Comments on: New Knees a year later

By: Jackie M

Jackie M — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:53:51 +0000

It has now been a year since my surgery. I am so blessed to be walking and enjoying normal life. I still am in constant pain from my knee down to my toes. Because of the disinfectant they used during surgery, I came out with massive blisters all over my lower legs from being burned, The doctors had never had this happen before and called in many consultants, There is total sensitivity in my legs and a tightness in my foot and anklle. Nights are the worst to deal with. Sometimes I feel like my knee and I are in our own little world. I will always be thankful for my husband never leaving my side for my three week stay in the hospital. He made sure I was never in need of anything. I'm still glad I had the surgery done, but I did get tired of finding no answers to the aftermath of burns. My prayers are for all of you that are having problems.
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By: joyce aurich

joyce aurich — Tue, 10 May 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Read my former post two years back.
Still in a lot of pain. Lots of Scar tissue which has been manulipated twice. good range of motion .

Don't jnow why lam still in lots of pain…any suggestions?

By: Jackie M

Jackie M — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:35:08 +0000

Has anyone had problems with the prep iodine they used for the operation? I had massive blood blisters right after and still have nerve pain and swelling.

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:42:43 +0000

WOW – So sad to hear of the bad experiences from many! I was 44 (3 years ago) when I had my first knee replacement. The docs. had me med-managed with not much support prior to the knee replacement. Had the greatest surgeon with full support and I now have a quality of life! I never could lose weight becuz I would work out, swell up and then back to healing for 3 – 4 days. The greatest thing I can offer is: Work that knee so you get the most mobility – it can move, but won't if you won't! Find a doctor that believes in pain meds.!! The PT states my Docs. patients do the best because they can do the work! Also, water PT was the difference of night and day! Find PT with water if you can Pain did last a while and I am sometimes with pain, but I lost 4 sizes, hike, ride horses, dirt bike and the quality of life is awesome. Your putting your life in someone else's hands – research the doctor! I just turned 47 and going in for my second replacement. I played so hard, I finished off my other bad knee. Another trick (you would be surprised!) Get a wii fit with a balance board. I have done more knee strengthening with that thing, is fun and I get to challenge myself and others! Did more for me than the boring PT excercises. Good luck!

By: Ed Henry Jr

Ed Henry Jr — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:13:42 +0000

I current have a medial partial knee replacement in my left knee and a lateral partial knee replacement in my right leg. The medial side of my right knee is becoming painful and I have recently consulted with the orthopedic surgeon that has been responsible for the past two surgeries described. He has suggested a medial partial be place in the right knee alongside the existing lateral partial in the right knee (two partials in one knee). I have pursued a second professional option which strongly opposed two partials in one knee and stated I should only consider a total knee replacement as my next step. He further stated that partial knee surgeries make it much more difficult to perform a total knee replacement because the end of the bones are now altered making conventional locating and fixturing points are nonfunctional. I’m unable to find any information on two partials in one knee and I realize this is an unconventional surgery but biomechanically, invasively and general recovery seems to me to be advantaged. The original surgeon has done a fine job by me and did tell me this was an unconventional surgical technique. He stated he a successful performed this particular surgery on 25 patients with positive results. All opinions, statements and / or recommendations would be appreciated.

By: Sharon New Orleans

Sharon New Orleans — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:25:04 +0000

I had bilatral tkr 02/2008 left knee and 04/2009 right knee, and I was 45 yrs old and overweight and I can never stop thanking the Doctor that did my surgeries he gave me back my quality of life and I would do it again in a heartbeat, Oh yes physical therapy was hell and a lot of pain but Oh My God I can walk without people staring at me. You have to research and find the best no matter what the cost or distance also thank God I had health insurance at work. Be Blessed Ya'll

By: Nathan

Nathan — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:19:23 +0000

I had arthroscopic surgery on August 7, 2009. It is now July 29, 2010 and I still get on and off sharp pain in my knee. When will this heal? Is there anything I can do to fully recover. I have had months of therapy and a cortisone injection above the area of pain. Also I have some arthritis in back of the knee that was repaired (a small meniscus tear).. I'm over 50 and was told that it could take up to a year to heal. At this point (nearly a year) I need some help or perhaps treatment. Any suggestions or help here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in reading and perhaps answering my plea for help.
Nathan

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:03:54 +0000

I am 47 years old and had a bad fall at work that severly affected my arthritis as well as tearing the medial meniscus. It took 6 months to be approved for surgery. At first it would have only been arthroscopic but because they waited so long the knee degenerated to the point of totally collapsing. The pain was excuriating and I could barely walk let alone work. I had surgery on May 3, 2010, and have to say it has been remarkably low pain. The majority of the pain is around the knee where it feels heavy and thick. I was told it was because they had to cut in the muscles and do extra work because of my weight. My biggest issue is getting more flexability, strength, being able to stand for more than 15-20 minutes, walk more than 2/10 of a mile without spasms in my hip and back. I decided to end outpatient therapy because it took to long to recover from each session. I am in the pool now doing exercises which is easier, less painful and working. The biggest question I have now is when is an acceptable time to go back to work. I work in a large office with only one bathroom wich is a little distance from my desk. There are days where I can be walking around most of the days and others at my desk all day. If I am sitting too long my legs sweel because I am unable to elevate them. Originally, I was scheduled for 3 1/2 months off of work but workers comp wants me back after 2 months. I look forward to your comments.

By: Ruth Ayers

Ruth Ayers — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:19:02 +0000

I’m 3 months postop for a Rt TKR. My experience was good. Everything was explained to me in detail. The hospital was excellent and my surgeon great. My saving grace was my husband and my darling PT worker. My husband waited on my hand and foot for 4 weeks. Fed me and got my pain medicine. I’m still on Darvocet.
I an 69 and not overweight and have been active all my life. I was determined to do well and have done my PT regularly. My knee still feels numb sometimes and hurt (level 2) most of the time. I can’t get groceries without using the store’s electric cart. I get my shopping done , get it in the car, get home, put my food up and then I have to ice the knee and rest for an hour. I am looking forward to getting my endurance back and being able to run after my granddaughters. (and catch them!) I went out and hit a few golf balls the other day and did okey. BABY STEPS. My advise is to rest and exercise and keep a positive attitude. All in good time. I’m impatient and wanted everything the minute I woke up from surgery. It’s taken 69 years to get my knee in the shape it was in and it’s going to take some months to get it better. Hang in there. I may get my left knee done in six months.

By: Bruce Warner

Bruce Warner — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:47:46 +0000

It’s been three years since my replacement. I only had one knee replaced, which was caused by an injury and a 6 year battle with Worker’s Comp. Anyway, following the total right knee replacement, I was released to physical therapy. Being a OWCP issue, my job for the next five months was physical therapy. I never miss, nor was I late for a session. The facility I used was attached to and used the equipment at a Gold’s Gym. I was there as often and as long as possible. I had days where I really wanted to grab the meds, but decided to save that as a last resort. My feeling about pain is that it’s a messenger, not an enemy. I’ll never forget the day the therapist simply bent my knee and almost put me in a coma. Doesn’t matter now, I’ve gotten past all of that. At the end of Physical Therapy I signed my wife and I up as gym members. I was repeatedly told that the doctor put the equipment in, the therapist ensured it would work, but it was up to me to really break it in. It took two full years to realize that I had broken down all the scar tissue. My brother had his left knee replace about four months after my right knee was replaced and asked a bunch of questions about what my experience had been.I was really doing what I wanted with my life. I also took off 120 pounds (didn’t want anyone thinking I was in good shape to begin with). I still need to peal off another 25-30 pounds, but feel basically good. My wife and I go to the gym five days a week. The “kids” there come to me for advice, feeling I know more about personal training than the trainers at our new gym (LA Fitness). Having completed my personal trainer courses and exam, I might have to agree with the kids. My range of motion is at the full limit of the mechanical device. Kneeling is out, as is running, but I do elliptical and incline treadmill at rates high enough to get my heart rate up. Okay, I’m the poster child for success, but as my doctor said at yesterday’s 3 year check-up, if everyone would do what I did, everyone would have the same level of success. Did it hurt, YES. Was it pleasant, NO. Was it worth it, HELL YES!!! You can listen all you want, but the bottom line is that it’s up to you to make the difference. It’s what YOU do that means success or failure.