Total knee replacement problems

Thank you for your reply! I'm very sorry about your experience 4 months post-op. I had a bit of a hard time adjusting to the idea of the knee not being natural--also, worrying about trusting it. While I *think* it's OK, at this point, I'm not sure what's normal. It's been over 3 years now, and I can't message my surgeon, since they consider me a new patient now. I would just like to know whether there's anything wrong with the knee, post-falls. Also, I'm not sure how to sleep--I need to prop my feet up or over a pillow for comfort (otherwise my heels are in terrible pain--no fat pad left after 72 years of walking around), and I'm not sure where my knee should be. Probably not on top of the pillow, maybe angled over it? Well, that's what the Internet's for, I think. I hear you about not wanting the other knee done! And it's so sad to lose yoga, isn't it? Especially at this stage of life when it would be so beneficial for balance and other aspects of daily life. Oh well. Right now, I'm dealing with the 2nd shoulder fracture in less than a year. (You can see why preventing falls is very important to me! Both occurred as a result of trip-and-fall accidents. Bad luck.) So I'm doing all that PT. We'll just have to carry on as best we can. You have all my empathy!! Good luck with the ROM and all. And I hope your knee starts to feel less stiff and unnatural ASAP...

Prayers going your way …. Yes never ending But if revision goes well should be so much improvement …. Let me know

Hello lj1952,
Thank you for your thoughts. This is one heck of a journey for many of us. The posts here keep me going and keep me from near depression.
I caught something in your note. I think I might help with one matter. It is your complaint of heel pain.
I needed to sleep on my back for many months, and still have to spend much time in that position.
My heels would wake me in immense pain from the rubbing of the sheets.
I found a cure! 🙂 Buy (aprox.) 1" painters tape. Apply one or two short pieces to your heals at night. It protects the skin and the tape removes easily in the morning.
Caveat. This is assuming you do not have visible sores existing which I hope you are trying to get healed.
As for sleeping position's, I currently use two boudoir (16x12) sized pillows and three normal pillows. The smaller pillows move nicely around to any place needed. I use the third normal pillow to my side so I can practice sleeping in that direction. (Top leg on the side pillow). The last two normal pillows are for my head :).
Please use ice packs (still) as needed to calm down any hot spots. I am still getting up in the night to grab a pack bc something is 'on the flare'.
Best to you.

I was wondering if anybody knows of a support group where you can meet up in Orange County, CA? My sister has had two unsuccessful knee replacements and has been really down. It would be nice if she had others to talk to who are going through the same thing. Any insight would be appreciated.

What went wring with her replacements? My problem is severe Arthrofibrosis (excessive scarring). In 6-10% of people having replacements, their immune systems respond by laying down excessive amounts of scar tissue. This tissue inhibits range if motion and causes pain & inflammation. I went to HSS for a second opinion and found out that they have developed a test, which will be announced in a few months, which will be administered prior to surgery to identify those who will have a marker for excessive scarring. Had i known this, i would not have had the surgery. Now i face a revision to a hinged knee. This is so they can remove all of the tendons, where scar tissue tends to build up. The hinge takes on the function of the tendons.

I've had 3 revisions and arthrofibrosis as well. I'm currently at 70 deg flexion and 0-5 extension.
Its painful and debilitating. I'm currently considering another knee surgery but will seek 2nd and 3rd a opinions. I can offer my experience on achieving extension. And that is to get a hamstring stretcher on amazon for $12 and stretch your leg 10 -12 times a day until it conforms. A stationary bicycle is important for those with arthrofibrosis. Pain is NOT gain. Passive movement and lots of it will help control scar tissue build up. Best of luck to all.

I will definitely hold on knee number two. Not gaining is disheartening. The pain involved.
Seeing if this MUA will help.
The lack of coordination between surgeon and PT is not appreciated. Surgery, you’re done!

has anyone thought that there is a better way than to put metal in us. If there is a better way and it's cheaper, why would the pharmaceutical companies pursue this if they're making more money keeping things as is. And if there is a better way, the "upper elites" probably have access to that knowledge, and use that knowledge for themselves. I wonder if you ask AI (artificial intelligence) about a better way than metal, I wonder what the answer would be.

I had TKR 13 months ago on left knee. Only got 90 angle and have calf pain, foot pain and tightness around the knee. Went to a different surgeon about right knee pain. He looked at both and said the left knee was not placed to work with my slightly bowed legs. I cannot walk without a pulling of my leg. First surgeon never addressed my pain or pulling sensation, calf pain or foot pain. The new surgeon solution is a revision on the left knee and a partial replacement on the right knee. I am doing testing and research before making a decision. The original TKR was very painful.

A lot to process…. Tkr are a very difficult surgery ….there are no guarantees…. At the end of the day we can just pray all goes well …. So take your time do your research …..best to you on finding all you need …..