another. It used to be so great commuting into London and being connected to real people, and not via Zoom or Teams. That really grates me.
So this week, my annual blood test results came back and I have been diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes. This means my blood sugar is on the borderline of being type2 diabetic, but not fully.
I need to change my diet and make changes so that I can get my sugar levels to a steady low-risk state.
I do go to the gym 4/5 times a week to work out. The leg strength training continues but I think I need to step up the exercises more in order to lose my weight.
I’m 108kg and need to get to 100kg as good marker. At present I can run on a treadmill for 30 minutes. I really want to start jogging but I am worried about the pain it will bring back.
Having just turned 51, recovery takes a while but I want to get to a point where I can run more freely while carrying less weight to shift.
For my Osteotomy, this is a must and I need to get on this journey asap. I have used the Nike training app to help with core strength training, I’ll have to look for some medium intensity work outs to help lose the calories.
My real test is to shed the weight, get running and fall of the “risk list” of diabetes
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
When I go out for a ride on my mountain bike, it feels like drivers have less care for other road users. Is it just me or are people becoming more impatient on the roads. Where exactly are they going during Covid lockdown??
Ok so I am in the same boat as everyone else around the world. Working from home, social distancing and COVID lockdown. Gyms are closed!! At least I have had my 1st COVID vaccination (hoorah!)
In recent weeks I have experienced scar swellings and on occasion knee pain in the same area as before. The swelling has kept me awake at night and have been tempted to scratch. Using a soothing cream has helped. I am hoping the knee pain is due to not being able to do specific weight training exercises, but it is troubling. I really do not want to get a knee replacement just yet.
I have found a good exercise app ( by a well known sports brand). I am doing 30minute exercise sprints on line that help build/maintain my core strength and stamina. It has helped in parts but I need to check in again on whether I need to go back to my specialist.
Anyone else experiencing a recurring pain a few years after the Tibial Osteotemy?
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation as I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed an alternative to a knee replacement operation.
In 2019, I went under the surgeons knife again to have the metal plates removed from my leg. I am writing this blog to help others who may be starting their own recovery journey
If you enjoy reading my blog entry, don’t forget to like, follow, share and comment!
Its been a while since my last post in December 2019. The rubbish winter in the UK has been extremely wet and damp, I did miss the snow. 2020 is my year to be surgery free and to get stronger.
At work my role changed to become the regional lead for the Microsoft Azure Professional Services practice for DXC Technology (large American IT systems Integrator). This does mean longer hours but at least I am able to work from home.
Working from home has allowed me to visit the gym more frequently and for 2 -3 days a week, I focus on weight training and it really has helped. The key exercises that made a difference are shown below.
Hamstring buildingLeg extension
I did have to take my time and build up strength gradually.
Prior to my operation, I never focused on leg weight training and it was only when I went through Physiotherapy the physio explained the impact of muscle mass improving stability and stamina.
For me it has helped with better leg movement, reduction of swelling and increased stamina. As the months have elapsed I have noticed the difference.
I am probably at 75% mobility in my knee and the pains have substantially decreased (but still not gone)
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
It has been a long time since I posted a blog, recovering from an umbilical hernia and then getting mad busy at work have caused distractions.
This is the second year of operations for me and requiring time to recover (removal of metal plates from leg and then an umbilical hernia repair) just makes things look shitty as you are forced to make life adjustments to make sure recovery is good. Now I have clear runway to do more challenging things..
I met with a good friend this week who wants to do a few triathlons, 10k runs and cycle sportive in 2020 and he got me excited – however a reality check is needed.
So…I have been scratching around on what I can do physically….I’d love to take part in running. I can run on a treadmill but road running is painful. Also my knee is still suspect to heavy workouts…if I walk more than 8km, I feel swelling and pain. I have been adding muscle mass to compensate but the pain is still there.
Cycling it has to be !
Maybe a few 30 and 50 Mile events in the UK for starters that commence in March. At least there is a target and a training plan to make up; from now until then..
Later in the year, would be great to take part in the UK Coast to Coast cycle, a few days on the road on a MTB. See here
Some days I feel like I can swim, bike and run, other days it feels like I need to get an electric bike and pretend to burn the calories.
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation as I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed an alternative to a knee replacement operation.
If you enjoyed reading my blog entry, don’t forget to like, follow, share and comment!
nothing like a good slip on the sidewalk !
In October 2019, I took the family to San Francisco for a 5 day break. Flying non-stop from Heathrow was great as the flight left the UK early and arriving in the USA at 1pm, this meant we still had a full day; however American immigration had other ideas as we queued for over 2 hours to go through passport control.
The holiday was going well, I was walking freely and pain free and I did forget about my operation earlier in the year until day 2 when we were walking to a breakfast diner and slipped on the pavement. As I walked over damp metal grating, I lost my footing. All I remember was trying to retain my balance as much as I could so that I don’t look like a complete lemon as I hit the deck.
I hit the ground with my right knee (my operated leg) and boy did I feel it. The kids and Loiza helped me up; I didn’t want to make a fuss.
As we sat in the diner, my knee began to throb and by the afternoon, I had to switch out from the trousers I was wearing and into a pair of shorts. My knee was aching and the swelling around the knee was excessive.
I didn’t take a photo of my own knee but the image below sums it up..
Sums up the size of my knee!
I felt annoyed and sorry for myself (stupid, I know). I am seriously doubting if my health can ever be 100% again if a simple fall can set you back.
I ended up buying a knee brace from CVS to help me walk (and cycle over the San Francisco Bridge) and taking Naproxin to reduce the swelling. 4 days on and the swelling and pain is under control.
Doubt is now creeping in about my recovery – thinking I am back to normal to soon.
On a side note, I did manage to walk up to the Coit Tower to take this amazing picture of the bay bridge.
In January 2018, I underwent a Tibial Osteotomy operation at the One Hatfield Hospital in the UK. I had been suffering from the onset of arthritis on my right knee and needed a solution that would avoid a knee replacement operation and get my life back to some level of normality.
If you enjoyed reading my blog entry, don’t forget to like, follow, share and comment!
Was having the Tibial Osteotomy worth it?
No doubt there have been some days recently where I have been questioning myself on the same point. I have started to feel some of the pre-operation pain from time to time in the last few months. As I had the metal plated removed 6 months ago, there is still some pain and swelling as the bone re-grows- I may confusing this pain with what I experienced a few years ago. I need to see in another 6 months.
The Osteotomy is not a miracle cure: rather it has halted the arthritis and its pain giving the patient many aspects of an active lifestyle back.
The inevitable action of a knee replacement is just deferred and on that point I would say yes, it has been worth it.
What would have happened if you didn’t have the operation?
It would have been expensive physio sessions and Cortisone steroid injections while I wait for a knee replacement (partial or full). I am still in my 40’s so what happens after 15 years ? Knee replacements are meant to last between 15-20 years right?
What changes have you noticed?
My leg is a lot straighter than it was before. I am more active now and travelling is back on the agenda.
I am losing weight but its not fast enough. I guess I am more cautious in not pushing myself too much and I need to rest up more.
What lifestyle changes have you made since the operation 1.5 years on?
Eating a healthier diet and trying to lose weight.
Keeping to the physio strength exercises as a regular routine
Building strength and stamina around the knee (I never did this before and has made a big difference)
Knowing my limits and resting more
Would you have the same operation on the other knee?
I am experiencing pain in my left knee but it is not as painful as my right knee. I am 50/50 at the moment as the operation/ recovery time/ adjusting to work is not easy and takes a lot out of a person. Maybe a question to ask next year.
If you have any questions, drop me a question in the comments boxand I will be happy to share my experiences with you.
Just a short Blog this week. As per last week I wanted to share single point of view on the positive impact of the Tibial Osteotomy can have. The image below was taken from the One Hatfield Hospital’s monthly publication.
You can see in the left hand image the surgical requirements Mr Minhal Chatoo orchestrated pre-operation. On the right hand side you can clearly see the surgical correction.
Accuracy of the surgery has to be at 95-98%. For all the planning it really is up to the expertise and training of the surgeon. I cannot recommend Mr Chatoo enough. There are a number of experts like him in the UK and worth looking into this type of operation as it saves on having a knee replacement operation.
Will I Run Again 