Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement

@soprano2 I have a lot of allergies too and had to give up having pierced ears. I just wanted to welcome you to Connect.

Jennifer

The $600 blood test was only for metals and bone cement. I don't have access to my records right now to give you the exact name of the lab.
My orthopedic surgeon ordered this test at my request and explained that insurance ( I have Medicare with a Plan F supplement) will not cover this test. He was correct, I petitioned to have them pay and they would not.
The doctor ordered the test, did the blood draw in the orthopedic surgical center and shipped it off to a lab in Illinois from Missouri. Best decision I ever made.
I am considering PRP injections as my next move. At least these injections are made from platelets drawn from my own blood.
One note, I verified I am allergic to acrylics and other adhesives from the 5 Day Extended Patch Test. I blister up from Band-Aids and Liquid Bandage will inflame inches away from the site. Bone Cement doesn't contain the acrylic or other allergens I have, it would be safe as verified by the blood test. Medicare pays for the 5 Day Patch Test, which ironically didn't show any metal allergies. I've always know I was allergic to nickel, like you I couldn't wear earring posts with that element so was surprised I didn't react on the 5 Day Test.
My orthopedist said the blood test was more accurate, he was correct

I am 2 years post knee replacement and am also in more pain than prior. The leg is also still 2 inches larger now than the other leg. My Otho said the same thing, "there is nothing structurally wrong with your knee".

I took this to my pain management doc and he knew immediately what was wrong, bone was damaged during surgery. He found the fix, a stimulator inserted into the leg, I have one on my other leg due to nerve damage during a surgery. Unfortunately it had to be removed and we are thinking of redoing it. Prior to that he is going to try some type of new laser procedure first.

Orthos are surgeons. If they cannot fix it by doing surgery they want nothing to do with you AND they are not going to tell you the had an oops during your surgery. Forget the Orthos and find a good Pain Management Doc .

Get the nerve block it really helps!

I had my total knee replacement done 7 years ago and was still having pain making it difficult to walk. I started getting nerve ablation in the knee 3 years ago and the pain is almost completely gone. It only lasts for about 9/10 months before the nerves grow back together but all you need to do at that point is repeat the procedure! I have repeated 3 times and it's not that difficult to get an appointment. Once pain starts to return make your appointment.
You will not be disappointed!
Good Luck

It’s 2024. How are you doing? I had both of my knees replaced in 2016 Both knees still have pockets of swelling and burn horribly if I’m up walking for more than a couple of hours per day. I’m 67 and 132lbs. This can’t be right! Has anyone experienced this too? Thank you so much

Hi. Sorry to hear about your experience. It’s now 2024 and want to know if you were able to get help with your knee swelling? I have the same problem and trying to find answers. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your experience! Wow, I thought I was the only one experiencing pain and swelling 9 years after knee replacements. I tried the nerve treatment once but it didn’t help me. I’ve tried Lyrica and gabapentin also with no luck. Nerve pain is so hard to treat. I have pockets of swelling around both knees as well when I’m on my feet more that 2 hours. I only weigh 130lbs so I don’t think it’s a weight issue. Do you experience this as well? Has anyone else tried other treatments that really work long term. Thank you so much! I’m 67 and a widow.