I went to the doctor after having new pain in my knees…i've had 15 yrs of cartilage & ligament problems..and was basically told that all the ops that ive had in the past (4) were for nothing, and will never help the problem that i have.

Kind of annoys me, this specialist here in Switzerland took 5 mins to see it, and in the uk no-one told me anything, just kept doing quick fixes and trimming the cartilage etc.

So apparently i need to have my legs cut below the knee then have a wedge put in and the bones will fix themselves straight. This scares me alot, even though i know that it will be done in a controlled way etc..

All i want to do is walk and ride my bike that i have only just recently finished!

sorry for the post, just had to get it off my chest..

Run Forrest Run!

Can you see a second specialist to make sure that before committing to such a significant operation they both agree?
How's Fabi taking the news?

Sorry to hear that, not anything to say that will help just wanted to show some solidarity for another injured rider. I'm waiting for my second hip op and havent ridden a bike for nearly two years. Its a nightmare but try to stay positive.

Thanks, will try to get a second opinion from another specialist..tricky thing is finding one rated as good as this guy..

Well she is more calm than i am, said we'll do what we must do to get me fixed. Means our honeymoon might be on hold for a bit..

Years of wearing kilts can do that to a man !
Are you going to have to pay for this op?
Just think "Litespeed" and riding it once the op is over….:-)

I have had 5 operations on my right knee and my specialist informs me that I have the knee of a 60 year old. At 39 this is not the greatest news!!

I firmly believe that although each operation was necessary at the time the long term effects of 'key hole surgery' are not good.

Thankfully I can ride without any pain but forget running or rugby which was my real passion!!

at 28, ive got knees that are shot..

well we'll have to see re: insurance, but i think likely yes!

thing is, if ive done sth to the knee, this op wont fix that..but would make sure that my knees dont need to work at about 200%..

2nd opinion for sure before agreeing to such surgery

well we'll have to see re: insurance, but i think likely yes!

Not sure of your situation i.e. on an expat assignment from the UK or a "localised" expat permanently based in Switzerland but either way your insurance should cover the operation if it is "medically necessary".

If you have health insurance through your employer or you have an individual Swiss PMI plan, your coverage will be very good. Swiss law requires insurers to offer mandatory levels of cover which generally far exceed most requirements in other countries.

2nd the 2nd opinion.

Hope you get mended.

thanks, yup 2nd opinion is being searched. At the moment no surgery has been agreed to yet, first have to have some physio then mri & x-rays…

I have moved out to switzerland and recently got married (wife is Swiss). I have an insurance, but this specialist only operates on private or semi-private insurance. I currently have the basic one, so im looking at my options..

I was told similar due to being slightly bow legged – I didn't know either until I was told. That was 9 years ago, I'm so glad I didn't go through with that – my knees at 44 don't seem any or much worse that anyone else I ride with.

Really look into it, straightening the lower legs will put all new types of load angles on ankles and hips. And, there is the recovery…..

It may be for you though if things are that bad, I'm no expert, just know that I made the right descision for me at the time.