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1 year post TKR and still have burning pain
I had my second TKR a year ago. Robotic surgery- surgeon pleased with results; movement great for an 86 year old 😀 but the pain is still unbearable. A burning sensation, and often feeling like I have a tight band around my knee, all worse at night - often feels like my nerves are jumping. I am still on oxycodone and amatriptalyne (apologies for spelling) but trying to wean myself off. Surgeon is understanding but has no clue and says I am most probably part of the unlucky 2%. Really getting me down as want to go back to being able to walk places other than round the house. Any advice welcome.
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Stuff does happen. I had a THR three years ago at 77 and I had no pain post surgery.
Bell curves apply to hip and knee surgery like most other things. As your surgeon said, you could just be in the unlucky 2%. Or, alternatively, your surgeon could have made a mistake and doesn't recognize it or he does recognize it but doesn't want to admit it.
If a nerve is impinged, it won't go away without some intervention. But, otherwise, over time it will probably relent. I would explore with the surgeon other alternatives to Oxy. There is a new drug (Journavx) which is not an opiod. You could also ask him about nerve blocks and other non opiod approaches to pain medication.
You could just go to a pain doctor, but I would start with your surgeon and see what he can do or recommend.
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2 ReactionsIt's all your decision but for me, I would find another surgeon who is not affiliated in any way with your operative surgeon. Get that 'second' opinion and move quickly on this.
A year on opioids and still have burning pain that keeps you home-bound is totally unacceptable IMneverHO.
Good luck on finding relief.
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2 ReactionsI agree with the previous two posts. I only used two or three of the Oxy tablets I was prescribed, and got along just fine with the Tramadol and Tylenol after my TKR. A pain specialist sounds like a good idea, and maybe also an orthopedist that works with knees but doesn't do surgery? The surgeon will lean toward reviewing his work, while another orthopedist should be looking for the source of current pain. Things can and do go wrong. My surgeon uses cryoneuolysis, which stops the pain for months. There's supposed to be no pain upon awakening from surgery. It didn't work on me and I woke up in a lot of pain. I could see that I was an anomaly from the reactions of PT and nursing, and talk about possible extended rehab! I couldn't walk the first day. For whatever reason, I had a late response, and by the next day I had minimal pain and was up and about and went home. Our bodies just don't all work the same, yet doctors expect to get the response they are used to getting. You need a doctor who is looking to find the source of your current pain, not reviewing the surgeon's work.
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3 ReactionsThank you for your responses. Difficulty is I am under England's NHS system. It’s hard enough getting an appointment with my own surgeon, let alone someone new. I have been going round in circles for months. Pain management team have been quite useless too.
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1 ReactionIt will be good to get off the oxy. I am your age and ten months from total
knee replacement, Days are fine with no pain. But I share your concern about night pain. I have not had a full night sleep since and many nights
none. Surgeon tells me it is normal for many months after surgery. He said to get up and walk around. When I do the pain disappears. But I can’t do that all night long. I will continue with knee exercises until one year. Did you?
I do hope you get some help with this. I will also be mimdful.
I have been having weekly private physio - my knee has amazing movement. I am a year down the road and could walk for miles if it were not for the debilitating burning pain.