I understand what you are going through. I have had my first knee replacement on my right knee done. and it is very loose and always in pain, sometimes to the point that I cannot walk. My second doctor is now telling me I need a revision on the knee. I have 2 options, take out the knee that's not working place a spacer in the area and allow the knee to heal then a new knee can be placed back in. OR hinge the one I have now and see if it will allow for more support, so the knee is not going all other the place and loose. I have not yet done anything with it, I am to scared that what I decide will not be the right answer. There is no one to ask or get advice from. I only wish I could get my old painful knee back. I would take it back in a New York minute!
In the meantime, we all are guineapigs for surgeons to practice on. It's just sometimes they get lucky and do it right. I to can no longer do my job and am struggling financially. They tell you; you will be up and going in a matter of weeks. THIS IS NOT TRUE! There is no guarantee on a knee replacement. I feel like the surgeon sold me a lemon, just like a shady used car salesmen selling you a broken piece of junk car. The difference is, the car there are laws, and I could get my money back!
For now, I am doing my own research because really, I do not know what to do. I am 55 years old and NOT overweight. Just someone that was told a bunch of hype and the surgeon did not follow through. After he figured out, he did not do the surgery right he pushed me off to a revision specialist and is now no longer my doctor. Everyday swelling, it's always hot to the touch, very painful, locks up, and painful in the kneecap. When I bend the knee there is a huge pop sound and you can visually see what looks like a tendon sliding over top the kneecap. horrible things they do to people then just throw them aside.