Scar tissue after knee replacement

My biggest therapy was walking a lot, doing stair lunges, wall crawl, I had cortisone but not until after about four months. It is a struggle and a lot of pain. You will get through this. What was discouraging for me was to see people who had the same surgery, never exercised, did not do much P.T. and had excellent results. I thought, what in the hell am I doing wrong? We were just blessed with this scar tissue problem. It just makes you a stronger person.

Man, I though the same thing. I kept hearing people say, "don't compare yourself to others" but I just couldn't resist. People claiming that on day 4 after the surgery they were walking around the block and I was struggling to get to the bathroom. Week 2 and they were out having lunch and running errands. I almost fainted from agony riding in the car to get my stitches out and then almost fainted after taking a shower. LOL If there is one thing I've leaned, that is everyone really is different when it comes to this surgery. I don't know if its just the persons body or if its the surgeon or a combination of both. I'm a little over 6 months PO and still have a tremendous amount of discomfort and some days pain. My knee functions well ( I haven't had it measured since I was discharged from PT and I am not a fan of focusing on the numbers, the ROM can change in a day) but I'm not happy with the amount of discomfort I'm feeling. I'm giving it more time before seeking a second opinion. Seems like surgeons just care if it looks good on the outside (functions well) they aren't that interested in how you're actually feeling. 🙂

I’m calling for second opinion today. I am desperate. I’m wondering if antidepressants might help? Yes, the pain is wearing me down. Thank you.

@katp Believe me, yes the pain and inability to do the things you use to can cause depression. I sought out counseling instead of asking my MD for another pill to take. She gave my ways to focus on more positive things in my life and to journal all my feelings everyday. It has helped, but it is a daily process. Keep looking for answers but think of what is good right now in your life! Good luck and keep us posted.

A friend has bilateral knee replacements in April, and she is suffering too. And can't take pain meds except for Tylenol! She is depressed too. I am 2 months post TKR, and my knee hurt all night again. They tell me it gets better! Maybe Its a waiting game?

Wise advice! But it's hard. I'm seeing that pain lasts a lot longer after knee surgery than they say! At least misery has company! I had though I was abnormal...

Someone told me that the surgery is now as exact as pulling teeth. The recovery is NOT! For me, the issue is that since all of us heal differently, the rehab protocol is one size fits all and so what helped most actually caused me more trauma. This scar tissue formation seems to happen to more people than in the past. Or it could be more tkr s are being done poorly. Who knows. I think doctor’s should see patients in office evert 2 weeks for the first 2 months. I have lots of time to think up stuff. I’ll stop now.

Good points. And I agree that there should be every 2 week follow ups. It would have helped a friend!

I agree with dkapustin, I think all these drs only care about their wrk. I had a knee replacement nine weeks ago my knee is doing well however I have had to go to Pain Management, go to the blood dr my primary care and have been in therapy for nine weeks. I developed high blood platelets, sciatica and my foot is totally numb at the bottom of the operative leg . And all these decks keep passing it to somebody else. The pain is excruciating they don’t want to give you meds for the pain and they to keep telling me that it takes a while. My sister had two replacements done and her knees are amazing and no pain’t or issues. I just don’t know what to do anymore going for shots tomorrow for sciatica and if this doesn’t work I’m out of options

So sorry that you have so much pain. I understand entirely even if my pain is different. I have oxy if I need it as my doc seems to prescribe it. I can not take it at night. It keeps me awake, in a kind of stupor where I have I am scared, like I might die. I don’t need that! I won’t take it after 6 or 7 pm. I will pray for all of us.