Hi Steve, Sorry to hear your'e in the same boat as me. Just amazing these physicians barely take an interest in the fact we are miserable and then just walk away without a care. Like we are making our pain up. At least you don't get the additional condescending attitude they give to women. The guy I just saw at U of Wis gave me the "you're just a stupid woman" act on top of everything else. I'm also considering an implant for pain. I'm going to get the metal/cement allergy test done first. Did you get tested for an allergy to the cement? They are finding that is an issue with some people. Also they have found skin allergy tests to be unreliable. There is a blood test called an LTT test. A lab in Chicago, Orthopedic Analysis will do the test. You can order a test kit from their web site-- orthopedicanalysis.com. It's about $550 upfront. I'll then submit it to my insurance and see if they pay for it. If it turns out positive, some people are going with a cementless TKR. Zimmer BioMet is a cementless TKR. I think its the only one on the market.
The implant for pain you mention would be my last resort if they don't find anything. Pain is an indication of a problem. Its unfortunate doctors aren't more interested in detective work when something goes wrong. I also had a Genicular Nerve block & Radiofrequency Ablation of the knee joint. It reduced my pain for about 6 months and then it came back. Have you tried that procedure? Google it if you want more info. Also I'm exploring something called "Ultra Hyper Rapid Metabolizer." Its a special DNA test to test to see what my pain medication levels should be at as currently NO pain medications help in any amount. If I find out anything else that might help you, I'll send it your way. Take care.