I am 17 months post TKR and I have learned a lot. First there is a huge amount or us out her that didn't get the results we anticipated. Our surgeon's either don't care about our pain or don't want to take the time to figure it out. I have seen 4 ortho surgeons since my surgery about my pain all just took xrays and said it looks good. Thankfully my primary care dr does care. She order nerve study, CT, pain management blood work trying to find something, nothing showed up. Recently I researched local surgeons looking for experience and reviews. Found one, a young dr with great reviews so made appointment. He was first one that actually listened and ordered 3 level bone scan which showed a lot of inflammation around the femur at the implant. He is suggesting a revision. My primary care dr agrees with me to illuminate everything else before considering a revision. She has ordered a MRI to check for soft tissue or ligament problems.
I know this is long and rambling but keep the pressure on the Dr's. We are only ones that can feel the pain and remember surgeons cut on people so most of their diagnosis requires surgery.
I am now one year into tkr on my left knee. I continue to experience extreme discomfort and tightness on the left side of the tkr. Gladly, I do not experience excessive pain, only this extreme alien like discomfort that affects my state of mind. This forum is a great place for us to share our post operative problems and I am very grateful for it. I understand the need to recognize and give credit to the surgeons and supporting medical professionals whose care have resulted in successful outcomes for their patients. However, for those of us who are having these extremely negative outcomes, I believe that our surgeon's bedside manner, expertise, (probably they should fine tune the operation process since scar tissue is generated by excessive trauma) and ability to emphasize have a major impact on our outcomes. They should also consider preoperative screening for allergic response to the prosthetics. Mine readily defaulted to the "scar tissue monster" and said that I will have to live with the situation for the rest of my life. I can concur with your feelings of discomfort mixed with a lot of sadness and disappointment. I continue to ice and elevate. I also wear compression aids and have therapy twice per week.
We are living in a technologically advanced period. I do not feel that enough attention is being paid to people who are having these negative outcomes. I believe that there is a need for the industry and medical community to be more "caring?" about our outcomes and invest more money into research and time into creating better outcomes.
For individuals who plan to do knee replacements, I believe that it still worth doing. However, I would recommend that you thoroughly research your surgeon, do intensive exercising before the surgery and lose some weight if possible. May God continue to help us as we continue on our journey of healing and recovery.
I meet with my sports medicine Ortho today. He viewed the bone scan then said I do not need revision and agreed soft tissue is my problem
He will schedule me for orthopedic surgery to remove scar tissue and free fat pad impringement.
I am now one year into tkr on my left knee. I continue to experience extreme discomfort and tightness on the left side of the tkr. Gladly, I do not experience excessive pain, only this extreme alien like discomfort that affects my state of mind. This forum is a great place for us to share our post operative problems and I am very grateful for it. I understand the need to recognize and give credit to the surgeons and supporting medical professionals whose care have resulted in successful outcomes for their patients. However, for those of us who are having these extremely negative outcomes, I believe that our surgeon's bedside manner, expertise, (probably they should fine tune the operation process since scar tissue is generated by excessive trauma) and ability to emphasize have a major impact on our outcomes. They should also consider preoperative screening for allergic response to the prosthetics. Mine readily defaulted to the "scar tissue monster" and said that I will have to live with the situation for the rest of my life. I can concur with your feelings of discomfort mixed with a lot of sadness and disappointment. I continue to ice and elevate. I also wear compression aids and have therapy twice per week.
We are living in a technologically advanced period. I do not feel that enough attention is being paid to people who are having these negative outcomes. I believe that there is a need for the industry and medical community to be more "caring?" about our outcomes and invest more money into research and time into creating better outcomes.
For individuals who plan to do knee replacements, I believe that it still worth doing. However, I would recommend that you thoroughly research your surgeon, do intensive exercising before the surgery and lose some weight if possible. May God continue to help us as we continue on our journey of healing and recovery.
I totally agree with all that you have written. I had TKR five years ago and my knee is not much better! Now, having difficulty with my other knee (left) and have decided that I could not go through another knee surgery, with all of the pain that goes along with it. Like you, I feel like I am just living with this situation for the rest of my life. The replaced knee is stiff and still painful. The other knee is terrible, but I just hobble around and take Advil, wear a knee brace and exercise to strengthen my quads. I was very disappointed in the outcome of my knee replacement at a top Boston hospital with one of their best surgeons. MaryAnn from Boston
I meet with my sports medicine Ortho today. He viewed the bone scan then said I do not need revision and agreed soft tissue is my problem
He will schedule me for orthopedic surgery to remove scar tissue and free fat pad impringement.
I was blessed when I had mine replaced in 2004 and 2005. I worked incredibly hard consistently with the Physio.
I feel so bad for all the ones that are having problems shortly after.
I have not had one issue. Crazy but very very happy
Now, however, I have had 3 red spots all on the inside of both my legs at what I imagine is the top of the implant middle and lower sections. On the one leg now a red horizontal spot just under the knee cap.
Researched and it seems this may be the beginning of them failing.
Terrible as I will be 80 in 4 months and would never live long enough to have replacement. Not looking forward to possible failure of the knee locking when walking.
Has anyone had implants for 20 or 21 years" Anyone have a knee failing with loss of the ability to lock? Sure would like to know anyone else's issues. TIA
I had my total knee replacement 9 months ago and I am still having issues with trying to bend my knee. I exercise regularly and I'm wondering if anyone is having an issue with tight calfs.
I have had both knees replaced. (2 and 6 years ago)). During therapy I got up to 130-135 but am probably 120 now. My calves are tight as well as I lost range of motion in my ankles. I have tight hamstrings. They all work together.
I find doing yoga to stretch out the muscles really helps, but you have to be vigilant. Also foam rolling has helped me. But again, you have to keep it up.
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I am now one year into tkr on my left knee. I continue to experience extreme discomfort and tightness on the left side of the tkr. Gladly, I do not experience excessive pain, only this extreme alien like discomfort that affects my state of mind. This forum is a great place for us to share our post operative problems and I am very grateful for it. I understand the need to recognize and give credit to the surgeons and supporting medical professionals whose care have resulted in successful outcomes for their patients. However, for those of us who are having these extremely negative outcomes, I believe that our surgeon's bedside manner, expertise, (probably they should fine tune the operation process since scar tissue is generated by excessive trauma) and ability to emphasize have a major impact on our outcomes. They should also consider preoperative screening for allergic response to the prosthetics. Mine readily defaulted to the "scar tissue monster" and said that I will have to live with the situation for the rest of my life. I can concur with your feelings of discomfort mixed with a lot of sadness and disappointment. I continue to ice and elevate. I also wear compression aids and have therapy twice per week.
We are living in a technologically advanced period. I do not feel that enough attention is being paid to people who are having these negative outcomes. I believe that there is a need for the industry and medical community to be more "caring?" about our outcomes and invest more money into research and time into creating better outcomes.
For individuals who plan to do knee replacements, I believe that it still worth doing. However, I would recommend that you thoroughly research your surgeon, do intensive exercising before the surgery and lose some weight if possible. May God continue to help us as we continue on our journey of healing and recovery.
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5 ReactionsI meet with my sports medicine Ortho today. He viewed the bone scan then said I do not need revision and agreed soft tissue is my problem
He will schedule me for orthopedic surgery to remove scar tissue and free fat pad impringement.
I totally agree with all that you have written. I had TKR five years ago and my knee is not much better! Now, having difficulty with my other knee (left) and have decided that I could not go through another knee surgery, with all of the pain that goes along with it. Like you, I feel like I am just living with this situation for the rest of my life. The replaced knee is stiff and still painful. The other knee is terrible, but I just hobble around and take Advil, wear a knee brace and exercise to strengthen my quads. I was very disappointed in the outcome of my knee replacement at a top Boston hospital with one of their best surgeons. MaryAnn from Boston
Wishing you all the best with the surgery.
I was blessed when I had mine replaced in 2004 and 2005. I worked incredibly hard consistently with the Physio.
I feel so bad for all the ones that are having problems shortly after.
I have not had one issue. Crazy but very very happy
Now, however, I have had 3 red spots all on the inside of both my legs at what I imagine is the top of the implant middle and lower sections. On the one leg now a red horizontal spot just under the knee cap.
Researched and it seems this may be the beginning of them failing.
Terrible as I will be 80 in 4 months and would never live long enough to have replacement. Not looking forward to possible failure of the knee locking when walking.
Has anyone had implants for 20 or 21 years" Anyone have a knee failing with loss of the ability to lock? Sure would like to know anyone else's issues. TIA
I have had both knees replaced. (2 and 6 years ago)). During therapy I got up to 130-135 but am probably 120 now. My calves are tight as well as I lost range of motion in my ankles. I have tight hamstrings. They all work together.
I find doing yoga to stretch out the muscles really helps, but you have to be vigilant. Also foam rolling has helped me. But again, you have to keep it up.