Mary Ann, I am now 77 and I have the exact same situation. After one recommended doctor, repaired the miniscus after a minor fall about 10 years ago and was told he screwed that up, by another highly recommended doctor, and said I had to replace the knee . It has been painfull ever since, more so, than after the fall.
Now I understand I should have left the minicus mend itself. After 10 years and now with hip and low back pain from compensating. I live on Advil and use a tens unit and heat and have to use a walker still for stability.
I have been to 5 doctors and they all say the knee replacement looks fine, done well, size correct and so forth.
From what I have been told there are a lot of cases where knee replacements are still painful but they have no answers.
I refused to have the left knee done, due to osteoarthirits, and don't know what to do either. The steroids and gels worked on my left knee several times, but lately they are not working. I am sure the knee is too far gone, but still not convinced TKR is the way to go.
Sorry I have no answers and sure wish they had some for us with unsuccessful knee replacements.
Adele