After knee replacement surgery

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Jun 16, 2016

Had left knee replaced 9 days ago. Right knee two years ago. Having a problem with inflammation so hard to bend knee and exercise. Trying to ice and raise knee above heart. Doctor suggested getting compression hose. Anybody have this experience and can offer suggestions. So tired all the time from pain interrupting my sleep and painkillers. My insurance refused to pay for the painkiller recommended by surgeon so have to take one with more opiates. That's frustrating. Two years ago it was covered but now too expensive for me to use. Seems the drug companies, not our doctors are determining what we use.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

If were really"bone on bone" our leg would be straight and not bend at all. I was ordered a lite weight brace to push my knee out and open it to later receive "cells" - then I should be able to avoid surgery.
Mayo is offering cells in all places.
I really don't want surgery.

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What and where r back problems. Very interesting.

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@beatricefay

Hi gailfaith, niazumbanut, ronnie3716,
Good luck to ronnie3716 on your upcoming knee replacement. Keep us up to date on your progress. Thanks to gailfaith and niazumbanut for your support and good suggestions. I'm now doing home health PT but want to start out patient PT next week. I'm trying to decrease pain meds but sleeping through the night is still challenging. I know I have to give it time. beatricefay

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Thank you for the update Ronnie. That is awesome that your flexion is 130, if that is what you meant. I had my right knee done eleven years ago, but the most I was ever able to get was 95. I had aggressive scar tissue that I was just not able to beat, even after having to post-surgery manipulations.

I believe @winning replied to your question, but it was placed on the last page of this discussion. This member said they use a glass of milk before bed that usually helps.

@ronnie3716, will you keep us updated on your strength conditioning and knee replacement?

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@mari

If were really"bone on bone" our leg would be straight and not bend at all. I was ordered a lite weight brace to push my knee out and open it to later receive "cells" - then I should be able to avoid surgery.
Mayo is offering cells in all places.
I really don't want surgery.

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@mari, from my own personal experience my right knee was indeed bone on bone. Once the cartilage had all been worn away, my knee bones rubbed on each other for so long that eventually my inner knee became deformed. You are not incorrect however when you say that our legs would not bend or straighten easily. Before my TKR, when I would wake up in the morning my right leg would be frozen in a bent position and I would have to physically loosen it by cracking it straight with my arms. The pain that resulted is why I ultimately had my surgery.

I understand your hesitancy to have the surgery, as I felt the same and pushed mine as far as I possibly could. Will you keep us updated on your progress and how the stem cells work for you? It would be great to hear a success story from one of our active members!

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What is TKR? I wish you well.

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@mari

What is TKR? I wish you well.

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My apologies, that is the abbreviation for Total Knee Replacement.

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I put off my surgery for 3 years on my left. Within 2 months I felt I made a bad decision in holding off on the surgery.
I know some write here of continuing pain after TKR, but I even fell full force on ice on cement and it was sore, but still worked well.
That fall must have knocked out some scar tissue because "my" knee felt sore as heck, but the pain in walking was a lot less.

I don't look forward to the surgery, but sure am looking forward to having 2 knees that work well. I literally can't tell that my titanium knee isn't mine.
I'm a believer in Physical Therapy both before and after.

I live in the Northwest pt of the US, stem cell isn't a regular treatment. I did find it at the Univ of WA but couldn't afford it and my insurance totally rejected it. I would imagine in a few years, if results continue to be good, insurance will have to cover it. But that doesn't help my pain now.

I bought a new treadmill so that post surgery I can get walking inside asap!

@mari, I hope it all works well for you and I'll be looking forward to hearing how it goes for you. Prayers of health go your way.

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@mari

If were really"bone on bone" our leg would be straight and not bend at all. I was ordered a lite weight brace to push my knee out and open it to later receive "cells" - then I should be able to avoid surgery.
Mayo is offering cells in all places.
I really don't want surgery.

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I have that knee brace and love it. Wear it biking, golfing, gardening. Everyone with poor knees should wear one.

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@mari

What and where r back problems. Very interesting.

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L4-L 5 rubbing on the nerve. Took four weeks but not to have surgery like my friends have had is great. In fact my friends with same problem have had 2 surgeries.

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@ronnie3716

I put off my surgery for 3 years on my left. Within 2 months I felt I made a bad decision in holding off on the surgery.
I know some write here of continuing pain after TKR, but I even fell full force on ice on cement and it was sore, but still worked well.
That fall must have knocked out some scar tissue because "my" knee felt sore as heck, but the pain in walking was a lot less.

I don't look forward to the surgery, but sure am looking forward to having 2 knees that work well. I literally can't tell that my titanium knee isn't mine.
I'm a believer in Physical Therapy both before and after.

I live in the Northwest pt of the US, stem cell isn't a regular treatment. I did find it at the Univ of WA but couldn't afford it and my insurance totally rejected it. I would imagine in a few years, if results continue to be good, insurance will have to cover it. But that doesn't help my pain now.

I bought a new treadmill so that post surgery I can get walking inside asap!

@mari, I hope it all works well for you and I'll be looking forward to hearing how it goes for you. Prayers of health go your way.

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Doesn't Univ of WA have clinical trials?
Do you mind telling me how much it would cost $?
In my area between $2000 and $4500.
Many Drs. r offering it.
"couldn't afford it and my insurance totally rejected it. I would imagine in a few years, if results continue to be good, insurance will have to cover it".
Something must be done about this, Can you think of what politicians or Insurance Organizations we can appeal to and start a movement?

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